Is it better to travel with a backpack or crossbody bag?

Seriously, this is a no-brainer issue. Backpacks are better for your back health if you're a commuter, said Senior Editor Bridget Carey. If you're going between the parking lot and your desk, a shoulder bag is fine. But for anyone commuting a distance, a backpack is better.



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If the only distance that you need to walk is between your desk and the parking, then a shoulder bag would not be a problem. But if you have to walk a considerable distance, backpacks are clearly a better option. Some individuals think both types of bags have their own use.

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Security experts say that crossbody handbags are a good bet since you can easily keep an eye on your belongings. With these bags, your items are safely secured to the front of you or your side via bag straps that go all the way around your body.

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They're supremely useful, with room for essentials like your passport, credit cards, cell phone, and AirPods, and yet still lightweight enough to carry around all day. Plus, with a crossbody bag, your hands are free—which means you can easily snap a photo or look up directions while you're on the go.

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Depending on the heaviness of your shoulder bag, carrying it predominantly on one shoulder can also cause the opposite side of your spine to spasm, causing tightness and pain in your lower back and sacrum. If you want to avoid any of these results, using a backpack instead of a shoulder bag can be the answer.

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Keep your head high while lifting and carrying. Switch a purse or bag position frequently to avoid fatigue. For crossbody bags, switch shoulders often. Square your shoulders and avoid lifting shoulders to keep straps from slipping.

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Backpacks Are Better for On-Foot Navigation As mentioned, airports can be cramped even when they're not overflowing with bodies. And these days, they're extremely crowded more often than not — 2022 was the biggest travel year since before the pandemic, in fact.

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While crossbodies are purses that are hard to pickpocket, make sure to keep them in front of you at all times when you're out and about. That way, you'll be able to see your valuables, no matter where you are!

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In the case of being able to bring a personal item and a carry-on, you should opt for something smaller like a briefcase, crossbody, or small duffle bag for under the seat, and reserve a weekender or a rolling suitcase for the overhead bins.

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Backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags are typically considered personal items too. The key to remember is it must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you. A carry-on is a type of hand luggage that you bring into the plane cabin with you and is larger than a personal item.

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Anti-theft travel belt bags and sling bags
  • Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Sling Pack. Amazon. ...
  • Lewis N. Clark Money Belt. ...
  • Monos Metro Sling. Monos. ...
  • Pacsafe Vibe 100 Anti-Theft Hip Pack. Amazon. ...
  • FlexSafe by AquaVault Anti-Theft Travel Safe. Amazon. ...
  • Peak Design Everyday Tote. Peak Design. ...
  • Baggallini Modern Pocket Crossbody. ...
  • Editor Favorite.


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Wearing a bag crossbody style with the bag hanging in front of you and not resting on your hip or behind makes it very difficult for a thief, no matter how skilled, to pickpocket you.

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How can I protect myself from pickpockets? Hotel safes are a good place to store passports and other valuables during a trip abroad. Tourists should limit the number of items they carry while out shopping, walking or sightseeing. If carrying a bag is necessary, use one that zips shut or closes securely.

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Because your travel purse will be stored on the floor of the plane under the seat in front of you, avoid material that gets dirty easily and is difficult to clean. Leather and nylon are travel-friendly materials.

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Because softshell luggage has more give, a hard shell suitcase can be better at protecting fragile contents, assuming you cushion it well inside. On the other hand, that rigid exterior makes hardshell bags unable to be compressed to squeeze into tight spaces like softsided bags are more apt to allow.

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For international flights, you'll want to make sure your carry-on is no larger 21.7 inches, which is why we selected the correctly sized and versatile Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Carry-On Spinner as our best overall pick.

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In general, spaces are a lot smaller, the infrastructure isn't very suitcase friendly and if you're backpacking, you'll probably be flying with a lot of low-cost airlines or taking the train or a bus. All this is what makes travel backpacks the ideal packing method for a European vacation.

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Backpacks distribute the weight that you are carrying evenly across your back instead of focusing it on one side, maintaining your body's natural gait and maintaining a balanced muscle tone. While backpacks are generally better, they too can cause problems.

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Bring a backpack only means you can't pack as much stuff, and there's something so freeing about not really worrying about what you're going to wear, and not having to pack/repack every location you travel to! Like for real, you've got to try it!

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