@dietz199- agree a vest can be helpful. I like them on the plane so that if space is tight, I have my flight needs in pockets, rather than needing to get essentials out from under the seat. I also have a few infinity scarves with smallish zip pockets that I sometimes use to hold credit cards, ID and a bit of cash. Very inconspicuous and if flying alone, you are not leaving valuables accessible if get up or carrying a bag.Handy while sightseeing.
I have a reinforced travel bag that was a gift. I am aware of my bag’s security in most places, traveling or not. I do not carry bags with straps that are hard to cut day to day. Apart from areas known for frequent pickpocketing, I am comfortable with a regular bag. I am more apt to keep credit cards inaccessible and not in my bag when traveling. I figure if anyone wants a map, comb, aspirin and a water bottle, I won’t be fighting them for it. And if someone is attempting to cut my bag with a knife, I have to be willing to let it be theirs.
I have a Scott’s vest which is great but when you put a lot in it (basically your purse) it gets heavy. Which is okay as long as you are walking around with it. That’s great! You are totally hands free. But you can’t shed the weight without shedding the vest when you want to sit down and relax. And if it gets warm I can’t really shed it easily because of the added weight.
Very timely thread as I’m looking for a good cross body bag for travel. It needs to be big enough to hold my sunglasses in their case and wristlet wallet and other sundry things including my cell phone. Haven’t found one yet so still looking.
I got a nylon (polyester) cross body bag for travel this past summer. The wider strap made it easier on my shoulder, was big enough to stuff a book or jacket in, had nice pockets and was light. Not as waterproof as it should have been so I sprayed it with silicone once we returned. Suvelle brand. Around $25. So many on the Amazon site, but I am leery of many off brands, especially with Chinese names. One key is the organization- I was able to easily access some stuff while keeping other stuff in different areas.
I don’t use it at home because I prefer a smaller purse. I can’t stand a purse without a shoulder strap- having to use a hand at all times- yuck.
I also like a purse that can go over one shoulder or criss body, depending on my preference. Definitely like being able to put a jacket or wrap plus small purchases in it easily. Nylon or light weight and good org system with wide strap is best.
I bought a Baggallini bag just before coming to Hong Kong and love it. It can be over one shoulder or cross body and has pockets and zip in rfid wristlet that you can attach to the inside of the purse. It works perfectly for me. Mine is quite small - just big enough for a small sketchbook or my Kindle Paperwhite in the main compartment.
I like the idea of the vest, but it’s much too hot and humid here in Hong Kong (even in November!) to consider one.
@dietz199, I really like the vest you linked at Amazon. Can you tell me how they’re sized? They only have xs and s in stock and I can’t seem to find any other place online that has them. Would have preferred a M but a S may work.
Reviews I read suggest bigger size is better for there to be space to stash “stuff,” otherwise not enough room. There are some positive and some negative reviews, including reports of pilling.
Actually, I find my regular vests that have zippered pockets work fine. I have several in different colors. I like them on the plane so I can zip items in and not worry about leaving them on plane accidentally.
When I have an item—purse or jacket with multiple pockets (too many) I can get items “lost” among the pockets and make retrieval when I want challenging. Having fewer pockets that are more multifunction can be more useful for me.
When you’re out for the day sightseeing, how much stuff do you really need anyway? For me, an ID, credit card, some cash, maybe a comb or small brush. I can slip all that into a secure pocket. I prefer to travel light.
Responding just to my inquiry…the vest that Dietz199 linked would be great for my plane travel. Not sure how often I’d wear it when out and about. We travel quite a bit and I have my routine down pat. Total first world problem but I do find i bend down to get things out of my carry on bag underneath the seat in front of me more often than I’d like. That vest with lots of pockets (more than the vest I currently have with 2 pockets) was pretty intriguing, especially because it was just $30.
Back to the OP. I have gone through several crossbody purses for travel and now have a longchamp nylon one that’s big enough to carry what I need each day. I agree with others that having my hands free is ideal. This particular bag has a single wide strap that is pretty good about not slipping down when I choose to wear it over one shoulder while wearing a big jacket. And, like others, sometimes I wear it under my jacket.
And, veering a bit off topic, I use a wallet like this when traveling to lighten my load:
@doschicos, I wish I could travel as light as you. Eye issues…I have sunglasses, near glasses and distance glasses. Depending on the day, I don’t always have to have all 3 but even two pair of glasses adds bulk
@collage1 I wear glasses constantly with progressive lenses so no need to carry those as I’ll be wearing them. If it’s sunny, I can bring my prescription sunglasses. Those can fit a pocket as well. If you haven’t yet, give progressive lenses a try.
Regarding air travel and needing to get stuff from under the seat…I pack everything I need (that’s not in the travel vest) into a packing cube. It contains an extra jacket/scarf, any meds or vitamins I’d like at the ready, the noise cancelling headsets, a book, cover socks etc. When I board the plane I pull the whole cube out of the carryon case and stick in under the seat. It’s easy to grab if I need anything and easy to stuff stuff back in when it’s time to deplane.
The travel cube sounds good. I use a small drawstring sports bag, just to keep things together. We put larger backpack in overhead bin after pulling our drawstring bag that has things needed for in plane use. Things are in that or zipped in pockets do nothing is left on plane.
Other than those traveling to high crime areas, why so much concern about theft while traveling? I don’t give much more attention than I normally do at home - I’m always aware of my surroundings and generally cautious. The thought of having my handbag strap cut off my shoulder is just as relevant in NYC as it is in Paris as it is in Boston - a pretty rare event in all places. The whole idea of battening down the hatches on vacation seems pretty strange to me.
I prefer to travel light, but like to have a sketchbook with me, and I don’t like reading on my phone. I usually have quite a small bag that I put into a bigger bag that has my architectural stuff (tape measures, laser measure, architectural scale, graph paper pad and a few other things.)
Ditto, @Gourmetmom. I travel with my trusted Chanel WoC. When in doubt, I hold it under my arm, the chain strap still across my body. It has a snap closure, but if anyone tries to get my cards out of it - good luck. The slots are so tight even I have a hard time digging the cards out. It is small, so no temptations to stuff it with crap. Sunglasses don’t fit in? That’s what the neckline of my clothes or that top buttonhole are for.
If it’s sunny, I can bring my prescription sunglasses. Those can fit a pocket as well. If you haven’t yet, give progressive lenses a try.