So you’re looking for the best anti theft backpack…but there are so many options to choose from! The one you go with largely depends on your personal style and your needs, but this anti-theft backpack review will help you learn about all the pertinent features of some of the best anti-theft backpacks on the market so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you!
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Best Anti-Theft Backpacks Quick Comparison Guide
Want to see all the best anti-theft backpacks at a glance? This chart will help you compare them side-by-side!
[table id=10 /]Click here to buy my favorite anti-theft backpack now!
What is an Anti-Theft Backpack?
Have you ever been pickpocketed? If not, then good for you. If so, then you know the pain of losing some of your belongings (or maybe even your cash and credit cards)…and you probably know the regret of not keeping your belongings more secure!
An anti-theft backpack is like a regular backpack but upgraded to keep your stuff more secure, especially from opportunistic thieves like pickpockets. Anti-theft backpacks utilize a range of security features to keep people from stealing from you including locking zippers and using durable, slash proof material.
Why Buy an Anti-Theft Backpack?
An anti-theft backpack could be for you if you love to travel a lot (especially to cities around the world where pickpocketing is common) or if you live in a large city. While anti-theft backpacks are not foolproof, they do provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind…especially since you will be carrying it on your back, which can be one of the easiest places for someone to reach in and grab your stuff without you knowing.
What to Look for in an Anti-Theft Backpack
Here are some features you’ll want to consider before purchasing an anti-theft backpack.
Security
The top reason to buy an anti-theft backpack is, of course, security. Yet within the anti-theft category there is a range of security options with some being more secure than others. When you look at the options, it’s important to consider what you need out of your backpack. Do you need slash proof fabric? Do you want backpacks with lockable zippers? Do you want a backpack that only opens from the back instead of the front?
Size
When considering purchasing an anti-theft backpack, you’ll also want to think about the size of bag you want to purchase. Just like other backpacks, anti-theft bags come in a range of sizes for a range of needs. Do you want a small bag that will carry only a few everyday essentials? Do you need a bag that will carry a lot of camera equipment or other gear? Deciding up front what you’re looking for from an anti-theft backpack will help you choose the perfect bag for you!
Organization
Like all backpacks, anti-theft backpacks come with a range of organizational features. Some are packed full of various pockets and dividers, while others take a more minimalist approach. It’s essential to consider what you plan to pack in the backpack so you can know just how much organization you need!
Style
Anti-theft backpacks come in a range of styles. Some look clearly anti-theft and bulky while others are more trendy or stylish, but honestly, the best anti-theft backpack is the one you’ll actually use. For me, if I don’t like the way the backpack looks I won’t use it…so I make sure to buy backpacks that have good security while still looking somewhat stylish. I only want to spend money on something I’ll be happy wearing all day and having my picture taken while I’m wearing it. For others, this may not be as a big of a factor. But it is good to consider before you buy so you know you’ll be happy with your purchase!
Best Anti-Theft Backpacks Reviews
Let’s take a look at some of the best anti-theft backpacks on the market to see how they compare and learn which one is the right one for you!
1. Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack (My favorite anti-theft travel backpack!)
This Pacsafe bag is my favorite anti-theft backpack for travel and every day. It measures 14.6″ x 10.6″ x 6.3″ (37 x 27 x 16 cm) and has a 17L capacity (there is also a Citysafe Mini if you are looking for a smaller backpack).
Although this Citysafe backpack is smaller than some other options on this list, the unstructured nature of the inside means you really can fill it with everything you need for a day out! It definitely fits a lot more than it sounds like it could. (For reference, I can fit my travel tripod, my Sony a7R III camera plus two lenses, my GoPro and a few accessories, as well as other miscellaneous items I need for travel and every day including my wallet, portable charger, and more).
There are a lot of nice organization features as well, with the main compartment having a 13″ laptop sleeve, two open pockets, and a zipped pocket. The front zippered pocket also has a few open pockets you can use to divide up items you want to keep organized. Additionally, there’s a slip through section on the back so you can attach it onto the handle of your luggage while traveling.
