Experienced traveler or not, you want to make sure you pack your things right. Start by ensuring you have the right bag based on your needs. With that said, backpacks are among the most common choices, and for good reasons.
But if you’re going to pick a backpack, you might as well decide on an anti theft travel backpack. They’re extra durable, have hidden pockets, are often waterproof and anti-slash, plus have plenty of extra security features like combination locks and RFID tags.
Is a backpack the ideal bag for travel gear safekeeping? Let’s find out by checking out the following reviews on the best anti theft backpacks of 2024.
Best Anti Theft Backpacks For Travel
1. Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 Anti-Theft 25L Backpack
If you’ve been scouring the internet for anti-theft backpacks, no doubt you’ve come across Pacsafe before. After all, it’s the most popular and highly praised brand for this particular type of backpack.
Pacsafe has been producing the best anti-theft backpacks for the good part of two decades. It has a broad collection of tamper-proof bags for traveling and any other purpose. One of them is Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450.
It’s a 25-liter backpack equipped with plenty of security features. It has lockable zippers, RFID-blocking lining, and slash-resistant fabrics. We especially love that its fabrics are cut-proof thanks to using lightweight steel mesh material.
It’s comfortable to wear courtesy of the padded shoulder straps. All of these features you can find in such a medium-sized backpack. Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 is also one of the best anti-theft backpacks for ladies.
Specs
- 9″ x 11.8″ x 6.7″
- 100% polyester
- 25 liters capacity
Pros
- Anti-theft zipper locks
- Durable
- Slim silhouette
- Lightweight
- Lots of handy pockets
Cons
- No waist strap
- Small capacity
- Not waterproof
2. Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack
We have the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack at the number two spot of our top 10 best anti theft backpacks. What makes this travel backpack stand out? Five things: the slash-resistant body, cut-proof straps, lock-down straps, RFID-blocking pockets, and individual locking compartments. The latter of which even includes matching locking zippers.
All these special features make it so much harder for thieves to take your valuables out of the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack. Just incredible, right? But what’s more impressive is you get all these in one small backpack.
Specs
- 12″ x 16″ x 6″
- Polyester
- 11 cubic liters
Pros
- Cut-resistant
- Good construction
- Excellent daypack bag
Cons
- Small capacity
3. Ambor Laptop Backpack
Of this list, the Ambor Laptop Backpack is our choice for the best budget-friendly secure travel backpack. Yes, it’s affordably priced, but it doesn’t skimp when it comes to safety features, not to mention the amount of pockets for organization.
It features a built-in 3-digit combination zipper lock, its first line of defense. At the back of the bag, you’ll also find a hidden pocket you can only access when you don’t wear it. This is a good way to prevent thieves from getting access to your belongings while out and about.
We definitely love how spacious it is. And of course, like we said—the pockets. Two of them are the smaller padded tablet pocket and the large laptop pocket. For your power bank, there’s also a built-in USB cord.
These are all amazing features, but there’s one thing you’ll want to consider—the bag’s exterior. You see, it’s not slash-proof, meaning a chance of a thief ripping it is there.
Specs
- 1” x 11.6” x 7.5”
- Nylon
- 1 pound, 10 ounces
Pros
- Lots of pockets
- Spacious
- Good anti-theft features
Cons
Not slash-proof
4. Peak Design Travel 45L Backpack
Peak Design Travel 45L Backpack has got to be one of the biggest anti theft backpacks in this list. But more than that, what we love the most about this bag is that it has so many features that can protect you from thieves while traveling.
You want zippers that can lock? It has a couple. Another notable feature is the “pickpocket-proof” zippers. All of the backpack’s compartments have them, which allows you to hide the zippers to prevent theft.
You’re looking for a waterproof anti theft backpack? Peak Design Travel Backpack is weather-resistant thanks to the recycled nylon canvas material it’s made of. And as we mentioned, this bag is huge—it’s expandable up to 45 liters after all.
This makes the backpack perfect for long-term travelers or backpacks who carry a lot of clothing and other items like their laptops. We won’t forget to mention that it has custom-fitted packing cubes.
Specs
- 22” x 11” x 13”
- Nylon and polyester
- 4 pounds, 8 ounces
Pros
- Expandable
- Big capacity
- Lots of anti-theft features
- Waterproof
Cons
Locking zippers are a bit too complicated
5. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Backpack
Here’s another Pacsafe backpack with the best anti-theft features. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 is another of the biggest backpacks on our list. It has a 45-liter capacity, large enough for plenty of your valuables while also comfortable enough to wear for a while.
