Since I purchased my Antler carryon luggage, I am on their mailing list. Saw these new crossbody and messenger bags they are offering. The crossbody looks interesting in that it is a little dressier maybe (?) than the Tom Bihn Sidekick and Side Hustle. Anyway, thought I would pass it on in case anyone is looking. I like the sand color personally.
https://www.antler.com/products/icon-mini-crossbody-bag-sand
I purchased my Antler carry on last year and love it. Now you have me seriously considering this bag - really stylish. Your posts are becoming dangerous LOL!!
It is a nice bag and I like the look of it. The only thing that I'm not crazy about is that it's fuller than most crossbody bags. I like that type of bag to lay flat against my body, and I think the seamed bottom that makes it stick out would probably drive me crazy.
They do have some very nice-looking bags, though. I like the 2-in-1 tote backpack.
I am sorry but I am too distracted by the absolutely adorable Antler leather AirPods holder mini suitcase that showed up on the bottom of the page for me (“pairs well with” suggestion) when I clicked on your Antler link !! Those are so cute — makes me wish I had some AirPods !!! (Just the orange, green, and cedar red colors. The other ones are boring)
As far as the bag itself, I agree with Mardee. I like the part against my body to be flat. I really like a lot of Antler’s stuff though.
Kim, The little mini AirPods case is really cute, isn’t it? So unique!
mardee’s point about the width is definitely something to consider. Just to compare, I measured my Tom Bihn Side Kick and it’s about 2.5 inches across the bottom. This shape seems more like hand tote than a definite cross body bag. I have seen younger women my daughter’s age using that hand tote bag style lately.
If you'll forgive someone crashing the Tom Bihn club, I'd like to offer some love for Hedgren. My everyday bag (I prefer a backpack) is a Cosmos in navy, and my actual handbag of choice is a Milky Way in dark green from a few years ago. Incredibly tough, both of them - I've never had a Hedgren bag wear out on me in 20-odd years of owning them. Which makes replacements a seriously guilty endeavour!
If travelling with both, I put the Milky Way in the Cosmos till I'm at my seat. What I particularly like is that the back pocket of the Milky Way fits my Kindle, and the main compartment will [just] fit my noise cancelling headphones out of their case.
Admittedly, neither bag is incredibly compact, but the Cosmos is narrow enough to pass muster on Lufthansa and co when the side pockets are clipped shut. (It's only 12cm deep.)
I am addicted to Hedgren bags and have SO many. Bigger and medium and small crossbodies to one (smallish) backpack. I loooooove them. I bought my first one in Belgium in 2004 !!
(But I always buy in person at baggage stores here in Paris so I have zero idea of the names of anything that I carry !)
Kim, same with me (I always buy in person). I had to scroll the website for a while to work out which ones I own!
So many bags, so little time lol!
Oh dear, I am now becoming familiar with a new bag manufacturer! Those Hedgren bags look very nice. I have been thinking about having a smaller backpack style for various occasions. I love the Roka Canfield I have, but the medium size is maybe a bit large for some outings. Thanks for giving me another reason to shop! I heard Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” for the first time yesterday, so… :)
As the bag is quite small and the shoulder strap is non-removable I'm puzzled as to the practical usefulness of those robust handles apart from giving snatchers an additional option to grab onto.
That is very cute - however I need external pockets! I don't want to open the whole bag when I just need a tissue or something small. This little bag spent eight days in Paris with me and we had a great time (I chose the Olive color and the mini size) https://zede-paris.com/en/products/pont-des-arts-mini?variant=46682893975876. The front external pocket held my tissues, lip balm, a few hand wipes. The back external magnetic snap pocket held map (yes, I like a Streetwise map!) and any notes for the day. Inside has a zip pocket for wallet and passport, two slip pockets (glasses for me) and general open section. I went back and forth from cross body to holding in my hand/elbow. It might be a touch heavy depending on what you carry but I had no complaints. It held plenty. No regrets.
On external pockets are a MUST, I agree. And I realized a couple of years ago that additionally, I must have a back slip pocket. I have sewed cloth ones on to the back of two of my Hedgren bags that don't have them!
That Zede bag is nice. Of course it looks nicer with the canvas than the nylon. But then again is accordingly heavier. Always tradeoffs!
