Editor’s Note: There’s nothing like a new bag to change up your style, and hobo bags are a unique way to do this. I find that having the perfect accessories for your look is a great way to choose a versatile bag that also has room for holding all of the items you might need. We all know that having a roomy bag is great for those days when you’re busy out and about. Make sure you review all of the style varieties of hobo bags before making your final decision, as this will help you pick the hobo bag that lasts as a wardrobe essential for a long time.
Bags can make all the difference in your life. They can make your life easier or improve an outfit. Many people love to collect them, while others form a close relationship with that one bag they love.
Hobo bags are capable of being a fashion statement or a reliable tool. If you’re new to hobo bags and aren’t sure what to look for, or you’ve struggled to find one that will suit you, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will help you find what you’re looking for and show you the ten best hobo bags.
- What to Consider When Choosing a Hobo Bag
- Top 10 Best Hobo Bags 2024
- 1. Best Overall Hobo Bag: BROMEN Designer Vegan Leather Handbag
- 2. Best Compact Hobo Bag: Baggallini Everywhere Bagg
- 3. Best Premium Hobo Bag: The Sak The Sequoia Hobo Bag
- 4. Best Budget Hobo Bag: Realer Faux Leather Hobo Bag
- 5. Best Hobo Bag With Pockets: Scarleton Satchel Handbag
- 6. Best Hobo Bag for Travel: Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Hobo Bag
- 7. Most Vibrant Hobo Bag: Angelkiss Hobo Purse
- 8. Most Stylish Hobo Bag: Angel Barcelo Roomy Hobo Handbag
- 9. Most Practical Hobo Bag: DOURR Multi-Pocket Canvas Bag
- 10. Most Spacious Hobo Bag: CCcollections Cotton Crossbody Sling Bag
- The Complete Guide to Buying a Hobo Bag
- Final Thoughts
What to Consider When Choosing a Hobo Bag
A hobo bag is defined by its crescent shape, but that isn’t its only feature. Depending on its size and what kind of style it is, several features will vary, including the number of pockets, the type of straps, and the closures it uses.
Consider the following features as you look for the perfect hobo bag.
Purpose
How you’re going to use a hobo bag is essential. Do you want to use it as your everyday bag to keep your wallet in, or are you using it as a carry-on bag on a flight?
The reason you want a hobo bag will be the guiding factor for the size and overall design of the bag you choose. Have an idea of how you’re going to use the bag so shopping will be easier.
Size
Some hobo bags can be small enough to fit only a wallet and phone while others are big enough to fit a laptop and books, or maybe even a small child (but we can’t recommend toting children around like this).
Measure your items beforehand so you can get an idea of what size you need. If you’re looking for something similar to your current bag’s size, you can measure what you have to get an idea of what suits you. If you need a bag to carry your laptop in, measure the height and width to make sure it will fit correctly.
Drop
The drop of a bag is the length between the middle of the top of the bag and the shoulder strap or handle. It’s the space your arm or hand will go through to carry the bag.
The drop will affect how you carry the bag and the overall comfort. As you’re looking for a new bag, look for the straps’ measurements or adjustable straps so you can choose the drop length yourself.
Many hobo bags come with short handles and long shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are usually detachable.
Design
The overall design of the bag is important for many reasons – not just how it looks. There are a few things to consider when it comes to design, including material, closures, and pockets.
The material will determine how sturdy and washable the bag is. Common materials for hobo bag include:
- Leather
- Faux leather
- Cotton
- Canvas
- Nylon
Straps can be wide, thin, flat, or tubes. They can be the same material as the bag or something completely different. Some straps are uncomfortable on the shoulder, while others are so comfortable you don’t notice them. It’s good to know what you like before you shop since it can be difficult to tell how it will feel when you shop online.
There’s a wide variety of closures that make each bag unique. Types of closures include:
- Zippers
- Velcro
- Buttons
- Magnets
- Snapping buttons
Some bags don’t have a closure, so you should look at what a bag includes to make sure it will work for you.
Now that you know the key things to look for when choosing the right hobo bag for you, let’s check out the best options on the market.
