Do I carry too much? Looking for bag recommendations

[keeperofdarktails]

I'm on the hunt for an everyday handbag, cross-body preferably, that can carry everything I want daily when I'm out and about but is still compact. I'm having trouble finding one that has enough space for everything i want to carry yet not feel too bulky.

This is what I tend to carry on the daily for non-work related activities:

Small size kipling creativity purse for cards and cash
Iphone
Iphone battery charger
Airpods case
Key case
Pen
Inhaler/medication
Tissues
Lipstick
Lip balm
Compact with mirror
Perfume atomiser
Mini umbrella
Mini handcream
Glasses case
Wet wipes
Hand sanitiser
Nail file
Gum
Folded shopping bag

To me it doesn't look like a lot but when put together in a medium bag it can feel really bulky, and end up feeling really stuffed, even before I put my gloves in or a beanie or anything else I need.

Anyway just wondering what do you carry on the daily and do you have any recommendations for a nice cross body that can carry all this and still have space to spare / not feel bulky? i don't want a massive work bag or anything but not sure if I'm missing a trick here!

ATM I currently have a large Kipling shopper/ cross body bag as my every day bag, use for work to. I literally have what you have in there plus my water bottle and lunch/snacks for work

Kipling are my go to bag always with all the compartments and keychain it just makes sense!

www.deichmann.com/en-gb/p-02207798

This is what I have. I'm actually surprised how much I love it. It's great and very lightweight but also roomy.

I'm using a Roka Kennington cross body bag, its really roomy for all my stuff but not too big, and not expensive either. https://rokalondon.com/collections/kennington

I am looking for similar and have been for AGES.

ooh they actually look nice thanks! Never heard of that brand. Not sure if it's my style, maybe if I was 10 years younger. i'm not too sure it's me now unfortunately at 52...!

thanks for the suggestion. Not sure its me tbh and I'm not that keen on big logos or anything. Maybe if I saw it in person I might feel differently though. But thanks anyway!

John Lewis have hundreds in all price ranges.

I do like kipling bags tbh, the backpacks anyway. I have one for work which is great but bit big. I will take another look at them thanks but tbh the handbags can be a bit hit and miss for me. They are amaaazing for compartments but they often fall into the bulky side which i'm trying to avoid haha.

https://www.arket.com/en_gbp/women/bags/product.mid-size-curved-shoulder-bag-red.1193754002.html

i have this as my day to day bag - I wear it cross body. On the daily I carry:

brush
lipstick
handcream
pen/whiteboard markers
card holder
umbrella
beanie hat
AirPod case
sunglasses
fold up nylon shopping bag that tucks into a little pouch

I can happily fit eg a bottle of water or my Kindle in. Yesterday I bought a pair of jeans and because it was wet and the shop bags were paper I put them in it!

That Arket bag is gorgeous!

I use Marc Jacobs old school hillier hobo or classic Q's.

I always feel like I carry too much!
Mini umbrella, wrist warmers, gloves, wallet, phone, make-up bag, body spray usually.

Just to jump back on and reply since you replied to my link - I also felt the same as you about logos and it not being very me .. UNTIL I saw it in person.
I am 24, and bought it to copy my nan, who has the same one, and she is 77. We both sport it very well 🤣

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/accessories/bags/product.oversized-diamond-quilted-bag-black.1155573001.html

sold out now but similar from Cos

after carrying similar items eg battery chargers, tablets, notpad, etc id consider either a portable fishman type bag or a large laptop bag with different pockets for various items, that or a business trolley on wheels with a pull along handle.

@keeperofdarktails - I'm 51 and use the Roka cross body bag in black, not sure your age means you couldn't use it but appreciate everyone has different tastes :)

Have you tried the ubiquitous Uniqlo sling bag? It's a tardis!

Looking at what you carry, is there anything you rarely use? Do you often use the wet wipes and hand sanitiser or could you find a place to wash your hands instead?
I find my glasses case really bulky and am thinking of getting a slim wrap thing like this: https://amzn.to/3S9CSR6

and I also rarely use my wallet, just take a few cards in this instead https://amzn.to/3HgmGqF