Crossbody bags have had a real moment over the past few years—largely thanks to the Uniqlo crossbody pouch that went viral for being so deceptively roomy despite its compact size. I’ve used it loads over the last few years and totally get the hype, but if you’re after something a little more hard-wearing for travel and holidays, Antler’s take on the trend feels like a natural step up. It’s still compact, still easy to wear—but noticeably more spacious.

The Antler Icon Slingbag retails for £55 and keeps that familiar pouch shape, though it’s slightly longer than the Uniqlo version. I own both, and for reference, the Uniqlo pouch measures 28 x 17 x 10cm, while the Antler bag comes in at 10 x 36 x 18 cm. Despite the extra room, it’s impressively lightweight at just 0.28kg when empty, so it doesn’t feel like you’re starting off with any extra bulk before you’ve even packed it.

It comes in two versatile colours—black and sand (which is my personal favourite). The sand version has a silver zip and the brand name subtly printed on the front in raised lettering. It’s understated, which I really like; it feels considered rather than overly branded. Like all Antler bags, it comes in a protective dust bag to keep it safe while in storage.

One of the things I noticed straight away is how easy it is to wear. The strap extends so you can carry it crossbody for that hands-free ease, but it can also be shortened to sit neatly on your shoulder. I’ve found that makes it genuinely versatile—it works just as well wandering around during the day as it does heading out for dinner in a new city in the evening. The strap itself is comfortable, although if I’ve packed it particularly full, especially with a water bottle, it can start to weigh on one shoulder a bit. That said, I find that’s pretty standard with most crossbody bags.

Durability-wise, it feels like a solid option. It’s made from 100% recycled polyester, designed to be weatherproof, and it is wipe-clean, making it practical for travel. It’s the kind of bag that can handle a full day exploring a city and then an impromptu beach stop without you worrying too much about it.

The two-way zip is a small detail, but it makes a difference—especially when you’re on the move. At the airport, for example, it’s easy to quickly open it from either side and grab what you need without fumbling around at passport control.

But really, it’s what’s inside that makes this bag stand out. With six litres of storage space, there’s plenty of room for day trips, and I was genuinely surprised by just how much I could fit in.

The first time I used it, I packed it for a typical day out (though I’ll admit I pushed it a bit, just to see what it could handle). I managed to fit my purse, keys, a book, sunscreen, hand cream, lip products, perfume, my phone and charger, and a water bottle. That’s noticeably more than what I can squeeze into my Uniqlo bag. Usually, when I overload that one, my water bottle ends up clipped awkwardly to the outside—but with the Antler, everything fit inside.

It also helps that there are five internal compartments, which makes staying organised much easier. There’s even a key hook, which sounds like a small thing but saves me from endlessly digging around at the bottom of my bag (a habit I’m very guilty of).

Even knowing it had a decent capacity, I was still surprised by how much it could hold without looking bulky. So I decided to really test it and packed it as if I were heading off on a short trip.

Now, I’ll be honest—I personally wouldn’t use this as my only hand luggage (I’m an overpacker through and through). But if you’re someone who has packing light down to an art, I can see it working for a night or two, especially somewhere warm where you don’t need layers. I managed to fit a pair of shorts, two tops, a bikini, two pairs of socks, underwear, a passport and bank cards, a book, my phone and charger, a hair brush, perfume, hand cream, sun cream, and an assortment of travel-sized toiletries including face cleanser, moisturiser, deodorant, lip gloss and shower gel.

It would also make a really smart hand luggage option alongside a checked bag, just to keep a change of clothes or a few essentials like a bikini or underwear close to hand in case your luggage gets delayed. Even packed like this, it didn’t look misshapen or overly stuffed when I wore it, which honestly surprised me.

So far, the bag has earned a five-star customer satisfaction rating on Antler’s website. One shopper wrote: “Excellent bag brought for my holiday. Luxury feel and look. Big enough for all my holiday documents and mobile phone, and purse. Fits well and looks good. I like that the strap can be adjusted. Would highly recommend not just for a holiday but also for everyday.”

Another added: “Good-sized bag – great for travelling or festivals. It has lots of pockets inside for storage, and the wide, adjustable strap fits nicely across the body. Great colour too – I might order another in black for dog walks. It is well made, and the order was delivered quickly.”