Top 10 Best Hobo Bags 2024
1. Best Overall Hobo Bag: BROMEN Designer Vegan Leather Handbag
Editor’s Rating:
If you’re looking for a hobo bag that can be used for almost anything, this is the one. It’s on the larger side, but it isn’t big enough to be a hassle to use as an everyday bag. It includes two straps: an adjustable solid color one that matches the bag and a shorter multi-colored one. The bag is available in several solid colors. The only thing it’s missing is inside pockets.
Purpose
Since this purse doesn’t have inside pockets or compartments, there’s plenty of room for whatever you need to put in it. It will work well for daily use, as a diaper bag, or as a book bag to take to school.
Size
The measurements for this bag are 11.81 inches tall, 9.45 inches long, and 5.51 inches deep. It’s bigger than a lot of hobo bags, so it’s a great bag if you have a lot you want to carry around. You could carry a laptop in it, but you won’t be able to close the bag.
Drop
The drop is 11.61 inches with a multi-colored strap that isn’t adjustable. It comes with a matching adjustable strap that can extend long enough to make the bag a crossbody bag or short enough to carry on a single shoulder.
Design
This bag has a single compartment with minimal pockets. There are outside pockets and an inside pocket to keep small belongings in, but everything else has to be kept in the same compartment.
The bag is made of faux vegan leather. The matching strap is made of the same material and is thin, and the multi-colored strap is made of woven fabric and is a wider strap.
The inside pocket has a zipper while the outer pockets and bag itself closes with a magnetic button.
This bag is available in just about every color of the rainbow, including neutrals like grey and black.
Pros
- Many colors available
- Interchangeable straps
- Plenty of room
- Outer pockets
Cons
- Only one pocket on the inside
2. Best Compact Hobo Bag: Baggallini Everywhere Bagg
Editor’s Rating:
The Baggallini Everywhere Bagg is the ideal choice for people who love to travel. Whether you need something that will easily fit into the car or something you can take on an airplane, this bag will work. Although it’s small, it has several pockets to stuff your belongings into. Its small size doesn’t provide much versatility, however, so it’s best used when you want to carry light.
Purpose
This bag was designed with traveling in mind, so it’s lightweight and has plenty of space for credit cards, cash, and other small items. It also comes with an RFID-protected wristlet to keep credit cards or your phone in.
Size
This small bag measures 9 inches tall, 13.5 inches long, and 5 inches deep. You won’t be able to fit more than you’d expect to see in a daily purse, like a wallet and phone.
Fortunately, there are plenty of pockets inside and outside to store things, which creates some extra space.
Drop
The Everywhere Bagg comes with a 52-inch strap that can extend up to a 26-inch drop which is perfect for wearing it as a crossbody bag. It can also be short enough to carry it around as a handbag with a short handle.
Design
The bag is made of nylon, so it can easily be washed and endure a little water exposure. It closes with zippers so everything will stay secure.
The purse has several pockets inside and outside, as well as a couple of elastic loops on the inside to keep pens handy. The bag’s backside has a sleeve that will allow you to slip it onto a suitcase for easy transportation.
There’s a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from, whether it’s a neutral solid or a colorful floral print.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Easily attach to suitcases
- Several pockets
- Lots of colors to choose from
Cons
- Small size prevents versatile usage
Editor’s Rating:
The Sequoia is a simple yet stylish hobo bag that’s small enough to carry with you everywhere while having more than enough room to carry your belongings in. It has plenty of pocket space to keep your things secure and easily fits on the shoulder. It’s available in three neutral colors, so it’ll be sure to match with anything you wear.
Purpose
This bag is ideal for everyday use to carry your phone, wallet, makeup, and all the other little things you need. It might not fit the kitchen sink, but you won’t struggle to get the basics and some extras inside.
Size
The bag is 14 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. This bag is on the larger side, which is excellent if you have a lot you want to carry around with you. It weighs a pound on its own before you add anything in it, though, so it might end up being a little too heavy for some people.
Drop
The drop is 11 inches, so the top of the bag should rest right at your elbow. The strap isn’t adjustable, so you can’t change the drop if it bothers you.
