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Best Anti-theft Bags and Anti-Theft Backpacks

Do You Need An Anti-Theft Bag?

People are travelling now more than ever. With a click of a button, you can book a hotel room in a country you’ve never even been to, in 30 seconds flat! No travel agent necessary.

However, with the increase of travel, many pickpockets have now realized there is money to be made by targeting distracted and weary tourists. It happened to me once in Barcelona and I’ve been cautious ever since. 

But, fear not, there is help. You can now get specially designed Anti-Theft Travel bags that will outsmart handsy pickpockets. Anti-Theft bags may look like your average purse, but they hide a sophisticated blend of security features.

Choosing an Anti-Theft bag is a savvy choice that will also give you peace of mind on your travels. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather enjoy my precious time with my family, than be clutching my purse with stress the whole time. 

So, when looking at Anti-Theft Bags and Anti-Theft Travel Bags, what should you be looking for?

5 Things To Look For When Buying an Anti-Theft Bag

1. Locks or Latches to keep zippers from being opened when you least expect it
2. Slash-Resistant Fabric to keep bold pickpockets from cutting their way into your bag
3. Hidden Inner Pockets to make it difficult for pickpockets to find your valuables
4. RFID Technology to prevent wireless Credit Card Fraud (read my RFID article here)
5. Zipper Closures instead of button snaps or flaps which can be easily opened

8 Ways To Outsmart Pickpockets

1. Invest in an Anti-Theft bag.
2. Use a Cross-Body purse, popular among safety professionals
3. Carry your purse in front of you.
4. Use a purse with zippers, since they’re trickier to open than a snap-button closure or an open flap.
5. Hide your wallet in an inside pocket. If the pocket is zippered, even better.
6. Use RFID wallets or purses to prevent wireless credit credit card theft. Read my post on RFID Theft.
7. Don’t display money and jewelry.
8. Read Professional Traveller Rick Steves‘ advice. He knows his stuff.

The Best Anti-Theft Bags under $50

Travelon Anti-Theft Bucket Bag

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Why it’s great:

• Spacious Medium-sized bag won’t break your back
• Available in over 30 pretty colors
• Locking Zippers with Security Latches
• Made of Slash-Proof fabric (including the strap!)
• Removable strap can be wrapped around a chair/post and anchored
• Features RFID-Blocking card slots
• Expandable side pockets will fit a Water Bottle or Umbrella
• Bonus removable LED light
• PERFECT FOR: a DSLR camera, wallet, water bottle, umbrella, iPad, cellphone, and makeup.

My Complete Review:

You’re looking for a bag that feels comfortable, yet can carry everything you need. You’re also worried about getting your purse stolen. For under $50, this bag delivers on all that and more. It’s such a pretty little bag that is more than meets the eye.

A great Slash-Proof bag to try, it features lots of storage. There’s three compartments in total, so organizing your belongings is a snap. The main compartment is spacious and has one side with RFID-Blocking card slots and the other side has a zippered pocket.

On the front there is also another compartment that is secured by a locked zipper. It can easily fit an iPad or Kindle. On the back there’s a small zippered pocket, which is great for things that you need access to quickly.

The curved top hugs your body nicely and is very comfortable to wear. It’s a versatile bag that would be great for travel, school, work, and photographers too. I highly recommend this bag if you’re on a budget, but want a bag that ticks all the boxes.

 Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

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Why it’s great:

• Compact shape is perfect for light-packers and for everyday use
• Available in over 24 Colors and vibrant linings
• Main compartment has a Zipper with Security Latch 
• Purse strap and body is reinforced with Slash-Resistant material
• RFID slots protect Passports and Credit Cards from electronic theft
• Adjustable Strap
• Removable LED Light for nighttime use
• PERFECT FOR: a wallet, sunglasses, cellphone, makeup powder, lipsticks, and keys.

My Complete Review:

Lightweight and compact, Travelon’s Classic Mini Shoulder Bag is great for everyday use and travel. It can also be used alongside your bigger purse on days you want to switch to something smaller.

For example, when I had a full day of visiting museums in Rome, I left my bigger purse in my hotel room and brought this instead. I didn’t need many belongings that day since I was in a busy city with everything I’d ever need (ie. restaurants, shops). Not to mention, the museums can get so cramped and sweaty sometimes and I find carrying a lightweight purse much more comfortable.

Inside the purse is a good mix of pockets for easy organization. On one side are slots for credit cards and a larger slot for a Passport or cell phone. On the other side are two medium-sized pockets for sunglasses or granola bars.  Inside I can easily fit my everyday items, like my sunglasses, cellphone, makeup, and guidebook.

Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Quilted Expansion Crossbody

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Why it’s great:

• Very Large and Spacious
• Expands by undoing a zipper, giving you a storage boost!
• Available in 5 Colors
• Locking Zippers keep belongings safe
• Purse strap and body is reinforced with Slash-Resistant material
• 5 RFID slots protect Credit Cards from electronic theft
• Water Resistant
• Adjustable Strap. Can be removed and wrapped around a post to secure your purse.
• PERFECT FOR: a mini iPad, wallet, sunglasses, cellphone, notebook, makeup, and keys.

