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.

Nat & Nin have gorgeous crossbody bags, and All Saints had some nice ones recently.

i only like silver hardware so a bag hunt is always a marathon quest for me.

I was also confused - I’ve not heard these bags being called camera bags before! I did have to check I hadn’t strayed onto some photography forum.

I'm enjoying both parts of the thread since I have a collection of cross body camera bags but also have been wondering about getting an alternative to my Crumpler muffin top camera bag since it is over 20 year old and I fancy having an alternative.

🤣🤣

For me there's basically three main bag needs

1. "I'd put this in a pocket if I had one" - I have a cute little crossbody bag just big enough for phone and keys
2. "I need to carry a load of crap around with me" - tote / rucksack depending on the occasion, big enough for laptop, bit of shopping, random kids's stuff etc
3. "Need to carry a few bits but don't want to lug around anything bulky or uncomfortable" - this is where the camera bag is perfect - I can be out for the day and just fill it with the essentials. And when you're wearing it all day the wide strap is a blessing.

Lots of alternatives seem either too small or impractical and so are closer to (1) or bigger and bulky so closer to (3). I'm also wed to having a crossbody strap rather than underarm (for security, and also I'm the kind of idiot who would put a bag down on the bus then walk off without it).

I've not seen anything yet which doesn't seem like a bit of compromise from a practical point of view, even if they are aesthetically pleasing.

Fat Face have nice bags

I've just got this one to replace a camera bag with wide fabric strap!

www.fatface.com/style/sv040779/h01082

I've got several camera bags but the one I'm using the most is aspinal of London Ella bag, it's crossbody but comes in 2 sizes and sometimes appears on vinted

A lot of these bags are just copies of the Uniqlo cross body bag which is £14.90. Okay it's nylon rather than leather, but it's a great size and, although the care instructions say not to, I've put mine through the washing machine when it got grubby. They do a winter version in cotton corduroy.

I have a nylon Uniqlo bag and a corduroy one. The cord one doesn't get used. They are very good size-wise but I don't really like the shape.

I'm not sure about the Forage waist bag. It looks like it would be great for festivals but too boho otherwise.

Agree about the 3 types of bag. A big tote tends to mean carrying other people's water-bottles and stuff.

I've actually got one of the Uniqlo bags which I'd kind of forgotten about until recently, which I don't use that much partly because it's a quirky colour so it's never fallen into daily use. It also feels very casual - works well with jeans and trainers but less so with my workwear. It is very comfortable to carry and fits a decent amount of stuff, I can understand their popularity. Perhaps I just need a more "polished" bag in a similar sling style?

I have a black corduroy Uniqlo one that I use every day when not working . But I 100% hear you that it doesn’t feel very smart.
It fits a lot in and is useful but I don’t love it. I use it because it’s practical.
I don’t like a tote or one shoulder. I too would love a smarter / nicer version of this bag!

I love the Isabel Marant Oskan bags but this knock off from Mango although not real leather is even nicer imo. Plus silver hardware which a pp and I prefer.

https://shop.mango.com/gb/en/p/women/bags/crossbody/studded-crossbody-bag/37065865/32/00

I can see a black cord one working. Great idea, it's just for a nylon bag, I prefer a flatter shape.

I used to have a gorgeous proenza schouler satchel type bag - i think it was a PS1 or maybe PS2. Perfect size, squishy leather, could be cross body, shoulder or top handle but I used it mostly cross body. Very practical.

I haven't seen the coach rhyder in person, but it looks very similar in the smaller size. Fits the camera bag criteria but looks more satchel like. There's actually a few coach bags I like - they seem to be having a bit of a moment. I'm waiting until I go to the states though as they are much cheaper there.

And this post is why I love Style and Beauty. I’ve been looking for these exact bag type! I saw similar in Zara 2 years ago and in Massimo Dutti last year but they were suede and I wanted smooth leather.

Thank you.

I love that Fat Face one. I’m still using a black leather M and S crossbody bag with a black and gold webbing strap circa 2019! Is it time to bin?