I have to admit when it comes to finding the best sustainable metro crossbody bags out there — it is tough to find something that fits with my lifestyle.

In most scenarios, crossbody bags are made for commuting, slinging over your shoulder after work, or carrying essentials like a camera without lugging around a heavy backpack.

But if you live a fluid lifestyle where you want to take a crossbody bag on a bike ride or hit some local trails, then the ALPAKA Metro Crossbody bag strikes a perfect balance!

Note: This post was written in collaboration with Alpaka. I only provide unbiased and completely honest recommendations. Some of the links below are affiliate links.

Why I Chose the ALPAKA Metro Crossbody Bag

wearing the alpaka metro crossbody bag on my nature & city walkabouts!

As a woman, I’ve always hesitated to try crossbody bags because they can sometimes lean towards a more masculine aesthetic.

But the ALPAKA Metro Crossbody changed my mind. Not only is it sleek and practical, but it also worked great for my bike rides, hiking trips, and casual walks in the park.

If you’re someone who values both style and functionality, this might just be the best sustainable crossbody bag out there. Here’s why.

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First Impressions: Quality and Design

the alpaka metro crossbody bag feels premium and well-padded

On first look, the feel of the ALPAKA Metro Crossbody bag feels premium. The material is durable, well-padded, and sturdy, meaning it can easily hold bulkier items like a camera, an 11-inch tablet, or even a laptop.

What I appreciate most is that the bag is built for movement. It hugs the body securely but doesn’t feel restrictive, making it ideal for an active lifestyle. Whether I was cycling or hiking, it stayed in place comfortably.

One of the standout features is that the bag is available in both right and left shoulder configurations: this could be a small but significant detail but it just means you can sling it whichever way that you want.

The 10L capacity is just right and big enough to hold daily essentials without being oversized. And weighing only 730g (1.6 lbs), it’s light enough to carry all day without strain.

The Features That Are Worth Talking About

It’s worth noting that everything about ALPAKA’s crossbody bag is made for the grab-and-go kind of lifestyle. I am always fumbling with small gadgets and their pocket system makes it easy to access things when you most need it.

1. The Pockets & Organisation

If you’re all about organisation, the Metro Crossbody bag excels in this area.

🎒 Quick-access front pocket: Much-needed for essentials like keys or earpods.

🎒 Main compartment with internal mesh zip pocket: Keeps everything neatly arranged

🎒 Padded 11” tablet/laptop sleeve: A soft-lined compartment that’s easy to store your tablet or laptop in

🎒 Discreet side pocket: Hidden zipper for valuables like your wallet or passport

🎒 Strap-integrated phone sleeve: You know how important it is to have your phone right in front of you (especially on a bike or walking around!)

🎒 Expandable water bottle pocket: Elastic cinch ensures your bottle stays put especially if you’re moving around a lot.

I found the pocket system, organisation, and feel of the materials to be top-notch. It is better than many outdoor brands on the market (yes, even Patagonia!).

2. Comfort & Stability

I found the Metro Crossbody bags to be one of the better and premium crossbody bags out there.

The contoured, padded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry for long periods without discomfort. A ventilated back panel helps with breathability, which is especially great for hot days.

The detachable stability strap ensures the bag stays in place during cycling or fast-paced activities.

If you’re someone who constantly finds yourself adjusting your bag while on the move, this feature alone makes a huge difference.

3. Multipurpose Use: Travelling, Commuting or Outdoor Adventures

Using it for cycling and commuting around the city!

This isn’t just a city bag: it’s versatile enough for different environments.

I recently used it during my bicycle commute, and despite a light drizzle, the bag held up well and kept my belongings dry. I later found out that it’s made from Axoflux 210D Ripstop Nylon, which has excellent abrasion resistance and a waterproof coating.

If you’re travelling, you’ll appreciate the luggage handle pass-through, which makes it easy to secure the bag onto any suitcase.

4. Security Features for Peace of Mind

One of the biggest concerns when carrying a crossbody bag is security — especially in crowded cities or while travelling.

ALPAKA thought this through by adding hidden zippers and discreet compartments, ensuring that valuables like your passport and wallet stay safe.

The strap-integrated phone sleeve also prevents you from constantly fishing around for your phone. These little details make a huge difference in real-world use.

Sustainability: The Reason Why ALPAKA Stands Out

As someone who deeply cares about the environment, I always try to buy from brands that prioritise sustainability. ALPAKA is built on the premise of resilience, and they’ve made a commitment to eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing processes.

What sets them apart?

🌱 Some of their products like the RX range is made from X-Pac® and Axoflux™ fabrics, both made from recycled plastic bottles.
🌱 They are members of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of annual sales to environmental organisations.
🌱 They focus on durability, ensuring that their bags last longer and reduce waste.

Inside the Metro Crossbody Bag

When you first unzip the ALPAKA Metro Crossbody, you’ll notice how everything is thoughtfully organised.

There’s a lot of thought put into the design of the bag. Not just for storage, but for easy access to your essentials.

The interior space is surprisingly generous for a 10L bag although it can feel snug if you put in a camera.

The well-structured layout means your items do not get lost at the bottom. I was cycling around and I found that it was easy to grab whatever I needed without emptying the contents of the bag.

The bag’s interior lining is soft but durable and I really like how luxurious it feels. Unlike some bags where items shift around as you move, the ALPAKA Metro Crossbody kept all my essentials secure, even during intensive activities like cycling or hiking.

For me, the compartments work great together. Whether you’re packing tech gadgets, travel essentials, or everyday carry items, everything finds its place without making the bag feel overloaded.

Despite its compact form, the bag doesn’t feel crazily restrictive. Even when fully packed, it has this luxe slim profile and somehow doesn’t have that odd bulkiness that some crossbody bags tend to have.

This means you can move freely on city walkabouts or hopping on a bike, or even going out for travel day trips.

How Did It Work In The Real-World?

As mentioned previously, I took the ALPAKA Metro Crossbody out and used it during multiple activities, and here’s how it performed:

Biking:

The bag sat securely against my back, not bouncing around as I rode. It was a bit loose sometimes but I realised that’s because I have a very short torso. If you’re 165cm and above, it’ll be better.
The stability strap made a noticeable difference, especially on bumpy trails.
Easy access to my phone without needing to stop.

Hiking:

Stayed in place without feeling restrictive.
Didn’t add unnecessary weight, so I could move freely.
Breathable padding prevented my back from getting too sweaty.

Everyday Use from Errands to Cafe Stops:

Carried everything I needed, including an 10” laptop. I do think anything bigger than this might not be a good fit.
The hidden valuables pocket was great for extra security in busy places.
Looked stylish enough for casual meetups, despite my initial concerns about the crossbody style being too masculine.

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So Is This the Best Sustainable Crossbody Bag?

a gorgeous green — the alpaka metro crossbody bag is one of the best sustainable bags out there!

I personally feel that for anyone who wants an everyday backpack that’s able to fit a tablet and few tech items while it being casual enough, the ALPAKA Metro Crossbody bag wins hands down.

The colours are basic but the green is gorgeous and black is sleek. This is a crossbody bag that balances functionality and comfort real well while being sustainable on all fronts.

It is travel-friendly and enough for a weekend out and about in the city while looking incredibly stylish.

The best part is the pocket system, thoughtful organisation, and premium materials stand out — far surpassing many outdoor brands on the market.

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Is This The Best Sustainable Crossbody Bag? A Look At The ALPAKA Metro Crossbody Bag