My crossbody camera-bag feels dated...but what do I replace it with?

[LongsocksLou]

I've got a leather crossbody camera bag with a wide canvas strap and I'm bored of it, feels like every other person has a variation on the same theme...but it's also really functional - right size, easy access, strap doesn't cut into shoulder, and works OK with most outfits (except v smart/dressy).

I'd like to replace it with something that feels a bit more current (or timeless!), but what? Ideally I want to tick the same boxes but change-up the style.

@LongsocksLouoh it’s completely 90s but I like that element

I like that one and it doesn't look like one that will date badly.

I've been checking out the bags by Baggu recently, i wish they were more easily available in the UK. I have the everyday cloud in the green but am tempted also the medium bowler shoulder bag in coffee which is a bit smaller.

https://baggu.com/products/nylon-bowler-bag-coffee
https://baggu.com/products/everyday-cloud-bag-cherry

There's loads preloved on vinted if you don't want to spend too much.

But tbh, if budget was no option, I'd go for the coach brooklyn 34. Obsessed!
https://uk.coach.com/products/brooklyn-shoulder-bag-34/CCU00.html?gadsource=1&gadcampaignid=22936613181&gbraid=0AAAAADxhAYJ915JY2do3roDsr9UxLFs8i&gclid=CjwKCAjwtp7VBhBjEiwAJfpV-7CaUm4gqYADvQQ5zRO2xIlEiZd1gr-Bg6jB-gHlrZwd04iPT2tLBoC424QAvDBwE

These are nice. Brand do a few nice styles.

https://honeyandtoast.co.uk/collections/half-moon-bag

Omg 🤣🤣🤣

she didn’t mean an actual camera bag 😅😅

There was no need for the multiple emojis, @Makebelieveanotherlife .

I was a a school event on Saturday and there were many jaunty strapped camera bags accompanying white trainers, a midi dress and denim jacket…
I think it’s the thick straps that make them look dated. For cross body and similar size I’d go for something like this shape https://www.farfetch.com/uk/shopping/women/apc-ninon-shoulder-bag-item-17700095.aspx

Actually this is better
https://www.strathberry.com/products/charlotte-drawstring-chocolate-suede

And I can’t get away from this bag on my social media feed
https://www.strathberry.com/products/kite-hobo-maxi-tan-suede

Ew. What a weirdly unnecessary reply

I love my camera bags but absolutely hate the canvas straps so have always gone for a leather strap instead.

Ive got a few form honey&toast as well as a coach one.

I like this, it’s very much like the APC demi line but the other way up - I was v tempted by the APC one but I have hear bad reviews about it being stiff and getting your hands caught on the zip, and I wonder if this one would have the same problem.

I had a APC demi & it’s annoying taking things in & out so I ended up selling it.

I like the first one but the lack of a proper zip fastening concerns me a bit.

Indeed. If @Datgal had only read the OP or thread title it was a valid post, if not quite what we expected.
Poking fun at well-meaning posters says a lot about the person doing it.

Multiple emojis are annoying anyway.

I feel like I have always <ought> to have a grown up leather handbag, but actually I find a tote bag/ shoulder bag to be remarkably impractical and heavy.
However in 2026 I found my holy grail of practical AND gorgeous bag. They are beautifully made, hard wearing, not heavy and loads of pockets. They come in a variety of leather and vegan leather alternatives.

https://foragedesign.com

it fits all the important things, then I carry a tiny folded carry tote inside in case I need to carry anything bigger, like unexpected shopping. Then for bigger days out I combine with a small rucksack. Hands free ftw.

I have both. I agree the APC is stiff and catches you on the zip so although you can fit a fair bit in, it’s not worth the effort of doing so. I do like the bag - well made, pretty etc but not practical. It may soften but I’ve been put off using mine enough to comment.

the honey & toast is softer but narrower. They do two sizes now and the smaller original one would fit less in than the APC, but you don’t have the zip issues. However, the upside down shape means no flat bottom do your stuff lays in it funny.

now of the two got together and have a little baby bag - that would work !

I like these:

bellroy.com/products/laneway-crescent-bag?color=fawn&material=seaweave_sheen&size=2.5l#slide-6

How about something like this:

You can choose your straps so they don’t need to be wide, and there are other shapes/designs.

https://pompomlondon.com/products/sutton-sling-bag-chestnut

I have the chocolate brown one.

@Summerhillsquare I'm fancying the burgundy one. Do you have the chain handle too?

I just ordered this. It will probably be my only nod to the colour purple season. It’s like the purple quality street in bag form.

www.stories.com/en-gb/product/mini-crossbody-bag-purple-1345689001/

Innit?! Haha. I don't think there was a need for the dramatic 'omg' and all the emojis either.
Anyway, every day is a school day ... just shows I'm more into my cameras than my bags 😅. Literally never heard of a camera bag (which wasn't for an actual camera). Omg. I did give a little chuckle to myself though. 😜
Hope you find the right bag op!

Yeah this unfortunately just reinforces why the camera bag style has become so ubiquitous, it’s just so damn perfectly practical - not too big, not too small, easy to access and a shape that doesn’t create wasted space. Add in a wide strap that doesn’t cut into your shoulder and it is pretty hard to beat.

It was a perfectly rational response to my OP!

Funnily enough many years ago my very first “camera bag style” bag was actually a bag for my DSLR - people used to stop me on the street and ask where I got it thinking it was a handbag. Maybe I started the trend without realising it 😂

Thank you for sharing this, interesting choice of goodies for photographers.

Who would have thought a “camera” bag was a fashion accessory 🤣

I have to say, I have no idea what a camera bag is (that’s not for cameras) and was glad of the clarification that OP isn’t after an actual piece of photoshoot kit 😅

I have a nice tote for work (from Vinted) which fits the small bits and pieces plus either a big planner or my lunch, but the strap is too small to get onto my shoulder if I’m wearing a big coat or jumper, so I have to carry it in my hand. I’m looking out for something which will fit everything in that I need to carry.

I much prefer Forage belt bags, which aren’t trendy and aren’t for carrying lunch etc, but are super useful because you have your hands free. I’ve a small Lila in gold leather and just got the Tank in brown canvas- which fits my kindle, a notebook, a paperback book as well as all the usual handbag paraphernalia. Brilliant if you’re on public transport or travelling anywhere.