It doesn’t strain too much to wear the bag thanks to the well-padded handles and straps. It even has chest and hip belts, which help distribute weight. Also, its handles and straps make it possible to use it as a weekender bag and a backpack.
How about the anti-theft features, what does it offer? Well, if you’re looking for an anti theft backpack with a lock, i.e. the zipper, you’re in luck. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 does have lockable zippers, four of them to be exact.
Other anti-theft features include cut-resistant fabrics, and a stainless steel locking cable, although the lock isn’t included. The combined anti-theft features of the bag make it super hard to access all your belongings inside this security backpack.
What more to love about Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45? The pockets, of course. This best secure backpack has a Velcro laptop sleeve, medium-sized zip mesh pocket, nylon pocket, and nylon bag. There is also a nylon pocket for pencils and pens and a large zip mesh pocket.
Specs
- 7” x 13.8” x 8.7”
- Nylon and polyester
- 45L capacity
- 3 pounds, 13 ounces
Pros
- Big capacity
- Excellent anti-theft features
- Comfortable straps and handles
- Lots of pockets
Cons
Heavier than other backpacks
6. Lewis N. Clark Daypack
Lewis N. Clark Daypack is a convertible anti theft travel backpack we love for its versatility. It is versatile enough it can cater to your different needs and purposes, whether it is daily use, for gym, work, or traveling, of course.
The main thing about this security backpack is it is lightweight. Despite that, the bag is quite sturdy for everyday use so it perfectly works as a daily pack.
But what’s the backpack’s most important anti-theft feature? That’s the built-in 3-digital combination lock. This lock helps keep your tablets, phones, laptops, and other valuables safe inside the backpack whether you’re just standing in line or going out.
You don’t have to worry because the lock is simple and easy to set. Resetting it doesn’t take more than 30 seconds.
Besides these two features, we also love the adjustable padded shoulder straps and back support, not to mention the adjustable sternum strap. Thanks to them, it is easy to carry the anti-theft backpack without straining the shoulders.
Other notable features of the backpack include the large main compartment, the external zip pocket, and the exterior mesh pocket. It has a very stylish design, which makes it a nice anti theft backpack for women.
Specs
- 2” x 4. 1” x 17. 1”
- Nylon
- 2 ounces
Pros
- Very secure
- Right size for laptops and other devices
- Reasonably sturdy and lightweight
- Highly versatile
Cons
Smaller compared to other backpacks
7. Kopack Anti-Theft Backpack
The Kopack Anti Theft Backpack is one of the lightest anti theft backpacks on this list. It doesn’t seem to be impressive but it is given the number of pockets you can find inside the bag. Its interior organization is quite incredible.
Inside the backpack, you’ll find two pencil pockets, three medium-sized pockets, and three card pockets—all of which are in the front compartment. Moving on to the main compartment, there is a laptop sleeve and two passport-sized pockets.
One of the unique features we appreciate about this backpack is the straps that fit over the laptop compartment’s zipper. Thanks to the straps, the compartment won’t open as long as you’re wearing the bag.
It doesn’t have zipper locks, but it has a built-in USB cord for external charging and a power bank. This anti-theft travel backpack isn’t slash-proof, but it does display some resistance to cuts.
Specs
- 7” x 11.8” x 4.3”
- Nylon
- 1 pound, 8 ounces
Pros
- Great interior organization
- Large compartments
- Lightweight
Cons
- No zipper locks
8. Oscaurt Anti-Theft Backpack
If what you like the best backpack is a minimalist design, we recommend oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack. We say it is minimalist, but don’t mistake it to mean it’s not a secure backpack.
It is one of the most secure backpacks on our list with plenty of anti-theft features, starting with the reflective strips on its front. Thankfully the strips help you feel safe to travel at night by increasing visibility.
This backpack is one of the sturdiest anti-theft travel backpacks we’ve found—it’s both water-resistant and scratch-resistant. It also has hidden zippers and a secret pocket for safekeeping small items.
What about the main compartment? Don’t worry because it is large enough to fit all kinds of things, such as notebooks, wallets, phones, and laptops. It’s got a built-in charging cable and a USB charging port, so those are big advantages for avid travelers.
