Lindsay
I’ve had this bag for over 2 years and it’s still holding up just like new! It’s the perfect bag for traveling- cute, a great size to hold everything you need, organized and safe! Now that I haven’t traveled in a while because of COVID, it’s just become a great everyday bag. I recommend this bag to all my friends!
Lisa
Can’t wait to be able to travel again. This purse is going to be great! Fits a lot in the compartments, especially for all day excursions.
Bia Tay
Love it!
It came on time, wrapped beautifully in pretty box that I ended up using to put my dogs sweaters in.
The purse itself was just a tiny bit smaller then I thought it qas going to be but I love the purse. Its sleek sexy and simple. Easy to pull my cards and cash out, enough room for a passport and my phone, a taser , mask ams tissues, lipstick, one emergency pad lol and a few tiny other trinkets. I love the bag!
Sharla
Lasts through all my cleaning
Good quality, perfect size. I've cleaned it several times after going out and it always so easy to wipe down and dries back to look perfectly.
Kim Pham
Wasn’t the size I expected.
I was very excited to order this bag for month. I received it and was disappointed as it was a lot smaller then expected. I couldn’t fit as much as I needed to fit in it. It’s not worth the expensive price. I could have just gotten a bigger travel bag on Amazon for a much cheaper price.
Rebecca
Best purse EVER
This purse is completely perfect for my lifestyle - every day and travel activities. It is the only purse I now own and it is the last one I will ever buy. Since I viewed it as an investment and saved up for it, (I did not take the price lightly) this bag was well worth the wait. Extremely high quality and a design that clearly a lot of thought went into (from a woman) makes it an undeniably essential part of my life.
Charisse Faye
Love it!!!!
I pick the one with locking which is nice so that if a thief takes your bag they won't be able to do it. I love the design and how simple it is. Great crossbody bag!!!! From WA.
Angie
Got the travel itch with this beaut!
I love the bag! The locking straps work perfectly, so glad that I can support these women during tough times. Hang in there ladies! I need your bags to travel very soon <3
Emily Rose
5 stars
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BAG. Especially the locking straps.
Hilary
Can't wait until I can use this bag
I literally searched the internet high and low for days looking for an anti theft travel bag that didn't scream TOURIST!! Every other bag offered was practical, yes, but I don't wear black, and when travelling in European summer, I wanted something that looked summery and chic, and could take me from plane to train and then out for a dressy dinner. I was so delighted to find Arden Cove. My bag arrived quickly to Australia, as did the locking strap which I purchased seperately. The bag looks exactly like the pictures, the materials are classy and look expensive.
Now I cannot wait for international travel to start again so I can start use and love this bag. If you ever want to do a good looking tote, in light colour, line me up for an order.
Mary
Functional & Carefree
I purchased the full size crossbody with faux leather strap in gunmetal locking hardware with the intention of using it on my upcoming trip to Europe. I researched so many "travel safe" bags, but this bag from Arden Cove really caught my eye. Carmen was there to answer my questions through email before making my purchase. When I received the bag, I was excited to see how well it was packaged. The construction of the bag was sturdy yet luxurious at the same time. I was able to fit all my essential items in the purse - phone, keys, cards/cash, passport, wet ones/hand sanitizer, and some makeup. I definitely recommend this purse to anyone that wants a light, functional, and carefree purse for travel or everyday use!
Brendan Bissell
Well designed purse
Just got this (for my wife on her decision). She is very impressed with the quality and design elements. And I’m very impressed in dealing with Arden Cove - there was a small hiccup in shipment but they responded about as well as you could expect a vendor to, which was great. Would highly recommend them and this item.
Allison Brown
Beautiful but Small for Everyday
I had my eye on one of these bags for months before finally buying one. When it arrived, I was very impressed with the beautiful construction and quality of the bag and materials. The material was sturdy yet felt luxurious, and I love how much thought went into each detail.
Unfortunately, I was hoping to use this bag for everyday essentials and it was just a bit too small for my needs.
Luckily, customer service was absolutely amazing and helped me return it with no issues. They even asked me questions about improvements they could make to their bags and ideas for future additions to their store. I would definitely buy from this company again!
Nora M.
Good overall
I have had my purse since February of 2019.
Aspects I love: The waterproof quality is amazing. The slash proof strap and material is the only one of its kind I have been able to find, and it makes me feel safer. The purse has a minimalist beauty to it.
Aspects that could be improved: My wall pocket ripped in the first month. I had to put a clip on it to be able to use it. The sides of the front wallet also deteriorated fast in the first month. In one week one of the the locking zipper came off while I was zipping my purse. I hoped for better quality material for the price. It is still in good shape, however. It is a little smaller than I hoped for (I like to use notebooks to carry around but I can't fit any in it. This my own opinion).
I buy things that are made for long term, I hope that these purses get better and better!
Courtney W.
Another Hit!
