Wearing a small crossbody & backpack together

[greyinganddecaying]

Would you do this?

I prefer backpacks & can't wear large crossbody bags due to back issues. But it's a pain to have to remove it to get to my purse/phone/keys etc.

I thought a very small cross body bag to just hold the minimum would do the job, but now I'm thinking I'll look daft.

I had to this t the weekend for practical reasons. Not only did I look a little daft but I also ended up a tangled mess every time I tried to take my backpack off as I needed to take the crossbody off first. Even less fashion worthy is a backpack and bumbag at the front combination but at least that is practical.

What do you have in your backpack? Keys, phone, purse and a lip balm is just about all I need for going out and about, now I’m past the wet wipes/sticker book/raisins etc stage with my kids.

I do this when I’m going into the office and have to take my laptop. I need a small crossbody for phone, keys, work badge, etc. It’s also helpful at lunchtime so I can pop out with just the smaller bag. I put the crossbody on first, then backpack, as the backpack it always what I want to put down first.

I do this and usually do the same as @princessbear80 , the crossbody goes on first so it sits properly and the backpack straps don’t interfere with it. Not a huge fan of the look - it’s a bit “tourist worried about being mugged”, but it works for commuting.

Yes I agree: crossbody on first. It's much easier to shrug off the backpack and just get left with the crossbody bag still comfortably on. Just ensure the backpack straps are at the right length to sit comfortably on your back to get in and off easily. 🌹

Initially read the thread title as 'small crossbow and backpack' and thought aye aye this sounds interesting . Imagine my disappointment!

I do this when i am travelling or out for the day. It’s the most sensible solution

You could get one that has pockets you can get to easily. Though they do tend to be found in larger D of E or backpacker bags on the belly belt.
Maybe cut down on items so if travelling by car just keep car keys on you, on lanyard maybe leave rest in car, a small coin purse with only the bits you need or just use google pay and phone in pocket.

Wouldn't a bum bag be more comfortable? All the straps would be a pain with a cross body

It depends on what you are doing.

If you are needing a larger backpack. I have used a backpack with a little wrist-let purse. Something like this and that works well as it lives in the back pack when you dont need it. Some of mine have a removable cross body strap, but I only tends to use that if I'm likely to also be using it on its own. You put the cross body under the backpack to avoid conflicting straps.

My backpacks tend to be super organized so jumper and waterproof in a packing cubes etc. I normally have a small stuff sack like [https://amzn.eu/d/0WxYMnU this]] for random bits like headphones that I also put my keys in. This makes everything super easy and quick to find. My Kipling back packs have a proper key leash.

If your backpack has fixing straps at the front you could use a molle pouch I've also used something similar as little leather belt pouch on occasion.

Bum bags can be remarkably handy but there's a big big difference between the right one (kinda merges into the background, has a surprising amount of space) and the wrong one (doesn't sit right and gives you an unexpected bulge, not enough useable space to bother with). I tend to use them when I'm carrying passports for peace of mind security wise; it's hard to pickpocket from a bum bag especially from a pocket that sits next to the body.

If your talking about handbag sized backpacks I look for ones with a security pocket that goes next to your back. Your phone and wallet goes in this and when you want them it's really quick. Good for shopping

I wear a large cross body bag with a backpack regularly. I do it when shopping as I don't drive and as I'm currently commuting between two houses I take stuff between the two

Thanks all - I feared it might look a bit odd!

I need a backpack to hold waterproof & bits of medical equipment I need to carry around with me. Backpacks work better for me as I have a dodgy back. I also have a frozen shoulder so can't easily reach around to take things out of secure pockets of backpack!

The ideal answer is, I suppose, to wear clothes with decent pockets. But they are not always easy to find...

I always do this when I'm travelling. It makes it easier to go to the toilet on the train (big bag with no valuables stays at seat). I look like I'm travelling though! If it's for work, are you just carrying too much unnecessary stuff? A jacket or trousers with pockets would be so much easier.

Yes Much easier in winter with coats with zip pockets.

On the security pocket thing, I'm talking about handbag backpacks like this where the purse pocket is literally next to your back. They are properly fab but if you can reach into the security pocket while it's on your back you've probably dislocated a shoulder!!
I tend to shrug if off one shoulder and kinda swing it round the front so I'm opening the security pocket in front of my body and kinda swing it back after I've paid.

I bought mine second hand of Ebay when I had a whiplash injury years and years back and it was so handy I thought I'd keep it just in case. I've now got a back injury its currently doing good service for. I've had a few in the past cos different strap arrangements and bag shapes sit differently on my back so some are more comfortable than others. It bigger than looks, will carry a packable coat, powerbank and 500ml waterbottle to give an idea of size, I'm wondering if the medical equipment is bigger or smaller than a waterbottle.

I use a small leather handbag that contains things I want to grab and then pack all my things into the rucksack. It works for me. It also means that if you are away somewhere you have a more practical bag for going to dinner or the shops for example.

Exactly this

I do this all the time using a very small cross body that is just big enough for keys/phone/purse. I’ve never noticed anyone giving me funny looks but can’t much say I’d care anyway!

I also do this all the time (and actually my crossbody bag isn’t that small). Trick is to get all the straps adjusted properly and, as others have said, put the crossbody bag on first.

My backpack is an obviously commuter / laptop backpack though, so it possibly looks less like I’m off to oversee a DofE expedition.

Yes if I am travelling out sometimes when I am out for the day.

I always use a backpack as i find crossbody bags incredibly annoying for some reason. I just put smaller stuff like phone and bank card in my pocket.