Other awesome features make this backpack a popular choice, such as the adjustable shoulder straps and luggage strap.
Specs
- 02” x 4.92” x 16.93”
- 3 pounds
- 12L capacity
Pros
- Lots of storage pockets
- Sturdy fabric
- Lightweight
- Great security feature
Cons
The USB charging cord is hard to access
9. XDDesign Bobby Original Anti-Theft Backpack
You want a tough, durable anti theft backpack? XDDesign Bobby Original Anti-Theft Backpack is certainly a good choice. This is courtesy of the bag’s cut-proof exterior, which is hard enough to get only scratches when slashed.
But that’s not all. Another security measure we like about this anti-theft backpack is the zipper on the bag’s back lining. This means thieves don’t have an exterior access point while you’re wearing the bag—so no worries about your values getting stolen.
XDDesign Bobby Original is relatively small in size but surprisingly has a large main compartment. It’s got several pockets (all padded), which include a small, hidden one where you can put your phone. The backpack also has a USB charger cable included.
This security backpack is also ideal for bikers, thanks to its high-visibility reflective strip. While small, we can’t deny that it’s comfortable to wear, plenty spacious, and difficult to get access to once you wear it.
Specs
- 5” x 11.4” x 4.7”
- 13 liters capacity
- 1 pound, 15 ounces
Pros
- Super secure
- Roomy
- Tough exterior
- Hidden and protected compartments
Cons
Not as big as other backpacks
10. Fjällräven High Coast Foldsack 24 Backpack
If sustainable apparel is what you’re looking for in an anti theft backpack, then the Fjällräven High Coast Foldsack 24 Backpack is something you would like. The fabric used to make this secure travel backpack is 100% recycled nylon.
If you don’t know, Fjällräven belongs to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. As a member of the association, they are committed to using sustainable manufacturing techniques and in fact, employ several of them.
The brand doesn’t use any harmful chemicals, so you can feel confident that the High Coast Foldsack 24 Backpack is safe from these substances. They use recyclable materials and besides nylon, they use recycled wool and polyester, organic hemp, and TENCEL.
True, it doesn’t have the locked zippers, but it is water-resistant. It also has detachable chest and hip straps, making it an ideal backpack for day trips and a day or two traveling. It’s large enough to fit a 15-inch laptop and has several pockets on the front and the sides.
Specs
- 45 x 26 x 20 cm
- Recycled nylon
Fold-over top closure with metal clasp and zipper
Pros
- Lightweight
- Large capacity
- Waterproof
- Sustainable material
Cons
No locked zippers
How To Find The Best Anti-Theft Backpack
Finding the best anti-theft backpacks for traveling can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s help you figure out what to look for and narrow down your choices with the following tips:
Consider What You’ll Use it For
Just like when you’re looking for ordinary backpacks, you want to consider what you’ll use the anti-theft backpack for, whether it’s for daily use, traveling, hiking, etc.
You need this figured out in the beginning so you can pick a backpack with the right size, capacity, and all other features. These will also give you an idea of which anti-theft features you want your backpack to have.
Think About the Fabrics Used
One of the main factors to think about is the fabric. If you plan to use the anti-theft backpack for traveling, this makes even more sense since the material is your first line of defense, especially against pickpockets.
With that said, you’ll want to pick backpacks that are slash or cut-proof, or at least resistant to rips. In addition, the best anti-theft backpacks have strong straps and zippers, not easily accessed or broken.
Focus On Features that Support Comfort
Our best advice? Don’t sacrifice comfort in place of fancy features. It’s great that all your belongings are safe but is that really okay if at the end of the day your shoulders and back are hurting? It’s not, so pick backpacks with excellent adjustability and versatility.
For that, look for bags with padded and adjustable straps. Also, look for bags with chest and hip straps to prevent or lessen the strain on your back and shoulders.
Basic Anti-Theft Features Are Alright
So your backpack doesn’t have RFID-blocking, that’s okay. Basic anti-theft properties work too, so just look for slash-proof exterior, hidden and lockable zippers, and hidden pockets. If there are more anti-theft features to the backpack you like, well then, go get it!
Conclusion
Now you have an idea of how to find the best anti theft backpacks. At the same time, we’ve given you a list of the best options the market has to offer today. Take this list and start searching for the right anti-theft backpack that will give you peace of mind on your trip.