Design
The bag is made of genuine leather, and the lining inside is made of polyester. It has one big compartment that closes with a zipper, and it has three pockets on the inside. One of those pockets has a zipper, and the other two are slip pockets that don’t have closures. The outside of the bag has a zipper pocket on the front and a slip pocket on the back.
It has a single shoulder strap that’s about 1.5 inches wide. It should be comfortable enough on the shoulder and shouldn’t slip around.
The bag comes with a decorative keychain with charms that are hooked onto the strap so that it hangs down at the front of the purse. The keychain is detachable, so if you don’t like its look, you don’t have to keep it.
Pros
- Roomy for a medium-sized bag
- Zipper enclosures to keep items secure
- Available in multiple neutral colors
Cons
- Already weighs a pound without items
- No adjustable strap
4. Best Budget Hobo Bag: Realer Faux Leather Hobo Bag
Editor’s Rating:
This hobo bag from Realer is an excellent option if you’re looking for a budget choice that doesn’t look inexpensive. It has plenty of pocket space and decorative tassels, and it even looks like real leather, although it’s made from vegan faux leather. It’s available in a plethora of neutral colors, so you’re bound to find something that will work for you.
Purpose
Because of the multiple compartments inside the bag, it’s best suited for everyday use. You won’t be able to carry larger items like a laptop. However, you might be able to carry a notebook or two inside, so this could work if you want to travel light when heading to school or the office.
Size
The bag measures 11 inches tall, 12.4 inches long, and 4.73 inches deep. The inside has three compartments, so that’s something to consider when thinking about the depth.
Drop
The short handle has a drop that measures about 9 inches, which might be a little small to comfortably wear on the shoulder.
The longer detachable strap can be adjusted from a drop as little as 25 inches up to 48 inches. The shortest drop of this strap might cause the bag to hang a little low if you carry it on the shoulder. This strap is better suited to carry the bag as a crossbody.
Design
This bag is made of faux vegan leather and has a simplistic design. It has zipper closures with decorative tassels. If tassels aren’t your style, they can easily be removed.
The short handle can’t be removed, which might be cumbersome if you’re wearing it as a crossbody bag.
The bag has six compartments on the inside. Two of them are the main compartments, one of them is a large zippered pocket, one of them is a zippered side pocket, and the other two are slip pockets that are great for dropping your phone or keys into.
The outside of the bag has three zippered pockets – one on the back and one on each side.
Pros
- Tons of neutral colors to choose from
- Plenty of organizational pockets inside
- Adjustable and detachable crossbody handle
Cons
- Short handle can’t be removed
- Short handle drop might not be long enough to wear on shoulder
5. Best Hobo Bag With Pockets: Scarleton Satchel Handbag
Editor’s Rating:
Some people don’t like to get lost in their single compartment bag and would rather have a specific place for every item. If you’re one of those people, the Scarleton Satchel Handbag will be the best option for you. There are 11 pockets and compartments in total, which should provide plenty of room for all your items.
Purpose
This bag is best for everyday use since it has three compartments on the inside and can’t fit large objects. It can be carried as a handbag, over the shoulder, or as a crossbody bag, so you can totally use it however you need to, as long as you aren’t carrying particularly bulky items.
Size
The bag measures 9.5 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 5.5 inches deep. It’s a little more rectangular than a lot of hobo bags, which makes this one stand out among the others.
Drop
The bag has two handles that can’t be removed that have a 14-inch drop, and a detachable strap that goes up to a 27-inch drop. The longer strap is adjustable so that you can go anywhere between 14 and 27 inches.
Design
The bag is made with faux leather and has silver embellishments on the outside. There are eight different colors available, and half of them are neutral, including black, grey, and two shades of brown.
The downfall of this bag is that the shorter straps aren’t detachable. A bag that offers a detachable strap to make it a crossbody bag is always appreciated, but you’ll have an extra set of handles hanging at your side.
