Find your perfect summer bag: 12 pouches, backpacks and cross-body bags you'll love
Summer adventures call for a new summer bag, but they're not all one-size fits all, so to speak. You might be the kind of woman who spends her Sundays picnicking… or crowd-surfing. Maybe both! Whether you're headed to concerts, summer food festivals or literally backpacking, one (or a few) of these 12 bags is for you.
Crossbody bags
1. This crossbody is perfect for concerts with its '70s rock n roll look, and has enough room for lip balm, a wallet, phone and even that camera you smuggled in (remember to turn off the flash!).
Auxiliary Avercamp Crossbody, $245, aritzia.com
2. The simple shape and fun colour of this bag make it great for travel. It's small and sleek enough to go out for dinner with a dress but roomy enough for day trips.
Tali Tassel Crossbody, $24.50, indigo.ca
3. Vintage-inspired and vegan, this cute circular crossbody has two zippered compartments and an interior phone pocket. Take it with you to street festivals. Its unique colour and shape mean your friends can spot you easily and there's enough room to hold your purchases, plus a few snacks.
Matt & Nat Obe, $130, mattandnat.com
Backpacks
4. Great for camping or hiking day trips, this Canadian-designed backpack is durable and rugged looking with leather accents. Love it enough to use it every day? Bonus: It's got a built-in laptop sleeve so it can become your work bag, too.
Parkland Meadow Backpack, $49.99, parkland mfg.ca
5. Backpacks don't have to be sporty. The soft blue wash and perforated details on this one make it fashionable and music festival ready. Pack your water bottle, phone, wallet, sunnies and a hoodie for when the headliners go on.
jeane & jax / Backpack Perforated Backpack – Vegan Leather, $100.00, jeaneandjax.com
6. The simple, graphic aesthetic of this backpack would look lovely as you're wandering the cobblestone streets of a European city, wouldn't it? Enough room for a cardigan and a change of shoes, this bag could easily go from exploring to evening out.
Baggu Zip Backpack, $48, baggu.com
Pouches and fanny packs
7. Yep. The fanny pack is back but you don't have to wear it around your waist. This one features enough pockets for all your essentials, from phone to wallet to snacks and looks pretty cute slung across your shoulder with a floral sun dress. Wear it to an amusement park and never worry about losing your stuff in a loop-the-loop.
Herschel Supply Co. Eighteen Surplus Belt Bag, $74.00, urbanoutfitters.com
8. Fanny packs or belt bags can actually be quite refined. Wear this one on your hips with the perfect ankle-length black pants, white tee and ballet flats while traveling, for a classic look.
Roots Village Pack in Prince leather, $118, roots.com
9. This fun fanny pack is definitely made for the boardwalk. Wear it with a bikini and cut-offs and be sure to stash enough money for the ice cream truck!
Fanny Factory Frosty Shazam Fanny Pack, $30, fannyfactory.com
Totes
10. We're not all low-maintenance travellers (even if it's just a jaunt across town). If you like to carry the kitchen sink, get yourself a big tote that will fit over your shoulder. This natural linen and leather combination would look lovely at a farmer's market – maybe that's where it got its name!
Ela Market Tote, $378, elabyela.com
11. Pompoms and fringe are all the rage this summer. Get yourself a colourful tote or add some fun accessories to a bag you already have. This bag is perfect for the beach and big enough to carry a magazine, towel and cover-up.
Sophie Anderson Jonas pompom-embellished crocheted tote, $475, net-a-porter.com
12. Perfect for exploring new cities, this tote looks sophisticated but isn't so precious, you'll be afraid to get into too many adventures. Easily stow your DSLR, a picnic blanket and a bottle of wine.
Gap Large Tote, $69.95, gapcanada.ca