For me, the best messenger bag (also referred to as a crossbody bag, sling bag, courier bag or man bag) is the perfect way to carry my personal belongings while sightseeing and travelling, and for everyday use.

I was recently in the market for a new crossbody bag for my travels as my current one had so much use a zip broke. It had accompanied me for the past few years on my travels and every day life and I was sad to say goodbye to it. And because I am a convert to this style of travel bag, because it fits all my stuff in it that I need for the day, I of course bought a similar one.

If you are in the market for one of the best travel messenger bags for travel, then you are in the right place. In this article I share all my research for the current best crossbody bags for travel. I also take a closer look at their various features and provide a number of reasons why these bags are so great for travel and every day use. Whether you are looking for the best crossbody bag, the best messenger bag for travel or even a sling bag for a laptop, this article covers various options. No doubt iit ncludes the perfect messenger bag for travel to suit your needs too.

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

First of all, what are messenger bags (or sling bags and crossbody bags) and why do I recommend you use one instead of your usual handbag or small backpack when you travel? So, messenger bags are bags with a single shoulder strap. They have been designed to be worn across the front of your body, hence the name crossbody bags. These bags come in a variety of sizes, shapes, designs and colours. And, they hold everything (well most things) you need for a day of sightseeing, travelling or everyday life.

For me, the best messenger bag for travel is one that can fit my purse, passport, mobile, sunglasses and various other travel accessories. And I know, it keeps all of these items together and safe.

In brief, the best crossbody travel bag does all of this and more:

• The best messenger bags for travel will have room to fit all my things in while sightseeing and travelling. Even be taken to work in the office on a working holiday;
• The best crossbody bags for travel have been designed with multiple compartments to keep all my items well organised and safe;
• Sling bags have a padded (sometimes) and adjustable shoulder strap making it comfortable;
• Having your bag in front of you (or on your side) and hands-free, rather than on your back like a backpack, lets you easily access your items when needed and this can sometimes be in a hurry; and
• Many of the best crossbody travel bags have built-in RFID security features, providing comfort from scammers and pickpockets.

My Number 1 Pick Messenger Bag

Unisex Messenger Bag

My number 1 pick messenger bag is this unisex cross body messenger bag I picked up on Amazon. I just love it because it fits in everything I need for a day of sightseeing. It fits my wallet, sunglasses, reading glasses, small pack of tissues and a pen. This is a well travelled messenger bag having so far been to Sydney, Honolulu and London – plus a few more places. You can purchase this messenger bag at Amazon.

Why Choose a Messenger Bag for Travel?

You may be asking yourself why a messenger bag is so good to take travelling? Right? And why choose a messenger bag for travel? I’ve briefly given you the reasons above, but expand on these reasons to choose a messenger bag following. Consider these reasons for what to look for in a crossbody bag for travel. They will help you choose the right messenger bag.

1. Size

Size is the first thing to consider when choosing a messenger bag for travel. They need to be the right size to fit in all your items. So take a moment to think of what you want to carry in your bag. Messenger bags are just the right size and enable me to fit in all the things I need to carry around while travelling. My phone, my power bank, my travel wallet and/or purse, my lip balm, small bottle of perfume, my passport, tissues, sunglasses, etc. Everything fits in – it’s amazing. Some sling bags are big enough to hold a small iPad or laptop but I wouldn’t go much bigger than that. So consider the size of a messenger bag before you purchase one so it fits all you intended belongings in it.

2. Adjustable Strap for Comfort

The second thing to consider when choosing a cross body bag is if they are adjustable. Messenger bags have adjustable straps making them extremely comfortable bags to wear. With an adjustable shoulder strap that I can adjust myself, believe me, being able to do this has helped with comfort. Sometimes I have the strap long. Other times I have it short – it depends on what I am doing. And a lot of the time I do not know I am wearing the bag because it is so comfortable to wear.

3. Safety and Security

I had never considered this before about a bag, but being able to adjust the strap to fit my body makes me feel safe and secure knowing that my valuables are close to me. Sometimes I wear my messenger bag under a jacket and which makes it harder for would be thieves to steal. Mostly, I wear it across my body like it should be warn and no one can pull it off me. No matter if I am sitting or standing it is by my side keeping my things safe and secure.

RFID Protection

Other safety and security things messenger bags have include RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) protection. RFID provides protection by blocking radio waves from RFID scanners. These scanners can skim your personal details which is why messenger travel bags are being made with RFID protection. Buying and owning a messenger bag with RFID protection will help you feel safe and secure your personal items are safe while you are travelling and sightseeing.

Also, I like to choose a messenger bag with plenty of zippered compartments. Having different compartments in my crossbody bag means I can put my items in special spots. For instance I have a compartment for my passport. I know where it is at all times. And if you are like me and travel with kids, I can keep all the passports together safe and sound.

4. Hands Free Travel Hand Bag

As a messenger bag hangs in front of the body, you keep your hands free. This can help with your safety and the safety of your things in your bag. Meaning you can use your hands for other things. To carry your shopping, to hold a drink or food, or to use both hands to do something with. Hopefully that isn’t to defend yourself from a suspected burglar or attacker! And as the bag is in front of you, you can put your hands on it anytime. And when you have your backpack or dragging a suitcase, being hands free can come in handy.

