The Best Anti-theft Backpacks to Keep Your Belongings Safe While You Travel
If the masses of front-carrying tourists on public transit are any indication, a backpack can be a stressful thing. After all, we still haven’t evolved eyes in the backs of our heads. So how do you feel secure about your stuff when you can’t keep it in your field of view?
Perhaps you want an anti-theft backpack. In this case, just RFID protection won’t quite cut it (though we certainly won’t turn it down). These backpacks come complete with features like locking zippers, anti-slash bodies, and straps with wire inlays, and sometimes even built-in combination locks to make sure your belongings stay snug.
Related: The Best Lightweight Luggage for Traveling
Remember though, no bag is a substitute for good situational awareness. Make sure you’re paying attention to what’s happening around you and aren’t leaving your possessions unguarded on an outdoor cafe table, no matter how quickly you think you can run inside for a glass of water. Your valuables are also likely safer locked in your main bag in your hotel room rather than on your person; no need to carry your every accessory or passport if you’re only going out for a few hours.
We took a gander through some of our favorite sites in search of backpacks with anti-theft features and here are some of the most enticing that we found.
Anti-theft Daypacks
Travelon Anti-theft Classic Backpack
You can’t really go wrong with any Travelon backpack. Their smaller, water-resistant Classic model leads the pack in user feedback with a five-star average from 385 eBags reviewers.
To buy: ebags.com, $86
Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 Anti-Theft 15L Backpack
Much like Travelon, everything in the Pacsafe backpack line should be a win. Our vote for an everyday carry is the Metrosafe, since it looks the most like a regular backpack, but you can comfortably choose based on your size needs and personal style.
To buy: ebags.com, $100
XD Designs Bobby
The popular Bobby backpack has evolved into an extensive line of cousins all featuring its distinctive pod-like design. Stash your laptop and tablet inside the padded sleeves to let them sleep soundly under the water-repellant exterior and hidden zippers.
To buy: amazon.com, $95
Moshi Tego
You can’t easily pickpocket a bag if you can’t find the zipper. Moshi’s sleek designs tuck their zippers away inside cut-proof, weather-resistant materials.
To buy: backpack, ebags.com, $170; crossbody sling, ebags.com, $106
Lewis N. Clark Locking Daypack
Rolltop backpacks aren’t usually thought of as particularly secure, but this one is thanks to a combination lock on its buckle.
To buy: ebags.com, $50
Sherpani Bryce LE RFID Anti-theft Laptop Backpack
This nicely incognito option has two zippered side pockets in addition to its main one, all with RFID protection and a petite chair lock cable on the zippers.
To buy: ebags.com, $68
Kensington SecureTrek Lockable Anti-theft Laptop Backpack
Lock your zippers straight into the body of the backpack with this Kensington model. The locks are TSA-approved, and a padded back and luggage pass-through strap make it extra travel-friendly.
To buy: 15”, amazon.com, $88; 17”, amazon.com, $100
Convertible Anti-theft Backpacks
Lewis N. Clark Secura Anti-theft Convertipack
Lewis N. Clark makes a wide range of travel security accessories, including their foray into bags. The Convertipack can rearrange its strap system to be either a cross-body satchel or small backpack.
To buy: ebags.com, $58
Baggallini Anti-theft Convertible Backpack
The zippers on this slim convertible lock into the top loop, and cut-proof straps can be detached and reattached so you can loop them around a table or chair. A bonus anti-RFID wristlet even helps keep your credit cards protected.
To buy: ebags.com, $128
Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Cross-body
For a stylish option, go for new woman-owned company Arden Cove’s convertible bag. Arrange the straps to suit your preferred situation and enjoy all the security features you could want.
To buy: ardencove.com, $210
Luggage-sized Anti-theft Backpack
Pacsfe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-on Travel Backpack
If you want a full-sized travel backpack, the second-largest model in the Venturesafe line should see you through your travels while still being carry-on-friendly. It even comes in a 65-liter model if you just really need that extra pair of shoes.
To buy: ebags.com, $180
