The Best Anti-Theft Travel Bags (for 2023)

Here we look at all the best anti theft travel bags to help keep all your valuables secure and give you peace of mind while you are travelling.

Dealing with the stress and trauma that comes with having your bag stolen while travelling or even just commuting around town is tough. 

Apart from the fact that the bag and its contents are valuable, the experience can be traumatic.

Add to this the hassle of cancelling and replacing credit cards and other documents… or even worse you might even end up stranded in severe circumstances. 

Whatever the scenario it is probably going to ruin your trip.

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What Are Anti-Theft Travel Bags and Why Do You Need One?

Anti-theft bags were created to solve this luggage theft problem. But what exactly are anti-theft bags?

An anti-theft bag is a bag of any kind that has built-in safety features. These features ensure that the bag or luggage cannot be slashed or stolen from. 

Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack, Midnight

If you have plans to visit a new country or are traveling to a location that is quite known for pickpocketing, using an anti-theft bag to carry your belongings is the best way to ensure that your personal effects are safe. 

An anti-theft bag can come in form of a purse, laptop bag, cross-body bag, backpack or a business bag. 

They typically do not look so different from regular bags but they have certain features that deter thieves and pickpockets. 

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What to Look For In Anti-Theft Bag

When looking to buy an anti-theft bag, there are certain features that are a must-have. These features ensure an extra level of security. 

Some features to look out for include:

  • RFID Blockers
  • Uncuttable straps
  • Anti-slash body
  • Lockable zips
  • Inbuilt locking cables
  • Secret compartments

Let’s take a closer look at each of these features:

RFID Blockers

RFID means radio frequency identification. It exists in all credit and debit card chips and thieves who use RFID can find the frequency of your credit card even while it’s in your bag. 

With that frequency, they can steal your private information and use it for fraudulent activities. To avoid this, you want to have an anti-theft bag with RFID blockers to block access to your credit card information.

Uncuttable Straps

Some anti-theft bags are made with shoulder straps that cannot be cut through, to prevent would-be thieves cutting the strap of your bag and running off with it. 

Anti-theft bags made with uncuttable shoulder straps have steel cables hidden inside the straps that cannot easily be cut by a knife or any other blade. 

They are usually lightweight so you probably won’t even notice they are there. 

Anti-Slash Body

Most manufacturers of anti-theft bags make bags that are slash resistant to prevent would-be thieves cutting open your bag to access valuables.  

Anti-slash bags are made with military-grade materials, reinforced with UHMWPE (also known as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). 

When looking to buy an anti-theft bag with anti-slash features, look for one with a level five cut rating.

Lockable Zips

Some anti-theft bags have zippers that can be clipped or locked with a padlock to add an extra layer of security. 

Look for anti-theft bags that have lockable zippers on every section and not just on the main compartment. 

Note of course that bags with lockable zippers will not deter a thief who has enough time to go through your bag. This type of bag is most effective when you are commuting or sightseeing. 

They are perfect for preventing criminals from gaining access into your bag when you are distracted or looking away.

Inbuilt Locking Cables

This feature is best for when you have to wait at the airport, train station or bus stop. 

Anti-theft bags with built in locking cables are bags that have a locking cable you can use to tie the bag to a chair, table or pillar to prevent thieves from grabbing your bag when you are not looking. 

In some cases, the locking cables are integrated into the bag while some are separate. 

Secret Compartments

Most anti-theft bags have secret compartments or hidden pockets. 

The best secret compartments are hidden and difficult to find and only someone who knows where to look will find them. 

These hidden pockets are perfect for storing your wallet, passport, mobile phone and credit cards. 

Type and Size of Bag

Apart from the anti-theft features mentioned above, you should also consider they type and size of bag you will need. 

Backpacks can be great for parents traveling with kids as they have more compartments, larger space and allow for hands-free travel. 

They are also fantastic if you are looking for a carry-on bag that will also be good for daytrips, hikes or sightseeing, or if you need to travel with a laptop. 

If you are just looking for something lightweight to keep your valuables safe while sightseeing or touring, you will be better suited with a small, cross body or purse-style anti-theft bag.

We look at all the different types in our anti-theft travel bag reviews below. 

Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpacks

Anti-theft backpacks are a great choice for students, tourists and businessmen who need a versatile bag to carry their valuables. 

They are also perfect for parents who need to carry lots of things while keeping their hands free for dealing with small kids. 

Most anti-theft backpacks come fitted to carry regular sized laptops and are made from very durable materials that withstand wear and tear. 

