The 12 Best Travel Purses of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

The Baggallini Securtex Memento Crossbody is designed for travelers, especially for those who want extra peace of mind. The bag is constructed from lightweight, water-resistant fabric reinforced with slash-resistant panels, plus wire-reinforced straps that make it harder—if not entirely impossible—for thieves to cut. Inside, there are three slip pockets and two zippered compartments, along with a built-in back wallet that has RFID protection for passports and credit cards. The main compartment closes with a lockable zipper for added security, and the outside features two more zippered pockets, as well as a grommet for threading a charging cable or headphones.

T+L writer Anne Taylor especially loved the lockable zippers, noting how reassuring it felt to click them shut when carrying valuables. She also found the bag to be durable: even after several day trips in Seattle, the zippers still worked smoothly, and the exterior remained unscathed. While the purse’s design is fairly minimalist, it comes in several colors and patterns; the safety features are the main draw.

The Details: 9.5 x 7 x 2 inches | Polyester

I’ve had my Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag for years, and at this point, I’ve used it everywhere—from daily errands in New York to trips across Hawai’i, Italy, France, and more. Despite constant use, the nylon fabric and zippers show almost no signs of wear. The water-repellent material has also been a lifesaver: I’ve been caught in sudden rain showers more than once, and everything inside stayed completely dry. I’ve even spilled sunscreen and baby formula on it, and both wiped right off without leaving a mark.

And while the bag may look small from the outside, it holds an impressive amount of stuff, including everyday essentials like my phone, wallet, sunglasses, AirPods, and keys, plus extras like snacks for my twins or my passport when I’m traveling. The mesh pockets inside help keep smaller items, such as lip balm or sanitizer, from getting lost at the bottom.

Most of all, I love how adaptable it is—it works as a crossbody, a fanny pack, or even an organizer inside a tote (which is how I often use it in my diaper bag). While I sometimes wish it came slightly larger with a longer strap, it’s still the most-used belt bag in my closet.

The Details: 7.5 x 2 x 5 inches | Polyester

Taylor was influenced by social media to buy this $25 bag—and she ended up liking it so much she now owns four. While she wishes it had a few more interior pockets, she still considers it her go-to for airports and everyday outings because it’s so easy to pack, wear, and get into quickly. She was also impressed by its capacity: it held her phone, wallet, keys, makeup, earbuds, sanitizer, a water bottle, and a few snacks without ever feeling overstuffed. On trips, the snug crossbody fit sat close against her body and felt secure in busy crowds.

The bag’s minimalist design is backed by tough nylon, sturdy stitching, and a water-repellent finish, so it’s built to withstand daily use and the inevitable wear and tear. As Taylor put it, “I am not gentle with this ba, and it still looks great.” Plus, the textured fabric helps hide dirt and scuffs, making it a refreshingly low-maintenance option.

The Details: 11 x 6.7 x 3.9 inches | Nylon

This crossbody may look tiny, but it’s packed with features that make it a travel essential. Parker tested it on multiple trips—from Amtrak rides upstate to a flight to Barbados—and calls it her go-to “third bag” when traveling with her dog as a personal item since it slips neatly into his carrier or under a jacket without counting against her carry-on allowance. It also holds much more than expected; Parker was able to store a phone, wallet, passport, earbuds, snack, and even a Kindle. A front zip pocket makes cash easy to grab, while the back slip pocket is perfect for stashing a phone or ID. Inside, you’ll find a key leash, a card pocket, and a zip compartment.

Parker notes that the nylon material feels substantial, the zippers glide smoothly, and the bag still looks new after several years of use. She also appreciates that the strap is fixed rather than detachable, which makes it harder for a thief to unclip and run off with it.

The Details: 7.5 x 5.3 x 2 inches | Nylon and leather

We’ve been longtime fans of July’s luggage, and the brand’s Everyday Crescent Bag has quickly earned a spot on our list of travel favorites. At first glance, the design looks simple, but this lightweight crossbody manages to be both durable and surprisingly roomy. On a 10-day trip to Greece, T+L associate editor Anna Popp carried it on a 7-mile hike, where the main compartment fit three water bottles, sunscreen, and a baseball cap, with space left for smaller essentials like lip balm and hand sanitizer. The interior zip pocket provides an extra sense of security for valuables like passports or wallets, while the coated lining makes spills less stressful.

The wide, adjustable strap transitions easily from a crossbody for daytime exploring to a shoulder bag for dinners out, adding to the bag’s versatility. Even after being shoved under airplane seats on six separate flights, the canvas material held up perfectly with no scratches or stains. Add in the fact that it’s machine washable, packs flat, and comes with a 100-day return window and a five-year warranty, and the Everyday Crescent really stands out. Best of all, at under $100, it offers excellent value for a bag you’ll reach for on trips and in everyday life alike.

The Details: 13.78 x 3.15 x 7.48 inches | Cotton with TPU coating

If you’re looking for a mini backpack that still offers ample storage, the Aotian Mini Nylon Backpack is a great choice. That’s because it boasts two water bottle pouches, several exterior zippered pockets, and a roomy main compartment that can hold everyday essentials like your phone, wallet, sanitizer, chapstick, and even a book for longer outings. There’s also a discreet zippered pocket on the back—perfect for stashing small valuables like your phone or passport when traveling. T+L editor Taylor Fox praised the comfortable, padded straps, which can even be adjusted while wearing the bag, and noted how durable the nylon was after repeated use: no scuffs on the fabric, and even bottles in the outside pouches stayed secure.