My Complete Review:

This Anti-Theft Crossbody bag is for those of us who want a BIG bag. Sometimes a smaller bag won’t cut it, and this is where this purse comes in. It’s perfect to use on a flight or if you like the comfort of having a large bag.

I have a few friends who can’t live without a large bag, so I always point them to this bag when they need an Anti-Theft option. It has a pretty quilted panel on the front and gold-toned hardware.

The inside is lined in a pretty contrasting fabric. On one side are 5 RFID-Blocking slots and a pocket for your cell phone. The main compartment itself can hold a lot, so you won’t have trouble fitting everything in. 

On the front of the purse, are two zippered pockets, one slightly larger than the other. On the back, is a small zippered pocket that is perfect for things you need quick access to.

The Best Anti-Theft Bags under $100

PacSafe CitySafe CX Anti-Theft Crossbody

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Why it’s great:

• Compact and versatile shape
• Lightweight
• Available in 3 Ultra-Chic Colors
• Locking Zippers 
• Purse can be anchored to a chair or post
• Slash-Resistant Straps are reinforced with a Stainless Steel wire
• RFID-blocking internal pockets
• PERFECT FOR: a wallet, cell phone, digital camera, ipad mini book, small makeup bag and keys.

My Complete Review:

Beautiful in it’s own right, Pacsafe’s CitySafe Anti-Theft Crossbody gives you stylish protection. You don’t have to pick security over style. Why not have both. You easily tick both those boxes thanks to this pretty little bag.

It’s a very useful purse to bring along on vacation. Because it’s compact, you can use it on outings where you need something small and chic. I swap to a larger bag if I need it, or I use this bag alongside a large bag as a handy purse.

You might think the main clasp is just for looks, but it also doubles as a locking clasp for the zippers. It’s a neat design feature and is simple to use if you have clumsy fingers like me.

Inside there’s a zippered RFID-Blocking Pocket. You can store your credit cards and passports here for RFID protection. The security features continue throughout the purse with Slash-Resistant fabric all over the bag. 

Lastly, I have to add how comfortable the purse sits across the body. After adjusting the strap’s length, I found that the bag felt very natural to wear. The wide straps definitely help.

Travelon Anti Theft Heritage Hobo Bag

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Why it’s great:

• Medium-sized bag, very roomy 
• Lightweight
• Wide Straps that won’t dig in
• Zippers are secured with safety Latches
• Purse can be worn over your shoulder or across your body, with the Shoulder Strap or longer Crossbody Strap.  
• Straps and purse are made of sturdy Slash-Resistant fabric
• RFID-blocking internal pockets
• Includes Key-ring clip and LED light
• PERFECT FOR: a wallet, cell phone, travel book, water bottle, kid’s snacks, sunscreen, and makeup bag.

My Complete Review:

This is the perfect medium-sized bag that can be stuffed to the brim, but won’t break your back (or wallet!). You can really put as little or as much as you would like in this purse. It’s a good “catch-all” size.

I find it great for shopping, because I can slowly add my purchases throughout the day. I start out with it pretty empty if I take it shopping.  It’s a versatile size and is both great for travelling or for everyday use. I try not to buy too many purses these days (I have too many!), so I appreciate the different ways I can use this bag.

The front and back features roomy pockets that will fit even more stuff. It’s handy for things you need quick access to, like maps, lipbalm, and sunglasses. Inside are three large pockets, one lined with RFID-blocking material. The main body is spacious and versatile and will accomodate the average woman’s needs.

Baggalini Anti-Theft Slim Crossbody

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Why it’s great:

• Slim and lightweight
• Available in 4 colors
• Bonus removable RFID card wristlet holds cards and passports
• Main body and strap is made with “SecurTex” Slash-proof fabric
• Locking zippers with latches
• Strap can be wrapped around a chair or post and secured
• Grommeted opening allows internal cables to be fed outside the purse – great for headphones or Powerbank battery chargers
• PERFECT FOR: a wallet, cellphone, passport, and small makeup bag.

Why it’s great:

A lovely and practical choice, the Anti-Theft Slim Crossbody from Baggalini is loaded with features for its size. It features Slash-Resistant fabric that feels coarse and durable. No blade is getting through that. If I were a pickpocket, I’d just give up if I saw the Slash-Resistant fabric. 

Lightweight and slim, this bag is perfect if you need something to protect your passport and credit cards and don’t carry very much. I could fit my sunglasses, mini travel book, cell phone, and all my little bits and bobs I carry with me.

Outside the purse there are zippered pockets, one on each side, perfect for plane tickets and lip balm. Inside the purse there is a durable zippered pocket that holds a Powerbank Battery or your cell phone. From here you can feed a cord to the outside (through a small hole), which keeps your belongings inside, out of sight.

