The 10 Best Anti-Theft Backpacks To Protect Your Valuables

Are you looking for the best anti-theft backpacks? Safety should always come first when you are a traveler. That means protecting yourself and the belongings that help you get from point A to point B. While no one wants to be fearful of their destination, we also have to realize that not everywhere is Disneyland. Crime almost always comes from the

That’s why anti-theft backpacks have been growing in popularity over the years. They are the perfect way to keep good men honest and would-be thieves at bay. The variety of anti-theft backpacks is staggering, as are the features they provide.

Some act as portable work and entertainment stations, while others take a minimalist approach, providing only the essentials.  What can seem frivolous to some may be crucial to others. Here, we will comb through the specs and examine some of the best anti-theft backpacks. 


Best Anti-Theft Backpacks


Pacsafe Venturesafe Travel Pack 45L

Pacsafe Venturesafe Anti-Theft Backpack

Product Details

Weight: 3 lbs. 13 oz. | Capacity: 45L | Material: Nylon

Features: Laptop Sleeve, Locking Cable, Lockable Zippers, Cut Resistant Cables, Internal Frame, Internal Compression Strap, Mesh Interior Pocket, Tech Organized Front Pocket, Top & Side Handle, Stow-away Straps, Side Pockets

Pros

  • Comfortable To Carry
  • Carry-On Compliant
  • Clamshell Opening
  • Slash-proof Material
  • High-Quality
  • Easy Organization

Cons

  • Difficult To Access Your Items (theft-deterrent)
  • Lock Not Included

Pacsafe has been the leading name in anti-theft backpacks for two decades. We couldn’t think of a better place to start than the Pacsafe Venturesafe Travel Pack 45L. Its phenomenal features make it one of the best travel bags available.

Most notable as a theft deterrent is the eXomesh Slashgaurd technology. The exterior fabric has a hidden stainless steel mesh, making it slash-proof. It stops a common tactic of thieves to slash and grab items from the bag. The exterior bag fabric is ECONYL fiber from recycled fishnets for a reduced carbon footprint.

Other sweet security features include an RFID pocket, four lockable zippers, and a stainless steel locking cable. Elsewhere on the exterior are padded handles and a decent suspension system to carry the bag comfortably while on the go. Straps can be stowed for safe transport when the bag is checked on flights.

Once at the destination, travelers can easily access their belongings as the backpack has a clamshell opening. The type of opening allows for better organization when packing cubes. Of course, it is a little clunky as access is meant to be difficult, so it’s not as seamless as a traditional travel backpack. The organization of the backpack is excellent once it’s open with multiple pockets, which include a laptop sleeve and a side water bottle pocket.

The style and functionality of this anti-theft backpack are superb and will give you peace of mind – whether on a weekend getaway or traveling the world! It’s an excellent backpack for travelers who want to secure personal belongings.

Pacsafe Venturesafe Travel Pack 45L


Pacsafe MetroSafe LS350 Daypack

Pacsafe MetroSafe LS 350 Daypack Best Antitheft Backpacks

Product Details

Weight: 1 lb. 9 oz. | Size: 15L | Material: Nylon/Polyester

Features: Laptop Compartment, Lockable Zippers, Cut Resistant Cables, Turn & Lock Security Hook, eXomesh Slashguard

Pros

  • Comfortable To Carry
  • Excellent Quality
  • Lockable Cable
  • Slash Proof Material
  • Water Bottle Holder

Cons

  • The Size Limits Functionality

If you’re seeking an anti-theft backpack that works as an everyday carry, the Pacsafe Metrosafe LS 350 is a great option. Pacsafe incorporated their slash-proof eXomesh Slashguard material that hides a metal mesh within the bag’s fabric.

Pacsafe continued to pack in the value, adding a padded, slash-resistant hip and chest belt, an internal charging port, a 13” padded laptop compartment, a Lockabout Security Clip, tons of lockable pockets, and an RFID pocket. It’s a little bag that looks pretty sharp but has many features to help deter theft.

The Turn & Lock Security Hook is a stand-out feature that can be attached to a secure location for added security. We love this feature when sitting outside at a cafe or down at the park to stop grab-and-run theft. While the size may be modest for extended travel, this ferocious anti-theft backpack will keep all your valuables safe on your daily commute or afternoon outing. 

Pacsafe MetroSafe LS350 Daypack


Bobby XD XL

Bobby XD XL

Product Details

Weight: 2 lbs. | Size: 13L | Material: Nylon/Polyester

Features: Laptop Compartment, Lockable Zippers, Cut Resistant Cables,

Pros

  • Feature-Packed
  • It fits 17″ Laptop
  • Comfortable
  • Versatile
  • High-Quality
  • Hidden Zipper

Cons

  • Only For Day Use

Bobby has been a Dutch manufacturer producing great backpacks for over 30 years. They have eight models in their anti-theft backpack arsenal, with the Bobby XL built with the businessman in mind. Its sleek design seamlessly transfers into any work environment, and the padded laptop compartment can easily house a 17” computer and 12.5” tablet.

