A few months (or even weeks) into backpacking, you quickly realise which bits of travel gear you actually need all the time and which were a total waste of your time and money. Scarf with secret passport pocket, I’m looking at you.

And though I was certainly not at peak fashion levels during my backpacking adventures, Travelon’s Anti-Theft Crossbody Handbag was one of the few items in my backpacking kit that was not only incredibly functional, it also made me feel like I still had some semblance of style. So much so that it’s the only travel handbag I’ve reached for every trip I’ve taken since. So after a year of use, its attained travel it-bag status, making it worthy of my first-ever travel product review. It’s simply one of the best travel handbags around. Read on to discover why the Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag should be your go-to travel bag too, for your next backpacking adventure or even your next city break.

On principle, I purchased my Travelon Crossbody bag for travel because I needed something - anything - that was anti-theft and safe, particularly for solo trips. Sure, any beach bag would do, but when walking alone through the streets of São Paulo or Medellin, I wanted the best anti-theft bag - one I could trust to protect my essentials - i.e. my passport, my wallet and my phone. And being the self-proclaimed medium maintenance woman that I am, I also wanted something chic enough for an impromptu “fancy” dinner (by which I mean one costing more than £5 and using real cutlery) or drinks night out.

Enter the Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Handbag.

So let’s talk the fun bit - fashion - first. Travelon’s Crossbody is made of a thick and rugged canvas which you can choose in a range of colours. I opted for Indigo (because I love a denim look) but they do a great Wine colour for you rose-gold lovers and a trés cool Pewter tone too. The straps are adjustable so you can either wear it as a crossbody or over one shoulder, depending on the look you’re after and how much security you want. And thanks to its simplicity, it works overtop any travel look - from the classic ‘vest top + jean shorts’ you live in on the beach through to the Patagonia jacket that gets you through a wintery walk.

READ MORE: My 12 Backpacking Must-Haves (Or Basically the Most Used Items in My Travel Kit)

But ultimately it’s the bag’s functionality that makes it such a worthwhile travel investment. Quite simply, I think this is the best anti-theft bag around. Travelon’s Crossbody provides all the safety and convenience you’d want in a travel handbag. The canvas itself is slash-proof so there’s no chance of cutting it open. And it’s designed with RFID blocking so your card data won’t get skimmed. Though - to be fair - the likelihood of that happening is probably slim to none. The zips are also designed with locks and the clips come tethered. Plus, there’s a handy (and secure) front compartment for easy access, where I throw in things I need constantly - like my phone for a quick travel photo.

Inside, this brilliant slash proof bag has multiple compartments and pockets, making it easy for you to organise your things but also providing a hiding place to tuck away more valuable items like your passport. And probably the cutest touch is a small light clipped inside. Surprisingly, I’ve used this on more than one occasion - to either dig through the contents of my bag in the dark, or as a torch / flashlight when my phone battery was on its last leg. It’s probably obsolete in everyday life but comes in (very) handy when you’re on the road.

So my fellow flashbackers, if you want a travel handbag that’s practical but still feels stylish and sleek, then look no further that Travelon’s Anti-Theft Crossbody. I promise you’ll be travel besties in no time at all.

shop travelon’s crossbody bag collection

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