Our buying guide to the best anti-theft travel bags will ensure you choose the right bag for your next trip.
When travelling, I want to know that my belongings are safe and secure. I want to avoid being the victim of thieves, scammers, and pickpockets who prey on tourists worldwide.
A few years ago, on a trip to Paris, I witnessed a pickpocket being apprehended near the Eiffel Tower. The contents of his bag were tipped onto the ground, and I was astounded to see at least 30 purses and wallets. All of them had been stolen in a few hours from tourists spending the day enjoying the sights of Paris.
Later that day, on the Paris Metro, after being surrounded by a gang on a crowded train, my backpack was opened by thieves and the contents rummaged through as they looked for valuables.
Not a pleasant experience for me or my fellow travellers that day.
However, I had one advantage. I was using a cross-body anti-theft bag. In it, I had all my valuables – my wallet, credit cards, passport, camera and phone. So even though thieves had accessed the backpack, my bag (held close to my body) had proved invaluable (and invincible). After I returned home, I purchased an anti-theft backpack for myself and my husband.
The moral of my story is not to take chances. Do as much as you can to prevent thieves. One of the best ways to do this is to use anti-theft bags and backpacks.
In this ultimate guide to the best anti-theft travel bags, I recommend products that I own and use every time I travel. I also purchased some of these products for my daughter when she was backpacking the world a few years ago. Yes, they may seem expensive, but they are worth every cent/penny for the peace of mind they provide.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table – Anti-Theft Bags and Purses
If you already have an idea of what you want but just want a quick comparison of anti-theft bags and purses the table below summarises my research.
| Name of bag | XBody Bucket Bag | Slim Xbody Bag | 3 Part Xbody | Small Xbody Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 33 x 30.7 x 4.6 cm | 22.9 x 26.7 x 2.5 cm | 34.3 x 30 x 5.1 cm | 26.7 x 21.6 x 6.4 cm |
| RDIF blocking | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Slash Proof | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Reviews | READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE |
| Buy | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE |
| Title | Tailored Bag | Courier Saddle Bag | Messenger Bag | Classic Messenger Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.4 x 27.9 x 27.9 cm | 5.7 x 22.9 x 17.8 cm | 11 x 10 x 4.5 inches | 9.8 x 2.5 x 10 inches |
| RDIF blocking | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Slash Proof | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Reviews | READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE |
| Buy | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE |
| Title | Messenger Bag | Heritage Hobo Bag | Mini Shoulder Bag | Heritage Small |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9 x 3.5 x 11 inches | 11.5 x 9.5 x 3 inches | 2 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches | 2 x 10.5 x 7 inches |
| RDIF blocking | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Slash Proof | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Reviews | READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE |
| Buy | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE |
| Title | Sling Tote | Classic Lite Sling |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.5 x 8.5 x 2 inches | 4 x 14 x 8 inches |
| RDIF blocking | √ | √ |
| Slash Proof | √ | √ |
| Reviews | READ MORE | READ MORE |
| Buy | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE |
Comparison Table – Anti-Theft Backpacks
If you require something larger these pickpocket-proof backpacks are the best I have found to keep your belongings safe when travelling.
| Title | 17L backpack | Classic Backpack | Convertible Backpack | Tailored Backpack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.3 x 15.4 x 10.6 inches | 6 x 12 x 16 inches | 8.5 x 12 x 3 inches | 3.8 x 11 x 12 inches |
| RDIF blocking | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Slash Proof | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Reviews | READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE |
| Buy | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE |
| Title | Slim Backpack | Slingsafe | Metrosafe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11 x 2 x 13 inches | 14 x 29 x 44 inches | 5 x 11.6 x 16.5 inches |
| RDIF blocking | √ | √ | √ |
| Slash Proof | √ | √ | √ |
| Reviews | READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE |
| Buy | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE | CLICK FOR PRICE |
What is an Anti-Theft Bag?
Also known as “anti-slash bags” or “anti-pickpocket bags” anti-theft bags or backpacks have additional features to make it harder for a thief or pickpocket to access.
Most pickpockets and bag thieves work in gangs and are looking for the vulnerable tourist – the ones who have open handbags or wallets in their back pockets. An anti-theft bag makes stealing from you that much harder for them and therefore they are more likely to avoid even trying.
The most common thefts occur when thieves
- Slash open the bottom of a bag and steal the contents as they fall to the ground
- Slash the strap and grab the bag
- Undo zips and steal the contents (as the thieves did to me in Paris) or simply lifting items from an opened purse or bag
- Scanning your bag for ID and credit card details
Common places for these crimes to occur are at major tourist spots, on public transport, at museums and at the airport. (My step-father had his wallet stolen at Zurich airport after returning home tired from a long-haul flight. The thieves spotted his vulnerability and stole his wallet from his jacket pocket. Don’t assume that even places as safe as Switzerland are free of pickpockets and thieves. They aren’t.)
Best Anti-Theft Travel Bags and Purses Reviews
Who Makes the Best Anti-Theft Travel Bags, Purses and Backpacks?