Most of the pockets have zipper closures, so everything will stay secure. The two outside pockets on the short ends have buttons that snap closed. The two snap pockets might be able to hold a water bottle, but it’ll be a tight fit and won’t be able to snap closed while it’s in there.
The inside of the bag has three compartments, and one of them zips shut. The open compartments also have slip pockets for smaller items. All the compartments are handy for keeping everything organized.
Pros
- Two types of handles – one to carry as a crossbody bag
- 11 pockets for easy organization
- Made with sturdy faux leather
Cons
- Shorter handle does not detach
6. Best Hobo Bag for Travel: Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Hobo Bag
Editor’s Rating:
Whether you’re traveling across the state or around the world, it’s important to have a bag you can keep close to you that will protect your belongings. Traveling usually means you have your most important belongings with you, like your phone, money, and the addresses of where you’re staying for the night. This bag by Travelon has latching zippers and RFID-protected pockets so you can keep physical and digital belongings secure.
Purpose
This bag is made for travelers who want to keep their stuff safe, but of course, it can be used however you need it to be used. It’s on the smaller side since it’s meant to go places, but it’ll carry the basics.
Size
The bag is 11.5 inches tall, 9.5 inches long, and 3 inches deep. It weighs just under a pound at 13 ounces. It’s small and light enough to travel easily, but big enough that you can carry everything with you as you go.
Drop
The short strap has a 9.5-inch drop, which is suitable for carrying on your arm or shoulder. The longer strap is adjustable, and the drop ranges from 14.5 to 27 inches.
Design
This bag is made of a cotton and polyester blend. Hidden in the material is a stainless-steel mesh that’s slash-resistant, which means this bag will be able to hold up to accidents. The fabric might tear if it gets hung up on something, but the protective inner layer will keep your items in the bag.
The best part about this bag is the locking capabilities. The zippers are able to latch onto the bag to prevent anyone from easily unzipping them. The front pocket zipper has a clasp that attaches to the purse, and the main compartment zipper will attach to the clasp that holds the handle.
The clasp that holds the handle can also be used to keep the bag in place. You can attach it to your belt loop or some other object for safekeeping. You could hook your keys and other belongings onto the clasp, too.
It comes with a short handle and an adjustable longer handle. Both of them are detachable, so you can easily change them out.
The inside of the purse has one big compartment with two slip pockets and a zipper pocket on the sides. The outside has a locking zipper pocket on the front and a zipper pocket on the back. However, the pocket on the back doesn’t lock like the one on the front.
This bag only comes in three colors: grey, green, and blue. If you like to match your bag with your outfit, this one will be pretty difficult to accomplish that with.
Pros
- Locking zippers
- Both handles are detachable
- RFID-protected pockets
Cons
- Limited selection of colors
7. Most Vibrant Hobo Bag: Angelkiss Hobo Purse
Editor’s Rating:
Not every bag is chosen for its functionality – sometimes you want a bag just because it’s eye-catching. This Angelkiss bag has 24 vibrant designs to choose from. There are a few solid color options, including black and white, as well as animal prints. The bag is medium-sized with plenty of pockets. Due to the design, the bag can’t sit upright unless the items inside hold it up, so it will probably slouch if you set it on the ground.
Purpose
This bag is intended to be used as an everyday bag. Since it has a bold design, it’s marketed as a fashionable purse that can be coordinated with outfits. If you’re not into that, it still makes for a great bag to take with you every day.
Size
The bag is 13 inches tall, 14 inches long, and 5 inches deep. It weighs 1.8 pounds, so it’s a bit heavy for a bag and might be too heavy if you carry a lot of things with you.
Drop
This bag comes with two handles. One is attached to the bag and has about a 12-inch drop. The other is detachable, and the drop measures up to 23 inches, so you can wear it as a crossbody bag.
Design
The bag is made with faux leather that’s washable and is slightly waterproof, but don’t try to go swimming with it. It has eight pockets, and all but two of them close with a zipper. Instead of one big compartment, it has two separate ones, which is great for organizing.
It has two thin short handles that are attached to the bag. Two handles are sometimes more uncomfortable than a single strap, so it might not work for everyone. The two handles have to stay there if you choose to use the long strap to carry it as a crossbody bag.
