Traveling successfully is just as much about the destination as it is about the gear that gets you there. Having a reliable purse is a must, because it holds your most important travel “accessories,” like your passport, wallet, and phone. Truth is, the right travel purse can be the difference between feeling safe and prepared, and well, not so much.
I’ve tested a lot of purses in my 20+ years of traveling the world. These are my top 14 best travel purses for women, many of which I still use today.
1. Baggallini Everywhere Bagg with RFID – $110
I started using Baggallini’s Everywhere Bagg while on our trip to Japan and it really is a traveler’s dream for staying organized.
It’s lightweight and water-resistant, and comes with RFID-blocking technology, which keeps your personal information safe. It also has an adjustable strap and a shimmery sort of fabric that I love. It resists water and spills and stays looking good.
I tested several bags of varying sizes and colors, read my Baggallini review for more. When I shared about my experience on Instagram, several readers reached out to say they’ve had their Baggs forever thanks to the sturdy materials, quality zippers are of excellent quality, and overall value for the price.
2. PacSafe Citysafe CX Antitheft Cross-Body Bag – $100
PacSafe is a travel safety veteran known for its security-focused designs, and the Citysafe CX embodies this to a T. It’s a minimalist cross-body bag with advanced antitheft technology, including RFID blocking and cut-resistant materials.
I love a bag like this for summer travel in Europe or in Vietnam’s big cities where having locking zippers and a bag that isn’t easy to slash are super helpful.
Ideal for urban explorations, it keeps your valuables safe and is also made from eco-friendly materials. I love that it comes in a few colors and doesn’t scream “I’m a safety bag.” I’ve used PacSafe products for years now, and they’ve never disappointed me. Plus, they truly do withstand the test of time.
Read my Pacsafe vs. Nordace comparison for more.
3. Nordace Siena Pro Crossbody Bag – $70
Perfect for the casual travel outing, I love the look and style of the Nordace cross body bag, and use it in destinations where I am nat as worried about pickpockets or bag slashers. It makes staying organized easy with several pockets on the front and inside, as well as having nice leather finishes to class the bag up a little.
The shoulder strap is easy to adjust, and it comes in several neutral colors that are nice. I find it the perfect size for a day outing on the road. There’s also a built-in pocket with RFID-blocking technology, thereby safeguarding your cards and passport info from scanners.
We love Nordace’s Smart Siena Backpack as well (read our review!).
4. Kipling Waistpack – $79
After seeing them just about everywhere from airports to even music festivals, I wanted to know what the fuss was about when it comes to Kipling.
I tried one of their travel backpacks (not my favorite TBH) and crossbody bag, but it was really the fanny pack that got me.
I love a fanny pack for travel! It’s right in front of you, so it’s awfully hard to pickpocket (unless you’re on a crowded train, then always be wary), is so easy to access, does not occupy any shoulder space, which might already by occupied by your backpack. It’s easy for so many reasons, and I love how many colors Kipling’s comes in.
Read my comparison of Kipling vs. Baggallini.
5. Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag – $52
For those who crave a blend of style and practicality, the Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag is a dream come true. It’s the ideal size, neither too big nor too small, striking a balance between portability and capacity. Made from durable, heavyweight nylon, it’s not only tough but also machine-washable — a rare find in travel accessories. Plus it comes in 11 colors, so you can choose one that fits your personality or travel aesthetic.
The bag’s design is simple yet effective, featuring an interior zippered pouch for your essentials, like keys and credit cards. Its adjustable strap and zip closure add to its security, making it a worry-free companion for diverse travel environments, from bustling airports to serene beaches. I think this is one of the best travel purses for women, because it’s one of the only ones out there that is machine washable.
6. Away The Packable Carryall – $75
The Away The Packable Carryall is a game-changer for those moments when you need extra space without the bulk. Its standout feature is its ability to fold into a compact 6 x 4-inch storage pouch, complete with a loop for easy clipping and carrying.
Crafted from water-resistant nylon, it’s durable yet super lightweight. While it may not have interior organizing compartments, it compensates with a flat exterior pocket and a zipped interior one, offering ample room for all your travel essentials. Its large capacity is great for trips where you want everything in one place.
We love Away Luggage, too!
7. Travelon Anti-theft Classic Messenger Bag – $51
If security is your priority with your travel gear, the Travelon Antitheft Classic Messenger Bag is a top contender. Priced affordably, it offers advanced antitheft features without compromising on style or functionality. The bag is equipped with hidden slashproof chain-link construction and a cutproof shoulder strap, alongside a locking zipper. These features work in tandem to ensure that your wallet, travel documents, and other valuables remain secure.
Beyond its security measures, the bag is a type-A traveler’s best friend because of its organizational features. It includes slots for credit cards, pockets for notebooks and documents, and a water bottle holder. An additional expansion pocket is perfect for larger items like a camera or sunglasses. Its utilitarian design is both practical and sleek. With this purse, it’s all about the pockets!
8. Calpak Luka Belt Bag – $58
The Calpak Luka Belt Bag is small but mighty, chic but functional. This bag’s matte, puffy look not only adds a touch of style but is comfy to wear. It also has a secret pocket for your valuables.