I have the Carmel backpack, which has been my absolute favorite, but needed a smaller option for just going out, as well as in state concerts. I finally got the push to order it when I saw an IG post of another customer using it as a belt bag. I got it in Black/Gunmetal, as it has a more sleek look and is my usual color preference. The bag fits my phone, wallet, keys, tech bag w/portable charger, and personal emergency kit; and is very comfortable to wear around the waist. I knew I should’ve gotten it sooner but I’m glad I finally did. Thank you so much Arden Cove for another great product!!!
Julie Wardi
Cute but Useful
I really like my bag so far! I wanted a versatile travel bag that would also fit into my backpack for plane rides. I have yet to travel with it but have been using it and it seems very sturdy!
Karenine
Perfect Travel Accessory!
I am confident that all of my belongings will be protected in this crossbody. It's surprisingly very roomy inside, and doesn't feel too bulky when worn. One tiiiiny complaint I have it that I wish the strap was a little longer (like an adjustable 60-70in or so), since I'm on the taller size, and wearing it as a crossbody across made it quite short. Love that it's waterproof for UK weather as well!
MARI S PHONASA
Smaller than expected
Not what I expected. Probably will not use. Too much hassle to return. Hopefully I can find someone to buy it from me.
Jessica Rugg
Small but mighty
I’ve used this purse on several trips now and love it! It gives me piece of mind when I’m in a crowd because I know about the extra security features. I love that the strap has clips because I’m able to strap it to a bench or table when I’m sitting and know that it’s going to be pretty tough to grab and run. I’ve also clipped a water bottle to the strap and carried it that way. This past trip, I was walking along the sea shore and a lage wave splashed me up to my hips and got the purse wet. I was worried at first about my phone but the water proof zipper did it’s job and everything inside the purse was bone dry. The only down side is the size. I can get the essentials in but if I want to bring one or two extras it really does not work. I find myself having to make choices between packing sunglasses or gloves or my battery pack. I don’t really like the styles of the larger bags they have. I find myself wishing for a a slightly larger size of this exact bag.
Michelle
Great travel bag
I typically use crossbody bags when I travel, and this purse was exactly what I needed. I just returned from Iceland, where it can be rainy in late December/early January, so I was pleased how everything stayed dry inside and that it was truly waterproof. I’m used to bigger bags, but this still held all of my essential items (Passport, wallet, keys, lip balm, anti-bacterial gel, tissue pack, cell phone, battery charger, and sunglasses). I bought the black and gunmetal purse with the leather strap, which has a sleek look that can be styled with several outfits. Thankfully, Iceland has a low crime rate, so I never felt the need to lock the zippers, but I like that I have the option if needed for other trips. This is a great bag.
Mig
Smaller than expected
A lot smaller than expected. Not really ideal for everyday or extended use. Might be useful just around town on a weekend when I want to carry a whole lot less or just a quick run about town for errands.
Cristina
Perfect Travel Bag
Perfect sized travel crossbody bag. I am certain this will replace all my current crossbody bags in my collection. It's a lot bigger on the inside than I had expected. I am loving the waterproof zippers.
Victoria
Amazing purse
I’ve had one of these crossbody’s for over 2 years now. It has traveled to 26 countries with me and I used it basically daily when at home. I can not recommend it enough. I’ve never had to worry about anyone stealing my stuff and I’ve never had an issue with the bag. It also fits a ton of stuff. I’m able to carry a travel umbrella, a pair of sunglasses, a battery pack, a selfie stick, a pack of playing cards and my wallet in it. I also am able to put my phone in place of the battery pack in the larger pocket if I decide to do so. I’ve also carried a small water bottle instead of the umbrella at warmer destinations. It’s absolutely wonderful! If you don’t have one, get one.
Caroline
Love this purse!!!
I saw the full size crossbody on Instagram and instantly researched the company and product. I loved what I saw! So many great reviews and wonderful sounding products. I decided to save up as I really wanted a great travel purse that had all the safety features Arden Cove has to offer, but also something durable for day to day use. Sure enough this purse is perfect! I absolutely love it! Big enough to hold all the random things I seem to accumulate but not too big that I overfill it and it gets to heavy. Sturdy and stylish, I can’t wait to travel oversees with it! Definitely recommend!
Ellen
Awesome bag, beautiful and functional
Just took this on a 1.5 week trip overseas and used it everyday! One concern was whether it would fit my water bottle. It didn't fit my current metal one but will fit a standard 500 ml plastic bottle lying down (which I reused as a water bottle for the trip). Kept my coin purse, cards, and small items in the front pocket and hair clip, pocket wifi, water bottle, phone in the main one. Also my e-reader sometimes. The clasp was so useful to have in areas where I was worried, and it rained for several days so I can attest that the bag is indeed waterproof. I loved how it looked as well (cream). Overall extremely satisfied, I just bought the backpack version.