Pros
- Several vibrant colors and prints to choose from
- Waterproof and washable material
- Most pockets have zippers
Cons
- Bag will slouch because of the design
8. Most Stylish Hobo Bag: Angel Barcelo Roomy Hobo Handbag
Editor’s Rating:
This bag from Angel Barcelo has 37 different options to choose from, so it’s easy to find something you like. It’s a simple design that isn’t overly complicated with buckles and embellishments, but it still looks sleek and stylish. There are solid colors and several prints to choose from, so it can fit a range of styles from casual to something more formal.
Purpose
This bag is ideal for everyday use since it’s a medium size with plenty of space for a wallet, phone, and other items.
Size
This bag measures 13.8 inches long, 11.8 inches tall, and 4.7 inches deep. It has two compartments instead of one large one, so it can’t fit larger items like tablets.
Drop
The drop measures about 11 inches with the short handles. The longer strap will be able to make a drop as long as about 23 inches.
Design
This bag is made with faux leather and has a decorative braided design on one side with very few silver embellishments.
It has a zippered pocket on the front and back, and two side pockets that have buttons that snap shut. The inside has two separate compartments with zipper pockets on the inside. The outer pockets might be too small to fit recent models of smartphones.
Pros
- Wide variety of designs
- Can be worn as a crossbody bag
- Simplistic yet elegant design
Cons
- Not all pockets can fit smartphones
9. Most Practical Hobo Bag: DOURR Multi-Pocket Canvas Bag
Editor’s Rating:
If you prefer a simple bag, this one from DOURR will suit you well. It has three compartments, and only one of them has smaller pockets inside of it. There aren’t any outside pockets which might be an inconvenience if you like to keep your phone on the outside. It comes in several neutral colors as well as a few vibrant ones.
Purpose
This is a great bag for people who prefer to throw everything into a few pockets instead of a bunch of little ones. It will work well as an everyday bag.
Size
This bag is 11.8 inches tall, 11 inches long, and 5.1 inches deep. The three compartments are spacious enough that you could fit a tablet in it.
Drop
This bag has two thin handles that have a 7-inch drop. The handles aren’t adjustable, and it doesn’t come with a crossbody strap.
Design
This bag has cotton canvas material on the outside, polyester on the inside, and the handles are faux leather. The material is super lightweight and durable.
The bag has three large compartments, two of which close with magnetic buttons, and the middle has a zipper. The zippered compartment has a zipper pocket on the inside and two slip pockets. This is a good place to organize the items you don’t want easy access to, like your wallet and phone.
Pros
- Plenty of space inside
- Simple design
- Zipper compartment to keep valuables
Cons
- No outside pockets
10. Most Spacious Hobo Bag: CCcollections Cotton Crossbody Sling Bag
Editor’s Rating:
If you have a lot of stuff to carry around or want to carry a laptop with you, this is the bag for you. It has a large compartment that will be able to fit just about anything you need to take with you. The material is a bit thin, so you shouldn’t try to carry more than you need.
Purpose
This bag is more of a beach bag than an everyday purse, but it can be used however you need it. You could even roll up your clothes and use it as your only weekend getaway bag.
Size
The bag measures 16.9 inches tall, 16.9 inches long, and 12.6 inches deep. It can zip closed even with a laptop inside of it.
Drop
The drop is about 23 inches which is a good size to wear as a crossbody bag.
Design
The bag is made of 100% cotton, so it’s machine washable. It’s super lightweight, so the only weight you’ll feel from the bag will come from the items you put inside it.
It has one big compartment with a zipper and a decorative button that covers the zipper. On the inside, there’s a small zipper pocket that’s handy to keep your phone in so it won’t fall to the bottom of the bag. The spaciousness of this bag is the best part, but that does mean that small items will get lost at the bottom since there’s no separate compartments.
The strap isn’t adjustable, but you can tie a knot to make it the size you need.
