Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

I had a different lighter-colored sling style last year and decided to replace it as things only fit one way. While this purse was a bit more expensive than I wanted to spend, I am really happy with it. It has quality travel safety features and multiple and different zippered and/or snapped pockets. They are thoughtfully sized and are perfect for my phone, a passport, a slim card wallet and small travel sized items for pills and sunscreen. I could also fit keys, sunglasses in a small case, and even my kindle in the largest pocket! The slim cross-body design fits closely and comfortably and is lightweight. I dont find the strap super comfortable but it is because of the safety stitching that is supposed to prevent it from being sliced.

Lovely deep purple color, sturdy fabric. Stylish design. Everybody has specifics they want in a purse. For my upcoming Italy trip mine are: anti-theft strap, RFID slots & pocket, size not too big, stylish. Honestly, for everyday use I would KEEP this bag! It is lovely & well thought out, just too small for my trip needs. I'm returning & ordering another Travelon style. Typically I'm a small purse gal, & in fairness, this is called a 'mini' bag. My passport fit in the RFID pocket behind the 3 RFID credit card slots of the main compartment. Here there are also 2 other open pockets for things like phone & sunglasses. I could also wad up a pashmina in this compartment (for covering shoulders when touring churches). Under the flap on the outside is another secure-fastening pocket that's deep & also contains a slot pocket. The small outside pocket underneath this flap would be great for lipstick, tissues, file, keys. On the back side is another deep slot pocket without locking capability. I liked keeping my iphone in this area for easy access for pictures when I was trying this purse out. Zippers worked smoothly, & the strap with 2 wires embedded was easy to adjust & wide enough to be comfortable. I'm hoping I'll be as delighted with one of the other 2 Travelon styles I have ordered that are a bit bigger - Essential Messenger and North/South Crossbody.

This bag is fantastic travel bag - bought for a cruise. It is very sturdy, not bulky, and the various compartments are great for storing different types of items in difference places. The front outer zipper was great for my cell phone. The doubly secure section (with both a snap flag and zipper) was great for storing cash. Tricky to adjust the strap at first, but once you get the hang of it, the bag works great.

I got this purse to use in Italy. I'd initially bought a larger one, which, when filled, was way too heavy. The larger bag itself was heavy and I overpacked it. Before going I tried out each bag for a week. The first one was uncomfortable just going to the grocery. (I put in it a pair of mini binoculars, a small camera, my wallet, my sunglasses, my checkbook, a small makeup bag with powder and lipstick and a coin purse and my smartphone). When I switched to this one, I could not fit the checkbook and sunglasses -- but realized I would not be bringing the checkbook overseas and so the newer size was fine -- without the checkbook, the sunglasses fit. I put the binoculars and the camera in the zipper part under the flap. I kept tissues in the visible zipper part (bathrooms don't always have them -- seemed more of a problem in Rome than in Venice...). I also put 3x5 cards with notes and folded pages of the Rick Steves travel guides in that front zippered area (and in Venice, the tickets we used for the boats). The back of the bag also has a zippered pocket that rests against the body -- good for the powder and lipgloss or sunscreen. The top zipper has a loop that holds a mini flashlight -- nice when returning to our room with the hall lights on a timer. The top zipper has a clasp that locks on to the side. I put my sunglasses, phone, wallet and our passports in this main compartment along with the change purse. There are slots for credit cards in the purse but I did not use them. I liked having the added protection of the wallet being at the bottom of the purse. A few caveats: My wallet is a mini one... it holds 3 cards and ID. The change purse I used was a bit larger and had 3 compartments (a kiss lock bag). I used one for coins, one for dollars and one for euros. The bulk of our money I kept in a hidden waist belt bag (which I never showed in public -- if I needed more, I would excuse myself to the restroom and would transfer money). I kept the credit cards in RFD sleeves and our 4 passports were kept together in an RFD bag. Before leaving I made sure to latch the bag. I always wore it as a cross body bag, not a shoulder bag (though it could be worn that way). It felt more secure, especially in places like the Trevi fountain where it is wall-to-wall people. When we would eat, I generally left the bag on me. FYI -- if you use a smart phone do not set it out on the table like we do in the US. LOTS of tourists shared that people in their tour groups were getting phones taken that way. My phone was either in the locked part of the bag or in my hand when I was using it for directions or Tripadvisor. Wearing it all day, it did feel heavy. That said, it also felt secure. The chocolate color, while not the prettiest, is nondescript which is really what you want when traveling. You don't want it to catch the eye of a pickpocket. It is also a gender neutral color and so my husband and sons did not mind carrying it if I was taking pictures. It more resembled a camera bag or messenger bag than a purse (and they certainly preferred carrying it to the bright pink tote I also had with me (tote was used ONLY for a scarf, an umbrella, any postcards or trinkets we would buy -- things that if taken could be replaced).

Great purse for airline travel or everyday use. Sturdy and light weight. Lots of compartments. It is my favorite.

