25 Best Anti-Theft Travel Bags
Have you seen the viral TikTok videos of the Venice woman helping protect tourists from local pickpockets by yelling out when she sees them to alert tourists? As someone who primarily travels solo, I’m no stranger to the threat of pickpockets. There are different tips and tricks to ensure you don’t fall victim to pickpockets like wearing a crossbody bag, your backpack on your front, and a money belt. While doing these things can drastically decrease your chances of being targeted by pickpockets, my favorite way is to use anti-theft travel bags.
Nobody wants any of their possessions stolen. Especially while in another country. Pickpockets have gotten creative and know exactly who to target and how. I’m not saying this to scare you but to educate you. Most big cities like Rome, Venice, and Athens are notorious for pickpockets because they are super crowded and you won’t even realize most of the time until your stuff is long gone. Here are the 25 best anti-theft travel bags to help ease your mind while traveling.
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My Top Choices for Anti-Theft Travel Bags
My favorite anti-theft travel brand is Travelon. Their bags are slash-proof, and have locking compartments, cut-resistant straps, and RFID blocking technology. They have so many styles to choose from so you will find the perfect bag for your trip.
I go back and forth on my favorite bag because it will depend on my trip.
This bag is my favorite for everyday travel just walking around cities and not needing to carry a ton of stuff.
This bag is my favorite for day trips. I can carry all my necessities, anything extra I need, and anything I pick up during the day.
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What are Anti-Theft Travel Bags?
An anti-theft bag has added security features to make it more difficult for someone to steal your belongings. These bags help put you at ease while traveling in superpopulated areas.
Different anti-theft bags will have different features but the most common ones are:
- Splash-proof material- ensuring that it is difficult to slice through your bag with a knife.
- Locking zippers- the zipper may have a clip to secure it to the bag or the zippers themselves may have a hole where you can attach a padlock. This ensures that your bag can’t be easily opened without you knowing.
- RFID Blocking- to prevent credit card skimming devices from attaining your card info.
- Hidden compartments/zippers- some bags have flaps or material that hides the zipper/compartments making them harder to open.
- Locking straps- so that you can unhook a strap and re-hook it around a chair or something stationary so that it can’t be taken easily
Just because your bag has these features doesn’t mean you won’t be a victim of pickpocketing but it does deter them and make it harder for your things to be stolen.
Most of the time pickpocketing is a crime of opportunity and you don’t even realize you’ve been robbed until after it happens. These bags are used to prevent crimes of opportunity more than offer long-term security. If someone wants to rob you, they can always take your bag and run. So make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines when traveling. Here is a post on how to stay safe while traveling.
Tips for Choosing the Right Anti-Theft Bag for Travel
When it comes to choosing the right anti-theft travel bag it will be a personal preference based on where are you going, how much you need to fit in your bag, your style, etc. Here are some things to consider when you are looking for the right anti-theft bag for your next trip.
Size/Style
When deciding the size and style of your bag you will want to think about where you are going and what you will be carrying with you. If you are just walking around the city, exploring, and don’t need to carry much you may want to consider a crossbody bag or waist pack. If you are going on a day trip a backpack may be better. I have multiple sizes and styles of anti-theft bags and I switch them out based on my trip.
Features
Again think about where you are going and what features you may need. Most of the anti-theft bags I have seen at least have the following: locking zippers, slash-proof material, and RFID-blocking technology.
Some other features you may want to look for that aren’t anti-theft related are pockets for organization and card slots.
Reviews
Always take into consideration the reviews when looking at these bags. Some bags have claims that they are anti-theft but they aren’t. You can find loads of YouTube videos where people test and review the bags.
S-clip
So this doesn’t have anything to do with choosing an anti-theft bag but this is a great hack I have for turning your bag into an anti-theft bag. If you have a bag you love and don’t want to buy a new one, get some of these locking s-clips. I use these to lock the two zippers of my bag together or the zipper to the side of my bag to make it harder to open. I travel with these clips all the time and use them on my carry-on backpack.
This doesn’t magically make the bag slash-proof or add any of the other security features anti-theft bags have but it does put me slightly at ease.
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TSA Compliance
If you aren’t checking a bag this isn’t something you need to worry about. Make sure that if you are checking a bag the locking feature of your bag is TSA-compliant. If you are using a padlock to lock the zippers and it isn’t a TSA-compliant lock, they will probably break your bag if they need to open it.