Pros
- Big enough to fit a laptop, clothes, or books
- The bag itself weighs next to nothing
- Zipper closure keeps items secure
Cons
- Strap isn’t adjustable
The Complete Guide to Buying a Hobo Bag
Once you find a style of bag you like, it’s easy to find something you know you’ll like based on what you’ve purchased before. But, if you’re venturing out into the world of hobo bags for the first time, you can’t really judge them based on what you know. If you’re lost, this guide can help you know what to look for.
Versatility
Why do you want or need a hobo bag? Is it your everyday purse? Your weekend bag? Your diaper bag? Whatever you need it for, consider all the other reasons you might need it.
Maybe you’re using it as a diaper bag, but as life gets crazy and you get busy, you start doubling it as a purse. Or maybe you want to use your crossbody hobo bag as the bag you take to school, but since you pull all-nighters with your project partners so often, it soon becomes an overnight bag, too.
If you buy a bag with future needs in mind, you won’t find yourself in a pinch later when you can’t fit your laptop in your everyday bag, and you don’t have a suitable laptop bag anywhere.
Material
The material of the bag matters a lot. It gives the bag durability and even changes how careful you are with the bag (sometimes this is a subconscious thing). The material usually changes the price of the bag, so you need to consider how much you’re willing to pay to get what you want.
Leather and Faux Leather
Genuine leather can be difficult to wash. If you’re the outdoorsy type, you might not want to get a leather hobo bag if you find yourself around dirt pretty often. But, overall, leather is a durable material that will last a long time.
Faux leather, on the other hand, is easier to wash. You can easily spot clean “pleather” bags with dish soap which is super convenient. However, some types of pleather will shrink, so be sure you know what type of faux leather the bag is made with.
Cotton and Canvas
Cotton is a versatile material that comes in many forms. It can be thin, which is easier to tear, or it can be thicker and sturdy. Canvas is a material that’s commonly used for hobo bags. It’s called canvas, but that’s just a name for thick cotton.
The best part about cotton is that it’s machine washable. Cotton only shrinks a little, so you don’t have to worry about your bag changing drastically. Cotton bags like the SLING Cotton Print Crossbody Bag are great for lugging around beach towels, soccer cleats, and other dirty items that will need to be washed. Just throw the bag in with it if you want.
Nylon and Polyester
Nylon and polyester are materials that are frequently used for bags, although they’re more commonly used as linings. These materials are great for items that will endure a lot of wear and tear. Nylon is commonly used for umbrellas while those in the food service industry frequently wear polyester.
Straps
Straps make or break a bag for most people. Some are round tubes, while others are flat strips. Some will dig into your shoulder and make you regret your decision to buy the bag, while others go unnoticed.
It’s difficult to say which will work best for you, but in general, those with broad shoulders might find wide straps the most comfortable, while those with narrow shoulders will need thin straps so the bag doesn’t continually fall off. If you have many belongings to cart around, flat straps won’t dig into your shoulder as much as a tube would.
Many hobo bags have straps that are attached to the bag, never to be removed, but will also include a detachable strap that’s longer so you can wear it as a crossbody bag. What do you do with those extra permanent straps? You could tuck them into the bag, let them flop around, or ask the company why they couldn’t just make all the straps detachable.
Pockets
Pockets help keep you organized. Without them, everything would bounce around in the bag, and you’d spend ten minutes searching for your keys. Many bags will have at least one pocket on the inside, but some will have several.
There are some bags that don’t have pockets on the outside to keep the design looking simple and clean. This can be a major inconvenience if you want instant access to something. If pockets matter to you, be sure to inspect every bag you look at to make sure you’re getting something you’ll enjoy using.
Anti-Theft
Some bags like the Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Hobo Bag have locking zippers and RFID protection built into them to keep your belongings safe.
Unfortunately, crime rates are higher in some cities and in certain parts of cities. If you live in these areas or you’re traveling and don’t know the area well, you might benefit from a purse that makes it harder for pickpockets to get to your stuff. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Final Thoughts
Hobo bags come in a wide range of sizes and styles. It might take some work to find something you love, but once you do, you likely won’t go back to any other kind of bag. Soon, your closet will have hobo bags of all styles and colors.