If you’ve attended a concert or sporting event recently, chances are you’ve discovered many venues have added clear bag policies for attendees. The new guidelines restrict the types of bags permitted into various venues, including certain theaters, stadiums and festival grounds. These policies are designed to create a safer environment for all eventgoers, as well as expedite fans through security.
While such restrictions may mean a switch from your go-to purse, there are a variety of bags – spanning translucent tote bags to clear handbags – available to hold your game day must-haves, concert essentials or even workplace materials.
Clear stadium bag size restrictions
Many venues for sporting events, concerts and festivals require attendees to use a clear bag. In addition to carrying all items within a transparent bag, you must adhere to specific size restrictions within the clear bag policies for NFL stadiums and other sports venues. While there are some variances, when shopping for clear handbags, it’s important to keep size limits in mind (the NFL requires all bags to be 12 x 6 x 12 inches or smaller, for example). You should also consider what you need to carry within your bag and check the specific restrictions for the event you plan to attend.
The Top Clear Bags of 2023
U.S. News editors researched dozens of review sites, including Amazon, online retailers, travel industry review sites and more, to come up with this selection of the best clear bags.
(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and supply chain issues. We update this article quarterly to ensure the bags we’re recommending are in stock and continue to have great overall reviews from consumers, while also considering new product launches. Dimensions are listed in order of length by width by height.)
Best Overall Clear Stadium Bag: May Tree Clear Stadium Tote
Dimensions: 12 x 5.5 x 12 inches
What sets it apart: This stadium-compliant tote bag has a large zippered tote compartment, front accessories pocket for your phone, and two mesh side pockets ideal for water or your umbrella (if allowed). Wear it as a crossbody, toss it over your shoulder or use the top handles for easy portability. The bag is available in 10 color options, so you can coordinate your clear stadium tote with your game day gear.
Bag owners appreciate: Sports fans like this tote bag’s durability and size, with many stating they can fit everything they need into this bag.
Price: $25.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Clear Purse: Hoxis Clear Saddle Bag
Dimensions: 9.4 x 3.5 x 6.7 inches
What sets it apart: For a purse that can easily go from the stadium to a night out, choose this saddle bag design from Hoxis, which combines see-through styling with a detachable chain link shoulder strap and magnetic closure. Trimmed in synthetic leather, this day-to-night design is offered in four colors: black, brown, leopard print or ivory.
Bag owners appreciate: Recent purchasers of this clear bag like the fashionable style and the amount of items that fit inside; many even note they get a lot of compliments on the purse.
Price: $35 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Clear Wristlet: Edraco Leopard Print Bag
Dimensions: 9.8 x 0.2 x 6.5 inches
What sets it apart: This stadium-approved waterproof wristlet combines functionality with fashion. The small clear bag comes with a wristlet and removable crossbody strap. Finished with a fun pop of leopard print, this handbag is ready for festivals, concerts, games and more.
Bag owners appreciate: This purse is a top pick of Amazon shoppers because of its zippered top, adjustable strap and cute style, which is large enough to hold your phone, keys, cards and lipstick.
Price: $11.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Clear Crossbody: Baggallini Clear Pocket Crossbody Bag
Dimensions: 8.5 x 2.5 x 9 inches
What sets it apart: Keep your hands free and ready to cheer with this clear crossbody from Baggallini. Designed by the iconic travel brand – known for its carry-on luggage, among other products – this lightweight clear bag is ready for sporting events, concerts and travel. Offering a 52-inch adjustable crossbody strap, a quick-access phone pocket and a wipeable finish, this stadium-compliant style comes in a choice of seven colors, including rainbow, black, dark blue and red.
Bag owners appreciate: Fans of this style love the wide adjustable strap and the bag’s sturdiness.
Price: $34.96 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Clear Stadium Backpack: Vorspack Clear Mini Backpack
(Courtesy of Vorspack)
Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 12 inches
What sets it apart: Ideal for stadiums or music festivals, this clear backpack has a large main zippered compartment for personal belongings, an interior mesh compartment for smaller items like cash or credit cards, an interior slash pocket, and two side mesh pockets for a water bottle or umbrella. Constructed with a durable PVC material in a choice of five accent colors, this backpack also has adjustable padded straps and reinforced stitching to make this your go-to event bag for a long time.
Bag owners appreciate: Concert and game attendees say this backpack is roomy and comfortable to carry at festivals and anywhere the clear bag policy is enforced.
Price: $20.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Clear Messenger Bag: COVAX Clear Messenger Bag
Dimensions: 10 x 4 x 12 inches
What sets it apart: Stay organized while on the go using this clear messenger bag. It has a large zippered main compartment with plenty of space for daytime essentials like sunscreen, wipes, sunglasses and a camera – as well as a cheer towel, T-shirt or merchandise you find along the way. The quick-access front zippered pocket is ideal for your phone, tickets, map or anything you want to have handy. There’s also two expandable mesh side pockets. This clear vinyl messenger is available in five color options including purple or white with rainbow accents.
Bag owners appreciate: Users of this bag say it holds more than expected and works well for sporting events, concerts and workplaces.