Best Anti-Theft Crossbody Bags
Travelon Addison Convertible Bag
This is a convertible crossbody/belt bag. This bag would be great for nightlife or if you don’t need to bring much with you since it’s on the smaller side. The flap on the front covers the main compartment making it harder to get into. It also has internal pockets so you can organize the contents of your bag.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 8 in. x 1.5 in. x 4.75 in.
Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Crossbody
This is my favorite everyday bag. It’s the perfect size to carry my essentials and a few extras. I love the look of this bag too. There is a main pocket with one zippered inside pocket and two open pockets for organization. There is also a zippered (non-locking) back pocket on the outside.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 9.75 in. x 7.75 in. x 2.5 in
Baggallini Pocket Crossbody Bag
Water-resistant, lightweight, and has enough storage for exploring the city. The pocket crossbody also has pockets inside for internal storage and an additional, non-locking pocket, on the back.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: NO
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 8.5 in. x 8.5 in. x 2 in
Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Activity Crossbody Bag
This bag is on the smaller side but will still hold the essentials. There are internal pockets for organization and one outer pocket that doesn’t have a locking zipper. It is also water-resistant.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: NO
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 5.25 in. x 7.5 in. x 1 in
Pacsafe Citysafe Cx Anti-Theft Convertable Crossbody
This bag converts from a larger bag into a small purse by folding down the top portion creating a magnetic flap which creates more security. The converting feature makes this a great multiuse bag.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: NO
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 11 in. x 10.2 in. x 3.2 in converting to (8.3 x 10.2 in. x 3.2 in.)
Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
The Pacsafe Go bag is made of water-resistant recycled material. Has internal storage pockets and one outer zippered pocket.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: NO
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 6.3 in. x 9.5 in. x 2.8 in.
Best Anti-Theft Tote Bags
Sherpani Geo Anti-Theft Medium Tote Bag
Water-resistant and durable material make up this functional travel tote. A removable 49-inch strap acts as a shoulder and crossbody strap allowing you versatility. Can hold up to a 10-inch tablet and has two exterior pockets.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 12.5 in x 13.5 in. x 4.5 in.
Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Tote
This Travelon tote is roomy but still has plenty of pockets to stay organized. There are two outside pockets one being hidden on the back and the other is equipped with a locking zipper on the front. The bag is also water and dirt-resistant.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 13.5 in x 13.5 in. x 5 in.
Best Anti-Theft Sling Pack Bags
Mosiso Sling Backpack
The Mosiso sling pack has an adjustable shoulder strap so it can be carried on either shoulder. A larger zippered compartment that can hold an 11-inch tablet, two side mesh pockets, a quick access compartment, and a small front zippered pocket. While this bag doesn’t have the normal anti-theft features, the fact that you can carry it close to your person makes it considerably safer than normal bags. You can also use the S-clips with this bag for an added layer of protection.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: NO
Slash-proof: NO
Locking Zippers: NO
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 15.3 in. x 7.5 in. x 3.5 in.
DIOMO Anti Theft Small Sling Bag
I love this bag. It’s stylish and functional. It has a ton of internal slots and pockets to stay organized and is just big enough for all the essentials. It has two outside pockets one on the front and one on the back. The shoulder strap is reversible allowing it to be worn on either shoulder.
Keep in mind the s-clips wouldn’t work on this bag since each compartment only has 1 zipper and there is nothing to “anchor” it to.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: NO
Locking Zippers: NO
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 9.25 in. x 6.69 in. x 1.77 in.
Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Sling
The Heritage sling has a hidden zippered pocket in the back as well as a locking zippered pocket in the front. The interior has a padded sleeve for a tablet and a zippered storage pocket. The shoulder strap is adjustable so it can be worn on either shoulder as well as a zippered water bottle pocket.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 9.5 in. x 16 in. x 4.25 in.
ZUK Anti Theft Sling Bag
A great day pack with tons of room and a combination locking zippered pocket. The shoulder strap is moveable to either side and there is a hidden back pocket as well as a shoulder pocket and a charging port.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: NO
Slash-proof: NO (advertised as tear-proof)
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 6.7 in. x 13.4 in. x 3.3 in.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Sling Bag
A simple style classic sling. The main compartment has card slots, two other open pockets, and one small zippered pocket. The shoulder strap is adjustable. The fabric is water and dirt-resistant. There is one outside locking zippered pocket.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 7 in. x 14 in. x 3.5 in.
Pacsafe Vibe 150 2.5 L Anti Theft Sling Pack
A classic sling that can also be worn as a waist pack. Water-resistant with two interior pockets and one outside zipper pocket. The strap can be locked onto tables and chairs but it isn’t adjustable to be able to wear on the other shoulder.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 6.3 in. x 13 in. x 2.4 in.