And as far as its anti-theft capacity goes? It’s one of the best. The body of the backpack is equipped with a slash proof mesh so no one can slice open your bag, grab the contents, and run. The straps are also made from a slash proof fabric so no one can slice it off your back while you’re wearing it.
The zippers of the main compartment also come with a built in locking system while the front compartment’s zipper utilizes a secure zip tab to make sure pickpockets can’t sneak inside your bag without you knowing. I actually had to look at the instructions for opening the zippers of the main compartment the first time I used this bag, so unless the thief also owns this Pacsafe bag they are going to have a very difficult time trying to open it! But if you want additional security, the zippers are also compatible with a set of combination locks like these ones that I use.
Finally, this backpack has a few other security features including an RFID blocking zipped pocket in the main compartment so your credit cards, passport, etc. remain safe. One of the straps also has a clip on the end so you can unclip it, wrap it around an object like a chair or table leg, and reclip it. This means that when you’re sitting somewhere like a cafe or restaurant, you can attach your bag to a solid object so no one can just pick it up and walk off.
With all of these amazing features, it’s no wonder I consider this to be the best anti theft travel backpack! I use it for my travels and for everyday use, so I also like that while it has all these security features, it doesn’t look overtly like an anti-theft bag. I certainly don’t mind when it’s in all my vacation pictures!
Click here to check the price of the Pacsafe Citysafe Backpack and read more reviews!
2. Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack
This Travelon Heritage Backpack is another great anti-theft option and is perfect for men or women. It is 13″ x 17.5″ x 6″ (33 x 44 x 15 cm) and comes in three colors. One of the reasons I like this backpack is because it looks a little more stylish than many of the other options, and kind of reminds me of a secure version of a Herschel backpack.
Organization options on this bag are very nice, with the main compartment holding a padded laptop sleeve for up to a 15.6″ laptop. The rest of the space is open and not compartmentalized, which means you have plenty of room to place your items in different configurations (this is especially helpful if you have a lot of camera gear like I do!)
There is also a front zippered compartment that has two open pockets for organization, a key clip with an LED light, and a zippered RFID blocking pocket to keep your credit cards and passport safe. Then you have two front zippered pockets for smaller items and a side pocket for a water bottle.
The security features on this backpack are also top-notch. You have slash-resistant panels on the front, sides, and bottom of the bag and slash-resistant shoulder straps. The zippered compartments all lock, and of course there is the already mentioned RFID blocking pocket. The design of the locking zippers does mean that it’s not easy or really possible to use this bag with extra locks like these combination locks, but in most cases the built in locking system should suffice so this really shouldn’t be a big issue.
If you like, you can check out some of the security features of this Travelon bag in action through the following video:
Click here to check the price of the Travelon Heritage Backpack and read more reviews!
3. XD Design Bobby Anti-Theft Backpack
The Bobby Backpack by Dutch brand XD Design is a sleek and unique unisex anti-theft bag. With a slogan like “Live more and worry less!”, you’d better believe they’ve got some great anti-theft features up their sleeves and have possibly made the best theft proof backpack!
Organizationally, this is quite different from your normal backpack because all the zippers are hidden and there is no access from the front. It’s like a backwards backpack! So on the part that lays against your back, you’ll find the zipper for the main compartment as well as several zippers for easy-access compartments (one across the bottom half of the bag as well as little pockets in the sides).
The main compartment can be opened completely or partially, depending on whether you have laid the backpack flat or are opening it on the go. Once opened, you’ll find a variety of pockets inside. There are two open pockets, a zippered pocket, two side zippered pockets, and an integrated USB charging port. On the back of the compartment you’ll also find two padded compartments with safety straps—one for up to a 15.6″ laptop and another for up to a 10″ tablet.