The leading brands making anti-theft bags are Pacsafe and Travelon. These two companies made all the anti-theft bags I own and use, the two brands featured in this guide. They have all of the features you need in an anti-theft bag, including RFID blocking, slash-resistant material and locking compartments and zippers (more information on each feature is later in the article)
A selection of the best anti-theft handbags and purses
Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bag, Two Pocket (A B/W SMALL FLOWER PRINT)
Features:
Comes in a large variety of colours
This bag can easily fit an i-pad mini, your purse, camera and other essentials.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Slim Dbl Zip Crossbody Bag, Black
Features:
Available in 5 colours
This bag will fit most essentials but there is no room for an umbrella/water bottle.
Travelon: Anti-Theft Signature 3 Compartment Nylon Crossbody Bag - Black
Features:
Available in 6 different colours
I love this bag as I can fit my DLSR inside. The only downside is that it can be a little on the heavy side when full.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Small E/w Crossbody Bag, Black
Features:
Available in 4 colours
One main compartment so it is easy to keep track of your belongings
Perfect if you prefer a smaller day bag
Travelon Women's Anti-Theft Tailored Tote Travel
Features:
Fits iPad and other tablets
Available in 4 colours
Big enough to fit a small travel umbrella or water bottle
Travelon Women's Anti-Theft Courier Saddle Crossbody Cross Body Bag
Features:
Beautiful bag accented in genuine leather and antique brass hardware.
Available in 2 colours grey or navy
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag, Black, One Size
Features:
Available in 20 plus colours and designs
Travelon Anti-Theft Essential North/South Bag - Small Nylon Crossbody for Travel & Everyday - (Black/Dusty Rose Interior)
Features:
Cross-body bag in slash-proof construction featuring adjustable cut-proof strap and logo plaque at front
Locking compartments
Available in 10 colours
Travelon Anti-Theft Active Tour Bag, Black
Features:
Roomy main compartment with padded and fleece lined pocket to hold a laptop to 15.6
Side pocket hold a water bottle, umbrella or sunglasses, front zippered pocket holds a smartphone.
Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Hobo Bag, Pewter
Features:
Has a roomy compartment with zippered RFID blocking pocket, 2 open top wall pockets and a tethered key clip with LED light
Available in 2 colours – pewter or indigo
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag, Black, One Size
Features:
Locking main compartment
Available in over 17 colours
Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Crossbody Bag, Pewter
Features:
Locking main compartment with RFID blocking pocket, 2 open top wall pockets and tethered key clip with LED Light inside
Travelon Women's Anti-theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag Sling Tote, Nutmeg
Features:
Available in 20 plus colours
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Lite Sling, Black
Features:
Exterior zip drop pocket holds smart phone and mesh expansion pocket holds a water bottlee
Left shoulder/ right shoulder reversible
Available in 4 colours
A selection of the best anti-theft backpacks available on the market right now.
Pacsafe Citysafe CX 17L Anti Theft Backpack - Fits 13 inch Laptop
Features:
Fits a 13 inches Apple MacBook or similarly-sized laptop.
Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack
Features:
Holds iPad or tablet
Available in a number of colours
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Convertible Backpack, Black
Features:
Can be worn in 2 ways, as a backpack or shoulder bag using the removable, adjustable shoulder strap to convert
Available in black or blue
Travelon Women's Anti-Theft Tailored Backpack
Features:
Top grab handle
Fits iPad and other tablets
Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack, Black
Features:
Deep main compartment
Available in 5 colours
Pacsafe Slingsafe LX300 Anti-Theft Backpack, Tweed Grey
Features:
Simple and unstructured backpack with anti-theft features; perfect for keeping belongings close and safe on city or travel inspired occasions
Available in 3 colours
Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 15 Liter Anti Theft Laptop Daypack/Backpack
Features:
Sturdy, roomy backpack with anti-theft technologies and organizational options; ideal for adventures abroad or your daily commute
Key Features of Anti-Theft Travel Bags and Backpacks
√ Slash-resistant mesh body panel and shoulder strap
√ Locking compartments and straps
√ RFID blocking
How to choose the right anti-theft bag
I have several different sizes of anti-theft bags and an anti-theft backpack. I use the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag during the day and the Travelon Women’s Anti-Theft Heritage Small in the evenings when I carry less, but everyone’s requirements differ.
Consider what essentials you want to carry and buy a bag that fits them. I recommend purchasing a backpack and at least one bag.
I started with the Travelon Anti-Theft Signature 3 Compartment Crossbody and built up my collection from there.
Read more – Guide to the best mini anti-theft bags and purses
Benefits of Using an Anti-Theft Travel Handbag or Backpack
I would never travel without my anti-theft bags, and while I don’t want to alarm anyone, I think it is an absolute necessity, especially in some parts of the world.
√ Greater protection from pickpockets and thieves, as they tend to look for easy targets
√ Safer carrying a passport and credit cards as they can’t be scanned
√ Less anxiety when in crowded areas or on public transport
Tips when Using your Anti-Theft Travel Bags: How to Stay as Safe as Possible
√ Don’t walk near the edge of the road. Motorbike gangs are known to grab bags as they drive past.
√ If you travel with a partner, share the cash/cards with them to still have some money if anything happens.
√ When on public transport or in a crowded area, keep the bag close to you and in front of your body
√ Look up any known scams for your destination. I include these in my travel guides as I believe forewarned is forearmed
√ The anti-theft bags and tips in this post are to encourage greater safety awareness and to use as a precaution when you travel, but unfortunately, nothing is 100% guaranteed. I highly recommend taking out travel insurance before you travel.