Best Travel Sling Bag 2024

For me, the best travel sling bag (also referred to as a crossbody bag) is the perfect way to carry my personal belongings whether I am out sightseeing or travelling to my destination.  I have a specific lightweight cross body travel bag that I use whenever we travel and leave my usual handbag at home.

As I tend to carry all the families’ passports and tickets etc, for me, the best sling bag for travel is something that can fit my purse, mobile, and camera as well as other odds and ends I need during a day of sightseeing.

If you are also in the market for one of the best travel crossbody bags for travel, then you are in the right place because in this article I share all my research for the current best crossbody bags for travel.

In this guide, I look at a variety of travel crossbody bags and take a closer look at their various features.  I also talk about why you might want to consider a crossbody anti-theft bag which has inbuilt security features.

This guide looks at some of the best sling bag brands, including a few of the Pacsafe bags and Travelon anti-theft bags, two of the most well-known brands when it comes to anti-theft handbag options.  

Whether you are looking for the best sling bag for men or women, the best messenger bag for travel or even a sling bag for a laptop, this article covers various options and no doubt includes the perfect crossbody bag for travel to suit your needs.

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>> Looking for something else?  We have guides on a range of luggage including:
1. Kid’s Ride On Luggage
2. Carry On Backpack
3. Wheeled Backpack
4. Kids Backpacks
5. Kids Suitcases

 

What is a crossbody bag and why do I recommend it for travel?

First of all, what are travel crossbody bags (or sling bags) and why do I recommend you use one instead of your usual handbag when you travel?  

Cross body bags are bags that have a single shoulder strap, which is designed to be worn across the front of your body. These bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs but are ultimately designed to hold everything you need for a day of sightseeing or while you are in transit.

For me, the best shoulder bag for travel is one that can not only fit my camera, purse, passport, travel vouchers, bottle of water, mobile and various other travel accessories but also keeps my items safe.

The best crossbody travel bag does all of this and more:

• The best crossbody bag for travel will have stacks of room to easily carry everything you need for a day of sightseeing or while you are in transit;
• The best crossbody bags for travel have multiple compartments designed to keep these various items well organised;
• Crossbody bags have a padded and adjustable shoulder strap designed to keep you comfortable despite holding a fair bit of weight;
• Having your bag in front of you (or on your side), rather than on your back like a backpack, allows you to easily access your items as needed as well as keeping them in view at all times; and
• Many of the best crossbody travel bags have built-in security features to prevent your physical belongings and electronic information from being stolen.

 

My pick for the best travel sling bag 2024:Travelon Crossbody Bucket Bag

Don’t have time to read the entire article?  Well, my pick for the best travel sling bag is the Travelon Anti Theft Crosbody Bucket Bag.  I think for the price and what you get you just can’t go past the Travelon brand and this particular Travelon bag is jam-packed with some great features.

Most importantly, it is a great size for travelling, whether it’s a day of sightseeing or while in transit to reach your destination, it will fit everything you want.  It also has plenty of great built-in security features such as a locking compartment, lockdown down straps, RFID blocking pockets and being slash resistance.

I’ve been using this bag for a few years or so now while I travel and really love it.

Keep reading below for a full review of this crossbody bag, or click here to buy now.

Comparison chart for the best crossbody bags for travel 2024

Name	Size (cm)	Weight	Special Features	Check Price
Travelon Bucket	20 x 23 x 25	350g	• Comes in various colours • Locking compartment • Lock down straps • RFID blocking pockets • Slash resistant straps & body • LED light	Check Price
Travelon Signature	49 x 32 x 7	450g	• Comes in various colours • Compartments (two with locks) • Rear zip pocket • Slash-proof straps and body • LED light • RFID blocking slots	Check Price
Pacsafe	8 x 24 x 29	540g	• Slashproof Carrysafe shoulder strap and body • Turn & lock strap hook • Smart zipper security • RFID-blocking pocket	Check Price
OutdoorMaster	30 x 10 x 45	430g	• Comes in various colours • Various compartments including hidden anti theft compartments	Check Price
Travelon Classic	23 x 9 x 32	295g	• Comes in various colours • Lockable compartments • Two external zip up water bottle pockets • Slash-proof straps and body • RFID blocking slots	Check Price
Bullcaptain	19 x 8 x 35	470g	• Genuine leather • Various compartments	Check Price
NeatPack	31 x 10 x 29	295g	• Various compartments • Water bottle pocket on one side • Adjustable strap Lightweight • RFID blocking slot	Check Price
Baggallini	31 x 10 x 463	463g	• Comes in various colours • Multiple Compartments • RFID blocking slots	Check Price
Pacsafe Citysafe Cx	28 x 26 x 8	300g	• Comes in various colours • Multiple compartments • Slash-proof straps and body • RFID blocking slots	Check Price
Travelon Active	31 x 31 x 9.5	463g	• Comes in various colours • Locking compartments • Lock down straps • RFID blocking pockets • Slash resistant straps & body • LED light	Check Price