Although I had already acquired three other small-sized shoulder/carry bags this past year, I went ahead and ordered this mini shoulder bag several weeks ago, based upon product description, and consumer reviews. Why did I order yet another small bag when I already had three? Because there was ‘something missing’ with the other bags … I found it in the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag! All the best features of a larger (and more expensive) shoulder bag - without the bulk, weight, expense, and hassle of carting around a larger, more cumbersome bag. HERE’S WHAT MAKES THIS LITTLE BAG SUCH A BIG DEAL: * At 9.5” D X 8.5” W X 2.5” D (when empty) the bag is compact yet serviceable. * The strap can be adjusted to provide a maximum shoulder-strap drop of about 30” (admittedly, beneficial only to persons with baboon-length arms), and a minimum of 16” - or anywhere in between. NOTE: ‘shoulder strap drop’ represents the measurement of the strap from the top of the purse/bag to the peak (center) of the extended strap. (Straps measuring less than 7” are usually carried in the hand, straps measuring between 7” and 21” are usually carried on the shoulder, and straps that measure over 20” are usually worn across the body - messenger bag style.) * The strap features a large carabineer clip with a safety lock (see images #7 and #12). This allows the strap to be wrapped around a chair, bench, or post, etc. - and then locked for added safety. (i.e. - when sitting in a food court to enjoy a meal, sitting in an airport terminal while waiting to board a plane, et. Or, in a pinch, use the strap's carabineer to clip onto Fido’s dog collar, for a temporary leash … smile.) * The strap and lower part of the bag body are reinforced with panels made from flexible stainless steel chain-link mesh. Although bendable, supple, and visually undetectable, this high-tech mesh/cable is tough and offers slash-proof protection from would-be ‘slash-and-run’ purse snatchers. NOTE: bag slashing is the #1 method of thieves who rob travelers; the #1 bag theft venue is shoe stores. * The bag weighs only about 10 ounces, but helps to keep hands free. Even filled, it is vey lightweight compared to other purses, which can put stress on shoulders and become uncomfortable and burdensome as the day wears on. * The inside of the bag is a lighter or brighter color. I ordered my bag in the stone color; the inside lining is a bright red. (See images #4 and #11.) This is not only pretty, but it makes it easier to identify objects inside the main and outside compartments - especially in low light situations. * An LED light on a tethered key clip that hangs from a sturdy 2.5” cord is located on the side wall, inside the main compartment. (See images #8 and #9.) The light is detachable; it is powered via a small cell battery, which is included. This is a handy feature for low-light to no-light situations, whether to locate objects inside the main compartment of the bag, or to use in the dark to see close range (i.e. - when putting a key inside a house or car door lock). The clip that holds the LED light is large and sturdy enough to accommodate another small object on a ring - such as keys, purse-sized mace or pepper spray, personal alarm, or emergency ultra sonic dog repellant, etc. * The main compartment can be ‘locked’ via a small but sturdy clip, attached to the main compartment zipper. (See image #6.) * There are 2 zippered pockets on the outside of the bag. One pocket measures approx. 6” D X 7” W (See image #11); the other one is approx. 3.5” D X 6” W (See image #3). * In addition to the 2 outside zippered pockets mentioned above is a roomy flap pocket that is secured with a magnetic snap (See images #2, #3, and #4). This pocket (which also has a zipper) measures approx. 7.5” D X 8.5” W. AND - inside the flap pocket is yet another pocket that measures approx. 4” D X 5” wide (see image #4) - the perfect size to hold sunglasses, eyeglasses, cell phone, or a small notebook, etc. * The main compartment features Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) blocking technology for credit cards and passports. There are 4 sleeves for credit cards; each is roomy enough to hold several cards (See image #8). Located behind the credit card sleeves is a roomy 3.5” D X 4.5” W pocket, also fortified with RFID-blocking technology, large enough for passports, additional cards, etc. (See image #10.) *Opposite the RFID-blocking credit card and passport sleeves are 2 ADDITIONAL pockets, side-by-side (see image #9) - each approx. 4” D X 4” W. Perfect for cellphone, keys, tissue, compact, lip balm, MP3 player and earbuds, etc. IMPORTANT NOTE: RFID-blocking shields only HELP to insulate you from electronic pickpocketing - also known as ‘RFID card skimming.’ While the blocking shields DO make it more difficult for someone with an electronic reader to steal your information, they DO NOT block transmission of card data 100%. However, if you have credit cards with the tiny computer chip that uses radio frequency identification - also known as ‘Near Field Communication’ (NFC) - a simple homemade feature can help fortify the already-in-place defense of the RFID-blocking attribute of the bag. Either make a sleeve for your credit cards using duct tape lined with aluminum foil, or line the pocket that holds your credit cards and/or passport with aluminum foil. According to ConsumerReports.org, this added safety measure will entirely block attempts at RFID card skimming - 100%. WHAT I PERSONALLY LOVE ABOUT MY NEW TRAVELON ANTI-THEFT SHOULDER BAG: * I ordered my bag in the color ‘stone.’ The bag has slightly more of a taupe hue than what is pictured online, but I like it better. The bag is made from 900 D polyester, with an obviously water repellent finish. See images #1, #2, and #3. (‘D’ represents the weight of the fabric; 900 D being a high-quality and sturdy fabric.) * Instead of being my ‘when-traveling-or-on-a-day-trip-bag-of-choice’ that I expected it to be, it has become my favorite shoulder bag for everyday use. * I purchased my classic mini shoulder bag online at Amazon.com for $30.10. This price is lower than what I would have paid for it at Travelon.com, Overstock.com, and eBaggs.com. Also, because it was listed as a Prime product, I paid nothing for shipping, and received the bag in only two days - which makes it an even sweeter deal. * Love, love, love the tethered LED light … it proves to be a handy little feature. * Although small and lightweight, this well-designed bag holds a lot! IN ADDTION TO all my credit cards AND my fat wallet with checkbook (albeit, not fat with money), I have the following stored my mini shoulder bag: eyeglass case, cell phone, pens, small notebook, lip gloss, travel size tissue pack, store receipts, coin purse, 8-inch Samsung tablet in its case, MP3 player and earbuds. My sunglasses can hang inside a cloth case from one of the external clips or rings … leaving room to spare inside the bag, not to mention one external pocket still totally empty. * I love and appreciate all the great safety features in this bag design, so that I can spend more time focused on enjoying the moment. * The mouth of the main compartment opens a full 6.5” wide! (See image #9.) * Because it is so lightweight, it is a great choice for people like me, with back and/or shoulder problems. It doesn’t pull on sore muscles and is more comfortable to carry on my shoulder than any other bag I own - AND the strap STAYS PUT on my shoulder, better and for longer periods of time (instead of repeatedly slipping off, the way most of the straps on other shoulder bags do). Note: I paid full price for my mini shoulder bag; I DID NOT get it free or at a reduced price in exchange for an evaluation. So, why did I take the time to write such a detailed review? First, because I am a writer. Secondly, because I am like you. I depend upon the comments and experiences of other consumers when making an Amazon purchasing decision.

