Kate Spade, Vera Bradley, and Away Have Lightweight Crossbody Bags with Clever Travel Features

Just in time for spring break getaways

*Credit: Amazon (2); Kate Spade Outlet; Nordstrom*

Best Lightweight Crossbody Bags for Travel Under $40

Amazon Essentials Minimal Crossbody Bag, $20; Amazon
Bagsmart Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag, $23; Amazon
Inicat Small Sling Crossbody Backpack, $26 (orig. $39); Amazon
Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag, $32 (orig. $88); Amazon

Take it from me, a chronic overpacker: The last thing you want to bring on a trip is a heavy purse. I recently switched to crossbody bags because they’re much lighter and easier to carry — even when I stuff them with too many knickknacks.

Now that this practical style is my go-to daytrip bag (and personal item on flights), I’ve been perusing Nordstrom, Kate Spade Outlet, and Amazon to uncover more lightweight crossbody bags for travel. To my delight, I spotted pretty yet practical options with clever features to make travel easier. Shop my favorite finds below — all of which you can score for $64 or less.

Best Crossbody Bags for Travel

Mom-Approved with Oh-So-Many Pockets: Kipling Elysia Crossbody Bag, $52 (orig. $104); Amazon
Editor-Loved: Away The Mini Crossbody Bag, $60 (orig. $75); Nordstrom
Meets Stadium Requirements: Kate Spade Staci Mini Crossbody Bag, $53 at checkout (orig. $79); Kate Spade Outlet
Writer’s Pick That Fits a Kindle: Amazon Essentials Minimal Crossbody Bag, $20; Amazon
Easy-Access Earbuds Pocket: Away Small Featherlight Crossbody Bag, $58; Nordstrom
Water Bottle Pouch: Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag, $32 (orig. $88); Amazon
Fits Your Lunch and Then Some: Vera Bradley Featherweight Lorman Sling Backpack; $41 (orig. $46); Amazon
RFID-Blocking Material: Baggallini Crossbody Travel Bag, $46 (orig. $80); Amazon
Water-Repellent Sides: Kate Spade Kip Clear Mini Tote Bag, $64 at checkout; Kate Spade Outlet
Built-in Card Slots: Inicat Small Sling Crossbody Backpack, $26 (orig. $39); Amazon
No. 1 Best-Seller That Weighs Less Than a Pound: Bagsmart Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag, $23; Amazon

Related: Amazon's Big Spring Sale Is 4 Days Away, but Early Deals Are Already Here — the 65 Best from $2 Are Up to 75% Off

Kipling Elysia Crossbody Bag

~~$104~~ $52 at Amazon

My mom swapped the heavy leather shoulder bag that was hard on her back for this lightweight Kipling style. She says she loves its “practicality of organization,” as it has “so many pockets” — including a spacious main compartment to hold her wallet, two sunglasses cases, and a Kindle.

It also has a flat bottom, so she doesn’t need to worry about it tipping over and spilling its contents. She also likes that she can carry it as a tote, crossbody, or shoulder bag. Bonus: It’s much easier to clean than leather bags.

Away The Mini Crossbody Bag

~~$75~~ $60 at Nordstrom

If you’re a fan of hardshell luggage, then this Away mini bag is for you. It has a double zipper to open accordion-style so you can easily see everything inside. Plus, you can remove its crossbody strap and use it as a clutch, makeup bag, or protective case for valuables. One shopper enthused that its strap, which extends to 53 inches, is “wider-than-normal,” making it “comfortable” to carry.

What Our Editor Says About the Away Mini Crossbody Bag

“Like most Away luggage, this crossbody balances durability with style. Despite its hardshell, it’s fairly lightweight — yet it still keeps your belongings secure. I throw in sunnies, my wallet (or passport, if abroad), and any other small trinkets I may need while on the go!” — Madison Yauger, senior shopping editor

Related: My Mom’s No. 1 Cruise Essential Will Have You Hooked — It’s a $12 Find That Keeps Her ‘Cabin Room Organized’

Kate Spade Staci Mini Crossbody Bag, $53 at checkout

~~$79~~ $53 at Katespadeoutlet.com

This cute Kate Spade bag measures 6.5 by 4.5 inches, making it small enough to meet even the strictest bag requirements at many pro sports stadiums (as well as other venues). It has two zipper compartments to hold the bare essentials, yet it still fits large iPhones. One shopper, who swapped their Kate Spade wristlet for this hands-free style, said it’s deep enough to fit their phone with an OtterBox case and a PopSocket.

While You’re Shopping…

We found small essentials to fit inside your crossbody bag:

Elfish Mini RFID-Blocking Wallet, $7; Amazon
Magefy Mini Cosmetics Case, $7 (orig. $10); Amazon
Wet Brush Squirt Detangling Mini Brush, $5 (orig. $8); Amazon

Amazon Essentials Minimal Crossbody Bag

$20 at Amazon

The main reason I grabbed this bag? It fits my Kindle, which I bring everywhere. I’ve also discovered that one of its compartments holds a full face of makeup, including my bulky foundation bottle, mirror compact, and a kabuki brush. Its middle pocket holds my passport — and I can reach for it without opening my bag in touristy areas. Even with all these items jammed inside it, this bag is still lighter and flatter than other crossbody bags I’ve carried.

Keep reading to see more lightweight crossbody bags for travel from Nordstrom, Kate Spade, and Amazon that you can score from $23.