This one bag has been through two decades of travel and protests with me

Tl;dr: My favorite travel and protest bag is no longer available but below I share the 5 bags I would consider if I didn't already have the bag I have. Did a lot of research, think I found a good balance of practical and cool.

Do you remember when Target wasn’t trendy (and wasn't a disappointment)? It was where you got not terribly chic yet functional and versatile things. Great v-necks and tanks, and plain-ass bags that got the job done and then some. Back then, I was looking for a travel bag for an upcoming trip. Something that didn’t look too touristy but would be super functional. At Target, I found a nylon canvas purse that fit the bill. It’s 10” wide, a bit over 8” tall, and 2” deep. It has a handle on top, and a sturdy webbing strap with heavy-duty plastic hardware for the loops and sliding buckle.

I don’t think I spent more than $40 on this bag (this was also back when we would not think $40 for a Target bag was expensive) but it has paid for itself many times over. This bag has traveled to major cities on multiple continents, both coasts of the U.S. by both car and plane, several protests and marches, and even enjoyed one music festival.

Every time I wear this bag, folks ask me where I got it. Sorry, folks. Not only is this bag no longer in production, but there’s not a chance that you will find it in 2025. It just isn’t what we have become as a society, though we think we have and desire otherwise.

The front of this bag folds over and all the way to the bottom like a satchel and is secured with Velcro. There is an exterior zipper pocket on this flap that is 6.5” deep. Lift the flap, and there is a clear pocket for an ID, several small pockets the size of credit cards, and behind them an open pocket about 6” deep before you reach the interior of this bag. The interior is structured enough to not become a black hole, deep enough to fit one of those vending-sized water bottles with still enough room to overpack for a day trip. And the cherry on top is the interior zipper pocket.

This bag is tough, but because it’s all one color (hardware included), it sort of blends in and looks at home on a hike, in a café, at a museum, in a city, and every day. The lack of hardware and logo/branding makes it even more timeless and hard to pinpoint a trend, era, level of formality, or even price point.

The strap is long enough and the bag itself a size that it has fit my body in all of its sizes and stages. I’ve cinched it to be a belt bag, I’ve extended it to be a crossbody over my third trimester belly. Binding is used on the edges of each part of the bag; the weight and texture of the strap and body are comparable to outdoor gear bought at REI, the pockets all designed to securely but easily fit standard business and credit cards.

In 2011, it went with me and my family as we skipped our jobs to fight for Planned Parenthood to keep its federal funding. In 2017 it was by my side for the Women’s March. And it has already been to two protests in 2025. It’s a pretty perfect protest bag, and I wish it was still available.

You can’t find this combination of quality, versatility, and performance very easily these days, no matter the pricepoint. And it’s our fault.

Prices are going to be rising soon. Instead of binge shopping, it makes sense to first rearrange your way of thinking. Think back to when Target wasn’t cool and Amazon didn’t sell exactly what you dreamed of though not of the quality to keep that dream alive. When you were psyched to get ONE pair of Jams, ONE pair of Jordache, ONE pair of Oakleys, ONE dress from Contempo Casuals. Sure some had more than one, but it was just the one that mattered, not a room dedicated to storing them. This mindset is how we’ll get through this. And along the way, it is how you’ll build a better relationship with your wardrobe.

Because unlike back then when we couldn’t always find the things we both wanted and needed in a size, design, and price we could afford in a place we could visit, now we have more options. Instead of getting ice cream wasted on mediocrity, let’s slow down and get psyched for the ONE pair of jeans that are good enough they deserve to be tailored to fit just a little bit better. To make do until you find something worthy to enter the fold. To research a coat just as you would a roofing contractor because it’s not like you can buy a better one next month.

The 5 Best Bags I'd Buy for My Next Trip, Festival, or Protest

Okay, back to the travel/festival/protest bag. I originally began writing this to suggest alternatives and I will continue to do so. But these aren’t necessarily similar looking. These are bags I think would be a good replacement if I didn’t have the one I got at Target almost 20 years ago. So they may not be the same shape, or color, or design because I don’t believe in the look for less, especially when we are in such a situation that we need to be extra thoughtful with the money we spend. In no particular order:

Topologie Bottle Sacoche Large

I happened upon Topologie a month or so ago and was instantly a fan. You pick your bag's body, then customize with straps. Founded by a rock climbing enthusiast, choose from short, long, and adjustable straps made from paracord, fabric-covered bungees, nylon webbing, and leather. You can buy plain paracord straps and, with the video tutorials on the site, braid, knot, and twist one or more together to customize your bag.

The Topologie Bottle Sacoche Large is big enough to hold a water bottle and has a special compartment for it. But it also has room for anything else you'd need for a few hours away from creature comforts:

• 10.6″ X 6.3″ X 4″
• Dedicated compartment for an umbrella or bottle up to 33 oz.
• Two additional main compartments
• Internal pockets and organizers including a key hook and card holder

While black is practical and versatile, I do love the metallic one. I'd get a range of straps, so it can be a bungee strap shoulderbag or a paracord crossbody. I'd also play with removable straps already in my purse collection to see what cool and practical combos I could create (imagine with a short, chunky chain strap). The bag is $89, and then you pay separately for straps.

FYI/BTS: Topologie doesn't have an affiliate program as far as I can tell; I do not profit from you purchasing from this brand. All these products were reviewed before checking for affiliate programs.