What to look for in a crossbody bag for travel

The best bag for me is not necessarily going to be the best bag for you. Before rushing out and purchasing a bag, take time to consider the following:

Size

What is it that you are going to carry in your bag? This is where I have gone wrong in the past and purchased a bag that wasn’t big enough for everything I wanted to carry.

For me, I usually carry my purse, mobile phone, notebook, pens, Go Pro and water bottle.   The best crossbody for travel will fit everything in comfortably and still close properly, keeping all your items safe and secure.

Compartments 

Ok so you have considered what you want to carry, now consider if these items need their own specially designed compartments. I don’t mind a few compartments, but too many and I can’t find where I have put things.

If you are travelling with a laptop or tablet, perhaps you will want one of the sling bags for laptops or a sling bag for iPads? If so, double-check what size laptop the bag caters for before purchasing to ensure it will correctly fit your laptop.

Security features 

There are a variety of anti theft bag brands that make anti theft cross body bag options (Travelon or Pacsafe are two of the best brands that come to mind) with a variety of security features such as:

• Secret Pockets: Most anti theft crossbody travel bag options have hidden pockets or small internal compartments for additional protection for your most valuable items.
• RFID Protection: RFID is the same technology that is found in your passport, key cards, driver’s license, smartphones etc which allows you to swipe or tap to pay for items or to be identified. The best anti-theft handbags for travel have built-in technology that blocks an RFID reader from accessing your personal information. RFID protection is usually in the form of a special pocket within your bag where you can store your cards to prevent electronic theft. An RFID anti-theft cross body travel bag is highly recommended to protect yourself against identity theft.
• Lock: Some anti-theft travel handbags come with locking zippers as well as the ability to lock the bag to a fixed item such as a table leg.
• Slash proof Construction: Some theft-proof handbags are made with super durable fabric which includes steel mesh to avoid thieves who use knives to slash open backpacks to physically steal your items. Straps include steel cables to prevent straps from being cut.
• YKK Zippers: Ensure your bag has high-quality zippers that aren’t easily pried apart, you also don’t want poor quality zippers that break mid-trip, and you can no longer close your bag.
• Water Resistance: A waterproof anti-theft bag or even a water-resistant pack will help protect your items from rainy weather or accidental spillages.

Style

Crossbody bags come in a range of styles and colours so you can choose a bag that is not only practical but looks good too.  The great thing is many of them come in unisex designs so men and women can carry the same bag.

Comfort

Once you put all your various items in your bag, you may be surprised just how much it weighs. So be sure your crossbody bag has a padded and adjustable shoulder strap to avoid neck and shoulder strain at the end of a long day of sightseeing or travel.

Top 10 sling bag reviews 2024

Best sling bag for travel overall: Travelon anti-theft crossbody bucket bag

Travelon is one of the biggest names when it comes to the best travel handbag options, and the Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bucket Bag is the first of three Travelon travel bags that feature in this list of best sling bags for women and men. 

This particular Travelon anti theft travel bag provides the highest security for all of your everyday items as well as stylish variations that will complement any outfit.  This is also my pick for the best sling bag for travel overall.

This Travelon shoulder bag is a lightweight shoulder bag that provides comfort and security. It offers a slash-resistant body and slash-resistant shoulder strap that can be attached to any chair, post or table.

It has two expandable mesh pockets that will fit all you need for a day out exploring, including your camera, a water bottle and a small umbrella.  Despite its large size, this is also one of the lightest sling bags in this review.

A great security feature of this Travelon anti-theft travel bag is that it provides RFID blocking pockets. This is perfect for storing your credit cards and passports without the concern of any of your information being stolen.

This Travelon anti-theft shoulder bag has an interior zippered pocket for extra security and a zip rear pocket with a removable LED light. Travelon has lived up to its name with this best anti-theft sling bag.

