What to Pack in Your Leather Crossbody for a Weekend Getaway

What to Pack in Your Leather Crossbody for a Weekend Getaway

There’s something special about a weekend getaway. Whether you're escaping to the coast, road-tripping into the mountains, or hopping on a quick flight to a favorite city, the goal is always the same: travel light, move freely, and feel good doing it. That’s where your leather crossbody comes in.

Compact, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish, a leather crossbody bag is the ultimate travel companion. It holds your essentials without getting in the way, freeing you up to focus on the journey, not your luggage. But when space is limited, what makes the cut?

Let’s break down the perfect packing list for your leather crossbody, keeping it practical, personal, and ready for anything your weekend has in store.

Why the Crossbody Wins for Travel

Traveling is all about ease, and the crossbody delivers. Worn close to the body and often hands-free, it keeps your most important items accessible and secure. No rummaging through duffels or digging into oversized totes, just one sleek bag, curated to fit your day.

American Leather Co.’s Marino Mini Crossbody and Acorn Double Entry Crossbody are go-tos for this kind of adventure. They feature adjustable straps, just enough interior organization, and that signature soft, full-grain leather that only gets better with wear.

Essentials Only, Please

With limited space, every item you bring should earn its keep. Start by thinking through your travel plans: Will you be walking a lot? Dining out? Sightseeing? You’ll want items that multitask, just like your bag.

Here’s a smart and streamlined packing list to get you started:

  • Wallet or cardholder – Slim and essential, preferably with RFID protection

  • Phone + portable charger – Keep those maps, bookings, and playlists going

  • Keys – Car, Airbnb, or hotel key, preferably on a clip or loop

  • Lip balm + tinted moisturizer – For hydration and a pop of polish

  • Hand sanitizer or wipes – Because planes, gas stations, and public restrooms

  • Sunglasses – Bonus points for a soft pouch to protect your lenses

  • Compact mirror or face mist – Freshen up on the fly

  • Mini notebook or travel journal – For jotting down recs and reflections

  • Snacks – Think granola bar or almonds for those unexpected delays

Double Duty: Travel-Savvy Items That Multitask

When you’re packing small, versatility is your best friend. Look for items that can do more than one job, saving both space and time.

Tinted lip balm that also works as blush. A silk scarf that dresses up an outfit or tames windblown hair. A reusable bag that folds flat but comes in handy for spontaneous shopping or beach stops. These tiny touches can make a big difference on the road.

If your crossbody has multiple pockets, assign each one a purpose: quick-access items like phone and sanitizer in the front, valuables like wallet and ID zipped securely inside, and extras like snacks or sunglasses in the back pocket or inner sleeve.

Style Meets Substance

Let’s be honest: function matters, but you also want to look good. Your crossbody should enhance your travel wardrobe, not compete with it. Stick to rich neutrals like cognac, black, or olive, they pair with everything and hide scuffs from adventurous outings.

Our Auburn Triple Compartment Convertible Bag is a standout for weekend travel. It can be worn as a crossbody or carried as a clutch, making it ideal for day-to-night transitions without switching bags. The soft, full-grain leather adds understated polish to jeans and tees, sundresses, or even a casual jumpsuit.

Pro Packing Tips for Small Bags

Even in a small crossbody, a little prep goes a long way. Before you head out the door, lay everything out and edit ruthlessly. Do you really need that second lip gloss? Will you read that paperback, or is it better suited for your hotel room?

To get the most from your bag:

  • Use travel-sized everything – Think mini lotions, foldable toothbrushes, and portable chargers

  • Limit to one of each category – One pen, one snack, one cosmetic

  • Pre-organize your essentials – Use small pouches or zip pockets to keep things tidy

  • Leave a little room – You’re bound to pick up something new along the way (a postcard, a charm, a local treat)

More Than a Bag, A Travel Companion

A great crossbody doesn’t just carry your essentials. It carries your adventure. It’s with you as you try the best cappuccino you’ve ever had. As you wander a flea market, chase sunsets, or run through a surprise downpour. And at the end of the trip, the gentle creases in the leather aren’t flaws, they’re souvenirs.

That’s the beauty of full-grain leather: it reflects the life you live. Every trip leaves its mark. And with each getaway, your bag becomes a little more yours.

Ready for Your Next Getaway?

Whether you're hitting the road solo or heading off on a couples' retreat, your American Leather Co. crossbody is made to go with you, stylishly, comfortably, and with just the right amount of room.

Explore our full lineup of Crossbody Bags and start packing for wherever the weekend takes you.

Back to blog