My Go To Crossbody Travel Bag

I’ve tried a lot of bags over the years, but right now I’m loving the Hedgren Orva which has earnt its place in my travel packing, and it’s become my go to crossbody travel bag.

Here’s why.

Orva Crossbody Travel Bag Review

Practically speaking, it’s light, and as I get older that’s a huge consideration. I love leather bags, but they weigh heavier, and my shoulders don’t need that anymore. And it’s a perfect size : 25.5 cm × 24 cm × 8.5 cm.

The Orva bag weighs next to nothing (5.2 litres / 340-375 grams) which matters when you’re already stretching your luggage allowance. It’s also water-repellent, so a sudden downpour or a splash from a taxi puddle isn’t going to ruin your day.

And the main compartment has enough room for the actual essentials – wallet, sunglasses, a small notebook, – without turning into a bottomless pit where you lose your keys. There’s also room for a small water bottle if you’re going to be out sightseeing for a few hours.

The strap is adjustable, so you can wear the Orva as a crossbody through an airport (hands free is a must when you’re juggling a passport, a coffee, and a boarding pass) or drop it down to shoulder height for dinner. That flexibility alone makes it earn its keep on a trip overseas, or even if you’re just out on a walk in the country as I did just the other day.

And then there are the various pockets. The front has three zip pockets stacked in a “waterfall” layout, plus one more at the back. That back pocket is the one I use most when I’m out and about – it sits against my body, out of sight, which makes it the natural spot for a passport or cash. The top front pocket has slots for pens and a slip pocket sized for a phone, so you’re not digging around every time it buzzes.

Inside, there’s a zipped pocket lined with RFID-blocking material, which keeps your cards safe from the contactless skimming scanners you hear about at busy tourist spots. I won’t be thinking about it day to day, but having been pickpocketed on the Paris metro, I like knowing it’s there if I’m going to be in a crowded train station or market.

Style-wise, it doesn’t try too hard. The hardware is tone-on-tone rather than shouting for attention, and the shape is simple enough to go from a day of sightseeing straight into a nicer dinner without looking like you’re still in transit. It comes in a good range of colours too, from classic black to softer beige and taupe tones, so it’s easy to match to whatever you’re already packing.

If you’re after a sustainability angle, Hedgren has also brought out a version made from recycled RPET fabric, both the outer shell and the lining, so you can get the same organisation and the same look with a lighter footprint.

What I like most is that it doesn’t ask you to choose between organised and stylish. So many “practical” bags feel like they were designed by committee – lots of pockets, zero personality. The Orva manages to keep you sorted (four exterior pockets, three interior) while still looking like a bag you’d choose on its own merits, not just because it’s sensible.

For travel specifically, that combination is gold. You want fast access to your phone and passport, you want your cards protected, and you want something that can go from plane to street to restaurant without a costume change. The Orva ticks all three boxes, which is why it will stay on rotation longer than most bags I’ve owned.

Definitely a go to crossbody travel bag.

Hedgren is a Belgian bag and travel gear brand founded in Antwerp in 1993 by designer Xavier Kegels. Named in honor of his grandmother, Elisabeth Hedgren, the brand was built on the philosophy of creating practical, purpose-driven bags with a clean, minimalistic aesthetic and smart functionality.

Check out the wonderful array of other waist bags, totes and crossbody bags at Hedgren and keep an eye out for their sales too.

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Disclaimer : This post, “My Go To Crossbody Travel Bag” was created using my own knowledge and experience, but also incorporates research using AI tools in an effort to be as helpful as I can. However, the post was put together with my own personal ideas and edits and styling. This post may contain affiliate links from which I stand to earn a small commission but at no expense to you. Any gifted items are marked with an asterisk * or mentioned as gifted. However, this does not affect my editorial integrity.