Some of the best anti theft backpacks are:

Travelon Classic Backpack

The Travelon Classic Backpack features a unique and versatile design and comes in a choice of three gender-neutral colours. 

Made with quality materials, special security features and exceptional craftsmanship, the Travelon Classic Backpack is one of the best anti-theft backpacks ever. 

It is water and dirt resistant and has a patented anti-theft security system that protects you from thieves and pickpockets. 

Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack, Midnight

Its inner lining is slash resistant and this covers all four sides as well as the bottom panel. Its adjustable straps are also slash resistant and it has an RFID blocking compartment where you can keep your credit cards and passports organized.

This unique anti-theft backpack also has a padded sleeve where you can keep your laptop. This is great for college students or those who need to work while traveling. 

There is also a zippered pocket on the outside and a front organizer with a slip pocket and pen loop. 

Features:

  • Water resistant
  • Slash resistant outer shell and inner lining
  • Slash resistant shoulder straps
  • RFID blocking compartment
  • Padded laptop compartment

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45

The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP series is a unique anti-theft backpack with a versatile design that helps you travel with peace of mind. 

It features internal pockets and roomy compartments that helps keep your belongings organized. 

This backpack has five special anti-theft features. 

PacSafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti Theft Carry-On/Travel Pack, ECONYL Ocean, 45 Liter

First is the bag’s anti-slash fabric. It is made with eXomesh Slashguard, which is a flexible, lightweight steel wire mesh to protect your bag from slash and run thieves. 

ToughZip technology means that zips are double layered and puncture resistant, while its Roobar Locking System ensures that the interlocking zippers are secured. 

There’s also a 3mm stainless steel locking cable, which you can use to secure your bag. It also has a padded 15” laptop compartment. 

Features:

  • Slash resistant fabric 
  • ToughZip technology
  • Roobar locking system
  • Steel locking cable
  • Padded laptop compartment

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450

If you are looking for a smaller backpack that can still hold your laptop while keeping your belongings secure, then opt for the Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450. 

This lightweight, secure backpack is durable and is perfect for daily commutes. 

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 25 Liter Anti Theft Laptop Backpack - with Padded 15

It is made with eXomesh slashguard stainless steel wire mesh that prevents thieves from cutting through the bag’s fabric. The adjustable shoulder straps are also padded and slash resistant. 

This fashionable anti-theft backpack has a lockable security clip that secures the zipper and deters pickpockets from gaining easy access into your bag.

There is an internal padded compartment that can fit a 15-inch laptop so you do not have to worry about lugging an extra bag for your PC. 

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 25 Liter Anti Theft Laptop Backpack - with Padded 15

Be sure to store your credit cards, passports and wallet in its RFID blocking pocket to keep your personal information safe. 

Features

  • Slash resistant outer shell and inner lining
  • Slash resistant shoulder straps
  • RFID blocking compartment
  • Lockable security zip
  • Padded laptop compartment

Best Anti-Theft Purses

Anti-theft purses are recommended for those who need a small, durable bag to store and carry their valuables about while commuting or sightseeing in a busy city. 

Most anti-theft purses have similar theft resistant features but we have put together a list of some of our favourites. 

If you are looking for the best travel purse, some of our picks are:

Pacsafe Citysafe Anti-Theft Tote

Pacsafe Citysafe is an everyday purse perfect for keeping your items safe during your daily commute. It is functional and very versatile and has several unique safety features. 

Its anti-theft features are discreetly inbuilt and do not attract undue attention. 

Pacsafe Citysafe Cx 20l Anti Theft Tote, Black

Its first major anti-theft feature is its slash resistant body. It is made with eXomesh Slashguards, a stainless steel wire mesh that does not allow the bag to be cut through by a knife or any other blade. 

It also has carry-safe straps made with slash proof material and a SnapNLock anchor system allows it to be secured to chairs or tables.

Meanwhile an RFID blocking pocket protects credit cards, passports, wallets and other sensitive items from RFID skimming. 

Pacsafe Citysafe Cx 20l Anti Theft Tote, Black

Its smart zipper security feature ensures that the zipper cannot easily be tampered with, protecting you from pickpockets. 

Apart from these anti-theft features, the Pacsafe Citysafe purse also has a fashionable silhouette design that pairs well with almost any outfit.

Features

  • Slash resistant fabric 
  • Slash resistant straps
  • RFID blocking compartment
  • Lockable security zip

Travelon Signature

The Travelon Signature anti-theft shoulder bag is perfect for keeping your items organized and safe while commuting or sightseeing. 

