From pickpocket-proof to RFID-blocking options, these are the 16 best anti-theft travel bags
Anti-theft passport wallet: Pacsafe RFID-Safe V150 Anti-Theft Passport Wallet
Anti-theft purse: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag
Anti-theft backpack: Shrradoo Anti-Theft Laptop Travel Backpack No matter where you're headed or how you're spending your vacation, ensuring your belongings stay secure is a crucial step in getting adventure-ready. And while the anti-theft bag market has shrunk over time, that doesn't mean that these bags are any less useful.
'The number-one issue that's going to be faced in this vertical of traveler loss theft is going to be pickpocketing,' Kevin Coffey, a travel safety trainer and retired Los Angeles Police Department detective, said. 'And it's going to be one of two ways: One, it comes out of your pocket itself, and the other is going to be coming out of a bag that you're carrying.'
According to Coffey, there are several key features that a good anti-theft travel bag should possess, including the ability to detach a strap and secure it to a secondary device, anti-slashing features, and RFID blocking. From crossbody bags and sling bags to travel purses and backpacks, we've rounded up a range of anti-theft options, all of which include at least one security feature.
Lewis N. Clark RFID-Blocking Money Belt
The waist belt has an ultra-slim design that fits discreetly underneath your clothing and is constructed with RFID-blocking technology and durable rip-stop nylon. It's even got self-repairing zippers. The multiple compartments keep your currency, electronics, passports, travel documents and more organized and easily accessible when needed.
Pacsafe Vibe 100 Anti-Theft Fanny Pack
Keep your valuables safe while on the go with the lockable zips and cut-resistant materials of the Pacsafe Vibe 100 Anti-Theft Fanny Pack made from recycled PET for optimal sustainability. It also has RFID-safe pockets and a Roobar locking system. It can even hold a 7-inch tablet, as well as with the usual suspects — keys, phone and wallet.
Travelon Anti-Theft Active Waist Pack
The Travelon Anti-Theft Active Waist Pack has a slew of security features, including RFID-blocking card slots, a slash-resistant body and straps, and locking compartments. These features can help provide an additional level of convenient security against theft.
Monos Metro Sling Bag
The Monos Metro Sling is all about sleek, functional design. This versatile single-strap bag can be worn around the waist, over the shoulder or crossbody, with smart interior pockets and a built-in keychain carabiner to keep essentials secure. A full-length back pocket offers easy access to your wallet, phone or passport. Made entirely of vegan materials, it comes in nine stylish colors.
Pacsafe RFID-Safe V150 Anti-Theft Passport Wallet
Also from Pacsafe, this passport holder has RFID-blocking material to protect against unauthorized scans of your credit cards and IDs, with six card slots, a zippered mesh window slot for an ID card, a mesh passport holder, a boarding pass slip pocket, a zippered pocket and a pen loop. There's also a detachable strap that is reinforced with a hard-to-cut wire, and you can wear it around the wrist or secure it to a belt loop to deter pickpockets.
AquaVault Anti-Theft Portable Beach Chair Vault
'As an avid beachgoer, I absolutely love the Aqua Vault FlexSafe anti-theft bag,' said travel blogger Marla Cimini. 'It's basically a portable safe that offers peace of mind.' This compact bag secures to a beach chair, umbrella or other fixed object with a combination lock you set yourself. It fits your phone, keys, wallet and other small valuables and features splash-proof, slash-resistant and RFID-blocking material. It also has mesh pockets, a belt loop, and a top handle so you can carry it like a purse or even use it as a bike bag.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag
'If a thief can't get into your bag, they'll try to take the whole thing,' Coffey said. 'People often hang purses on the backs of chairs or cover them with a jacket; [those are] easy targets. That's why it's important to secure your bag to something fixed, like a chair.'
The Travelon Anti-Theft Essential Messenger Bag makes that a cinch with a detachable, slash-resistant strap you can loop through a chair or table. Its five-point anti-theft security system includes slash-resistant panels, locking compartments and an RFID-blocking organizer for added peace of mind.Read our review
Baggallini Modern Pocket Crossbody Bag
Travel journalist Elizabeth Heath loves her Baggallini bag, which boasts RFID-blocking technology, a detachable strap and plenty of space for your belongings while remaining relatively compact. You'll also find plenty of compartments and pockets inside to store all your smaller items.
We love the options on offer, with more than 30 colors and designs available. "I bought the bag in a neutral/unisex color so that my spouse can carry it too," Heath said. "That way, we can get by with one 'purse' when we travel, and I'm not left holding the bag and the phones, wallets, tickets, etc.'
Peak Design Everyday Tote
This 15-liter Peak Design Everyday Tote really lives up to its name. It's great for an adventure or holding your photo equipment, but it also works for everyday trips because it combines a sleek aesthetic with functionality that protects, organizes and gives quick access to your gear. The extra-wide opening has a weatherproof UltraZip, seals with a magnetic clasp and folds over to provide extra pickpocketing protection.
Travelon Anti-Theft Urban Messenger Bag
With its five-point anti-theft security system, including a lockdown strap, the Travelon Urban Anti-Theft Messenger Bag updates the Essential Messenger Bag with a sleek, squared design and a main compartment featuring two padded sleeves that can hold a 14-inch laptop along with an iPad or tablet. Buckles secure the flap over the main compartment, while the front and rear pockets have zippers, offering excellent security. It can be worn as a crossbody or over the shoulder.
Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack
The Pacsafe CitySafe convertible backpack is a great design with a 2-in-1 option: It can be worn as a travel backpack or folded down as a handbag or crossbody bag. Any way you wear it, you'll get all the anti-theft features standard for Pacsafe bags. It has smart zipper security, cut-resistant fabric and a cut-resistant anchor strap that stores away neatly or secures to a fixed object, along with RFID-blocking pockets.
Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Slim Backpack
Travelon's Signature Anti-Theft Backpack is a great choice for travelers looking for anti-theft features alongside a clean and functional design. The main compartment has an RFID-blocking slot that holds credit cards and passports. There's also an inner zippered wall pocket with an attached key clip with an LED light. The hidden anti-slash pocket under the flap is perfect for your cell or sunglasses.
Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack
Away's Everywhere Zip Backpack is constructed with water-resistant nylon, a breathable mesh back panel for extra comfort and a full wraparound zip opening for access to its spacious main compartment. Its anti-theft features include a padded 15-inch laptop pocket with a magnetic locking zipper, an external secure front zip pocket and a hidden easy-access slip pocket for your phone or passport.
Shrradoo Anti-Theft Laptop Travel Backpack
The Shrradoo Anti-Theft Laptop Travel Backpack is a great value at well under $30. It has a built-in lockable compartment for securing a laptop and other valuables, which provides an extra layer of security against theft. Additionally, its durable build, spacious compartments and multiple pockets, including a USB charging port and expandable water bottle sleeves, make it a practical and versatile option for travelers.Read our review
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L
This bag is a go-to for Jarryd Salem, founder of the travel blog Nomadasaurus. 'As professional photographers, anti-theft features are crucial since we travel with expensive gear,' he said.
In addition to hidden pockets and lockable zippers, Salem said the bag's best feature is its subtlety. 'They don't look like camera bags, which makes them less of a target. The less attention your gear draws, the safer it is.'
Travelon Anti-Theft Packable Backpack
The Travelon Anti-Theft Packable Backpack is all about optimal security and convenience for travelers. Its standout feature is the five-point anti-theft security system that includes several key elements like slash-resistant mesh barriers and stainless steel wire embedded in the straps. Locking compartments also help prevent pickpockets from accessing the contents of your bag. It's important to understand the features that can help protect your belongings. From durable materials to clever design details, here's what to look for when shopping for an anti-theft bag.
Slash-resistant fabric
Slash-resistant material is engineered to withstand knife attacks, a common tactic used by thieves trying to quickly cut open a bag. These fabrics are usually reinforced with steel mesh or carbon fiber wires woven into the lining, so they're extremely tough to pierce or slash.
Hidden, lockable zippers and compartments
Well-designed anti-theft bags feature discreet zippers and lockable compartments to outsmart pickpockets. Some zippers are hidden under flaps or panels, while others can be secured with integrated locking mechanisms. If your bag doesn't come with a lock, check out our guide to the best TSA-approved locks to find one that works for your setup.
Reinforced shoulder straps
Strap-cutting is another quick-grab method used by thieves. To help prevent it, look for bags with reinforced shoulder straps — often built with steel cables or high-strength fibers like Dyneema — that are extremely difficult to slice through.
Secure attachment points
Many anti-theft bags include locking clips or anchor points so you can secure your bag to a fixed object, like a chair or table leg. This feature is especially useful at cafés, train stations or anywhere you might briefly set your bag down.
Ease of use
Ultimately, you want to find an anti-theft bag that's easy to use. 'Find one that fits your dexterity level,' Coffey said. 'If the features are difficult to use and quickly secure, you're probably not going to be using it all the time, and then [the anti-theft features become] pointless.'
What are the most secure anti-theft bags?
What are the most secure anti-theft bags?
If you're looking for secure anti-theft bags, there are several smart options to choose from. Backpacks with slash-resistant materials, lockable zippers and RFID-blocking compartments are perfect for carrying valuables like laptops while staying protected. Crossbody bags offer compact convenience with cut-proof straps and hidden pockets that deter pickpockets. For added versatility, convertible bags that switch between backpack and purse modes combine style with hidden zippers and secure compartments. Messenger bags with slash-proof panels and locking mechanisms provide both organization and peace of mind, especially for commuters. And for hands-free travel, waist packs with hidden buckles and RFID protection keep essentials close and secure.
What is the difference between an anti-theft bag and a normal bag?
What is the difference between an anti-theft bag and a normal bag?
The main difference between anti-theft bags and regular bags is security. Anti-theft bags include features like slash-resistant materials, lockable zippers, RFID-blocking pockets and hidden compartments to deter thieves. Regular bags prioritize style and function but lack these protective elements, making them more vulnerable to theft.
Is RFID blocking important for anti-theft bags?
Is RFID blocking important for anti-theft bags?
RFID blocking is a key anti-theft feature that protects credit cards, passports and IDs from wireless data theft. It prevents criminals from using scanners to steal your info without contact, adding an extra layer of security against identity theft and fraud.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.
Marla Cimini, an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures
Kevin Coffey, author, travel safety trainer and retired Los Angeles Police Department detective who founded the Crime Investigation Detail for airport and travel-related crimes
Elizabeth Heath, travel writer and editor living in central Italy
Jarryd Salem, founder of the travel blog Nomadasaurus and managing director at Peak Evolution Media
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
For this articles, travel editor Kyle Olsen sought advice and recommendations from professionals such as retired detectives and experienced travel bloggers, to the effectiveness, practicality and real-world relevance of a wide variety of anti-theft bags.
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