This is my second Travelon bag. It's comfortable on my shoulder as a cross body bag, the metal on the strap doesn't hurt my shoulder or back where it lays against me and the bag lays well against my body. It's easy to get your hand in and your things out because the main zipper is as wide as the bag itself. You can tell that the material is durable, safe from anyone cutting the strap and long lasting. The material will be easy to clean and handle liquid spills and rain. The 2 pockets inside are deep and very useful for keeping things organized and the zipper inside pocket is also big and useful. The large zippered pocket on the back is great for keeping items even safer. I especially like the front pocket with the flap for keeping my phone handy and the small front zippered pocket for extra money so I don't have to bring my wallet out each time I need cash. This is my second Travelon bag I think it's the perfect bag for everyday use and especially travel .

I ordered both the purple and the berry pink with tulips. Trying to decide which to keep. I love the berry pink color with the tulips on it, it truly is unique. The purple is a nice deep color and will match a lot of outfits. Decisions, decisions! Which to keep? I have another Travelon purse that I have used for a year and have compared it to these for size. I thought you might like to see the size and compare the two different models. In the photos I have put them next to each other, also next to the other model and also included measurements and put one on top of the other. You have a lot to consider. My prior one is the Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Quilted Slim Pouch in Ocean blue. I ordered it a year ago. I have loved it and taken on lots of trips, and actually use it as my daily bag. The purple and pink purses are bigger. With multiple zippers and pockets, including RFID slide pockets inside. Know that it does not hold a water bottle but you could clip one to it. I typically also hang a little pouch of hand sanitizer on the outside of the purse to keep handy. One thing I love about the blue one I've had for a year is that I can easily fit it in the zipper pouch pocket of my LL Bean pullover when boarding a plane so it does not count as a personal item. This newer style purse is too big for that, as it would never fit in a pocket. You can wear this on your shoulder or as a crossbody. It has the locking zipper on the top opening. The nylon fabric is water repellent. It is lightweight and I think will be perfect for travel. With the additional size I will be able to fit in my portable charger, passport, id, credit cards, tissues, masks if needed, lip gloss, a pen and other small items. It of course has the attached little light inside. And with a bright color, I would easily see if someone is attempting to slide their hand into it. Either color also would look lovely in photos as I travel. I love Travelon brand purses and end up using them as a daily purse for my run around town life. I like that I do not have to choose boring black at all times. I do not think this screams tourist. Nor is it frumpy. Life is short, buy the purse you love and that makes you smile. I am looking forward to a few upcoming trips, domestic and international and this style purse is perfect. I caught these when they were on sale, which Travelon or Amazon seems to do periodically making it a great buy. I hope this helps you decide.