Its lightweight and scratch-resistant material adds to its appeal, making it a versatile choice for various travel scenarios. Whether you’re exploring city streets or navigating airport terminals, you’ll have a hands-free way to keep your essentials close to you. Who says a glorified fanny pack can’t be one of the best travel purses for women?
9. Patagonia Atom Sling Bag 8L – $65
Your adventure awaits, and you need a bag that is up for the ride. The Patagonia Atom Sling Bag 8L is designed to keep your belongings securely close to your body, making it perfect for short hikes when you don’t need a full hiking backpack. Made from durable, water-repellent material, it’s both easy to clean and practical for various weather conditions. You’ll also enjoy several pockets and pouches, including a small zipper pouch on the front for important items like your phone or keys.
The adjustable, padded strap makes it extra comfy for long travel days, ensuring that the bag stays in place without swinging or digging into your body. While its casual look may not tick all your style boxes for a night out, the Atom Sling Bag is an outstanding choice for day-to-day travel where convenience and accessibility are key.
10. Dagne Dover Micah Water-Resistant Cross-Body Bag – $110
Dagne Dover may have made a name for itself as a diaper bag brand, but for those who need a sturdy yet stylish travel companion, the Dagne Dover Micah Cross-Body Bag is here to support you. Crafted from a unique, neoprene-like fabric, this bag is both durable and water-resistant, so it’s ready for any travel scenario.
The bag’s design is thoughtfully practical, featuring three main compartments, including a secure backside pocket for valuables — an essential for the safety-conscious traveler.
Its roominess is a standout, offering more space than many of its counterparts. Whether you’re navigating city streets or braving unpredictable weather, this bag ensures that your essentials are protected and easily accessible.
11. CHERUTY Women’s Backpack Purse – $30
If you want an antitheft bag that doesn’t look like an antitheft bag, the CHERUTY Antitheft Mini Backpack is perfect for you. It stands out with its modular design, allowing you to carry it in three different ways: as a backpack, a handbag by its top handle, or as a crossbody bag using the removable strap.
The bag’s antitheft design is particularly impressive, featuring a main compartment accessible only via a back zipper, adding an extra layer of security in crowded spaces. The front zippered pocket is great for smaller, frequently used items, while the interior offers four zippered and slip pockets for efficient organization. Plus, it’s stylish, and you can have your pick of nearly two dozen colors!
12. Lo & Sons O.G. 2 – $378
The Lo & Sons O.G. 2 epitomizes the ideal luxury travel bag. This large shoulder bag is celebrated for its ability to neatly pack every travel essential imaginable without sacrificing style. The O.G. 2’s design is centered around functionality, featuring a padded laptop pocket suitable for devices up to 13 inches. For larger laptops, up to 16 inches, there’s space in the main compartment, albeit without padding. The main section also includes numerous small pockets for items like phone chargers and snacks, and a dedicated water bottle pocket to keep you hydrated on your journeys.
The front zippered pocket contains smaller compartments for quick-access items like your phone, wallet, and passport. A unique feature of the O.G. 2 is its discrete side pocket, excellent for storing a pair of shoes, making it an excellent option for overnight trips. While the nylon bag can become heavy when fully packed, its trolley sleeve is a thoughtful addition, allowing easy attachment to a suitcase for effortless transport.
13. Longchamp Le Pliage Original Backpack – $140
The Longchamp Le Pliage Original Backpack is a marvel of packability, folding up to just a fraction of its original size, thanks to its built-in snap-closures. It’s great for those who prefer not to use their travel purse as a personal item or carry-on, because it seamlessly fits into larger luggage, making it just right for unfolding and using during day trips. Despite its compact nature when folded, it’s surprisingly roomy, and capable of holding essentials like a tablet, camera, water bottle, and wallet comfortably.
While it lacks organizational pockets, its spacious main compartment can be complemented with a small pouch for better organization of smaller items. Crafted from elegant recycled polyamide canvas and available in seven colors, this backpack is practical and chic.
14. John Fluevog Shoes Nashua Laptop Bag – $200
Digital nomads or travelers who can’t imagine leaving their laptop at home, meet the John Fluevog Shoes Nashua Laptop Bag. It is sophisticated, polished, and also quite functional. Its compact design includes tote handles and a removable cross-body strap, providing versatility and comfort in carrying options. The strap, crafted from soft leather, features two small pockets for essentials like lip balm or earbuds. Plus, the interior boasts a slip pocket that can accommodate laptops up to 15 inches, making it terrific for most travelers.
In addition to laptop storage, the main compartment is spacious enough for small water bottles, snacks, and other travel necessities. A front zippered pocket offers convenient access to items like boarding passes or a phone. Available in several colors and textures, including black and blue in soft pebbled leather and brown in sleek smooth leather, this laptop bag is as stylish as it is practical.
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The best travel purses for women won’t all look the same because female travelers are not all the same. I hope this list has plenty of variety for every traveler, whether you’re a mountain hiking adventurer or a city explorer.
Which travel purse is your favorite?
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