Perfect for the modern-day traveller, this bag is extremely functional with top of the market security capabilities and is big enough for everything you could possibly need.  If you’re after something bigger, Travelon also makes some great anti-theft backpacks.

Update: I now own this bag and have been using it for several years and LOVE IT!

Click here for more reviews and to check the price.

Best travel handbag: Travelon anti-theft signature crossbody bag

Yet another Travelon anti theft travel bag that contains both amazing security features and the perfect design. The Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Crossbody is the best travel for ladies as it can easily pass as a handbag rather than a travel bag.  Certainly one of the cute crossbody bags for travel in this guide.

This best travel handbag is lightweight with plenty of room to keep your everyday items organised.  The storage of this bag is impressive considering the size, which is why it is highly rated among the ladies!

With this travel bag, there will be more time to enjoy your trip instead of worrying about being pickpocketed. It has multiple locking compartments, with RFID blocking slots in the main compartment as well as an LED light.   

This crossbody is slash-resistant, including the strap, which can easily be attached to a table or chair while seated. The strap is adjustable, making it perfect for short or tall people and can be worn over the shoulder or across the body.

The Travelon Anti-Theft classic sling bag is not only a good handbag for travel but can be used as an everyday handbag, giving you peace of mind everywhere you go!

Click here for more reviews and to check the price

Best sling bag for men: Pacsafe shoulder bag

Pacsafe is another big brand name when it comes to the best anti theft shoulder bags for travel.  This Pacsafe anti theft bag is a great choice for those wanting one of the best cross body travel bag options with all the security features as well as a sturdy build. A great option for people looking for one of the best sling bags for men or sling bags for ladies too.

A lightweight yet sturdy build with zippered main and front pockets, this travel sling bag for men or women is very roomy while also looking sophisticated and smart. It is a great sized bag that will fit all your belongings nicely.

This Pacsafe anti-theft travel bag has hidden eXomesh Slashguard stainless steel wire mesh that is embedded into the fabric which will stop any potential slash and run theft.

Like most Pacsafe anti-theft bags, this bag has RFIDsafe blocking material to protect your ID and credit cards against hacker scanning and also a Lockabout Security Clip and smart zipper security that provide multiple layers of protection. The lockdown points for the zippers fight off the intentions of pickpockets!

Other great features of this best man bag for travel are the adjustable Carrysafe slash guard shoulder strap, a tablet/11-inch MacBook sleeve and the Turn & Lock Security Hook allowing you to attach your bag to a secure fixture.

This Pacsafe sling bag for guys or ladies is a great option if you are after one of the RFID crossbody travel bags, it has great security features but will also serve as a great everyday bag.

Click here for more reviews and to check the price

Best budget option: OutdoorMaster sling bag

If you are after a simple travel bag and are not overly concerned with the fancy security features, the OutdoorMaster Sling Bag is a great budget option. It is a great alternative to a backpack and is the perfect style for both men and women.

The OutdoorMaster Sling Bag is made of lightweight, sturdy material. It is very practical as it contains several different compartments to store all your belongings and more! These compartments are equipped with smart pockets, including a hidden anti-theft pocket and a water bottle holder.  There is plenty of room for your camera, tablet even a small laptop computer up to 12 inches.

Not only is this one of the great crossbody travel bags for women or men, but the reversible shoulder strap also makes it the ideal bag for both right and left-handed people.

This budget sling bag comes in a variety of colours and is designed to be comfortable as well as durable which is perfect for those long days out and about.

Click here for more reviews and to check the price.

Travelon anti-theft classic messenger bag

If you are after one of the stylish women’s anti theft travel bags, you will love this Travelon anti theft messenger bag which is available in a range of stylish colour options.

Looking at this Travelon anti-theft bag from the outside, you would have no idea how many great security features it has. With a rear organiser that has RFID blocking features to protect your cards and passport, along with front zip pocket locks and an adjustable slash-resistant shoulder strap, anti-theft travel bags for women like this are sure to help keep all your belongings very well protected from thieves.

It also has great organisational features such as the 4 wall pockets that are located inside the locking compartment, a pen loop and two mesh expansion pockets that would easily hold sunglasses, an umbrella or a water bottle.  

Another great feature of this Travelon anti theft cross body bag is that it can easily be secured to a stationary object to prevent it being involved in a “grab and go” incident.

This Travelon anti theft crossbody bag is made from polyester and available in so many different stylish colour options, this is one of the great anti theft travel bags women will love.

Click here for more reviews and to check the price.