But wait, there’s more! This backpack is also cut resistant, uses water repellent fabric, and has reflective safety stripes for safety at night.
One downside is that the zippers aren’t lockable—either through a built in system or through buying combination locks to use with the backpack. However, because of the backwards nature of this backpack the zippers are always against your back when you are wearing it, which means pickpockets won’t be targeting you anyway. The only time this may be an issue is when you take the backpack off and if you set it on the ground near you.
So all in all, the Bobby backpack does a stellar job of providing lots of anti-theft features in an innovative way. Since this backpack’s time on Kickstarter back in 2016, XD Design has also come out with a range of other anti-theft backpacks in different styles…so if you like the features of the Bobby but wish it looked or was sized a little different, maybe check out the Bobby Elle or the Bobby Compact.
Want to see the Bobby Backpack in action? Watch this short video:
Click here to check the price of the XD Design Bobby Backpack and read more reviews!
4. Pacsafe Venturesafe GII Anti-Theft Backpack
This Pacsafe Venturesafe backpack is the perfect no-fuss lockable backpack option. Measuring 18.1″ x 10.2″ x 6.3″ (46 x 26 x 16 cm) and holding 15 liters, this anti-theft daypack is the perfect size for everyday use and for use while traveling. And with padded foam back support and adjustable shoulder and sternum straps, this backpack is easy and comfortable to carry no matter the situation.
Inside the main compartment, you’ll find plenty of space for the items you want to carry as well as a padded sleeve for a 13″ laptop. The front compartment has a few more organization options, with two open pockets (one of which is RFID blocking) and a key clip so your keys don’t fall to the bottom of the pack. You’ll also find two stretch pockets on the sides of the pack.
Additionally, this backpack is compatible with a 3L hydration pack which you can route through a slit in the top of the pack. This is a handy little extra feature, particularly if you plan to use this anti-theft backpack while hiking. While a hydration pack is this feature’s intended use, you could also use it as a port for your phone cord if you want to charge your phone on the go.
Security-wise, this backpack has most of the anti-theft features you expect with the quality of Pacsafe. It has a slash-resistant exterior and straps, removable hook on one strap to secure the bag to something like a table leg, an RFID blocking pocket, and zippers that clip closed and are compatible with additional security measures like a set of combination locks. If you’re looking for a basic but quality anti-theft daypack, this Venturesafe backpack is an excellent choice!
Click here to check the price of the Pacsafe Venturesafe and read more reviews!
5. Korin ClickPack Pro Backpack
The Korin ClickPack Pro is an innovative backpack design which seems to be specifically made for urban travel situations. It measures in at 17.7″ x 11.8″ x 6.3″ (45 x 30 x 16 cm) and has a lot of organizational features for those who like to make sure everything is in its place.
On the outside of the backpack, you’ll find several hidden pockets. There’s a pocket on the lower half of the back of the backpack that has a removable RFID pouch for storing your passport, credit cards, etc. There’s a zipper with a built-in umbrella holder hidden on one side of the backpack (which you could also conceivably use to hold a small water bottle). And there’s a pocket with a key clip hidden behind the gray material on the front of the backpack.
Meanwhile, the main compartment holds a padded laptop sleeve for up to a 15″ laptop as well as a padded tablet sleeve. The ClickPack Pro also helpfully has built in USB charging with a pocket specifically for holding a battery pack and easily connecting it to the built-in charging system (battery pack is not included, so you will need to purchase your own like this one). On the other side of the main compartment, you’ll find pen holders, a pouch with a rain cover for the backpack, and an open pocket at the bottom. There are also two open pockets with Velcro on them for attaching the two detachable containers that come with this backpack. According to Korin, these containers are for toiletries and for electronic accessories, though of course you could store whatever you want inside.
The security features of this backpack include slash-resistant fabric, built in reflectors for night, and a unique locking system with a built in TSA combination lock. You simply click the zippers into the lock, spin your combination, and it’s locked! It also comes with a metal cable that you can wrap around a pole, table leg, etc. so your bag is secured if you set it down somewhere.
