Most days call for something smaller than a backpack and more secure than stuffed pockets. The North Face Berkeley Crossbody, priced at $28 (was $40), answers that need with a compact shape that still holds the pieces you reach for constantly. At just 7.6 ounces and roughly 4.75 liters of space, it stays light against the body while giving enough room for a water bottle, phone, wallet, keys, and a pair of sunglasses without turning into a bulky lump.
The exterior shell of this bag is constructed of a crinkly 400D recycled nylon that feels incredibly soft to the touch from the first time you wear it, with a lived-in quality that is really charming. The same material has a non-PFC water-repellent finish that will keep your gear dry even if you get caught in a light rain or spill, whether you’re going for a short walk or into a sudden downpour. That same nylon has been tested and verified rigid enough not to show wear even after months of regular use against harsh surfaces such as door frames, subway poles, and airplane seats.
- VINTAGE-INSPIRED STYLE: With a crinkly nylon face fabric, the Berkeley Crossbody Bag combines vintage style with modern functionality for a...
- CUSTOMIZABLE CARRY: The adjustable, detachable strap offers versatile carrying options, whether one-sided or cross-body. With a Durable...
- ORGANIZED STORAGE: The central compartment keeps small items neatly organized with a divider pocket, while the external, fleece-lined secure-zip...
This Berkeley’s adjustable strap lets you to wear it over one shoulder or across your chest, and the length adjusts to fit most people comfortably, ranging from approximately 30 inches to 57 inches, so you should be able to find a position that fits for you. The strap is also large enough to evenly distribute the weight and keep it from pressing into your shoulder even when the main compartment is full.
When you open the main zip, you’ll notice a single wide empty space divided by a vertical divider pocket, which is useful for keeping your phone or notebook upright and distinct from your water bottle or folded food bag, ensuring that nothing slips around while you move. A fleece-lined zip pocket on the outer sits against the front panel. This is an excellent spot to store your phone or glasses because the soft fabric protects them and the zipper prevents them from falling out of your pocket if you reach in quickly or are delayed on a packed train.
The dimensions of this bag are 8.27 inches high, 3.15 inches deep, and 9.84 inches wide, which seem ideal for most use cases. It’s tall enough to hold a typical water bottle upright, narrow enough to stay close to your torso, and short enough to keep the bag from swinging around while you walk.