Canvelle Contour Sling Bag

The Canvelle Contour Sling Bag is proof that you don't have to go basic to be versatile or practical. While this bag comes in black, I'm the biggest fan of the black-and-white checked option.

This bag is interesting enough that it doesn't feel so “highly recommend travel bag for Americans” and more like an interesting everyday bag that happens to also be practical. Features:

• 17” H x 11” W x 5” D and weighs 11 oz.
• Made from recycled plastic bottles, it is washable and water resistant (the lining is also water resistant)
• Adjustable strap fits up to clothing size XXL and can accommodate other brands/styles of straps
• Interior mesh pocket and key clip
• Two rear pockets
• Back of bag designed to wick moisture and keep cool against your body
• From 578 online reviews, 89% give it 5/5 stars

I like that this one can use interchangeable straps to extend versatility and personality. However, if you'd feel better about a more secure strap, this is the same bag with a built-in adjustable webbing strap. The Contour Sling Bag is $115, the side release/built in strap version is $95.

Bellroy Venture Travel Crossbody

This bag is so simple, so clean, so minimalistic, and so not specific to a gender or personal style aesthetic. And because it is so simple, you can't tell if it's $20 or $250. The Bellroy Venture Travel Crossbody is actually in the middle for $129 but let me share why it's worth that price:

• 7.09″ X 10.2″ X 2″ and weighs just under 9 oz.
• RFID blocked magnetic passport slip pocket
• Internal Apple AirTag slip pocket
• Removable cut-resistant shoulder strap connected by carabiners so you can connect other things too (like Vapur Anti-Bottle water bags)
• Water-resistant nylon fabrics made from recycled materials
• Single exterior pocket but detailed interior storage with multiple stretchy pockets and a key clip
• Location of strap hooks means it could be more versatile (belt bag, strap to another bag, just be a pouch)

Bellroy is an Australian BCorp that uses recycled materials, LWG-gold-rated tanneries for leather and a renewable plant-based leather alternative. Bellroy also has an online outlet for retired and overstocked styles.

CALPAK Luka Belt Bag

I wouldn't have picked this without owning the CALPAK Luka Duffel. I got that bag because I thought it was cute, I love that bag for the durability and intelligent design. I see the CALPAK Luka Belt Bag as a small version of it in all the best ways.

• 11″ x 5.5″ x 3.5″ and half a pound in weight.
• Built-in adjustable strap extends to 55″
• Quilting makes it look more stylish/expensive and the black hardware makes it very versatile
• Hidden exterior pocket and multiple interior compartments (including an interior zipper pocket)
• Durable yet flexible fabric is water-, scuff-, and stain-resistant.
• 93% of over 1500 reviews score it 5/5 stars

I would personally get the Luka Belt Bag in black as I think it can look like a modern shoulder bag for versatility, but if you're looking for a more specific purpose, the colors are pretty fantastic (I have the duffle in Green Apple and it's just as pretty IRL). $58

Lo & Sons The Nouvelle

I really like a bag that can look sporty or look nice with a dress and flats for dinner or the theater or something nicer. The Lo & Sons Nouvelle can look like a belt bag and can also look like a nice crossbody or shoulder bag. And like many of these other bags, the strap can be switched out with other ones to change up the look and functionality.

Lo & Sons isn't cheap, but I've seen their bags in person and seen how the bags of friends have held up over years and wear and they're IMO priced accurately. The bags just look more elevated than a lot of nylon bags on the market while still being functional and durable. Additional features of the Nouvelle:

• 7″ X 3″ X 9″ and 11.5 oz.
• Made from water-resistant recycled nylon
• The crossbody strap trim is made from a plant based Nopal cactus “leather” that’s soft, breathable, and environmentally conscious.
• Two mesh and 1 zip interior pockets as well as card slots and a key leash
• Exterior pocket
• Adjustable and removable cushioned strap goes from belt to shoulder to crossbody
• Receives a 4.7/5 stars from 361 customer reviews

I'd totally customize this bag with different straps, a sportier one for festivals and protests, a dressier one tucked in luggage for a switch-out on travel. Black comes with gold, gunmetal, or silver hardware; I'd personally go with gold because it can dress up better. $198

Honorable Mentions

Below are more bags I think are brilliant, but are not quite right for me. However, that doesn't mean they may not be the perfect travel purse, festival tote, or protest bag for you:

• LeSportsac Classic Hobo: Especially in the “Black Shine” option, this is a classic. I just want a bag that looks less like one specific style and has more versatility. I also don't love visible logos.
• Tom Bihn Medium Cafe Bag: I have this bag and it's really awesome, just a bit too “outdoor enthusiast” looking for my personal style.
• Tom Bihn Sidekick: Again, an awesome bag, but too rugged for my style.
• Lululemon All Night Festival Bag 5L: I don't love the prominent logo or the way the flap is also a zip opening but it's a good looking bag and practical in size and design.
• Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Crossbody: Really smart bag, I just wish it didn't have such a big logo on it.
• Athleta All About Vertical Crossbody: A bit smaller than I desire but at least the logo is tonal and not too big.
• Travelon Anti-Theft Classic N/S Crossbody: Another smartly designed bag with a prominent logo. Clearly, I don't like logos!