Please sign in to post.

Crossbody bag that carries waterbottle

I am looking for a lightweight everyday use traveling crossbody bag that will accommodate a water bottle. For those of you who use a very small bag, what do you do with your water bottle?

Posted by
16024 posts

I carry water bottle, map and guidebook, sunglasses, and snacks ina small tote bag (with zip top) worn over my shoulder and under my arm.

Mine is similar to this but !2 x !5 instead of 13 x 13. I remove the longe3r shoulder strap.

https://www.kipling-usa.com/new-shopper-small-printed-handbag/TM5699.html?dwvar_TM5699_color=914#uuid=626c96ab201cde6b42d1731f33

Actually I like this one so much I bought it, for 30% off! It will be nice for a backup or when Inwant to take a smaller one.

Posted by
166 posts

I use the Pacsafe Vibe 325 cross-shoulder bag, I like that it is just the right size to carry all the items that I need, it has a low profile and I like the pacsafe safety features.

Posted by
4138 posts

Actually, I don't ever carry a water bottle. Blasphemy, I know. When traveling on my own, I stop somewhere, have something to drink and maybe eat, and watch the world go by.

Having said that, I will be taking this very packable and lightweight (2.4 oz) Sea to Summit backpack with me on the next trip. I can use it for my trekking pole, rain jacket, food, and yes, maybe a bottle of water. If you go to the link, be sure to click on the picture of the stuff sack. It's smaller than my fist, small enough in its little stuff sack, that it will fit in my little purse similar to this Baggallini Quilted Pocket Crossbody, but smaller. I never needed it on my trip to Scandinavia last June.

Posted by
13800 posts

If you've got a TJMaxx or Marshall's near you I'd go spend some quality time in their purse section with a sample water bottle. They have lots of Baggalini and Travelon purses as well as other brands which are fabric and lightweight.

I don't carry a water bottle either. If I'm on a RS tour I do have a day pack that I leave on the bus with a water bottle but I don't carry one when I'm out and around.

My travel purse is a LeSportsac Deluxe Everyday purse. It doesn't have a water bottle pocket but you can fit a bottle standing upright in to one of the pockets. I have on occasion seen some of these at TJ Maxx as well.

https://www.lesportsac.com/products/7507-e315

Posted by
2337 posts

I have this Baggallini bag, and think it's perfect:
https://www.amazon.com/Baggallini-Hobo-Travel-Tote-Black/dp/B00MRJ53KO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1543451578&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=baggallini%2Bhobo%2Btote&dpPl=1&dpID=41jxY8bjYoL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1
It's been redesigned without the open end pockets, so you have to check when buying. It's not small, but it's very lightweight and flexible. Holds a little or a lot, and the end pockets are good for folding umbrellas as well as water bottles.

Posted by
78 posts

I have 2 I like.
1. Patagonia lightweight travel courier. Two water bottle pockets. 15 L capacity. Two small pockets on the front, otherwise no other organizational compartments, but holds a lot. This is my daybag for travel. I organize it by using one or two Eagle Creek sacs/pouches.
2. REI tranquility shoulder bag. Also has 2 water bottle pockets. Smaller than the Patagonia, a lot more organizational compartments. No longer available at REI, but often found on eBay. This is my everyday bag at home.

Posted by
8934 posts

My messenger bag holds a water bottle, but I seldom carry one unless it is +30. I do not need to suck on a bottle of water all day long and I really don't want the weight of it. It is perfectly fine for most people (unless they have a medical condition that recommends they drink constantly) to go hours without a drink.
When thirsty, I go to a cafe and get something cold to drink. In the mornings and evenings when at home or in a hotel room, I then drink a lot of water. Much easier then schlepping it around the city.

Posted by
647 posts

A lightweight crossbody bag that holds a water bottle is a priority with me. The Bag that fits my criteria is the Piazza Daybag from eBags. It is very lightweight, has numerous zippers and flaps, and has two outside zippered compartments; one for a (skinny) water bottle, and one for an umbrella. It also has a pocket on the backside for a cellphone.
I used to travel with a PacSafe bag, but didn’t appreciate the weight nor the heavy rigid strap. The Piazza daybag comes in numerous colors, and is quite inexpensive.