5. Don’t get caught out carrying other people’s things

When I first went travelling I did a coach tour and that tour company advised to bring x, y and z with me. And guess what? I did. However, after a couple of days my shoulders and back ached from carrying loads of stuff, but I still continued to carry this stuff in my large bag. Then, people on the tour started asking me to hold things in my bag for them like their jumper, or camera, or water bottle because they didn’t want to carry a bag. I thought I would do the kind thing and carry their stuff for them. Soon, I felt like a ‘pack horse’ and decided very quickly to downsize. Now I don’t get lumbered with other people’s things with a messenger bag. And I have suggested to many fellow travellers about the reasons to get their own messenger bag for travel and every day use.

6. Fashionable – you don’t look like a tourist

My messenger bag is very fashionable – well I think so! And I know I am not alone because I have seen loads of other people wearing one too. What I like is the fact it doesn’t make me look like a tourist or a traveller unlike some other bags such as a daypack can. It just fits in to my travelling lifestyle however, if I was hiking I would probably choose something a little bigger so it can fit a water bottle and food in.

7. Travel Bags made from Lightweight, Durable and Waterproof Material

Most messenger bags are made from lightweight and durable materials. I love this aspect of crossbody bags as even though the materials they are made from, cotton, leather and suede also means the travel bag is durable and strong enough to hold all my items. Another aspect to consider before buying a messenger bag for travel is that the material it is made of is waterproof. Waterproofing will help to keep your stuff dry, and you just never know when you will be caught in the rain while travelling.

Cons of Owning a Messenger Bag for Travel

As with everything, there are pros and cons. I’ve gone over the pros of messenger bags for travel, now it is time for some cons of messenger bags for travel. The only 2 things I can come up with are:

• the messenger bag may not fit everything you need in it. This would suggest that you need to buy a bigger one!
• you might find the straps uncomfortable.

Best Messenger Bags for Travel

Messenger bags come in different sizes, colours and some are more stylish than others. I could have sorted the following messenger bags into unisex, female and male however, everyone has their own taste and style, so just because it says it is a ‘men’s bag’, it doesn’t mean it has to be.

Small Cross Body Unisex Messenger Bag

This cross body unisex messenger bag is lightweight, durable and sturdy. I love it because you hardly know you are wearing it. Great for daily use at home, work and while travelling.

• Size: HxWxT – 8.6 x 6.7 x 2.3 inches, (22 x 17 x 6 cm)
• Made from Nylon (outer) and Polyester Fiber (lining)
• Is Flexible with an adjustable and removable shoulder strap making it very comfortable to wear.
• Extremely lightweight, weighing only 0.2kg
• Plenty of storage with three small compartments to store valuables
• Is casual, yet fashionable

Leaper Canvas Messenger Bag / Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag / Sling Bag

This unisex messenger bag is great and is a larger than the Small Cross Body Unisex Messenger Bag above. This bag is great because of the number of zippered pockets it has and is great to fit in everything when I travel with my family.

• Made from water-resistant washed canvas this messenger come sling bag is great to take outside in all weathers
• Medium sized bag 11.4 x 15 x 4.5 inches (Length x Height x Width) that has plenty of pockets to fit important documents and things you need for your day. Plus has a convenient sleeve to fit in a slim laptop making it multi-functional. The combination lock and durable metal zippers help to keep your things safe.
• It is stylish, yet casual to take to a variety of places.
• One of the best things is the external USB charger port with built-in charging cable offering an easy way to charge your phone, tablet or other electronic devices via connecting your own powerbank. So convenient don’t you think!
• Comes in a variety of colours.

Dealcase Canvas Small Messenger Bag

Anti-theft Classic Messenger Bag

This is one of my favourite messenger bags as it looks more like a going out hand bag. So it is not only stylish but fits all my things in for a day of sightseeing and travelling.

• Very stylish messenger bag that looks great out for the day or night.
• As well as being stylish it is very comfortable to wear thanks to the adjustable shoulder strap.
• Small to medium in size, it has two compartments to organise your things. Size is 9 x 12.5 x 3.5 inches. Just the right size!
• Has an anti-theft security system making it a safe bag for your things.

FAQs about Messenger Bags

Can I wear a crossbody bag on a plane? Of course you can, but it usually counts as a personal item and you must be able to fit it under the seat in front of you for take off and landings. Plus, if you have another bag you are taking on the flight, you may be considered as having too many bags to take aboard. And you may need to put your messenger bag inside a bigger bag.

Which one should I choose-a crossbody bag or backpack for travel? Both a backpack and crossbody bag are suitable for travel and it is personal choice as to which bag you take with you. You may feel more comfortable wearing a backpack on your back rather than a messenger bag. This is one decision I cannot make for you!

Is a messenger bag safer than a backpack? What makes a messenger bag safer than a backpack is the fact you wear it in front of your body so you know where your things are at all times.

Messenger Bags – Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my reasons to love a messenger bag plus four of the best on the market. I am sure you will agree they are such a versatile little bag that are so handy to take on your travels or just to use in every day life. They are known by other names including courier bag, cross-shoulder bag, over-shoulder bag, sling bag and man bag. Yes, man bag and my research shows they are typically for men however, as a female I find them stylish and practical and think they are a great travel accessory for females and families also. As you travel you will change and adapt and discover travel accessories that make your travels easier. I believe I have found this with a messenger bag for travel! Have you got your messenger bag for travel yet? I’d love to hear in the comments.

More Travel Gear for Travel

Backpacks vs Suitcases
Best Packing Cubes for Travel
Packing List for a Working Holiday Abroad
Destinations to wear your messenger bag

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