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Crossbody bags have really taken off in recent years-largely thanks to the viral Uniqlo crossbody pouch, loved for fitting far more than you'd expect from such a compact design. I've used mine constantly over the last few years and completely understand why it became such a hit. But if you're looking for something a little sturdier for travel, holidays, and everyday use, Antler's version feels like a very natural upgrade. It keeps that same easy-to-wear feel while offering noticeably more space. In fact, it's quickly become the bag I reach for most days, replacing my Uniqlo pouch simply because it carries so much more.

The Antler Icon Slingbag is priced at £55 and features a similar curved-pouch silhouette, though it's slightly longer than the Uniqlo style. I own both, and for comparison, the Uniqlo pouch measures 28 x 17 x 10cm, while the Antler bag measures 10 x 36 x 18 cm. Even with the added capacity, it still feels impressively lightweight at just 0.28kg when empty, so it never feels bulky before you've packed your essentials.

The bag originally launched in two shades-black and sand, with sand being my personal favourite-but it's now also available in a fresh khaki green colourway. Each bag features a zip closure and subtle raised Antler branding across the front. I really like how understated it looks; the design feels sleek and thoughtfully done rather than overly logo-heavy. As with all Antler bags, it also arrives with a protective dust bag for storage.

One of the standout features for me is how comfortable and versatile it is to wear. The adjustable strap can be extended for a relaxed crossbody fit or shortened to sit neatly on your shoulder. That flexibility makes it ideal for travel-it works just as well for daytime sightseeing as it does for dinner and evening walks in a new city. The strap is comfortable too, although if I've packed the bag especially full, particularly with a water bottle, I do notice a little extra weight on one shoulder. Still, that's fairly typical with most crossbody styles.

In terms of durability, it feels incredibly practical. The bag is made from 100% recycled polyester, has a weatherproof finish, and is wipe-clean, which makes it especially useful for trips away. It feels like the kind of bag you can take from a full day exploring straight to a spontaneous beach stop without worrying about wear and tear.

The two-way zip might seem like a small detail, but it genuinely makes life easier when you're travelling. At the airport, for example, you can quickly unzip either side to grab your passport or boarding pass without awkwardly rummaging around in the queue.

What really makes this bag impressive, though, is the interior space. With six litres of storage, there's plenty of room for everything you need on a day out, and I was honestly surprised by how much it could hold.

The first time I used it, I packed it for a typical day out-although I'll admit I tested its limits slightly to see what it could handle. Inside, I managed to fit my purse, keys, a book, sunscreen, hand cream, lip products, perfume, my phone and charger, plus a water bottle. That's significantly more than I can comfortably fit inside my Uniqlo bag. Normally, when I overfill that one, my water bottle ends up awkwardly clipped to the outside, but with the Antler bag, everything slotted neatly inside.

The five internal compartments make staying organised much easier, too. There's even a built-in key hook, which may sound minor, but it saves me endlessly searching through the bottom of my bag-a problem I seem to have constantly. I also gave it a go packing as though I was using it for hand luggage, and was pleasantly surprised. You can read my full review here.

It seems I'm far from the only person impressed by the size and quality, too. The bag currently holds a five-star customer satisfaction rating on Antler's website. One shopper wrote: "Absolutely perfect for carrying passport, phone, etc. to allow easy access when travelling."

Another added: "Excellent quality. Good size/ proportions, a number of handy pockets inside. The material feels robust and looks smart, so it will be equally useful for day trips and evening walks (city break coming up). Strap is robust and comfy. Exactly what I was looking for, there are many sling options available at the moment, none of which match up to this in terms of value for money."

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