I’ve always hated carrying a purse, so backpacks are my bag of choice when I’m out and about. Back when I lived in Madrid, I used my old school backpack. I can’t say it was necessarily the best choice for walking around the city — strangers would often stop me in the metro stations or on the street to let me know: “Your backpack is unzipped!” 😬
When Matt and I were planning our move to Ecuador for two months to work as digital nomads, he decided it was time for me to upgrade to something more secure. And so he got me the PacSafe CX Anti-Theft Travel Backpack for Christmas! I’ve had it for almost four years now, and I use it every day — whether I’m actually traveling or just walking around town.
My Favorite Anti-Theft Backpack: PacSafe
PacSafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack Features:
✅ Cut-resistant straps + slashproof panels
✅ Lockable zippers for theft protection
✅ RFID-blocking pocket for cards + passport
✅ Padded 16” laptop sleeve
✅ Luggage sleeve + water bottle pocket
Why I Love The PacSafe Bag for City Travel + More
First of all, I’m a 32-year-old woman and if I’m going to be carrying a backpack, it needs to be a nice one! I think my PacSafe bag is so elegant-looking. Mine is black with gold buckles, and the style reminds me of a purse or even a briefcase, so I don’t look like I’m wearing a child’s backpack.
But it’s truly been so convenient as my go-to backpack over the years. For travel, I love how the front pocket is the exact size to fit my favorite Bose headphones in their case. The side pockets let me store my water bottle on one side, and stash any other random things (sunglasses, foldable umbrella, or anything else) on the other side.
And the security features are top-notch without being over-the-top. The clasp in the top middle of the bag, which just looks like a pretty buckle, is actually part of a locking mechanism with the two zippers. It’s not too annoying to undo if you know how it works, but it would take a pickpocket a bit more time to figure out, during which time I would hopefully notice what’s going on. The front bottom pocket also has a little loop that helps you hide the zipper.
And one of the backpack straps detaches from the body with a locking lobster-claw-type clasp. If you’re sitting somewhere for a while, you can easily clip it around a chair or table leg — meaning you don’t have to worry about someone running off with the entire thing.
Who Is a PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack a Great Fit For?
A PacSafe bag might not be the right fit for everyone, but I highly recommend it if you’re someone who…
- wants their backpack to be both secure and elegant looking
- often works from cafes or other public areas
- travels to places where pickpockets operate
- spends a lot of time walking around crowded cities
- likes to keep their laptop and other valuables in their bag with them
On the other hand, a PacSafe bag might not be right for you if…
- you need additional padding or infrastructure for bulky camera gear
- you want built-in combination locks or padlocks
- your laptop is larger than 16″
Comparing PacSafe Bags as Anti-Theft Travel Backpacks
Besides the PacSafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack, which is what I have, PacSafe also makes many other styles and sizes of their anti-theft bags. Here are a couple of the other popular options and how they compare.
PacSafe Bags Anti-Theft Security Features
While each of the bags above has slightly different design and build, they all share several security features in common:
- Lockable zippers
- RFID-blocking pockets
- Slash-resistant material
- Cut-resistant straps
- Detachable strap for clipping to fixed objects
Three Situations Where I Always Bring My PacSafe Bag
My PacSafe anti-theft travel backpack!
1. Anytime I travel with a carry-on bag
Whenever we take a trip where I get both a carry-on bag and a personal item, my PacSafe CX always comes with me as my personal item. It fits perfectly under the seat in front of me, and it has everything I need to get through the flight without having to get anything out of the overhead bins. Yes, I’m a #doublebackpack wearer — my bigger REI bag on my back, and my PacSafe on the front.
2. Anytime I’m out exploring a city
My PacSafe bag is also a great day bag, because I don’t have to worry whether my stuff is secure when I’m out and about. It’s light enough to not be a nuisance to carry around, but it’s large enough to hold everything I need for the day — along with anything I might buy!