Price: $18.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Clear Fanny Pack: Veckle Clear Fanny Pack
Dimensions: 11 x 5.9 x 6.5 inches
What sets it apart: To add retro flair to your game day look, consider this fanny pack from Veckle. Featuring a durable and adjustable strap and buckle, this style can be worn around your waist, across your chest or over your shoulder. There’s a large interior space for personal items and an exterior pocket with a zippered closure, which is ideal for your phone or money. What’s more, you can choose from six colors, including pink or white with rainbow trim.
Bag owners appreciate: Users say the main compartment has plenty of room for your glasses, wallet, keys and more. “I appreciate the safety that the fanny pack provides; all my valuables are right in front of me instead of off to the side,” adds Leilani Osmundson, digital producer for travel at U.S. News. “The bag also fits more than I expected and is comfortable to wear, a huge plus during long events.”
Price: $18.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Clear Drawstring Bag: Hoxis Drawstring Bucket Crossbody
Dimensions: 9.4 x 6 x 7 inches
What sets it apart: Add some Western flair to your concert or game day attire with this clear drawstring bag. This Hoxis see-through plastic bucket bag has a drawstring closure adorned with vegan leather tassels in black, brown or nude. The shoulder strap allows for easy carrying, and the bag’s size makes it the perfect accessory for stadium events or music festivals.
Bag owners appreciate: Carriers of this style say they love the cute design and the fact that it holds what they need to attend events.
Price: $19.90 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Clear Convertible Bag: Truffle Clarity Convertible Belt Bag
(Courtesy of Truffle)
Dimensions: 7.75 x 2 x 5 inches
What sets it apart: For maximum versatility, the convertible belt bag from Truffle can also be worn as a crossbody, or the adjustable satin-finish nylon strap can be removed for a chic clutch handbag – ideal for evenings out. Constructed with environmentally friendly and solvent-free TPU, this clear convertible bag has a magnetic closure and is finished with vegan leather trim. What’s more, this eco-conscious clear bag is available in accent colorways of black, light gray, white or tan.
Bag owners appreciate: Fans of this style say they love the eco-friendly material and the high quality of this stadium-compliant bag, along with its adjustability.
Price: $98 or less
Shop now: Truffle
Best Clear NFL Tote: FOCO NFL Team Logo Clear Messenger Bag
Dimensions: 12 x 6 x 12 inches
What sets it apart: Show your team pride with this NFL stadium-approved clear bag. The messenger style has a zippered closure, two top handles, and a mesh pocket inside for your cards or ID. Its exterior zippered pocket makes a perfect spot for a phone, tickets or a camera. This stadium-compliant bag will get you through security and into the game venue with ease.
Bag owners appreciate: Fans love this bag’s pockets, how much it holds and the choice of NFL team logos you can get.
Price: $32.95 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Clear Sling Bag: Busiuw Clear Sling Bag
Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 12 inches
What sets it apart: This multifunctional style can be worn as a sling bag, a backpack or a crossbody bag. There’s a hidden water bottle holder that can be zipped away, and the bag is constructed with durable PVC and high-quality zippers. Available in a choice of black, gray or pink, this transparent bag is ideal for stadiums, school, work or concerts.
Bag owners appreciate: Purchasers of the bag like the construction of the design along with the versatility that allows them to carry it multiple ways.
Price: $18.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Clear Work Bag: Hoxis Transparent Messenger Satchel
Dimensions: 11.8 x 3.5 x 9 inches
What sets it apart: Featuring a sleek, convertible satchel design, this Hoxis design is large enough to hold a small laptop or iPad as well as notebooks and folders. Ideal for those seeking a clear bag for work or school, this vintage style is constructed from durable PVC and can be worn as a backpack, crossbody or hand-held purse. Available with black or brown synthetic leather trim, this clear messenger bag goes from work to school to the stadium with ease.
Bag owners appreciate: Carriers of the bag like the versatility, including the option to carry it in three different ways because of the removable straps.
Price: $26.90 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
The bag policies are in place to keep everyone in attendance safe by limiting what attendees can bring into the venue. In addition, the clear bags help to expedite security screening processes.
You can pack personal items, such as your phone, medications, sunglasses, wallet and keys. Next, consider what you are going to use throughout the day. Think hand sanitizer or wipes, snacks for the kids (or yourself), lipstick for those selfies, maybe a scrunchie or two to keep your hair from blowing in your face, or perhaps another layer to keep you warm. For outdoor events, consider space for a poncho, sunscreen or an umbrella (if permitted in the venue).
You’ll also want to remember that, because your bag is see-through, everything you carry in it will be visible to others. So if you’ve got very personal items or valuables you don’t want everyone to see, a small, card-sized coin purse may be an ideal spot for those. Also keep in mind that the fewer items you have in your bag, the faster you can get through security.
Why Trust U.S. News Travel
Rachael Hood is handbag obsessed. She’s always searching for the next best bag for every activity and is a frequent concert and sporting event attendee. Hood used her retail merchandising background along with her personal experience and expert research skills to curate this list.