Milenah
Nice but could be better
It has everything I want in a bag, but two deal breakers:
1. The small “phone” pockets doesn’t fit my iPhone 11. The purse height is not tall enough to accommodate the size.
2. The purse is unbalanced and leans forward. This can be remedied by putting stuff in it, unfortunately putting the iPhone in the front small zip pocket causes too much weight and will tip over every time if I don’t set it carefully.
It’s got 4 metal feet so I can’t deal with it tipped over like that. Otherwise it would have been a keeper!
Natalie
Only purse needed!
Throughout my journeys I have struggled to find the perfect bag that’s seamless from workday to travel...until now! The crossbody has truly helped through my minimalizing process, this bag helped me get rid of the unnecessary excess of bags I used to have. Check this awesome company out, even their customer service has been impeccable!
Charlea
Exactly what I need
This is exactly what I need. Anti-theft security and it's cute. Definitely getting one in Navy and grey (I have black/gunmetal). Perfect for people not trying to carry their whole life unnecessarily. Fits my wallet, lip balm, phone, portable charger, gum, meds, keys, with room for more.
M Williams
Happy with my purchase
I really like how this bag was designed, everything was well thought out. The clasps are a good balance of being easy enough for me to open while still making it harder for a thief to get in. I also really like that the lining is light in color- I never realized how much easier it would be to see all my items with a light lining. The two pockets and zipper pocket inside are just the right size. I put my phone in one, the passport in the other. The zipper pouch fits any knick knacks I don't want rolling around the bottom of my bag. Carries my glasses, medicine box, and small journal perfectly. I can even put a pen upright in the wall pocket (just remember to cap your pens unlike me!) Overall, I am a very satisfied customer. Hope my review helps you decide to buy it!
Leigh Anne
Wonderful!
I bought this to take on a trip to Europe and it is perfect. Small, but roomy enough to hold all my essentials and then some. It is so great, I'll be using it full time not just on trips. Looks really nice and complements my wardrobe. A fantastic buy!
Wendy
Very pretty, practical bag
I'm enjoying my purchase very much. The bag itself is large enough to hold my glasses, small bottle of water, and mini umbrella. Lasted my trip well, seems every well made. I love the maroon color, which is a pretty mix of red and purple. Not too bright but special and stunning color. I will buy more for my family members. I also appreciate that there's a 1 year warranty if there are any issues.
Meej
Love it!
I was a bit skeptical to buy something I saw on instagram, but after throughly researching and seeing how active their Instagram and YouTube is, I decided to take the plunge and boy am I glad! This bag is ideal- it fits all my daily necessities and more. I was surprised as how roomy it was without being too large. It also holds up its shape. You can tell it is a NICE bag- lining, pining, feet on the bottom. It isn't easy to make but these girls pulled it off. Now I have to get my hands on the backpack!
Kat
Beautiful travel purse!
I was looking for something that looked nice and was secure for my travels. This fits the bill! I got the navy one, and got lots of compliments on how vibrant the color is. I also love how it holds its shape really well despite how much or how little I put in the bag. I decided on the leather strap instead of the chain strap because I read that the chain can get pretty cumbersome and heavy. The leather strap works well so far. It’s a bit folded up though as if it’s been in the packaging for a long time. I’m hoping the strap will straighten out over time.
Overall, a great purchase!!!
T Hinds
Great sightseeing/day bag
I got the black bag with both types straps back in April. I used it at home a couple times and took on my Europe trip this September.
Being a right hander, I find the zippers are placed reversed to how they are normally. The zippers open left to right instead of right to left which is standard. I got accustomed to this, but was weird - could have been done like this so clasp to secure bag not to front of body.
Apart from this the bag was able to hold a lot for day trips and best of all I felt secure in crowds and on crowded buses that my items were safe. Zippers help up to numerous open and close as I was switching between phone and cameras for pictures and secured the one not in use immediately.
Leather Straps did start hurting shoulders but this was after several days of lots of activity. Chain strap not too comfortable for long day use. Daily I carried my phone, camera, sunglasses, lipstick, tissue.
Loved front wallet as cash was invisible when sectioned open and I usually keep my phone for easy reach.
Would like to suggest the interior of bags be made with an easy to clean material not fabric. Overall, great buy.
Penelope
Such a great idea!
I bought an Arden Cove bag two years ago. I wasn't a big fan of a chain strap but thought that the bag it self was too good to pass up. I used that bag to death and came back to purchase a new one. I'm so excited to see that the company has reinvested into better products- I can definitely notice the better YKK matching zippers, and that they listened to us complaining about chain straps and made a leather strap!
The strap itself is pretty sturdy - about how I feel about a thick shoulder strap, where its probably too much of a hassle to be a target. It is two pieces of leather sandwiched around a steel cable. You can see the cable but it's not a big deal to me. In fact, I love knowing that it's there! Anyways, I'm loving the new purse and the new strap.