Posted by
11247 posts

I like this bag from Baggallini with the zipper pocket in the outside which accommodates a 1/2 liter water bottle. Very durable and I even wash mine in the machine, inside a lingerie bag.

Posted by
5503 posts

I have given up on purchasing nice water bottles, I lose them. However, for environmental reasons, in general, I try not to buy bottled water. The tap water in Europe so far has been excellent. It tastes better than water in my own home. What I do is that when I'm given a bottle of water like on a plane or acquire a juice bottle that is of convenient size I reuse it, until I lose it. I have found I don't need to carry such large water bottles. I will typically carry a bottle that holds about 10-12 ounces and then I refill when I have the opportunity. I have a couple bottles that I was given on Icelandair and they are the perfect size and will fit into most any bag. I am considering getting a "camelback" for camping/hiking. We met a couple in Granada and we were sharing travel tips and they shared that they always use their camelbacks for sightseeing.

Posted by
88 posts

Second for the Patagonia Lightweight Travel Courier. Packs into its own pocket. Machine washable (it smelled funny at one point). Wide, lightly padded shoulder strap with length adjustment. Comes in lots of colors. Mine is very dark grey with light grey water bottle pockets and yellow zippers, but it was about half price, so I live with it.

Posted by
1194 posts

Any cross body purse around 12 x 10 x 3 inches should hold a water bottle. You may have to dig for it but it will fit.

I usually get mine from Kohl’s. Make sure it packs flat so you can store it in your carry on bag.

Another alternative is to put a carabiner clip on the water bottle and clip the bottle to the purse hardware. I don’t like this because the bottle swings around and catches on things.

I prefer a 1 liter Platypus collapsible water bottle with a carabiner hook added to it. It is plenty rugged and gets smaller as the day goes on. I do not recommend the Vapur bottles as they leak when tipped sideways.

Posted by
78 posts

Kim, yes, 15 L. On the plane, it holds tablet, phone, chargers, meds, snacks, pashmina, etc. In other words, totally stuffed. I use it as my personal item under the seat. It weighs nearly as much as my backpack that holds all my clothing.

For sightseeing, it is virtually empty - small wallet, tissues, comb, sunglasses. Leaves lots of room for shopping.

Posted by
4138 posts

Don't ever trust the size specs without doing the math yourself. Multiply the dimensions to get cubic inches or centimeters, then Google something like cubic inches to liters. That will bring up a form to fill in to get the results.

Keep in mind that the answer won't be perfect due to the odd shapes of things, but it will come pretty close. Also keep in mind that bags that seem very small may have a larger capacity than expected.

Posted by
2298 posts

I have this one from eBags https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/piazza-day-crossbody-bag--20-wrfid/340526?productid=10553385 They're having a sale currently 25% off.

I rarely use the water bottle feature though, it makes the bag lopsided (I also carry a small platypus bottle as mentioned earlier, but I keep inside the bag). The best part to me is the small phone pocket - easy to access my phone but it keeps it close to me when I carry the bag. I use a small carabiner to "lock" the top zipper to the strap to deter pick pockets.

Posted by
26829 posts

One issue I've had with purses considered for day-to-day life (it would be an even bigger deal for me when traveling) is the size of the top (zippered) opening. My purses just plain get more use when I'm traveling; I'm always digging into mine for something or other, though it helps considerably if there's an external pocket for my sunglasses. I like a purse that is wider than it is deep, and wider at the top that at the bottom.

