Backpack or crossbody bag?

www.fluentu.com/blog/travel/front-loading-travel-backpacks/ ?

I use both at the same time. Can carry up to 6 or 7kg of shopping or enough gear for a long weekend in the backpack & bits I want quick access to in the cross body bag.
I've just bought a smaller, 'going out' backpack that opens on the side against your back in the hope I might have some days out this year.

I use a backpack with the zip compartment against your back so no access to thieves.

I bought a MiaTui backpack online because of backache from a heavy shoulder bag. It’s very good - not leather but hardwearing and looks nice. You can clip the zips together to make it secure too.

I have a military chest rig bag (on a back harness) for cycling and travel. Everything's within reach and safe, yet it can be worn under a coat or open over shirt. I have a back injury, so need to centre the weight - but I would find using a backpack rather difficult.

Healthy Back Bag, but not a leather one which is very heavy to start. The one I have has turned out to not be waterproof so you may need to check that. It’s full of internal and external pockets and a clip inside for keys. I wear mine to the front and if in a crowd I cradle it to avoid any unpleasantness. I can wear it with the strap on left or right shoulder which leaves me hands free for other bags/coats/drink etc. I even have a large one for hiking as a rucksack type gives me a headache, and it’s a bagger when you want to find something! Have a good trip!

I have a selection of backpacks which I use for everything from shopping to weekend bags. I find a medium sized backpack combined with the smallest sized Kipling crossbody just big enough for cards,passport, tickets purse etc works best for me. I can carry a far heavier weight on my back than in a bag but convenient and more secure to have cards etc at the front. This is the sort of small bag I mean-
www.kipling.com/uk-en/bags-c10544/new-eldorado-admiral-blue-ki729172i00-999.html

If you have any issues with your shoulders, you may well find a back-pack hurts.

A large back-pack will need to go in the baggage hold of the plane, and to avoid damage to the straps and click-fasteners, you will need to either sew or find a suitable cloth bag or sack to put it into while in transit.

A small back-pack can go as hand luggage, but check with the airline about what size they allow as cabin luggage. Most airlines do not permit you to have any liquids in your hand-baggage these days, except medicine that you need in -flight and have a doctor's letter about, so the water bottle will need to be empty.

I have never used a cross body bag, so can't advise on them.

Never have money, your passport etc, in either hand-luggage or other luggage while travelling. Keep it in a money belt, strapped round your waist and preferably tucked into your underpants as well. That way you will assuredly notice anyone attempting to steal it. I pin my money belt with safety pins to my clothing as well for extra security.

The problem with backpacks is that they need to be worn as frontpacks these days ...please don' t wear a backpack on your back ...so many stories of things being stolen from them.

When carrying as much as you will be, I prefer a backpack. I wear it at the front when I’m in a place which I don’t consider too safe.
Like Nannashirlz I have a healthy back bag - a small green one for my phone, keys, tissue, etc. They are sold in various sizes.
Credit cards, folded notes together with a small piece of paper with details for the bank and any contacts needed whilst I’m away I clip onto my waistband in the black GO purse shown. For a sense of scale, I’ve photographed it with my phone.

My son developed costochondritis from using a cross body bag, according to his GP.

I have several Kipling cross body bags, small and medium size which are very roomy with lots of compartments plus wide comfy strap for across your shoulder, leaving you hands free

I have back and shoulder problems, and always use a back pack. The one I use is very lightweight and folds into its inside pocket when not in use. I bought mine from Amazon years ago, and it cost about £10 then. I think the brand is Zomake. It’s described as ultra lightweight.

Cross body every time !
Dislike backpacks ?

MissAdventure

A backpack does have the advantage in that you can whack unsuspecting people around with it, just by turning this way and that.
All the better if they're seated, for headshots.

This did make me smile...I used to travel by train a lot and the numbers of aisle passengers nearly knocked out by people with backpacks was astonishing!
Why not just take the bloody thing off when you board or be aware of other people ?!!

I use the old fashioned bum bag for most of my outings. I never ever use a handbag since someone tried to snatch it from me in a shopping centre. Would probably use a back pack for larger items, but only if I could fit a pad lock for safety.

This may have been said, but you can now buy a backpack that has reverse opening , so zip etc is close to body not facing outwards. Look up Anti Theft backpack on internet. Hope this helps.

Small backpack is comfortable for me but be aware that a backpack is the best thing for pickpockets who exist even in airports. For safety wear it as a front pack!

I’ve got a bag where you can convert the straps quickly and easily so it converts from a cross body to a rucksack- best of both worlds for back and security.

I use a Travelon Anti Theft crossbody bucket with RFID, and a lightweight packable backpack bag for purchases.

Have a look at sling backpacks - one shoulder, on your back, but easy to sling off or around to front. Usually lots of sections so can keep just your minimum in some areas and stuff it to the max for whole days/funny weather etc. Have a lovely time.

You can wear a backpack on your front as long as it’s not too heavy. Then you can easily get at stuff quickly and thieves can’t help themselves without your knowledge. For small things I prefer a cross body bag or even a bumbag if you only need your phone, wallet etc.

I always use a crossbody bag and, depending on the climate, wear it under my jacket or under a loose open top so it’s not easily visible and to deter thieves from either cutting the strap or opening it when I’m distracted.

I always use a cross body bag as I can keep an eye on it.

A cross body bag is more convenient to get into but a backpack distributes weight better, the type shown on the healthy bag company page seems to do the best of both. As long as you can fit all you want into it that would seem to be the best bet.