The Best Day Bags for All of Your Travels

This classic cross-body is much tougher than it looks. With a stainless-steel wire mesh body, slash-proof straps, and an RFID-safe pocket that stops scanners from stealing credit card information, Pacsafe’s Citysafe cross-body handbag is like a portable lockbox specifically designed to safeguard your stuff. This bag is the one to pack for travel in uncertain areas.   

Smartphones and Smart TVs get all the attention, but bags are getting pretty smart, too. Baggallini's city-chic convertible backpack thwarts thieves with a string of clever features, like slash-proof fabric, locking zippers (get outta here, pickpockets!), and a removable RFID wristlet to protect chip-embedded credit cards and passports from illegal scanning. Toggling the bag between sling-style and backpack helps us combat bag fatigue when roaming the streets of New York City, London, or Tokyo. We're also big, big fans of LocTote's impenetrable Flak Sack ($169 at Amazon). It has super-strong cut-proof knit material (made from steel aircraft cables), RFID pockets, and a lockable strap that allows you to lock the bag up and lock the bag itself to a stationary object, like a tree or a lifeguard stand at the beach. 

This bandolier-style mini is a minimalist bag that hits all the latest Insta trends. Available in neon yellow-green, Bazooka pink, and pitch black, this baby cross-body with a cord strap is made for just the essentials: a phone, subway pass, hotel key, cards, and some cash. Tiny it may be, but this pouch will catch eyes in a daytime cafe or at a late-night rooftop scene.

Perfectly round Lucite handles elevate this ladylike purse, which converts from a cool cross-body to a proper pocketbook thanks to its removable strap. We can see this one taking you from an out-of-town conference to a museum-filled getaway.

For trips by trail, bike, or any other adventurous mode of transportation, go with this. Backpacking favorite Osprey's durable day pack is roomy, lightweight, and adjustable. An external zippered pocket provides quick access, a tablet sleeve in the main buckled compartment keeps your tech safe and secure, and outside reflectors to keep you visible in low light. Plus, it offers the "Look Ma, no hands" convenience of a shoulder bag.

Iconic travel bag brand Tumi has updated the day bag with the Voyageur—a three-in-one backpack/tote/cross-body that looks good no matter how you wear it. A foldable design and the ability attach the bag securely to wheeled luggage make this super-versatile bag an ideal travel companion.

Longchamp’s leather-trimmed Le Pliage bag is timeless—so good thing it's durable enough to endure years' worth of traveling and even regular use. The nylon tote zips fully closed, and a top flat snaps shut for extra security. Just like all styles in the Le Pliage line, this top-handle bag folds down flat for easy storage.

If your travel itinerary includes Paris Fashion Week (or if harbor an elaborate fantasy about being high-powered fashion editor), look no further than this versatile leather option from McQ by Alexander McQueen. Convertible straps allow you to wear the backpack in two different ways, or remove altogether and carry as a boxy clutch (but a bad-ass one). Exterior and interior pockets add extra organization, and long-pull zippers give your look that little bit of extra.