Posted by
5503 posts

I agree on the shape acraven is describing. I like pockets on the outside for a SMALL water bottle, sunglasses and a map. I typically will be on my feet much of the day when I'm traveling, and I'm very careful what I carry in the bag. Guidebooks (if I have any on the trip) stay in the hotel room. Dirty little secret--I copy pages of guidebooks that I'm going to use (like walking tours) and toss (hopefully into recycling) each cities' material as I travel. I also want my iphone that I use just for navigation and possible emergencies to fit. It's also nice if my camera w/case (an extra battery and memory card) fit in the purse, but if I'm taking a lot of photos I'll carry it separately (cross body) I'll also carry some gum and small snacks. If I don't want to wear a hat, or don't think I'll need one, I'll often attach (with the velcro) a visor on the strap of the bag or fold it inside. Depending on the wardrobe I choose and season, I like to use a more plain, Vera Bradley cross body purse. They are light and fold up nicely. I make sure all the stuff fits with ease, if its a tighter fit, it is more difficult to use and more potential for losing items.
So here is a question for the group. I'm reading that there are bags that prevent crooks from scanning credit cards inside the bag. Is this practice common. Should we all be looking to prevent this?

Posted by
2337 posts

I agree with a wider bag being more useful than a vertical type bag. I tried one messenger bag and gave it away after one trip--too much trouble to find things.

i've also found that many pockets/zippers on a bag aren't helpful too me. I forget which pocket has what items. What works for me is a big main section, and pouches of different sizes/colors/patterns, each holding a different category of items.

Posted by
2596 posts

I use a LeSportsac Deluxe Everyday crossbody bag when traveling and it can hold a ton of stuff--including a bottle of water, umbrella, light sweater, scarf, camera, guide book and all my normal purse items. It's light-weight and sturdy--perfect.

Posted by
1194 posts

I'm reading that there are bags that prevent crooks from scanning credit cards inside the bag. Is this practice common. Should we all be looking to prevent this?

It’s more of a marketing gimmick. You don’t need RFID protection for the entire bag. In fact, the material for RFID is on the heavier side and will make the bag heavy.

If you are really worried I’d suggest sleeves for your cards and passport. Then you can store them wherever you wish. Daymakers also sells RFID lined wallets. I have the #4’wallet (currently on sale) and it performs well for years. I love the outside pocket for bus passes. The lobster clip is great for securing my wallet to a security tether on my day bag.

Posted by
26829 posts

I think RFID protection is a solution in search of a problem. I do not worry about it at all. I've not read a single article from a disinterested source that indicated a need for RFID protection.

I do not want a purse with RFID protection or something made from slash-proof material; I want something lightweight!

Posted by
1194 posts

I do not want a purse with RFID protection or something made from slash-proof material; I want something lightweight!

I so much agree with this!

Keep your big money and passport in your money belt. Keep your working wallet in a small pocket inside your purse. Use a mini carabiner clip to keep the purse locked. Wear the purse with your wallet pocket facing your body. They’ll have to slash through he whole purse to get to the wallet. Done.

Posted by
230 posts

I carry the Travelon classic anti-theft crossbody bag, which has a place on the side that will hold a slim water bottle or small umbrella. I love this bag as it will hold my guide books, tablet, etc - even an extra top if I want to change during the day while traveling. It looks unisex enought that my husband sometimes carries when i's packed full and gets heavy for me. There are smaller travelon bags but I don't know whether they have a place for a water bottle.

Posted by
81 posts

Thank you everyone for your great suggestions! I think I have finally found my combination!!

Posted by
4524 posts

" I think I have finally found my combination!!".......inquiring minds what to know....what is your combination?

Posted by
81 posts

I FINALLY decided to purchase the Piazza bag from e-bags. It only weighs slightly more than the Rick Steves Citva shoulder bag, but I thought it distributed the weight better, it had some shape and there were lots of pockets to put things in. I will start using it now, so that these pockets are 2nd nature to me by the time I go on my trip. With the other bag that I borrowed for a short trip, everything sunk to the bottom. I also chose the Sea Sack back pack , only weighing 2.5 oz. to use as a back pack for day trips. I am using a Rick Steves going through the back door backpack, so I am packing light. For the water bottle, I plan on purchasing a collapsible water bottle and will just put it in the purse. I can carry a travel umbrella in one of the side pockets with sunglasses maybe in the other side or nothing. I like to have a crossbody and the strap on this purse is long enough for that (I am 5'10") and this purse is just the right size to not feel too bulky. I don't remember or couldn't find quickly the name of the person who recommended this combination, but she wins the prize!! Now... does anyone have any suggestions for a lightweight hat. I don't do visors or baseball caps and don't really like hats, but realize I will need something. Bring them on! I do have a lightweight waterproof rain jacket. I am also looking for a lightweight 2nd layer to wear over t-shirts and the one long sleeve shirt I am bringing. I have a very comfortable sweater, but am afraid it might be too heavy and all the athlete type wear is too tight-just not comfortable. Thank you everyone!