While this backpack is perfect for a highly organized urbanite, there is one thing to keep in mind. Because of how compartmentalized the backpack is, and because of its clamshell way of opening, it can be somewhat difficult to get items in and out on the go. If you are looking for a backpack that you plan to set down somewhere before you need to access your stuff, then this could be the perfect backpack for you. But if you want a backpack you can reach into fairly easily while on the move, then you may want to look elsewhere as that can be a bit tricky with this bag.
Watch the video below to see the ClickPack Pro in action:
Click here to check the price of the Korin ClickPack Pro and read more reviews!
6. Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack
The Travelon Classic Backpack is a convenient and stylish anti-theft backpack choice that measures 12″ x 16″ x 6″ (31 x 41 x 15 cm). It comes with all the best Travelon anti-theft security features, including lockable zippers, slash-resistant mesh for the backpack body and backpack straps, RFID blocking card and passport pockets, and security hooks to lock the backpack to a table leg, pole, or other immovable surface.
This backpack has a main compartment with a padded sleeve for a tablet or small laptop, a small open pocket, and two zippered pockets—one near the tablet sleeve, and one on the lid of the backpack that has a port for your headphones for easy access.
The front compartment contains several RFID blocking slots for your credit cards and passport, as well as a few open pockets for other organization needs. There are also two side pockets (one zipping and one open) for easy access and for storing a water bottle if desired.
Check out the short video below about this great theft proof travel backpack option:
Click here to check the price of the Travelon Classic backpack and read more reviews!
7. Kopack Anti-Theft Computer Backpack
This Kopack anti-theft backpack measures 17.7″ x 11.8″ x 7.1″ (45 x 30 x 18) and comes equipped with a laptop sleeve for up to a 15″ or 17″ laptop, depending on the option you choose.
It comes with lots of pockets—from the pocket on the front, to the front compartment with slots for credit cards and a zipper pocket, to the main compartment with slots for tablets (not very padded) and zipper pockets for placing a portable battery to use with the backpack’s built in charging system. There are also two side pockets for water bottles or similar accessories.
Finally, there is a compartment on the back behind the backpack straps that is padded and meant specifically to house your laptop. This is a good position to keep your laptop safe and to keep it from breaking or bending when you fill the backpack to capacity.
Safety features include that the zippers are designed so you can use them with a combination lock (not included) and that the backpack is made from slash-resistant material.
As the least expensive bag on this list, this Kopack backpack has nice basic security features and good organizational options for its cost. If you’re looking for a basic and inexpensive option to foray into the world of anti-theft backpacks, then this could be a good choice. Long-term, however, I would be a little concerned with how well this backpack will hold up in comparison with some of the more quality options from trusted anti-theft bag makers like Pacsafe and Travelon.
Click here to check the price of this Kopack backpack and read more reviews!
8. Pacsafe Stylesafe Anti-Theft Backpack
This Pacsafe Stylesafe measures 14.57″ x 10.63″ x 4.72″ (37 x 27 x 12 cm) and is the perfect size for a theft proof backpack.
The main compartment on this bag opens from the back behind the straps, like the Bobby Anti-Theft Backpack does, which already adds a layer of security. But the zippers are also lockable which makes it even better! Inside the main compartment you’ll find a padded tablet sleeve for up to a 10″ device, as well as an RFID blocking zippered pocket and two open top pockets.
The front compartment of the Stylesafe has several open top pockets inside as well as a key clip. There are also two side pockets for water bottles, umbrellas, etc.
With slash-resistant fabric and anti-cut straps, as well as the RFID blocking and lockable zippers already mentioned, this Stylesafe backpack is the perfect minimalist anti-theft backpack for travel or everyday use.
Click here to check the price of the Pacsafe Stylesafe backpack and read more reviews!
Looking for more great anti-theft products? Check out the best TSA approved luggage locks!