H B
Super helpful, great resources
Seems like a lot of the poor reviews are from people not actually understanding the product, which is surprising given the amount of time they spent explaining it on this website as well as their social media. I'm really glad that this company took the time to explain their product so thoroughly. I have been stalking their Instagram and Youtube for months. Their stories has packing examples to show what fits, the waterproofness of the bag is tested, how to style the bag and adjust straps. Their YouTube has longer videos so you can really see their bags in "action". In emails they were also kind enough to patiently answer questions and link me to their various info pages (size guide, colors, etc). My suggestion is if you're not sure, check out those places.
Christine
Great all around!
I originally bought the full crossbody in gold and black. I had placed my order which also included the mini gold and black when I received an email about the new gun metal color option. Silver is more of my color but I liked these purses and purchased them with gold option. I emailed the company and asked if I would be able to do an exchange with the full crossbody that I bought for the new gunmetal color option. Karin returned my email very quickly and made it very easy for me to exchange the two purses. She was very helpful and gave me all the information and shipping label that I needed. She was very informative, nice, helpful and timely. I really like both purses. They are cute and functional. I don't go on my trip that I originally bought these for until October but I plan on using them in my everyday life as well. I highly recommend these purses and the customer service was fantastic!
Megan V Jenkins
Functional and Fashionable
I love this bag! I got it so I could commute to my internship in D.C. and I have to say so far it doesn't disappoint. I love that the bag is not only chic, but it is also utilitarian in that it's designed for safety and anti-theft. I see a lot of bags on the market that are cutesy and aesthetic, but are just that..."cute". I have always been looking for something that has utility and that can keep my belongings (and most of all money/cards) safe! I love how much space there is! I can fit a book, my kindle, a small notepad, and ALL my other basic necessities! I love it so much!!! Its fabric and material is very high quality and definitely a MUST for both travelers and city workers! I'm not the biggest spender, let alone on something like a purse; however, this purchase is honestly one of my best purchases of 2019 and not one ounce of regret. This bag is truly amazing and I love it so thank you! :)
Kathy
Excited for the new Black-Gunmetal
I've had the Grey bag for a couple months now. I really liked black, but I don't like wearing Gold hardware so when they announced the Black-Gunmetal color I'm ordering a second bag!
My Grey bag is still doing great, by the way, which is why I didn't hesitate to buy a second one! Went to Rome and Barcelona with it. Carry it all the time at home too and it's perfect.
Jenni
Keeps it versatile
I got this bag with both the chain strap and leather strap. Personally I love both- the leather strap is great for everyday and the chain is very cute when I want to switch it up. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase. The bag is cute, functional, and surprisingly fits everything I need. For example, my kindle and water bottle fit together. You'd never expect it to, but it does!
June Davis
Dissapointed
I was so excited to receive my new purse about 2 and a half weeks ago on July 6th. We went on vacation July 14th and I took it with me to use.
However, here I am back at home at the end of my vacation extremely dissapointed with it. I ordered the cream color because I felt like it matches everything. This thing stains VERY EASILY and it is impossible to clean off. It is like it catches everything it touches. I didn't do any "dirty activities" around it like hiking or crafting either. I walked around with it on at a theme park, touring a colonial town, and set it in a chair to eat at restuarants. In addition, the brown edges of it have bled onto the cream part of the purs. I got caught in the rain for about 5 minutes and it wasn't even heavy rain. It did get splashed with water quickly a couple times. It was never submerged or under water for any extended amount of time.
So, 2 stars for its features, but 3 stars taken off because it is not appealing to look at anymore. I would not recommend getting this in a light color at all.
Angela
Amazing Bag & Beyond Amazing Customer Service
I purchased this bag around Oct/Nov 2018 and have used it as an every day bag ever since. Around June 2019, I started to notice the stitching separating the two inside pockets was coming lose. I couldn’t locate my confirmation email and didn’t have an order number but I emailed asking for some tips on how to repair it. Karin responded super quickly and advised on how to go about repairing it myself. She also offered to send me a shipping label to mail the bag in for repair if I’m not very sewing-savvy (which I’m not). I returned the bag and within a week, a BRAND NEW one was sitting at my doorstep. It didn’t matter how often I’d used the bag, whether or not the damage was my fault (which it likely was), etc. This is far and above the BEST customer service experience I’ve ever had with a company! Not only is the bag itself amazing (see all the other glowing reviews for proof - they’re all true) but the genuine care shown for the customers is unparalleled. I can’t recommend Arden Cove enough!
ALICE LY
Amazing Bag & Even Better Customer Service
I've used my black bag with faux leather straps on an almost daily basis for 8 months now, including a 10 day trip to Italy and smaller trips to Canada and New York. The interlocking clasps and waterproofness make me feel safe and I can fit everything I need, without it being too heavy. It also pairs well with pretty much any outfit and can "dress" up a casual outfit.
