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A crossbody bag is a great option for travel, but although it’s more secure than an over-the-shoulder purse, it can still be easily pickpocketed or have the strap slashed by an opportunistic thief. The Arden Cove Crossbody Purse claims to solve this problem, packing its bag with lots of anti-theft features. Does it live up to the promise? I took this bag on a trip to Europe to find out. Read my honest review of the Arden Cove Crossbody here.
Arden Cove Anti-Theft Crossbody Size
Arden Cove has two different models of crossbody purses: the Crissy and the Elise. It also has the Carmel, a convertible backpack that can be worn as a crossbody. The Crissy Crossbody comes in two different sizes (full and mini) and is also available with locking clasps straps and without. I highly recommend the locking clasps, as that’s the main differentiator for an Arden Cove bag, and it’s the safest option for travel.
Here are the differences between the bags:
| Name | Weight | Overall Dimensions | Pockets | Price | Will it Fit an iPhone Pro Max? |
| Crissy Full Crossbody With Locking Clasps Strap | 1.2 lbs. | 6.5” x 3.5” x 8.5” | Front wallet pocket, 2 wall pockets, 1 zippered pocket | $189 | Yes |
| Crissy Mini Crossbody With Locking Clasps Strap | 0.8 lbs. | 4.5” x 2.25” x 6.5” | Main compartment with built-in wallet and 1 zippered pocket | $149 | No |
| Elise Crossbody With Locking Clasps Strap | 0.9 lbs. | 5.5” x 3” x 8.5” | Main compartment with built-in wallet and 1 zippered pocket, back slip pocket | $249 | Yes |
| Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody | 1.7 lbs. | 10.5” x 4.5” x 8” | Front wallet pocket, main compartment with 2 wall pockets and 1 zippered pocket | $210 | Yes |
Arden Cove Crossbody Review
I opted for the Crissy Full Crossbody With Locking Clasps. This crossbody is the perfect size—it’s not too big or bulky, but it still holds the essentials. On my travel days, I was able to fit a Kindle, 16 oz. water bottle, smartphone, small bottle of sunscreen, and lip gloss inside with room to spare.
Pros
- Comes with choice of straps (faux leather, wide faux leather, jacquard, or chains or different lengths)
- Holds a lot (has a 1.9 L capacity)
- Nylon material is durable and easy to clean
- Plenty of pockets, including an RFID-blocking built-in wallet with eight card slots and one bill pocket
- D-ring to attach key leash
- Detachable straps can be worn in different ways
- Slash-resistant steel cable straps and locking clasps thwart pickpockets
- Waterproof zipper
- Cut-resistant lining
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- Very noticeable logo that detracts from the look of the bag—it stands out more on light-colored fabrics
- Expensive
- Heavy for a crossbody bag due to the anti-theft features
Overall Verdict
Overall, I really enjoyed using the Arden Cove crossbody and have reached for it on many trips since my first voyage. The bag holds a surprising amount without being too big, and I like that it can be worn in multiple ways. The variety of pockets is also really great for keeping everything organized.
Fortunately, I haven’t put the anti-theft features to the test, but I’m happy that they are there.
However, this crossbody was noticeably heavier than my other purses, which added to shoulder pain at the end of a long day. I also really didn’t like the large Arden Cove logo that’s on the bag, and I felt it prevented the crossbody from being used as an evening bag, especially out to nicer restaurants. I thought the big logo made the bag look much cheaper than it is.
Price and Where to Buy
Arden Cove has discount codes available for new customers on its site, which can save you some money off of the crossbody. Full price, the Crissy Full Crossbody costs $179. I’ve also seen the Crissy Full Crossbody (as well as other Arden Cove bags) on sale on Amazon in certain colors, so it’s worth checking there.
Other Anti-Theft Crossbody Bags We Recommend
If you’re looking for a more affordable anti-theft crossbody bag, there are plenty of Arden Cove dupes out there.
- Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
- Pacsafe Go Festival Crossbody Bag
- Wander Plus Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
- Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Three-Compartment Crossbody
- Pacsafe Vibe Anti-Theft Sling Bag
- Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag
- Convertible Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
Read our other travel gear reviews, including:
- Ricardo Carry-On With Front Opening Review
- Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag Review
- Samsonite Freeform 21” Carry-On Hardside review
- Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Review
- The Ultimate Rimowa Carry-On Suitcase Review
- Samsonite C-Lite Carry-On Spinner Review
- Roam Luggage Carry-On Suitcase Review
- Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack Review
- Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend Bag Review