Posted by
81 posts

I also forgot to mention that I will be wearing a money belt. It seems like the safest solution. Also, hardly any jewelry.

Posted by
4524 posts

When are you travelling? Do you really need a hat?
I will admit, the only hat I wear is a sloppy hat for birdwatching. It was from Big Pockets, but I wouldn't consider it for city wear. I also don't travel during the hottest part of summer. Tilley hats are well reputed and have a variety of sizes. Eddy Bauer sells 'packable' hats, but they seem to be made of polyester which would seem too hot.
I enjoyed this thread and found a replacement for my day to day 'bus commute to work' purse, which is also a good travel purse. I ordered the Baggalini Hobo bag as it is virtually the same design - but I didn't realize it would come Canada Post and we have a backlog of parcel deliveries (due to a recent work slowdown) into March! I don't think it will be arriving by Thursday for me to use on an upcoming trip :-(

Posted by
184 posts

Check out Wallaroo hats at wallaroohats.com. You can filter on packable. They tell you how to roll or fold your style of hat so it packs easily.

Posted by
26829 posts

I can't imagine going to Europe without a hat to protect my face from the sun. After a couple of frustrating trips dealing with windy conditions, I bought a hat with a chin cord. I find it really uncomfortable, walking down the street with one hand on top of my head to keep from losing my hat. And I did lose a hat in Greece; fortunately, it was a cheap one.

Posted by
1194 posts

I have several hats from Sunday Afternoons. Some are adventure hats and some are for urban trips. The Lotus hat works well for city and country (I used it for trekking the Andes and also the Galápagos). Their world tour hat is currently out of stock but a beautiful hat that goes anywhere.

Posted by
647 posts

It was two Oregonians who recommended Piazza Day bag from eBags! Unlike CL who didn't use the pocket for a water bottle, I used the exterior pocket for a disposable 8 oz or 12 oz water bottle. I have taken the Piazza daybed for a couple of month long trips overseas and found it suited my needs perfectly.
On our trip last year, my husband's iPhone was pickpocketed from his front velcro cargo pocket. After that, I tethered a small coin purse which held my credit card to the key loop under the front flap.

Hats: Look into the Made in Oregon hats: sundayafternoon.com. Very lightweight, can be folded and stuffed into the purse, if necessary, and also comes with a chin strap.

Posted by
305 posts

For the sweater I would suggest a Silk & Cashmere Blend Cardigan Sweater. I found 2 I use on Ebay - they are very light and very warm. And they fit nicely under a rain jacket.

Posted by
81 posts

Thanks for the website tips on the hats. I will check them out. Also a great tip on finding a sweater and I love the tip about the key chain in the Piazza bag. That key chain feature will come in very handy. I will be gone for a while, so finding these things out ahead of time really instead of discovering I made mistakes when I am into my trip.

Posted by
4524 posts

I prefer a merino wool cardigan over cashmere blend for the cooler end of the thermometer, so depends on season and local. I used the merino sweater in August for Belgium and Normandy and November in Spain.... fine on its own for 66F or as my warm layer under a light jacket at 38F. I find it has a broader temperature use.

Posted by
1194 posts

Uniqlo has a lot of merino blend sweaters. They come in different weights, which is nice. I have found the quality to be uneven.

Another place to go is Woolovers. They have a wide color selection. You can choose 100% merino or a blend. They have a British and US based website. Use the US site if you want to avoid VAT.