So you’re looking at the Pacsafe Citysafe CX backpack and wondering if it’s the right one for you? I was in your shoes just a little while ago trying to decide whether this backpack would work for me or not. Spoiler alert: it did work for me and I now LOVE this backpack!
But there are a few features I wish I would have known about before I decided to buy because it would have made it easier for me to decide. So this review will give you a close up look at all the features of this Citysafe backpack to help you make an informed decision—and in the process, hopefully help you discover that you love this backpack as much as I do!
Contents
The Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack
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Important Features of the Pacsafe Citysafe CX Backpack
There are a lot of backpacks on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is the right one for you! So let’s take a closer look at the features of this Pacsafe Citysafe Backpack.
Size
The Pacsafe Citysafe CX Backpack measures 14.6″ x 10.6″ x 6.3″ (37 x 27 x 16 cm) and has a 17 liter capacity. When I was first considering this backpack, I was looking to replace an old 25L bag I had used for many years…so at first I thought maybe this Pacsafe bag would be too small for my needs. However, I decided to try it out anyway and I’m glad I did! Even though it only has a 17L capacity, the way the bag is structured means you can fit a TON inside.
But its small size means that it still works as a personal item on airplanes, and in fact this has become my favorite bag to take with me for travel! (Keep in mind too that if you are looking for a smaller size and don’t need to carry a lot of gear or items around with you, Pacsafe also sells a Citysafe Mini).
Comfort
In choosing a backpack, I wanted to be sure that it was comfortable to carry around for long periods of time. And comfortable to carry when it is filled with heavy camera gear. I’m happy to say that this bag passed the test! The padded straps mean it sits super comfortably. Overall, it’s nothing fancy in its comfort features but it does the job.
Compartments + Laptop Sleeve
There are two compartments on this bag: a main compartment and a front compartment. Both provide some nice organization options, so let’s take a look at what they offer!
Main Compartment
The main compartment is where the bulk of your items will go, and it’s nicely unstructured so you can place your items in any configuration you like. This compartment has a padded laptop sleeve for up to a 13″ laptop, two open top pockets, and a zipped RFID blocking pocket as well to keep your passport and cards safe.
Front Compartment
The front compartment is your basic backpack front pocket, with two open top pockets for some organization. You’ll find that this compartment also has a tab for the zipper so no one can just zip open the front compartment without you knowing.
Security
One of the biggest charms of this Pacsafe Citysafe backpack is that it is an anti-theft backpack. This means it comes equipped with all sorts of cool security features to make sure you don’t fall victim to pickpockets or thieves, especially during travel or when in large cities.
This anti-theft backpack comes equipped with some of the best technology available, from the already mentioned RFID blocking pocket to keep your information safe to the lockable zipper mechanisms. The front compartment has a tab to use as one layer of protection, while the main compartment has an actual built in locking system. Additionally, the zippers are compatible with outside locking systems such as combination locks like these ones that I use.
Further, the backpack is equipped with a mesh slash-resistant guard that will keep thieves from slashing open your bag. The straps are also slash-resistant, so no one can slice it off your back and take it from you. Additionally, you’ll find a really cool hook system that means you can unhook one of the backpack straps, wrap it around a stable item like a table or rail, and lock it back to the backpack. This means when you are sitting somewhere you can have more peace of mind that someone cannot just walk off with it without you noticing.
Materials and Quality
The outside of the bag is made from polyester and it is equipped with eXomesh slashguard to keep your items safe. The material feels high quality as does the construction of the bag. I expect this bag to last for years and years!
Colors and Aesthetic
Usually I’m not a big fan of anti-theft bags, because so many of them are ugly and bulky and unwieldy. However, this Citysafe backpack finds a good compromise between security and style. It’s a bag you won’t mind having in your pictures, and will love to carry with you everywhere. It also comes in five colors so you can choose your favorite!
Pacsafe Citysafe CX Backpack Review: My Personal Experience
Let me start out by saying I’m a big fan of this backpack! I really didn’t expect to like it as much as I do, mostly because I thought it would be too small for what I wanted and wouldn’t hold everything I tend to carry with me everywhere.
But boy was I wrong! The unstructured nature of the main compartment means you really can fill it with everything you need. 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. And I love that it doesn’t visibly bulge when it’s filled to capacity. It’s practically Mary Poppins’ bag!
Having upgraded from a basic Jansport backpack, I am also delighted with the organization features. I believe this backpack strikes the right balance with organization–not too many pockets, and not too few. I also love that there’s a slip through section on the back of the backpack so you can attach it onto the handle of your luggage while traveling! This really makes travel days a lot more bearable.
With all its anti-theft features, I’ve found that it’s really nice to have the peace of mind and added security. This was my first anti-theft bag, and I’ve found that the features don’t intrude on every day use. As someone who’s been known to be fully engrossed in the photo I’m taking at any given moment, it’s really comforting to know that someone can’t just reach in my bag and grab something while I’m not paying attention (I actually had to look at the instructions for how to open the main compartment’s locked zippers the first time I used this bag…so it’s highly unlikely any thief will figure out how to get in without alerting you to their presence!)
With all of these amazing features, it’s no wonder this has become my favorite backpack for travel and for everyday use! I use it all the time at home, and it was even the bag I chose to travel with on my latest trip to Africa.
I also love that while it has all these amazing security features, it doesn’t look overtly like an anti-theft bag. It looks classy enough to wear in city settings, but can also take you on a day out in nature…and no matter where you are, it looks amazing in pictures! What more could you ask for than a bag that holds everything well and looks instagrammable in the process?!
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Pacsafe Review: Final Verdict on the Citysafe CX Backpack
If you’re looking for an anti-theft backpack (or even if you’re just looking for a backpack) you really can’t go wrong with this Citysafe option. It’s my go-to bag now for my everyday life and especially for anytime I’m traveling on a plane, and I have yet to find anything to gripe about with it.
So choose a color and try it out—I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find you’ve just found your new favorite backpack!
Click here to buy the Pacsafe Citysafe Backpack or read more reviews!
Need more anti-theft recommendations? Check out the best TSA luggage locks!
Save for Later
Have you run into any issues with the straps becoming loose thus causing the bag to sag with all of your camera gear?
I was a little worried about that when I first got this backpack as the strap adjusters did seem a little bit loose on first receiving the bag. But as I’ve used it over the past year, the straps have kind of settled into the position I like them and I’ve found that they actually hold in place very well. Since I regularly carry quite a bit of weight in it with all my camera gear, I’m very pleased and pleasantly surprised with see how well the straps hold!