Under $30, it’s an affordable choice that feels far more expensive than it is. But what makes it stand out most is its versatility—lightweight enough to pack flat into a carry-on, yet durable and spacious enough to serve as a reliable day pack on vacation.

The Details: 9.4 x 12 x 4 inches | Nylon

Taylor tested the medium-sized Koala Sling Bag on several outings in Seattle and loved its minimalist design. The single compartment opens and closes with hidden magnets sewn into the leather—a feature she found both clever and convenient. While it’s not the most secure choice for pickpocket-heavy destinations, she thought it was perfect for everyday wear, dinners out, or even the airport.

The medium size easily fits a phone, wallet, and a few extras like headphones, sanitizer, and lip balm, with room for a small water bottle or snacks. Inside, a simple divider is the only organizational feature, which Taylor felt kept the focus on the clean, all-leather construction. Though she wishes it had an interior pocket and a softer strap lining, Taylor praised its durability and distinctive magnetic design, calling it a sling bag that stands out from the rest.

The Details: 11.5 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches | Leather

Jackie Cucco, T+L’s senior testing editor, has used this convertible bag more than 30 times since first trying it in March 2025—including on a trip through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, where it became her go-to travel purse. She praised the smooth leather and especially the modular strap, which unbuckles in sections to convert into a crossbody, shoulder bag, or handbag. (It can also double as a clutch, making it four ways in total.) The versatility proved especially handy on her trip: “I wore it crossbody while sightseeing in Tokyo and Kyoto, switched to a shoulder bag in crowds when I wanted it tucked under my arm, and carried it as a handbag or clutch for dinner when I wanted to be dressier,” she said.

The organizational features have also won her over. There’s the zippered side seam pocket, which kept her phone within easy reach, four interior mesh pockets, three card slots (so she could skip a wallet altogether), and a handy key leash. Despite carrying sunglasses, sunscreen, sanitizer, a passport, makeup, a charger, and more, she still had room to spare.

The Details: 10 x 7.5 x 3 inches | Leather

Despite its high price tag, the Lindquist Savoie stands out for its unique design, supple leather construction, and versatile strap. Morgan Ashley Parker, T+L’s associate editorial director, loved that the bag stays super slim against the body yet still offers plenty of built-in organization: three divided compartments, five credit card slots, and a zip pocket to keep essentials neatly sorted. She even found it roomy enough to hold her Kindle, water bottle, or light sweater, without ever feeling bulky.

The striking egg-like shape is another highlight: not only does it look distinctive, but the curved top cut-out makes it surprisingly comfortable to tuck under the arm when worn as a shoulder bag. The strap adjusts easily from a crossbody long enough to wear over a coat to a snug shoulder bag, so it feels like getting two bags in one. Parker wishes the main compartment had a zipper instead of a snap, but she still praised the craftsmanship, distinctive shape, and clever organization that make the Savoie, in her view, worth the splurge.

The Details: 11 x 11.5 x 4 inches | Leather

Away may be best known for its luggage, but the aptly named Featherlight Crossbody Bag proves that the brand can deliver on smaller travel bags, too. Despite being incredibly lightweight, it offers plenty of room without adding bulk. T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant highlighted thoughtful details, such as a discreet side pocket for passports or cash, as well as a tiny zippered compartment in the strap for stashing an AirPods case or lip balm. She praised how easily it packs down—flat enough to slip into a suitcase—while still being stylish enough to wear as her main purse throughout trips. And while it doesn’t have a dedicated water bottle pocket, the main compartment is spacious enough to hold one (just make sure the lid is secure to prevent spills). The bag also comes in an expansive color range, including soft shades like clay pink and arctic blue, making it easy to match with any travel style.

The Details: 9.5 x 6 x 2.5 inches | Recycled nylon

A favorite among travelers, this Longchamp tote is beloved for its timeless design, functionality, and versatility. Over the past six months, Popp has carried hers everywhere, from the office during the week to the airport on shorter trips. She found it roomy enough to hold her laptop, Kindle, water bottle, a couple of travel pouches, and even a light jacket. She also loves that it folds down into an envelope-sized shape, making it easy to toss into a suitcase as a ‘just-in-case’ bag.

Popp noted that the durable nylon material has held up beautifully—even in the rain—and kept her belongings dry, while the zip top and leather snap flap add extra security. She also appreciated that it looks polished enough for work but casual enough for the beach, making it a true wear-anywhere bag. While she wishes the leather straps were a bit more padded for optimal comfort, she still calls the $165 price tag more than reasonable for such a durable, stylish, and travel-friendly tote.

The Details: 12.25 x 11.75 x 7.5 inches | Nylon, leather

While traveling through London and Paris, Cucco used the Last Mountains Bag as both her everyday purse and her personal item at the airport, and she was impressed by how much it could hold without losing its shape. Inside are two slip pockets and a large zip pocket, plus an exterior phone-sized pocket with a magnetic closure. She managed to fit her wallet, passport, makeup pouch, sunglasses, sunscreen, charger, and even one or two water bottles, with room at times for a cardigan, umbrella, or book.

Cucco noted that the thick leather and sturdy metal hardware felt high-quality and durable, showing no signs of wear and tear, even after frequent use. She also pointed out the bag’s versatility: The long tote handles fit comfortably over the forearm or shoulder, while a detachable strap converts it into a crossbody. 

The Details: 14.2 x 9.4 x 5.5 inches | Leather