Leather Crossbody Travel Bags

Benefits

Many people know the hands-free, comfortable advantages of the crossbody bag, but when features designed for optimum travel are added in, even this time-tested and beloved design takes it up a level. What features? Let’s take a look.

Ease of Access

The crossbody design allows the load to be carried at the lower back, side, or at the front. The latter position allows access to contents easily without sacrificing comfort or hands-free movement. The low profile of the bag against your body also means that you can navigate crowds without the bag becoming a nuisance.

Hands-Free Convenience

In any position, the cross-body strap keeps your hands free for eating, using safety handles on trains or busses, or even for riding a bicycle or scooter.

Versatility

You could use a cross-body bag while shopping, sightseeing, trying out new street foods, taking pictures, or just hanging out people-watching. It’s also suited for use as a carry-on, a personal item, or a day bag.

Organizational Features

Though it features a primary main pocket, many designs have other pockets too, on the inside or outside, for organizing tickets, money, identification, medications, a phone, or other items.

Security

Travel needs added security, so cross-body bags for travel often include zipper closures (some lockable), RFID-blocking technology, and reinforced straps.

Lightweight and Comfortable

Padded straps, ergonomic designs, and lightweight materials combine to make this a very comfortable bag to carry.

Stylish Yet Practical

Big on function, these bags are also a fashionable choice. Leather construction offers a chic, high-end look, while nylon or cloth gives an adventurous, casual, or bohemian vibe.

Universal Use

Made for travel, but so useful in other situations as well, there are few things this style isn’t suited for. Take a chic crossbody bag into the office, to dinner, or even to the gym.

How to Choose

To get the best combination of practical features with a style that makes you smile and step with confidence, consider all of the features and attributes, choosing those that best suit your personality, style, and intended uses for the bag.

Material

A few common materials are used for travel bags, each with advantages and limitations.

Leather

Leather is a great choice for a durable, beautiful, bag. Weather-resistant leather bags are the perfect choice for the stylish traveler.

Nylon or Polyester

Lightweight and weatherproof, nylon or polyester bags hold up well to wet conditions.

Canvas

Eco-friendly, light, and casual, a simple canvas bag can hold what you need it to.

Size

Small

Small bags are perfect for the minimalist traveler or for short trips. They typically hold a phone, wallet, keys, and one or two other small essential items.

Medium

If you also want to carry a camera, a book, and maybe a water bottle, then a medium bag is the best choice.

Large

A large bag allows you to add in a tablet or laptop, some extra clothing, and a toiletries pack.

Compartments & Pockets

If you carry several small items, it’s best to have enough pockets to maintain them organized, easy to get at and use. If you’re more of a minimalist, then a bag with one or two main compartments and maybe one or two small pockets for money, keys, or passports.

Built-In USB Charger

You may not need it all the time, but when you do, you will avoid the stress and fuss of trying to find a place to plug in in a crowded airport or other public venue.

Security Features

Lockable Zippers

Some areas are known for pickpockets, and they will always go for the easiest valuable thing to steal. Lockable zippers are not the easiest thing to get through, so you will greatly reduce your chances of being a viable target.

RFID-Blocking Pockets

RFID protection keeps your credit cards and passport safe from electronic theft. Otherwise, you may be robbed and not even know it.

Strap Length and Adjustability

If you are the perfect length for a non-adjustable strap, then you may not need this flexibility, but most people need a bit of adjustment for proper fit – sometimes the proper fit is different, depending on the bag load, the situation, or your clothing.

Style and Aesthetics

Trendy vs Classic

You may want to buy a bag in the latest, trendy style. If you do, remember that trends come and go, so you will likely need to replace the bag much sooner than you would if you choose a more enduring design. Classic looks are just as elegant and stylish as trendy ones but will stay in style for a long time to come.

Neutral vs Colorful

Neutral colors are more versatile when it comes to matching with other clothing, and they tend to stay looking cleaner for longer. Bright colors set off certain outfits, but might clash with others. Lighter colors will also show dust and dirt more quickly and need more frequent cleaning and care.

Types

Crossbody bags are stylish and practical for traveling, but some sub-types suit different situations perfectly. Let’s look at some of the choices.

Messenger Bags

Messenger bags feature a flap that folds over the opening to protect the contents from theft or spillage. They often have other pockets for organizing smaller items, like books, phones, and even laptops. They are ideal for mixed business and pleasure travel.

Saddle Bags

The saddle-shaped bags are usually small or medium in size and have a stylish, rounded bottom. They are great for sightseeing and other day trips – and are not made for horses!

Camera Bags

Specialized to protect cameras and other photo equipment, camera bags feature padded walls and custom places for camera bodies, lenses, and other gear.

