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Here at Her Packing List, we’re advocates of minimalist packing. From traveling with only a carry-on, we further challenged ourselves to travel with only a handbag, and even applying our ultralight packing methods in organizing our homes.
Now it’s time for the next challenge: to go about our day-to-day lives with no bags at all!
We scoured the Internet for different products that can help us go purse-free and give our shoulders and back a break!
Speakeasy Hidden-pocket Travel Scarves
Price: from $44.99
They’re one of our most recommended travel products on this site!
When the weather gets nippy, there’s no better way to accessorize and keep warm than with a fashionable scarf.
Speakeasy’s travel scarves come in a variety of designs and fabrics – even some that work well in warmer weather! Best of all, they all come with a hidden pocket to keep your valuables close and secure.
- Read our review of Speakeasy hidden-pocket travel scarves.
Smartwatch
Smartwatches are extensions of our mobile phones. It can show incoming messages, make calls, book an Uber, play music, track steps, get directions from Google Maps, and even pay for goods and services.
Apple Watch Series 5
Price: from $499
The Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches around and like other Apple products, works only within the Apple system.
Fossil Gen 5 Julianna
Price: $295
Android users are spoiled for choice. Many watch brands have come up with their own smartwatches to pair with Android devices including luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hublot, Montblanc, and TAG Heuer.
Phone cases with card slots
Almost everyone brings their phones when they go out these days. Aside from it being a powerful mini-computer, mobile phone cases and accessories can also carry your identification card, transit card, and a debit/credit card.
There are several designs available on Amazon, but here are two that caught our attention:
TORU CX Pro Case Wallet
Price: $14.99
Not only does it carry your cards, but it can also protect your phone when you drop it.
Cell Phone Card Holder Pocket Sticker
Price: $7.99
Most phone cases are specific to certain models, but this sticker can be used on different cell phone brands and models.
Bandolier Emma Crossbody Phone Case and Wallet
Price: $95.00
No pockets? No problem! This phone case-slash-wallet comes with a crossbody strap. It’s still not as cumbersome as a full handbag and delivers in hands-free convenience.
Ikepod Tri-fold Key Wallet/Holder
Price: $22.89
Never leave the house without keys again with this compact trifold wallet. It has 6 hooks for keys and slots for cards and cash too.
Downsize Your Handbag!
Check out our podcast interview about downsizing and minimizing your daily handbag.
Eagle Creek Undercover Bra Stash
Price: $13.95
Pickpockets have to be really skilled to get your cash inside this secret stash! This secret stash can be attached to bra straps so your ID and money are very secure even without carrying a bag.
One of the downsides of using a bra stash is that you won’t be able to access your stuff while out and about unless you duck into a restroom.
- Bra stash: yay or nay? It’s one of each for our two HPL contributors.
Stashbandz Garter Purse
Price: $19.99
On the topic of secret stashes, here’s another option. The lace garter purse features 2 pockets for all sorts of items and it securely straps around the leg for a bag-free and worry-free night out with the girls.
Running Buddy Magnetic Buddy Pouch
Price: $19.99
Whether for running or traveling, the Buddy Pouch can hold your stuff for you so you can go bag free. It comes in two sizes; standard, which can fit a smartphone, and mini, which is just the right size for your IDs.
- Read the HPL review of the Buddy Pouch, a money-belt alternative for travelers.
Happy Cow Hip Bags
Price: $85.00
Fanny packs are a great way to go hand-free. Though it is technically a bag, it’s small enough that only the bare essentials can fit inside.
The straps of the Vintage Hipster can fit through belt loops and the bag has a hidden pocket at the bag so it is inaccessible when you are wearing it.
fulFILL Container
Price: $20.00
Can’t pare down to just phone, wallet, and keys? The fulFILL container is the solution for those “what-if” situations that only happen once in a blue moon.
Bring small amounts of mint, lotion, bobby pins, makeup in this container and slip it into your wallet, or pocket.
Clever Travel Companion Tank Top with Two Secret Pockets
Price: $41.90
Pockets are the key to going without a bag. This tank with hidden pockets is perfect for pairing with bottoms that do not have pockets (the bane of women’s wear).
As reviewed by HPL’s Brooke, she says, “When not in use, the tank top is pretty much normal looking, but given its more form-fitting style, it’s harder to hide bigger items in the pockets without seeing the bulk. However, if you wear the tank as a base layer, underneath another top, then it works perfectly!”
- Read HPL’s full review of Clever Travel Companion products.
- Read HPL’s review of the Clevel Travel Companion underwear
SCOTTeVest
Price: from $99
Woes about the lack of pockets in women’s clothing are gone with the SCOTTeVEST. It comes with a whole bunch of pockets – one that can fit an iPad!
Designed for bag-free travel, their vests and jackets can be worn anytime. It is lightweight, water and stain repellent.
Are you ready to go bag-free?
Need more inspiration to go hand bag-free? Here are articles by women who’ve gone without a purse:
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