7 essential travel bags for every kind of voyager
Including a pickpocket-proof cross-body bag and a smart backpack with USB charging


Packing the right bag for a trip is almost as important as remembering to bring your passport. Which bag to bring depends on where you are going and what is on the agenda. A simple sling might do perfectly for a weekend getaway, while a two-week beach vacation calls for an enormous tote. Want to be prepared for all possible trips? Here are seven bags — from a smart backpack to a stadium-ready clear fanny pack — to add to your luggage arsenal.
When you make a purchase using links on our site, The Week may earn a commission. All reviews are written independently by our editorial team.
Madewell Zip-Top Essential Tote
A zip-top ensures all of your personal items stay where they need to be
When you are on the go, you want a tote that carries a lot without being overwhelming. The leather Essential Tote hits that sweet spot, with plenty of room for basics like a phone, laptop and water bottle and small items you pick up along the way. The bag is structured but not stiff and has a zip-top, so your things will stay put.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
$160, Amazon
Stoney Clover Lane Clear Fanny Pack
A clear bag is a must-bring on any trip involving a stadium
Stadiums and concert venues often require a clear bag for entrance, and no one craves being turned away at the gate. The Stoney Clover Lane clear fanny pack requires minimal space in your suitcase and will free up your hands so you can carry the important accessories at the venue, like a giant pretzel and $50 beer. The fanny pack can be worn around the waist or as a cross-body bag, fits a phone, wallet, keys and sunglasses. Stoney Clover Lane's customizable patches are eager to help you make this fanny pack your own.
$108, Stoney Clover Lane
Nordace Siena Backpack
This smart backpack has a USB charging port
This is one smart bag. The Nordace Siena has a USB charging port, a fleece-lined pocket for glasses, padded sleeve for laptops and tablets and an outer pocket that can hold a water bottle or umbrella. The Siena is spacious without being bulky and has cushioned shoulder straps. There is also a hidden back pocket to tuck away valuables (take that, would-be thieves!). The bag comes in a variety of colors, including a dusty baby pink and light aqua.
$109.99, Amazon
Away Everywhere Bag
The full wraparound zip opening sets this bag apart
The aptly named Everywhere Bag works in all situations. Bring it on a plane as your personal item (it fits under the seat), and then use it as a daily bag at your destination. The highlight of this water-resistant bag is its full wraparound zip opening, which makes it easy to grab items and see what's what. If organization is your love language, there are multiple interior pockets where you can store your phone, water bottle, tech products and keys.
$195, Away
Tumi Tyler Crossbody
This chic cross-body bag transitions easily from day to night
The Tumi Tyler Crossbody is stylish and secure. This nylon bag has several organizational features, including media and card pockets and a pen loop, and its sleek shape works day or night. Each bag also has a unique 20-digit number as part of the Tumi Tracer program. If a registered product is found after being lost or stolen, Tumi works to get it back into the right hands.
$295, Tumi
Nomatic Navigator Sling
This comfortable sling can hold more than you would think
You might be surprised by how much you can do with this streamlined sling bag. It has room for a phone, wallet, tablet and other necessities, plus several pockets for tech accessories, slots to hold passports and cards, a cord pass-through and a hidden exterior water bottle holder. For an added level of security, the bag's zippers are tamper-proof.
$129.99, Amazon
Travelon Classic Cross-body Bag
This Travelon cross-body bag has a five-point anti-theft system
Pickpockets, beware. The Travelon Classic Cross-body Bag was designed with security in mind and has five anti-theft features, including a slash-resistant body and straps, RFID blocking organizer and a main compartment that locks. There are more than a dozen colors and patterns to choose from, with all of the fabrics water-resistant.
Starting at $42.99, Amazon
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
The countries around the world without jury trials
The Explainer Legal systems in much of continental Europe and Asia do not rely on randomly selected members of the public
-
How did the Wagner Group recruit young British men for arson attack?
Today's Big Question Russian operatives have been using encrypted messaging apps to groom saboteurs across Europe
-
The best graphic novels
The Week Recommends These inventive illustrated books will transport you to another world
-
Snow what? 6 charming ski towns to visit during peak summer.
The Week Recommends No powder, no problem
-
An American girl takes on London, 'Bosch' gets another spinoff and Washington Black leaps from page to screen in July TV
the week recommends This month's new television releases include 'Too Much,' 'Ballard' and 'Washington Black'
-
5 dreamy books to dive into this July
The Week Recommends A 'politically charged' collection of essays, historical fiction goes sci-fi and more
-
Rustle up some fun at these Western hotels and dude ranches
The Week Recommends Six properties that are ready to rope you in
-
The best film reboots of all time
The Week Recommends Creativity and imagination are often required to breathe fresh life into old material
-
Feel the groove with these music-centric getaways across the globe
Let the rhythm move you
-
5 high-concept animated science fiction shows for grown-ups
The Week Recommends How filmmakers are using a different medium to bring visionary science fiction to life
-
See the bright lights from these 7 big-city hotels
The Week Recommends Immerse yourself in culture, history and nightlife