3. Anytime I go out to work in a coffee shop
I loooove working from coffee shops or cafes, and my PacSafe bag is with me every single time. It looks nice enough to be a “work” bag, and it fits my laptop perfectly, so what more could I ask for?
What Can You Fit in a PacSafe Bag?
I have actually packed my PacSafe CX Anti-Theft travel backpack as my personal item ONLY bag for short trips before, though I’ve since switched bags for that type of trip.
But when my PacSafe comes along with me as my personal item (most of the time), here’s what I can generally fit in it:
- Laptop, laptop case, and charger
- Wallet
- Passport
- Water bottle
- Nintendo Switch and case
- Phone charger
- Outlet converters
- Portable charger
- Kindle
- Snacks
- Planner and pencil pouch
- Bose headphones and case
- Sunglasses
- Prescriptions/medications
Frequently Asked Questions About Anti-Theft Travel Backpacks
What makes a travel backpack “anti-theft”?
A travel backpack could be considered “anti-theft” if it has features that are specifically designed for security. For example, PacSafe bags have lockable zippers and RFID-blocking technology to help keep pickpockets from stealing your stuff or skimmers from stealing your data.
Are anti-theft backpacks worth it for city travel?
Anti-theft backpacks are most useful for city travel, in my opinion. In some cities around the world, pickpocketing can be a major problem, particularly in crowded areas. Any steps you can take to protect yourself and your belongings with an anti-theft backpack will help make it more likely you won’t be a victim.
What is the best anti-theft travel backpack for everyday use?
I personally love my PacSafe CX bag for everyday use, though PacSafe makes many, many different sizes and styles! I think the 17L bag (or other similar sizes) are great for everyday use because they aren’t too big and bulky, but they still give you the great security features.
What is the best anti-theft backpack for international travel?
Taking any type of anti-theft backpack for an international trip is a good idea, especially if you’re going to have your valuables on you — like your laptop, wallet, and passport. But the best anti-theft bag for this situation just depends on your personal preferences. I like the PacSafe CX because it’s the perfect size to be an under-the-seat bag/personal item for flights, but it’s also nice-looking enough to be my day bag when I’m exploring new cities.
Do anti-theft backpacks really prevent pickpocketing?
You still have to pay attention, but anti-theft backpacks can certainly help prevent pickpocketing when combined with an awareness of your surroundings. Anti-theft backpacks with tools like locking zippers and slash-proof materials make it more difficult for pickpockets to steal your things.
What size anti-theft backpack is best for travel?
This one totally depends on your preferences and what you’ll be carrying around with you on a daily basis. If you want your laptop with you, then look for a bag of at least 15L; if you’re only going to have your passport and wallet, then you might only need or want a small hip bag, like the PacSafe Coversafe security waist wallet.
Can you use an anti-theft backpack as a personal item on flights?
Yes, you can use an anti-theft backpack as a personal item on flights — typically, as long as your bag is smaller than about 30L, it shouldn’t be a problem. My PacSafe CX is 17L so it fits perfectly under the seat in front of me.
What can you fit inside a PacSafe anti-theft backpack?
It depends on the size, but see my full list above for what my 17L anti-theft travel backpack can fit. In general, I can take my laptop, my Bose headphones in their case, my water bottle, my Kindle, and my Nintendo Switch in its case, so it can fit quite a bit!
Are there anti-theft travel backpacks that still look stylish or elegant?
Yes! Just because you want a secure backpack, it doesn’t mean you have to look like the world’s most paranoid person carrying a bag that could double as a supermax prison. There are plenty of anti-theft backpacks that have understated security features, so it’s still stylish while offering the safety you need — like the PacSafe CX.
Is the PacSafe anti-theft travel backpack worth it?
The PacSafe anti-theft travel backpack is definitely worth it in my opinion, as someone who has used it daily for nearly four years! It’s held up well during periods of constant travel, I’ve never had to worry about pickpockets stealing my valuables (even in crowded cities), and it’s cute at the same time! If this bag ever wears out — though it’s not showing any signs of that currently — I would definitely be looking to get another PacSafe bag in the future. I recommend it for sure!
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