I believe I had an older bag so, over the course of the 8 months, the zipper tape ripped a little and caused issues with the zipper getting caught at a certain point. When I sent them the picture, they immediately emailed me a return postage label to send the bag back. After a week later, I received a brand new bag that uses their new zipper supplier. I was really happy with the bag and extremely pleased with their customer service to replace a bag almost a year later. Thank you! I'll continue to recommend to my family and friends :D
June B
Favorite day bag for traveling
I use this for all my trips now- been to Asia and Europe with it and it was perfect. Great size, shape holds well, easy to clean. I dripped gelato all over it by accident and it washed off so easily! I don't even sweat when my icy drinks are dripping all over the place.
K H
Perfect bag
This is a super sturdy. The material feels like a mix between neoprene and typical nylon, not like a typical thin plastic. I was worried it wouldn't feel good but actually it's pretty smooth and holds it shape, and feels expensive. I'm a fan!
Janice
4 Months In!
I purchased this bag (in black color) to prevent pickpocketing during my trip to London and Paris in February 2019, and it served its function! The hooks for the zippers provided extra security for sure. I am very cautious when I travel - will always wear the bag in front of me, and put my hands on top of my purse. When I got this purse, I always zipped my bags all the way to the furthest end of the zipper, because I need to know if someone would try to open my bag.
On my last day in Paris, someone bumped into me in the metro station (definitely a big pickpocketing alert), I immediately checked my zippers to see if anything happened...and my zippers moved only a very tiny bit, all thanks to the hooks! I didn't lose anything as well!
Then 2 weeks ago I went to Montreal, Canada, and it was raining during my trip. The bag got rained on for sure, about 20 minutes or so each time, but the water droplets could be brushed away, and my items inside the bag remained dry. Wouldn't able to speak to a bigger downpour since I didn't encounter that yet with this bag.
Overall, I am very satisfied with this purchase. 4 months in, and the bag holds up well. The quality and functionality definitely met its description!
Holly D
Tested the waterproofness
Just received this a week ago, and while its sunny where I live I decided to test out the waterproofness by running it under the sink! It seems like at full blast about a minute it is pretty good. The water just balls up and rolls off. Wipes off easily and dried up pretty fine (again it's hot summer here). I ended up running it a bit longer and after about 3 minutes I can see the water getting a bit in at the seams. I stopped before any puddle formed but realistically I wont be swimming with the thing on. I would say you're probably fine in any sprinkling to moderate downpour for 30 mins or so. The shape and color dried back to normal when I put it out in the sun. Overall I dont think it's meant to be 1000% waterproof but it's pretty much going to be fine or my normal uses.
Melanie M
Super Cute! Perfect for this summer
I got this as a gift for my summer abroad trip and it's been perfect! Just the other day someone tried to pickpocket my classmate-- so sneaky! She thankfully caught it in time but it was a good reminder for me to clip up the zippers. I also was shopping around for other anti-theft bags (since my parents are the nervous type) and while this is a pricer option, it looks SO much better that I asked for this as my early birthday gift. I absolutely love it!
Angelica
Disappointed & didn't even last a week trip!
Super disappointed as I couldn’t wait to get this bag for my trip to England this past week. My bag arrived 2 days before we left and in the middle of our trip, the gold plating wore off and the zipper keeps getting stuck. This bag is not worth the $139 price point.
Loved the safety features this bag has, but I would have never purchased this if I knew it would fall apart during our trip. I would have purchase one of the uglier ones on Amazon for $30.
Disappointed for sure and will never buy anything from Arden Cove again.
Janice
Three months in
The bag still looks great and has held its shape. Great since I live in a very rainy area! I saw another review that said it wasn't waterproof, but I haven't had any problems. Not sure if it is just another batch of zippers? I do always make sure the zippers are closed and I wipe it down once I get inside when it rains, but my belongings have been dry. Haven't had the anti-theft properties tested, and hopefully will never have to!
The other night, a waiter spilled a cocktail on my bag (poor soul was very apologetic) and most of it just rolled off and I was able to wipe off the rest with a damp cloth. Another perk of a waterproof bag!
Tamar
Love the purse, but doesn't last
I bought this purse (black with leather strap) nearly a year ago for my trip abroad, and loved it so much that I've been using it everyday since then. Now I'm back considering buying another since the zipper stitching is coming apart on one end and the locks are fading/looking old, but feels steep for something that lasts only a year... highly recommend this product of you only use it for trips, but everyday use seems to be too much unfortunately.
Kierra
Not waterproof- disappointed
My dad had just bought me this bag for my Europe trip coming up, I got it and was so excited (I had wanted it for months) I opened it tried it on but then I ran the whole thing under my sink just to see how waterproof it was, and to my surprise the inside was wet when I checked. I even waited an extra day for it to dry and try again thinking maybe the water was too hard so I tried just a little splash of water around the whole thing with paper inside of it and the paper became wet. I wanted this bag for the longest time but now knowing it isn’t waterproof is very disappointing.