Best leather sling bag for men: Bullcaptain sling bag

Men and women alike, who are after one of the best leather crossbody bags for travel,  will love this sling bag by Bullcaptain, which is genuine 100% leather and practical for both everyday use and travel.

This leather sling bag men and women will both love, has a single large compartment as well as two additional external zippered pockets for smaller items.  This bag is big enough for everything you need during your travels, including your phone, wallet, iPad, camera, passport and more.

Constructed from 100% high quality cowhide leather, not only is this bag practical but it is super stylish as well.  Other features of this leather sling bag for women and men include an adjustable shoulder strap, metal buckle and headphone cable hole.

This is a super stylish bag that the fashion conscious male and female traveller will just love.

Click here to read more reviews and to check the price.

NeatPack crossbody bag

Another great option for women looking for a great functional travel bag is this NeatPack Crossbody bag.  It comes with plenty of space to store everything you need for a day of sightseeing, plus it has some built in security features to keep your valuables safe.

As well as the main spacious compartment, this bag has two additional front zippered pockets and another drop pocket.  It has a side pocket for a water bottle. 

Inside the main compartment is a zippered RFID pocket which is perfect for keeping your passport and credit cards.  The bag is spacious and you could easily fit in an iPad, plus the back of the bag has a velcro pocket which is great for storing maps or tickets that you need to access quickly.

The bag comes with an adjustable strap which is also padded to ensure it is comfortable for hours of wearing.  The durable nylon fabric repels moisture and stains which is ideal for long days of travel.

Click here for more reviews and to check the price.

Baggallini lightweight crossbody bag

Inspired by the classic boho style the Baggallini Everywhere Crossbody Bag will have you travelling in style. It is a functional cross body bag that will keep your items organized and secure.  This is the bag that I use for day to day use and I just love it.

The bag itself is made of water-resistant nylon fabric, so there is no need to worry about personal items being destroyed on rainy days. It will also keep credit card and passport information secure as it is fit with RFID blocking technology.   This boho tote is lightweight and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the interior. It offers compartments for all your belongings as well as exterior pockets to keep essential items at your fingertips.

The strap is secure and adjustable. You can choose to make it short and wear it as a shoulder bag or make it as long as needed to fit comfortably across the body.

The Everywhere Lightweight Crossbody Bag is very popular among women due to its stylish design and colour options. It is extremely versatile as it is a great bag for daily use if you are not travelling on a regular basis.

Click here for more reviews and to check the price.

Pacsafe Citysafe Cx

Pacsafe travel bags make some of the best options for anti theft cross body handbags and this Pacsafe Citysafe Cx is no exception. This versatile bag is jam packed with added security as well as having superb organisational features.

Although still very lightweight, this is an eXomesh bag meaning it has hidden stainless steel wire mesh that is embedded into the fabric and the adjustable Carrysafe Slashguard Strap is wire-reinforced and also helps to protect against slash or cut and run theft.

Like most Pacsafe travelsafe bags, these crossbody travel handbags have built-in RFIDsafe Blocking Material which will protect your ID and credit card information from would-be hacker scanners.

Inside the Pacsafe anti-theft shoulder bag is a zippered compartment that would fit a phone and passport. The main compartment of these Pacsafe handbags is zippered and can easily fit a tablet, especially when you consider it folds out to allow for extra space when needed.

Other great features of these Pacsafe anti theft bags are the Turn & Lock security hook, allowing you to secure the bag to a stationary object, and the ability to attach the zipper pullers to security hooks.

This Pacsafe shoulder bag would be the perfect handbag for travel and also an everyday handbag.

Click here for more reviews and to check the price.

Travelon anti-theft active bag

 

If you are looking for a bag small in size and lightweight that contains all the security features Travelon is known for, the Anti-Theft Active Bag is the one to choose from.

The large main compartment and the front pocket both have locking zippers to protect from pickpockets. The main compartment comes with a zippered RFID blocking card and passport pocket. For complete protection and peace of mind, the bag is slash-resistant, including the strap that is also adjustable and can be locked to a table or chair.

This cross body bag provides plenty of room to fit all the essentials and to stay organised, which is perfect for travel.   And an interior tethered key clip with LED light helps you find items in your bag. 

With three colour options to choose from and an affordable price, this is a great bag for the female traveller.

Click here for more reviews and to check the price.

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Hopefully you found this guide on choosing a cross body bag helpful.  We have guides on other travel products too such as kids suitcases, carry on backpacks and wheeled backpacks.