Pretty phone pouches, elegant belt slings…these hands-free, light-weight, fully chic totes carry just enough.
When you’re out exploring, and especially when it’s summary hot, the last thing you want is a bulky bag to haul around. The traveler’s savior is a small and supremely functional mini bag that also looks super stylish. Think sleek phone pouch with a pocket for keys and a credit card, a belt bag (erase your image of the fanny packs of yore), an attractive crossbody designed to hold a water bottle. These are low-lift, almost weightless accessories that will make your get-away so much smoother. We’ve rounded up a smart mix of options that look good, wear well, and carry only what you need.
The Rae Phone Crossbody from Pixie Mood is for those times when you want to carry the essentials and nothing else. It’s slim, with enough space for your phone, cards, and a few extras, plus a zip pocket in back to keep things secure. The vegan leather (made from recycled plastic bottles) has a soft, neutral look that works with just about any outfit. What’s really cool is the built-in RFID blocking tech that keeps your cards protected from unauthorized scanning.
The Hudson Crossbody Pouch from Aspinal of London is an outfit-maker. The drawstring design has a relaxed feel—more slouchy than structured, with, you might even say, a slightly vintage-y vibe—but the pebble leather and subtle details keep it elegant. It’s ideal when you want your bag to upgrade a casual outfit. And, it holds just enough: phone, keys, sunglasses, maybe some travel-size sunblock. What’s nice, and comfy, is the soft leather is kind to your body as you move.
Staying hydrated is a priority when you travel, and the WanderFull HydroBag conveniently holds your reusable water bottle (or, perhaps totes a nice rose to an outdoor picnic), with extra zippered pockets for your phone, passport, and small essentials. The design is compact, lightweight, water-resistant, and very functional, with a comfy vegan leather strap that makes it easy to wear all day.
Katerina NYC’s Smooth Leather Sling Bag is gorgeous, and utilitarian. Handmade in Brooklyn from soft Italian leather, the beautiful colors (the emerald is a knockout) and clean, minimal design make it the kind of cool piece you can rely on to complete any outfit. But it does not lack in function: An internal zip pocket is perfect for safekeeping, and an adjustable strap works around your waist or as a crossbody. Keep your hands free while looking sharp and not like you’re heading to a hike.
The Cactus Hobo Fanny Bag, made in small batches in NYC by the women-owned team at Allégorie, is roomy, modern, and surprisingly chic for something made out of actual cactus, a soft yet durable material. This is a bag you grab when you’ve got a full day ahead and need to carry more than just the bare essentials. With two adjustable, interchangeable straps, you can wear it crossbody, over your shoulder, or even as a mini backpack.
The Béis Weekender is sure to be your new favorite carry-on travel bag—thoughtfully designed to simplify packing with a wide, easy-access opening and a separate bottom compartment for shoes, toiletries, or even a hair dryer. A back zipper pocket converts into a trolley sleeve to slip over your luggage handle, making it perfect for road trips and overhead bins.