Kinsey
Perfect for every day use
I originally purchased my bag back in December and wanted to wait to review it until I had given it a fair trial period. I was a bit hesitant since I don't usually order things I see advertised on Instagram or Facebook. I am SO happy I impulse purchased this. It has become my go to purse. I use it daily and took it (and the Arden Cove backpack) on a trip to Korea. It was nice to have the peace of mind that my bag was zipped & locked. I could travel well assured that nothing was going to fall out of my bag on the subway or walking through the streets of Seoul. 10/10 would buy again (and in fact - I did! I just received my third bag - the mini).
Christine
Great purse for occasional use
Bought this purse in black prior to traveling abroad for 6 months. Loved the look of it, all the features came in very handy and made it well worth the price.
However, about a month into the trip the main zipper’s lock broke, then it slowly kept deteriorating (such as the gold lost its colour, making it look old; some of the stitches seemed to struggle to stay together, ...). I used it for the 6 month trip as I didn’t have the budget to buy a new one, and would have loved to keep using it after, but sadly the durability was just not what I had hoped it might be.
Based on my experience I’d say it’s the perfect purse to protect your belongings on one week trip but not for extended periods of time (I guess 6 months might’ve been too long for what it was intended :)
Zoe
Perfect Travel Companion
I think my favorite things about the purse are that its waterproof, and can lock. The zippers have little clips on them that you can hook to the sides to make pickpocketing impossible. Thankfully no one has tried to slash my purse or steal content (i.e. passport or credit card) but with the RFID proofing I won't have to worry about it! I went with grey because its a neutral color that goes with everything. I originally bought it for travel but have been using it as my normal daily cross body bag. Its sturdy and I have been very happy so far!
As a side note, I accidentally bought the wrong purse (chain instead of faux leather strap) but customer service was very friendly, timely and walked me through returning the chain strap and getting the faux leather one instead! They made it very easy.
Molly
Perfect for Italy!
I bought this bag in Black/Gold for my trip to Italy September and love it so much that I also ended up buying the limited edition pink/gold full size bag a few months later. I did a lot of research when looking for a theft-proof bag and this one was the only purse I could find that was both stylish and theft-proof. After wearing it literally the entire time there, I can say it is absolutely worth the money spent. There were at least 2 incidents where I easily could have been pick-pocketed at train stations but this bag gave me peace of mind that I had an extra layer of security. The waterproof feature also helped when we happened to be outside in heavy pouring rain in Siena. It fit all the necessities (tickets, credit cards, touch-up makeup and phone) and was comfortable to wear even with the chain strap. Now that I'm home, I still use it as my date night bag because it's so gorgeous.
Samantha Taylor
Best Travel and Everyday Purse I've bought
Like many women I buy a bunch of purses based on my needs and tastes at the moment. But of the purses I have bought Arden Cove's Full Sized Crossbody has been my favorite. It has a nice sized builtin wallet that is waterproof and RFID blocking and the wallet section easily fits an iPhone plus. The larger section is also a perfect size because I can carry my iPad mini in a case and a 5x8 notebook when I am going to meetings or quick talks for work. The larger section is also waterproof which kept my iPad Mini and notebook safe during a downpour in a recent trip to NYC. This crossbody has become my everyday bag as well as my travel purse. I do wish the zippers went down a little lower on the sides but that is a minor issue.
Anne
Excellent but one small issue
I do love my bag a lot. I went traveling to Japan, and while Japan is one of the safest countries for travelers I felt more comfortable with the safety features my bag offered. It carries everything I need for my day to day wonderfully.
My only issue is how easily it stains. I got the pink and black version, and when I received mine I noticed a small stain on the front. Since I was leaving for my trip to Japan soon, I decided not to worry about it. However wearing the bag frequently has revealed it picks up denim stains very easily along with other general dirt stains. I haven’t tried any of the recommended cleaners on it yet, but I will soon. I’m a little frustrated because I get twitchy about stains on my purses, but I still enjoy the purse and would recommend purchasing one as long as you’re dedicated to giving the lighter versions a thorough clean at least once a month.
Dani
So cute, and so waterproof - trust me!
I bought this bag in black for my trip to Iceland, where you can't predict the weather even 5 minutes in advance. Before leaving, I took it for a test run around town and my boyfriend spilled an entire pint of beer on it. Not to worry - EVERYTHING inside was dry! And it cleaned up beautifully! Same story in Iceland. No matter the weather - rain, snow, sleet, hail, wind - this bag withstood it all. And I could fit both my sunglasses and glasses inside so I could swap as the sun came out! Truly loved traveling with this bag and can't wait to take it on more adventures!
Stephanie
Superb!
I took the pink/gold purse on a trip to the Dominican Republic and got rained on but my items remained dry! Purse also dried beautifully. The locking zippers made me feel secure as I browsed the markets since all my items were locked up. I still can't believe how beautiful it looked after drying!
Felicia Felicelli
You'll never need another travel purse!
As a flight attendant for a major company, I've searched for the perfect purse for years now. This purse had been perfect! It holds everything I need on me for work with the benifit of it being water proof and clips to keep it closed. I will most likely never buy another purse again!