The Best Anti-Theft Backpacks

Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Slim Backpack

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Why it’s great:

• Medium-sized, comparable to the average woman’s purse
• Available in 8 Fashionable colors – including Leopard, Ocean Blue, and Violet
• Slash-Resistant Fabric and Strap
• RFID-Blocking slots for Credit Cards and Passports
• Locking Zippers
• Extra pockets inside and two more on the front
• Removable Strap can be wrapped around a chair or pole for security
• Bonus LED Light with tethered Key Clip
• PERFECT FOR: a wallet, sunglasses, cell phone, kindle, and keys.

My Complete Review:

Another fabulous Anti-Theft Bag from Travelon, the Signature Slim Backpack is feminine and easy to wear. The size is about 1ft x 1ft with a depth of nearly 5 inches. It’s a perfect Medium-sized bag for all your travel needs.

Not only travel though. You can easily wear this at home and it’ll look chic and understated. Only you will know, that it’s an Anti-Theft bag. There’s no need to shout it out. Unless you want to of course.

Inside the main compartment is a row of RFID-Blocking Slots and a slip pocket for your Passport (RFID-blocking too). On the front there are two pockets, one zippered and one slip pocket. The zippered pocket has a Locking Zipper, so it will keep your belongings nice and secure.

The slip pocket, sits above the zippered pocket and is only visible when the Main Flap is open. It’s a good place to put things that you need quick access to here, like your phone, lipbalm, and snacks. 

Lewis N. Clark Secura Anti-Theft Backpack

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Why it’s great:

• Large Size
• Convertible Bag transforms from Backpack to Messenger Bag in seconds
• Anti-slash strap with built-in steel cable
• Slash-resistant fabric
• Locking zippers are secured with Safety Latches
• Exterior Water Bottle side pocket
• Water-resistant fabric
• Internal “DataBlock” RFID-Blocking pocket
• Padded Pocket for Laptop
• PERFECT FOR: A water bottle, laptop, tablet, lunch, shopping, wallet, small purse, sunglasses, sunglasses, keys and more.

My Complete Review:

Wearable as a Backpack or a Messenger Bag, the Lewis N’ Clark Anti-Theft Bag, is two bags in one. The attractive design sets it apart from ordinary Anti-Theft backpacks and looks very pretty once on.

Normally I wouldn’t dare wear a backpack in busy pickpocket areas, but this Anti-Theft Bag changes everything. Watch it in motion here on YouTube. The backpack’s design allows you to be hands-free and protects achy backs, without compromising security

Made of lightweight Slash-Resistant fabric, I know I can turn my back and not worry someone will cut their way into my bag. To beef up security, this bag features Locking Zippers that are secured with metal latches.

Thieves will not want to bother with a bag with barriers and security measures. Instead, they’ll find an easy target that will give them what  they want in seconds.

So spacious it can fit a laptop, the main compartment features a padded pocket to safely carry your laptop. Made of heavy-duty nylon, the bottom is strong and durable.

The front of the bag has a handy pocket that is secured with Locking Zippers. On the back, you also get a good-sized zippered pocket for storing your belongings. The zipper has a latch that locks it for security when you’re not using it.

Also, check out the handy RFID-Blocking Travel Document Holder. You can easily use it with your purse or Anti-Theft Bag.

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack

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Why it’s great:

• Deep and Roomy main compartment
• Great for Women and Men’s use
• Slash-resistant fabric and shoulder strap with hidden steel cable
• Locking zippers for security
• RFID-Blocking slots for 5 credit cards and multiple passports
• Padded shoulder straps
• The Front-pocket flips out for easy access
• Two side pockets – one zippered and one for holding a Water Bottle
• Padded Interior pocket to hold a tablet, plus various extra pockets
• Includes a Keyring and removable LED Flashlight
• PERFECT FOR: a camera, water bottle, cellphone, tablet, lunch, sunscreen, guidebooks, makeup, keys and more.

My Complete Review:

Elegant and minimal, the Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack is the perfect size for travelling or for taking the kids to the zoo. Deeper than some backpacks, you’ll have enough room to bring all your precious belongings with you. The versatile size means it works well as your “personal item” on a flight, or as your everyday backpack when you’re on the go.

The bag feels sturdy and features protective fabric that’s lined internally with metal mesh. In the event that someone attempts to cut a hole in your bag when you’re not looking, the Slash-Resistant fabric will stop them in their tracks.

The safety features continue throughout the backpack with Slash-Resistant straps, locking metal zippers, and RFID-Blocking pockets inside for your credit cards.

For such a practical item, it’s also lovely to look at. I found it looked good with my casual jean outfits as well as with my Summer dresses. I think the reason it works is because it has a curved, streamlined shape.

Summary

Having done a lot of traveling the last 10 years, I like to have peace of mind when it comes to keeping my important belongings safe. Worrying every five seconds if someone is going to steal my purse, is exhausting and very distracting when I’m trying to enjoy my day.

Years ago I was pickpocketed in Barcelona and I’ve been careful ever since. Not to mention friends of mine who have had similar experiences on public transportation and on vacation.