As an experienced traveler, you most likely pack some of your valuables when setting out on your adventures…even if that just means your daily commute. From camera gear and laptops to credit cards and passports, your gear deserves safekeeping.
Finding the best anti-theft backpack to deter encounters with opportunist thieves is crucial to a hassle-free day.
For this reason, there are a large number of anti-theft backpack options available on the market. And when it comes to backpacks for traveling, having some simple anti-theft features like lockable zippers will give you a sense of security as you go.
Whatever trip you’re taking, and no matter where you’re going, you will always run the risk of getting pickpocketed, especially in crowded/touristy areas. These bags will help lower your chances of that happening.
Let’s have a look at some of the best anti-theft bags out there.
What Makes a Good Anti-Theft Backpack?
With criminals getting more and more creative, it’s important considering all the features you want for your anti-theft backpack.
For instance, electronic theft occurs when your credit cards, licenses, and passport are scanned, leading to identity theft. There is also physical theft and theft in transit (when you leave your bag unattended).
Anti-theft bags have security features built into them to prevent the above thefts from happening. This usually includes RFIDsafe blocking material to protect scan scammers from stealing your identity, anti-slash fabric to stop a slash-and-grab incident, secure zips, hidden pockets, and even lockdown points.
If you’re not so concerned about security, check out these best backpack brands.
Best Anti-Theft Backpacks for Travel Buyer's Guide
Security backpacks can give you some ease of mind during your travels. No matter where you are, you’ll know your valuables are safely stored. There are an array of different anti-theft features in backpacks and not all travel safe bags have the same attributes.
When you’re on the hunt for a good anti-theft backpack, you’ll want to ensure the bag provides particular features, such as RFID blocking technology, slash-proof fabrics, and hidden zippers. Bags with security features that are specifically designed for anti-theft are something you’ll certainly want to be aware of.
With so many sizes, shapes, styles, and backpacks out there, many questions come with it. So, I’ve gone ahead and listed the key features to help you find the best anti-theft bag.
Slash Proof Material
In many crowded travel areas, pickpockets and scammers lurk discreetly through crowds, only to slash your bag open and grab what they can. You might think there’s no way you wouldn’t notice that happening, but it almost always goes unnoticed. And this is why a slash-proof fabric comes highly recommended.
The slash-proof fabric prevents this type of thing from happening. Anti-slash materials are made by adding a steel (lightweight) mesh, preventing any sharp tool from tearing the fabric. Most Pacsafe travel bags and some Sherpani anti-theft bags have this design feature.
Hidden Pockets & Compartments
Secret compartments and hidden pockets are some of the most common features on anti-theft backpacks. A hidden pocket can be as simple as a backpack with zips against the back panel, providing more of a challenge for opportunist thieves.
Some theft-proof bags also have zippered pockets hidden inside the bag. These hidden pockets are great for storing your essentials such as your passport, credit cards, wallet, jewelry, and mobile phone.
Imagine you’re on a crowded busy headed somewhere, and you doze off with your backpack beside you. Should someone go through your bag while you’re asleep, you’ll stand a better chance of having your stuff safe in that hidden compartment than anywhere else.
Water-Resistant
If you’re into a challenge-free, hassle-free day, there’s nothing better than being worry-free when it comes to keeping your valuables safe. This isn’t only about warding off thieves, but protecting your expensive tech gear from water damage is essential too.
Finding a bag that’s water-resistant or waterproof is ideal. Especially if you’re going on some travel adventure that involves crossing difficult terrains (or if it’s just the rainy season). You certainly don’t want your expensive travel gear getting wet.
Many anti-theft water-resistant or waterproof backpacks come with an integrated bag cover to pull over the outside of the bag, also acting as an anti-theft-proof feature. Other anti-theft bags use water-resistant materials; however, a separate cover is the best option for protection against rain.
RFIDsafe Protection
Nowadays, people can access your personal information from a mere few feet away…and you won’t even know it happened until they start to rack up charges on your card. To prevent anything like this from happening, you should look at one of the anti-theft backpacks with RFIDsafe properties.
RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) can be used as a form of wireless identity fraud. This type of electronic pickpocketing is when someone would scan your IDs or cards to retrieve your information.
RFIDsafe materials are made with metals to shield your belongings from external electric fields. It’s designed to protect your credit cards, IDs, driver’s license, and passport, or anything that can be scanned from afar.
Locking Cable Built-In
Many of the top-of-the-range anti-theft backpacks for travel include a locking cable to tie the bag to a secure structure, such as a table, post, chair, etc. Some brands include an integrated locking cable, while others include a locking feature within the backpack strap.
This is a handy feature if you’re waiting in a place for a long period, such as at the airport, and you need to secure your travel bag.
Hidden & Lockable Zippers
Backpacks with hidden and lockable zippers are one of the best ways to deter prying eyes. Some backpack zipper locks are found in the main compartments and others have a lockable zipper on every section. Many anti-theft backpacks appear to have no zippers at all when you first look at them, but that’s because the zipper (and pullers) are hidden away.
In all honesty, both of these kinds of zippers are equally handy.
- Hidden zippers may deter pickpockets from tempting to steal as they cannot see an easy access route to get into your bag quickly without causing much attention.
- Locking zippers, as the name suggests, lock your zips. These kinds of zippers are great; however, it can be a hassle to unlock or relock your backpack every time you want to get something out.
Size & Design
When you’re looking for a backpack, you’ll need to figure out what size you’ll need. If you’re going away for an adventure, a large backpack might be ideal. Similarly, if you’re going on a quick day trip somewhere, a small, sleek backpack can do the trick.
Along with anti-theft features, you’ll want to check how many pockets your bag has and if they are easy to access. Does it provide lumbar support? And does it have padded shoulders?
If you’re going to be hauling all your valuables around with you, you’ll certainly want to have something comfortable to put on your shoulders.
Style
Although comfort is key, appearance can also be another thing to consider; after all, you don’t want to carry around something that cramps our style. Luckily for us, there are plenty of anti-theft backpacks that come in all shapes, sizes, and styles to suit our own personal preferences. That includes diagonal sling bags, messenger-style shoulder straps, and the standard two-strap.
Final Thoughts on Secure Travel Backpacks
So, there you have it, the best anti theft backpacks. Although we’ve covered the utmost best, keep in mind, no one design will render your bag 100% theft-proof. Nevertheless, the more features your backpack has, the better the chance it has of protecting your valuables.
Overall, the Pacsafe and Sherpani bags are my top brands for all-around anti-theft backpacks, thanks to their durable, slash-proof materials, embedded with lightweight steel wire straps, and an assortment of other safety features. That said, there are plenty of other backpacks with a range of other fantastic hallmarks.
So, now that we’ve covered the best anti-theft backpacks to keep your valuables safe and secure, what’s your top pick?
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