Sheila Whittle
LOVE LOVE LOVE
This is the only purse I wear now! I travel often and feel so safe with this crossbody and the locking zippers. Also, I searched high and low to find a cute waterproof purse, and this is it!
Kelly
Great experience
I normally don't post reviews, but I just wanted to say that the customer service was superb. They were very helpful when I asked if my package would arrive in time for my trip. Now I've been using the bag on vacation it's been great! Just so handy and secure. I love it! Thanks girls!
xue
Great travel bag
This bag is great for everyday use, but even better for travel. It's light weight and waterproof with enough space to fit all the stuff I need to carry such as sunglasses, wallet, phone, chap-sticks, tissues etc. I used the bag every day during my trip in Asia. It looks good and kept my stuff dry on a day when it was pouring. I recommended the bag to a friend who also really like it.
The only issue I had with the bag was the seams between the inner pockets broke after a few days. However, I contacted Arden Cove and they speedily fixed and replaced the bag. It was great customer service.
Laurel
Phenonemal Bag!
I purchased the full size cross body purse for a trip to Europe after looking at a bunch of travel bags on Amazon - none if which were chic or attractive (and I didn't want to scream tourist clearly carrying a travel anti-theft bag). The next day Arden Cove appeared in my Instagram ads and I fell in love! (Thank goodness for cross advertising huh?) The bag is stylish and versatile while having all the benefits of a "travel" purse. The self-clasping zippers make it so much easier to wear the bag in peace with it draped behind you versus clutching it in front of you all day. I can fit my eyeglass case, sunglass case, phone, passport, chapstick, earbud headphones and gloves all in the main compartment with room to spare. The front section is perfect for all the typical wallet essentials plus travel documents. I carry a huge Kate Spade tote daily for work, but I find myself using this bag constantly for going out on the weekends or any scenario where I don't need to a lug a bag around that can hold my laptop. Definitely recommend this bag and I know I will be purchasing more Arden Cove items in the future!
Alyshia
The perfect bag for going places
Short story: I love this bag and recommend it to anyone who has to get stuff done on the go.
Long story: This is a great, innovative bag designed for travel but ideal for those little journeys as well - like your daily commute. The bag is well made and the super waterproof nylon feels very sturdy. Those waterproof zippers can take a little getting used to but they feel so secure against rain - they are better than the zippers on my Patagonia Black Hole duffel and best of all, I get a pleasant tactile satisfaction when zipping (sounds silly but you have to try it out.) All of the pockets are there, I can fit a lot into the bag, and I appreciate the secure feeling of locking in my zippers. Another plus is that due to the design of the zipper pulls, you can zip by looping a finger in and pulling rather than having to use your thumb, in case you hands are full. This bag is chic, lightweight, and well-designed with no superfluous details. I could not wait for the maroon restock and picked up navy but I love this so much that I am eyeing the mini or a second bag in maroon.
Thank you Arden Cove! Huzzah for designers from my native SF!
Briana
In love with this bag!
Absolutely love this bag! I originally bought this bag for my trip to Europe in a few months, and wanted to test it out beforehand. I've been using it for about a month, and it's very lightweight, spacious inside, keeps its shape, stays dry in the rain, and very comfortable. Definitely buying another one in a different color!
Sandra Small
Perfect for trip!
We spent 11 days in France during the Christmas holidays and we both carried this purse. It was perfect! It held everything I wanted to carry each day, and stayed dry during some pretty strong rain and wind. Even though I had filled it with necessary items, the weight was balanced in such a way that it never pulled on my neck or shoulder...something that is very important since I usually have a lot of pain in that area. With the construction of the purse, I felt very secure in carrying it every where we went. Thanks for designing something that is both practical and beautiful!
Mary
Wow. Classy and lightweight
My college age daughter was planning a trip to Europe. She wanted to look pulled together and classy but refused to consider a travel purse since most cross body bags looked too much like something a tourist might wear. When we went on your site she fell in love. We decided on this style to provide the needed space for a day's worth of incidentals. I borrowed it for a day in New York City and was so amazed at how light weight it was. Thank you for a great and classy cross body bag.
Caitlin
Amazing bag
So glad I got this bag!! It’s spacious enough to fit most of your essentials. The locking hooks are awesome. It rained a few time on my trip, so the waterproof aspect was helpful. Best part is that it’s cute and fashionable. All other travel bags I saw while shopping around where boring or just unappealing. I use this bag all the time now!
Lindsey
Made my first trip of the year great!
I love that this bag is anti-theft and waterproof. What I love even more? It's the perfect size with the right pockets to make my trip extra smooth by keeping all my belongings organized. I was able to carry everything I wanted without overpacking and everything was in it's place with all the pockets. I bought this bag for my trip but now I'm going to use this all the time!
Candice
Best Christmas gift!
I received this bag as a Christmas present and I was so excited! The idea is so cool! The anti-theft and waterproof features are super neat and this bag will be SUPER helpful when I go on a trip to Europe next month. The bag looks gorgeous and I'm so happy to have a bag made by sisters in California!