Bucket Bags

Bucket bags are shaped like a bucket and feature a drawstring closure at the top. They often use a crossbody strap for easy carrying. They are casual and relaxed in style. They are great for casual day trips or time at the beach.

Convertible Bags

Some bags have multiple carrying styles available, switching between handles, crossbody, and backpack styles. These are very useful if you switch carrying styles to suit various situations.

Alternatives

Sometimes the crossbody isn’t the ideal choice for certain situations. Let’s take a look at some cases in which a different style might suit better.

Day Tours and Sightseeing

Consider these if you have to carry too little or too much for your crossbody bag. Waist packs (fanny packs) might be better if you have only a few small items and keep most of your things in the hotel. However, if you need to carry all of your gear, a backpack is a hands-free way to carry a larger weight all day comfortably.

Urban Exploration

Crossbody bags are a nice medium between security and style. If you are in a secure area and want to up the style, a tote works very well. On the other end of the spectrum, anti-theft bags are high-security options, often at the cost of style.

Adventure Activities

In some situations, a water bottle isn’t enough, so hydration bags are recommended. They are an easy way to carry sufficient water in a safe, comfortable way.

Business Travel

Crossbody bags do the job, but are sometimes too casual for certain business situations. In those cases, choose cases. A briefcase or laptop bag fits these settings well, whether they are formal and classic or techy and modern.

Family Outings

If you have older children, a crossbody bag is perfect, likely fitting all you need to have with you. But, if you care for little children, a crossbody bag might not be the best choice. A diaper bag or stroller bag is designed to hold the many little things a young child needs and will keep them organized and at hand for you.

Post Purchase Considerations

At Von Baer, we want to ensure that your whole experience in buying and using your travel bag is good. Therefore, we have put together a checklist for you to consider during your purchase process, and afterward.

Size and Space

To ensure you have the right size, either compare the dimensions with a bag you own or lay out everything you want to carry in your new bag and measure out the space you think they would need. This is also great for determining how many pockets you prefer for smaller items.

Material Durability

Look for bags made from durable materials, like full-grain leather or water-resistant fabrics. With proper care, a leather travel bag can last for decades, looking and feeling beautiful and luxurious the whole time.

Security Features

Security is important when traveling, so look for bags that have good closures, like zippers or fold-over flaps. You might also want closure locks, and RFID protection for your cards and passport.

Versatility

Will the bag’s style and color suit the variety of situations in which you want to use it? Neutral colors and classic designs tend to be the most versatile.

Comfort

Padded, adjustable straps are the most comfortable.

Brand Authenticity

Avoid knockoffs. Make sure you buy from a reputable source to ensure you get the quality, value, and product backing of a good brand. We source only from the brands themselves or from authorized distributors.

Price

For the best value, choose a bag that will last for years, even if it costs a bit more initially. You don’t have to break the bank, but the higher the quality you can afford, the better the value you will tend to get from it.

Returns and Warranty

Always make sure there is a warranty against faults in materials or construction.

FAQs

Are these bags secure for travel?

Yes. Your items will be secure with TSA-approved locks, RFID protection, and secure zippers and other fastenings.

What is the size range available?

Sizes vary from small bags suitable for a few tiny items, to large bags that will hold what you need for a full day out, or even an overnight stay. Dimensions are listed in product descriptions so you can ensure the right size for your needs.

Do they have multiple compartments?

Yes. With travel in mind, these bags feature multiple pockets and compartments so you can keep your essentials organized and easily accessible.

Are these bags water-resistant?

Many of our bags are water-resistant or come with water-resistant coatings to ensure the protection of your bag and contents. Check individual product descriptions for details.

How comfortable are these bags for extended wear?

We design and construct our bags for comfortable wear, with adjustable straps, ergonomic shapes, and even weight distribution. All of this reduces strain on the shoulders, back, and neck.

Are these bags suitable for both men and women?

Yes. We have unisex designs and designs that move more toward the feminine and masculine ends of the spectrum.

Can I use these bags for daily use, apart from travel?

Yes. Many of our customers use travel bags for daily use. Their organizational, comfort, and security features are practical for many daily activities with similar needs to travel.

What materials are used in the construction of these bags?

We use a variety of high-quality materials to construct our bags, including leather, nylon, and canvas. Each of these bags is made to offer great value by being stylish, functional, durable, and easy to maintain.

Do you offer any eco-friendly options?

Yes. We have a wide selection of eco-friendly bags. We prioritize providers with eco-friendly, ethical, and sustainable practices, so you can rest assured that bags are available that do not go against your values.

What is the return or exchange policy?

Our hassle-free, 30-day return or exchange policy covers most items returned in original condition and packaging. Please refer to our returns and exchanges page for details and conditions.

If you have any more questions, or would like some purchasing recommendations, our customer service team is at hand to help.