Best Anti-Theft Waistpack Bags
Alpha Keeper Money Belt
Meant to wear underneath your clothing for optimum security this money belt is small and keeps your valuables safe. It’s really slim and lightweight making it comfortable to wear all day. I use mine at our local theme park since we normally only go for a few hours and I only carry my phone, money, ID, and chapstick. It is also water-repellent.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: NO
Slash-proof: NO
Locking Zippers: NO
Achor Strap: NO
Dimensions: 10.7 in x 5.3 in. x 0.2 in.
Travelon Essentials Anti-Theft Belt Bag
Only big enough for essentials this belt bag is slim and compact. There are a few pockets inside to help you stay organized and there is an outside zipper pocket underneath the flap.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 8 in x 4 in. x 1.75 in.
Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Waist Pack
Classic waist pack design with locking zippered compartments. Internal pockets and card slots to help you stay organized on the go. Has two larger compartments as well as a smaller one on the front of the bag.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 10.5 in x 2.5 in. x 7 in.
Best Anti-Theft Backpacks
Travelon Heritage Anti-Theft Backpack
I love the look of this bag. It matches my favorite crossbody bag. There are a ton of pockets for organization. This would be a perfect carry-on bag as well as a day bag. It has a luggage strap so it can be placed securely on your suitcase. There is even a padded sleeve that can hold a 15.6-inch laptop.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: NO
Dimensions: 12.5 in. x 17.5 in. x 7.5 in.
Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Slim Backpack
A classic backpack for a day full of exploring. There is only one main compartment and a small outside pocket. The main compartment has a locking zipper as well as a flap for added security.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 11 in. x 13 in. x 2 in.
CHERUTY Backpack Purse
This anti-theft backpack only has one anti-theft feature but it’s pretty cool. The zippered pocket is on the backside of the backpack so while you are wearing it nobody can open it.
While it isn’t a traditional anti-theft bag it is simple and can hold quite a bit. It also comes with a strap to carry this bag as a purse but I don’t find it comfortable to hold it this way.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: NO
Slash-proof: NO
Locking Zippers: NO
Achor Strap: NO
Dimensions: 13.7 in x 15 in. x 6.3 in.
Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack
This sleek backpack makes a great carry-on bag as well as a day bag for exploring. The main pocket opens on the back of the bag so that it can’t be accessed while wearing. There are so many pockets to organize all your items in this bag. Other features include a hidden back pocket, a side pocket for a water bottle, and a luggage strap that fits onto a suitcase.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: NO
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: NO
Achor Strap: NO
Dimensions: 11.5 in x 17.5 in. x 7 in.
Light Flight Travel Laptop Backpack
So many pockets! With all these pockets you can organize everything nicely and pack so much. You can fit a 17.3-inch laptop in the padded pocket. A hidden zipper pocket for valuable items on the backside of the bag. This backpack is also water-resistant and has a luggage strap.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: NO
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: NO
Dimensions: 12.8 in x 18.9 in. x 6.7 in.
Baggallini Women’s Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack
Water-resistant and lightweight. This bag makes a great travel backpack—one main pocket and two smaller front pockets. There is an additional hidden back pocket with locking zippers and two side water bottle pockets.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: NO
Dimensions: 10 in x 13 in. x 3.5 in.
Pacsafe Women’s Citysafe CX 17L Anti-Theft Backpack
A wide-opening main compartment leaves plenty of room for everything you need. A 13-inch laptop can fit into the padded sleeve. The bag features many pockets for organization and a luggage sleeve.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 10.6 in. x 15.4 in. x 6.3 in.
Pacsafe Women’s Citysafe Cx Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack
OK, so this is such a cool bag! It converts from a backpack into a small purse giving you two bags in one. There is a hidden pocket in the back that can be accessed in either form.
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Anti-Theft Features:
RFID blocking: YES
Slash-proof: YES
Locking Zippers: YES
Achor Strap: YES
Dimensions: 9.8 in. x 13.8 in. x 4.3 in. (Backpack) into 9.8 in. x 8.9 in x 4.3 in. (handbag)
As you can see most of the bags mentioned above are Travelon brand which is my favorite. Pacsafe also has some great bags and I would be interested in trying the convertible ones to utilize my packing space.
You definitely don’t have to use an anti-theft bag. It’s more of a personal preference but I love them since they are cute and functional.
Do you have an anti-theft bag you love? Let me know what your favorite ones are!