Nicole
I don't use any other bag now!
It is a small bag, but you really don't need any of the extra stuff. The front pocket has a built in RFID-blocking wallet so I don't have to carry a wallet. The interior has two wall pockets (fits my iPhone perfectly) and a zipper pocket. I also can fit my glasses case, kindle and sunscreen. It's just everything I need! The d-ring to add a key leash is also very usefull.
It is a more structured bag so it holds its shape and sits upright on the metal feet. It looks unique but not too flashy which is what I look for. The materials feel like a great quality. I tested the waterproofness by running it under the sink and the water just rolls off! Amazing! It eventually gets wet if you soak it, though realistically I just need it to survive some rain so that's good enough for me. The zipper is a waterproof zipper so it is a bit harder to open- I understand that's just how waterproof zippers are though, since the plastic bit seals it tight to keep water out.
Overall, it's a great bag and for the quality and features it's totally worth the price IMO
Jane
I love this bag!
This bag is just the right size to fit all of my necessaries and still be light enough to carry on a daly basis.
I really like the adjustable cross body strap - I can adjust it so it fits me perfectly.
The bag is attractive, but also not attention getting, which I like.
I like the zippers, they open and close easily, but the cover makes them feel more secure.
The 2 separate pockets help keep me organized and my phone fits perfectly and is easy to find every time.
I will be traveling soon and can't wait to use this bag!
Pat Mitchell
Perfect for travel and everyday
Pros:
Lightweight: Because it was so lightweight I carried it at all times as either a crossbag or a shoulder bag while traveling to Bali.
Accessible: The outside wallet was very easy to access and most important, everything was easy to locate. I never "lost" items in my purse which can be a problem with larger purses.
Roomy: Because of the outside wallet, the main body had plenty of room to carry my Portable Charger, sunglasses with hard case, an 8 oz water bottle, comb, lip moisturizer, mints, flat compact mirror and a 2.5" x 4" Point and Shoot camera! I preferred to put my iPhone X in the outside wallet. It's amazing how much room the body has!
Peace of mind: The safety features provide a great sense of security.
Cons: None!
Anne
Size is great but excited for bigger bags
I'm pretty excited to see that they now have some larger bags for pre-order. This full size is great for everyday but once you put in more more items it is FULL, if you know what I mean.
Last trip I was had to carry:
- Compact umbrella (only small ones fit, a larger umbrella will not. If you don't have a compact one you can clip to the outside, but it will dangle around)
- 17 oz waterproof (water bottle from the corner store, I had to pick specific bottles for the shape. Basically shorter or smaller ones)
- Portable charger
- Bug spay (3 oz travel size)
- Passport, cards, keys, cash, etc.
It all fits and zips up fine, but I was really pushing it :P Already pre-ordered the Carmel, which looks exactly the same but bigger and you can wear it as a backpack which is my preference. Can't wait to get it! Overall this is a thoughtfully designed bag and would recommend.
Iris
Great bag
I have had the bag for couple of weeks now and have used it as a everyday bag. Planning to take the bag with me to my future trips. I like the faux leather strap, it's length is easy to adjust. Zipper and the lock system are great and I especially like the lining on top which protects the zipper. Would be nice if the bag was just tiny bit bigger and the fabric would give in a bit to fit everything needed for a day like small umbrella or water bottle. I was surprised how quickly the shipping went even though it was shipped to other side of the world. :)
BARBARA PARKS
Love it!!
I have had one going on a year. Never had a bag I love this much. I use it everyday, was just on the website looking into buying another one, but a different color. Wish you had one in orange, would be great for fall!! Thanks!!
Jan
Perfect Bag!
I was so excited to receive my beautiful bag! I ordered the Black Full Size with strap. (I'll probably purchase the chain strap in the future). The bag was so well packed and I did not notice any odor at all.
I bought the bag with the idea of using it on an international trip later in the year. But I wanted to just try it out for a few days to see if I liked it. Well...I am still carrying it everyday!
In addition to the anti-theft features, it is very organized and holds lots more than I even thought it would. I love the built in wallet. It hold everything - money, iPhone, sunglasses, Kindle, small journal as well as lipstick, tissues, small hairbrush, compact and things like that. It is a very lightweight purse and so comfortable even with all my items in it. I am thoroughly pleased and so very happy with my purchase. I also had a couple of questions before ordering and the response and info was so quick. Karin and Carmen - you have done an outstanding job! Thank you so much and best of luck to you both!
Dory F
Love the new strap
The bag is very practical and I love the front pocket to put cash & cards. The inside is also well organized with the wall pockets that fit my phone, sunglasses, and small items.
I like that there is now another option in addition to the chain strap. Though I like the chain look, I find this one more practical for everyday use. I sometimes switch to the chain when I feel like it suits the outfit more since it has a dressier look. It is thicker than a normal strap since there is a wire inside to protect from thieves who cut straps off.