Best Travel Crossbody BagsUnder $100
Updated
Brands can't pay to be here. Picks come from specs, ratings and buyer reviews. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Short answer
This page is for travelers who want a hands-free bag for a full day out without spending much. My pick is the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody. It holds a water bottle, has locking zippers and slash-resistant panels, and it's the cheapest of the 3 on Amazon.
The three
Travelon
Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody Bag
- 12.5 x 12 x 4 in, with a side pocket that fits a water bottle
- Locking zippers, cut-resistant body and strap
- 2-year limited warranty
- 1.25 lb empty, the heaviest here
- Size
- 12.5 x 12 x 4 in
- Weight
- 1.25 lb
- Anti-theft
- Locking zippers, slash-resistant body and strap, RFID
- Price
- $$$
Pacsafe
Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Square Crossbody
- Locking clasp, slashguard mesh and strap, RFID-blocking pocket
- 0.55 lb and 8.3 x 6.1 x 2.6 in
- Recycled ECONYL nylon, water resistant
- Too small for sunglasses or extras, say some reviewers
- Size
- 8.3 x 6.1 x 2.6 in, 2.4 L
- Weight
- 0.55 lb
- Anti-theft
- Locking clasp, slashguard mesh and strap, RFID, lock-to-chair strap
- Price
- $$$
Bellroy
Lite Sling Mini
- 6.53 oz, the lightest bag here
- Recycled polyester and nylon with YKK zippers
- Looks like an everyday bag, not travel gear
- No locking zippers or slash protection
- Size
- 7.9 x 6.7 x 2.75 in, 4 L
- Weight
- 6.53 oz
- Anti-theft
- None
- Price
- $$$
Ratings from the source shown, checked October 26, 2026. Price tiers compare the three; Amazon shows today's price.
Side by side
Swipe to compare →
| Best overallAnti-Theft Classic Crossbody Bag | Best for crowded citiesCitysafe CX Anti-Theft Square Crossbody | Best everyday styleLite Sling Mini | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | All-day sightseeing with a water bottle and a guidebook | Pickpocket-heavy spots where you carry only the essentials | A sling that works at home and on the road |
| Size | 12.5 x 12 x 4 in | 8.3 x 6.1 x 2.6 in, 2.4 L | 7.9 x 6.7 x 2.75 in, 4 L |
| Weight | 1.25 lb | 0.55 lb | 6.53 oz |
| Anti-theft | Locking zippers, slash-resistant body and strap, RFID | Locking clasp, slashguard mesh and strap, RFID, lock-to-chair strap | None |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | Not listed on the product page | Not listed on the product page |
| Common complaint | Heavy and large | Too small; fiddly strap | Thin strap padding; small items get lost |
| Price | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ |
The fine print
Watch out for
The most common catch with each, from reviews and specs.
- Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody Bag1.25 lb empty, the heaviest here
- Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Square CrossbodyToo small for sunglasses or extras, say some reviewers
- Lite Sling MiniNo locking zippers or slash protection
Skip it if
Who each one is wrong for
Saves you a return.
- Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody BagYou only carry a phone, card and passport. A smaller bag is lighter.
- Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Square CrossbodyYou need room for a water bottle or a light jacket.
- Lite Sling MiniTheft protection is your top concern.
The details
-
What separates them
Size is the real choice. The Travelon carries a full day's kit, including a bottle. The Pacsafe holds a passport, phone and wallet and not much more. The Bellroy falls in between.
The Pacsafe has the most security parts. Its strap can loop around a café chair, which helps at outdoor tables. The Bellroy has none, which is why it's the lightest-looking bag here.
-
What buyers complain about
Pacsafe reviewers most often say it is too small and the strap is hard to adjust. Pack Hacker found the Bellroy's strap thinly padded and said small items sink in the main pocket. The Travelon's trade-off is bulk: it's 12.5 in tall and weighs 1.25 lb empty.
-
Who should skip all three
If you carry a laptop, look at a sling backpack or a tote instead. None of these fit one.
So which is yours?
Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody Bag
Pick it if you want: all-day sightseeing with a water bottle and a guidebook.
Skip it if you only carry a phone, card and passport. A smaller bag is lighter.
Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Square Crossbody
Pick it if you want: pickpocket-heavy spots where you carry only the essentials.
Skip it if you need room for a water bottle or a light jacket.
Lite Sling Mini
Pick it if you want: a sling that works at home and on the road.
Skip it if theft protection is your top concern.
My pick
Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody Bag
The roomiest bag here, with locking zippers, slash-resistant panels and strap, and 7 RFID-blocking pockets.
Also considered
Good options that didn't make the top three.
How I compared
- Took size, weight and anti-theft features from Pacsafe, Kohl's and Pack Hacker on 2026-10-26.
- Used Amazon prices on 2026-10-26.
- Read the visible low-star Pacsafe reviews and Pack Hacker's Bellroy review for repeated complaints.
- Used ratings from Kohl's and Pacsafe, both within 0.4 stars of each bag's Amazon average.
Sources: Kohl's: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody Bag · Pacsafe CX Anti-Theft Square Crossbody · Zappos: Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Activity Crossbody reviews · Luggage Pros: Baggallini Anti-Theft Activity Crossbody · Pack Hacker: Bellroy Lite Sling Mini review
Questions
Do anti-theft bags actually stop pickpockets?
They make it slower and harder. Locking zippers and cut-resistant straps stop a quick grab, but you still need to keep the bag in front of you.
Will a passport fit?
Yes, in all 3. The Pacsafe is the tightest fit once you add a phone and wallet.
Which one makes the best gift?
The Bellroy, if they'll use it at home too. The Travelon, if they take long sightseeing trips.