This Travelon bag features a 5-point anti-theft security system to protect against the five most common forms of pedestrian theft. These features include a unique lock-down straps that can be used to secure your bag to a chair, table or even your belt hoop.

Travelon Anti-theft Signature E/W Shoulder Bag, Smoke

It also has a slash resistant body made with anti-slash mesh barrier material and slash resistant straps made with stainless steel wire.

RFID blocking pockets protect you from electronic identity theft while the lockable compartments have locking zippered pulls to keep your bag secure.

The Travelon Signature anti-theft purse is made with a water and dirt resistant fabric and comes in a unique design that makes it easy to pair with any outfit.

Features

  • Slash resistant fabric 
  • Slash resistant straps
  • RFID blocking compartment
  • Lockable compartments
  • Lockdown straps

Travelon Classic Bucket

This classic bucket bag is similar to the Travelon Signature anti-theft purse in that it features the same 5-point anti-theft security system that provides protection from the five most common types of pedestrian theft. 

Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bucket Bag, Black, One Size

The Travelon Classic Bucket bag is comfortable to wear, water and dirt resistant and has a slash proof body and strap to protect it from slash and run thieves. 

The main and front compartments also have slash proof locks along with an RFID reader blocker slot where you can store cards and other sensitive personal belongings. 

Features

  • Slash resistant fabric 
  • Slash-proof straps
  • RFID protection
  • Lockable compartments

Best Cross Body Anti-Theft Bags

Anti-theft cross body bags are a great fit for those looking for a simple bag to fit basic items for a daily commute. 

Some of the best anti-theft cross body bags are:

Travelon Messenger

As with other Travelon bags, this stylish cross body bag has a 5-point security system. 

It features a hidden, slash resistant chain link, adjustable shoulder strap. The strap is also reinforced with a stainless steel cable to ensure both security and durability. 

Travelon Women's Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag, Black, One Size

It features two multi-organizational compartments with zippers and pockets to help keep your items organized and safe. It also has an RFID blocking organizer for storing travel documents, passports and credit cards.

A front magnetic flap hides a zippered pocket in the front for extra security and it also has a water bottle pocket on either side. 

The stylish design also makes this bag quite fashionable and easy to pair with any outfit.

Features

  • Slash resistant fabric 
  • Slash resistant shoulder strap
  • RFID blocking compartment
  • Lockable compartments

Pacsafe Metro Safe LS250

The Pacsafe Metro Safe cross body bag is a perfect mix of stylish and safe. It provides optimum functionality while maintaining unique safety features. 

Its body is made of Exomesh slash guard, a slash-resistant, flexible stainless steel wire mesh to ensure that the bag cannot be easily cut. The shoulder straps are also made with slash resistant materials. 

The lockable security clip smart zipper is a simple yet unique feature that prevents pickpockets accessing your bag when you are distracted. 

 This bag also has an RFID blocking compartment to keep your passports and credit cards without fear of online identity theft.

Some extra features you might find helpful include a main and front pocket with zippers, a padded iPad sleeve, an adjustable shoulder strap and two roomy side pockets.

Features

  • Slash resistant fabric 
  • Slash resistant shoulder strap
  • RFID blocking compartment
  • Lockable compartments

Travelon Classic Lite

Last on our list of the best anti theft bags is the Travelon Classic Lite cross body anti-theft bag. This lightweight, versatile design bag is perfect for daily commute or sightseeing. 

It has two roomy compartments that can hold an iPad or tablet. The wall pocket inside the bag is also zippered for extra security. 

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Light Mini Crossbody Bag (Black w/White Stripe)

There is an interior organizer in the front compartment with RFID blocking properties to store your credit cards and passports. This section also has a zip wall pocket and a deep drop pocket that can hold your phone or wallet.

The front pocket is also zippered and the rear pocket is fortified with anti-slash materials to protect it from slash-and-run thieves. 

Features

  • Slash resistant fabric 
  • Slash resistant shoulder strap
  • RFID blocking compartment
  • Lockable compartments

Conclusion

Picking the right anti-theft bag requires picking one that has all the safety features and is the right size and fit for you. 

You will need locking zippers that are not easy to access, slash-proof material, RFID blocking features and lots of hidden compartments and secret pockets. 

Although anti-theft bags are more expensive than regular bags, they are invaluable for keeping your belongings safe and giving you peace of mind when you travel. 

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