Backpack or crossbody bag?

I totally agree you will need and love both

I wore my backpack across my front when travelling recently.

I’m a reviewer and last year I was given a healthy backpack to review. I’ve arthritis and it helps me I use it regularly for what you looking for I would say get the small one it’s light waterproof and pack able should you wish to put into your luggage and not like any other backpack you find in a shop. I’ve attached a photo to show you.

I always use a cross body anyway as I like to have my hands free in shops, getting on ad off buses etc. As others have said easy access and safe. Kipling make them in lots of sizes. They are very light weight and washable and some of the designs are quite nice. If you have too much in them though they do become uncomfortable. The width of the cross body strap makes the difference. If its too thin then it will dig in . A wider one spreads the load more. You could always have both, of course! I like easy access to my phone purse and keys.

Thank you all for taking the time to answer and for your good wishes. We are island hopping and so bag needs to be practical as well as comfortable. I’m useless at choosing travel/holiday bags and never seem to get it right. Our last break I took a cross body bag but it was too small for ‘airport stuff’ and became really heavy. I used OH’s day backpack when we were out and about and found that I was constantly taking it off my back to get things out and then struggling to find things in it. Other women seem to cope with them so much more easily. I like the idea of a sling type of bag like the healthy back ones so will investigate if that’s going to be suitable.
MA - you are naughty

I bought a sling type chest bag from Amazon. It’s like one that you wear in you back but at the front. It has pockets and side holders for bottles. I used it when DH was in hospital and I had to carry iPad and essentials with me. As it s in front of you it’s easy to undo zips and take things out

I have one of each, which I bought as a 'bundle' from MiaTui. The crossbody bag is small, so doesn't weigh much, but it's the ideal size for carrying my purse, phone and a few other bits and bobs. I could probably fit my Kindle into it too if necessary. If I need to carry more than that for any reason, I use the backpack, which has a clip you can use to 'lock' the front pocket so no-one could access it easily, but it also has a zipped pocket at the back (so next to your back) where you could keep your purse or phone or anything you consider to be more valuable.

Hi there. I think what is right for someone is wrong for others, in my view there is only yourself who can say whichever is suitable.

Personally a cross over bag that holds the items you want it to hold would be too heavy for me and being a crossover, the weight is contained at 1 side, whereas a backpack would mean the weight was central so neither L nor R was taking all the weight....

Wherever you are going I hope you have a really lovely time...

I would use a well-designed cross-body bag, over a small back pack or any back pack.
They are difficult to get into and it takes more time.
I don't like my things behind me where I can't see them.

A well- designed cross-body bag is comfortable, well-designed so that it doesn't swing forward, like some do.

Also I have worn, and I dislike the name, a 'bum bag' for my important papers etc.. It really feels secure when travelling to have it so close to you, comfortable and as unobtrusive as you can make it with clothing.
Have a lovely trip, Nandad

I use a small backpack but have essentials (money, passports etc) in zipped trouser pockets when travelling.
I got fed up with having to take the bag off every time I wanted something, but find a backpack balances my body better than a crossover bag.

If you go for a back pack make sure the straps are padded for comfort.

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.

The large ones with a frame are best for that.

I’ve got Healthy Back Bags in various sizes, when my back is particularly sore or when I’m using a stick, I put it on crossways so that I can open it from the front.

Actually I keep meaning to order another one to replace my everyday one. I’ve had it for years and it’s not worn at all but it has faded from the sun.

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.

I have a ruck sack style handbag - since then my neck ache has cleared up. I would say backpack/rucksack is better and easier. A cross body causes neck and shoulder problems, particularly if heavy!

I went to the post office wearing my little backpack bag. When I took it off to get my purse I discovered that it was open. Fortunately I keep my purse, cards etc in the zipped up pocket in the back which was against my body.
When we went on holidaym I took my kilpling bag. It has an adjustable strap so I can wear it across my body. I felt much safer that way.

Shandy57

I have a backpack and a small Kipling crossbody bag for essentials for travelling.

Same. Majes life easier.

I use a small crossbody bag, small enough to hold passports, my phone and cards. I also take a backpack which folds up into a neat purse size. We put toiletries, travel docs and i pads in it so it's easy to open up and empty going through security. After that those things can be placed in duty free carrier bag after buying some water or a snack for the plane. The backpack is also handy for keeping water, wipes etc when out and about on holiday. Nothing valuable is ever placed inside as my SIL once had her backpack slashed on a bus in Rome. Fortunately the thief didn't get her purse. I find a cross body bag the most secure.

Some years ago my mum had the strap on her cross body bag cut whilst in a large department store. Luckily she felt it slide and grabbed it before the would be thief could snatch it, he ran away and escaped security.

I find backpacks quite comfy to carry but as I tend to be forever in and out of my bag find it a pain forever taking them on and off my shoulders. Also, it’s easy to swing round quickly and knock someone or something over in busy areas. For this reason I tend to go for cross body bags.

I suppose it depends where you are? DD1 takes a backpack with a bit of a picnic when we take DGS1 out for a walk, but in a crowded place, I’d opt for the X body bag. I don’t know OP’s circumstances but perhaps her DH could hold some of the stuff? I generally find it easier to push a wheelchair and the seated person (DD2) holds onto our travel documents, etc.

I would be very concerned to have my purse, or anything valuable or important in a back pack. it would be so easy to pick it.

Having had my purse stolen from my handbag while a standing passenger on a bus and on another occasion when my bag was being worn across my body, but the bag had got pushed back abit, I turned to find someone running down an empty platform almost alongside me, but a bit behind, trying to undo the buckle fastening on my bag. He succeeded but I became aware of him before he could steal anything, never would I wear a backpack.

I use a backpack to carry my stuff and my shoulder bag fits into it. If I’m using the backpack for bits of shopping I use the shoulder bag across my body. Best of both world.

Constantly having to get tickets, passports, boarding passes etc out of a backpack is a nuisance so I'd use a cross-body bag with different compartments.

If you'd prefer a backpack then a slim waist pouch for money, passports, tickets is useful.

You can't take water or liquids through security with you anyway.
I always resolve not to take too much in hand luggage, even on long haul, but often do!

Some backpacks are convertible to a cross body bag. The problem with backpacks is that you have to take it off to be able to sit down, use the loo etc but a cross body bag can easily be moved across the front of the body and hey presto, you can sit. However, I have no idea on cost and when I wanted one I made my own.

Security is also another consideration although some backpacks do have certain fasteners to prevent unwanted access.

Maybe one of the luggage stores at the outlets would allow you to experiment with a few alternatives??

There are back packs available which are secure and cannot be tampered with. The opening bit goes against the body, rather than exposed to the air. If security is an issue, get one of those. But a small cross body bag is useful for tissues, passports etc. I have one I bought in Norway, beautifully soft leather and quite small. I use it whenever I go on a plane alongside my carry on luggage.