This backpack is made from a sturdy, cut-proof, water-repellent material packed with hidden zippers and pockets. It has no designated RFID compartment, making it less suitable for international travel but perfect for the on-the-go executive.

Bobby XD XL Backpack


Nomatic 40L Travel Backpack

Nomatic 40L Travel Backpack Best Anti Theft Backpack

Product Details

Weight: 4 lbs. | Capacity: 40L | Material: Tarpaulin

Features: Laptop Compartment, Lockable Zippers, Quick Access Laptop Compartment

Pros

  • Feature-Packed
  • Carry-On Size
  • Comfortable
  • Versatile
  • Super High-Quality
  • Stowaway Straps

Cons

  • Not As Much Anti Theft Features As Other Bags, Heavy

Nomatic is relatively new to the anti-theft backpack game, only getting started after raising over 5 million dollars on Kickstarter and Indiegogo. They claim to have created the “most functional travel bag ever!” Based on their design scheme, they might have.

It seems they have thought of everything with a roomy 40L bag, individual removable organization panels, headphone and charger cord pass-throughs, magnetic snap-back side pockets, and backpack-to-briefcase versatility.

However, it would be better to state that this is a business/travel backpack with anti-theft features, such as RFID protection and lockable zippers, rather than calling it primarily an anti-theft bag. This isn’t just great as an anti-theft backpack but a general travel backpack.

Nomatic 40L Travel Backpack


Bobby XD Pro

Bobby XD Pro Best Anti Theft Backpack

Product Details

Weight: 2 lbs. 10.4 oz. | Size: 18L | Material: Nylon

Features: Laptop Compartment, Lockable Zippers, Cut Resistant Cables, Cut Resistant Material

Pros

  • Feature-Packed
  • Comfortable
  • Versatile
  • High-Quality
  • USB Charging Port
  • Hidden Zipper

Cons

  • Difficult To Access Your Items (theft-deterrent)

If you like what the Bobby XD Pro offers but want to take safety to the next level, you’ll want to look at the Bobby XD. This awesome 18L anti-theft backpack has steel-enforced locks, hidden cut-proof wire mesh, and multiple regular and RFID-protected pockets. 

It’s easily transportable, has a comfortable luggage strap, and has a laptop and tablet compartment similar to the Bobby XL. It repels water to keep your valuables safe and dry during unexpected downpours. Overall, you will be thrilled with this highly fashionable, functional, and defensible anti-theft backpack.  

Bobby XD Pro


Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack

Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack

Product Details

Weight: 3 lbs. | Size: N/A | Material: Nylon

Features: Laptop Compartment, Lockable Zippers, RFID Pocket, LED Light

Pros

  • Style
  • Lockable Zippers
  • Water Bottle
  • Slash Resistant Body Panels
  • Slash Resistant Straps

Cons

  • Limited Size

Travelon is the leading contender to Pacsafe in the world of high-end anti-theft travel backpacks, and the Heritage makes it easy to see why. This modern-styled backpack is one of the few that can be used for a day hike, commuting to work, wandering around the school, traveling for the weekend, and just about anywhere else you can think of. 

The external materials are dirt and water-resistant and are covered in slash-resistant panels over the most important compartments. Each zipper pull is lockable, the shoulder straps are decently padded, there is a designated RFID protection pocket, and truthfully, it’s just adorable!

Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack


Kensington SecureTrek

Kensington SecureTrek Best Anti Theft Backpacks

Product Details

Weight: 3 lbs. 15 oz. | Size: N/A | Material: 840D Polyester

Features: Laptop Compartment, Lockable Zippers, Secure Trek Base, 17″ Laptop Compartment

Pros

  • Feature-Packed
  • Carry-On Size
  • Comfortable
  • Versatile
  • Lockable Base Utilizes Laptop Lock
  • Padded Back,

Cons

  • Style,
  • Poly Material Sacrifices Strength

Please leave it to a leading tech accessory company to develop an amazingly designed, highly functional anti-theft bag. Inconspicuous on the outside, the frame is sleek and stylish and made to fit perfectly through TSA scanners without having to stuff it down. 

Once opened, you’ll find a backpack full of features, like the SecureTrek 17” laptop holder, anti-puncture lockable zippers, and even a laptop lock to secure your bag to stationery items when you need to make a quick run and can’t take it with you.  

Through and through, this backpack screams secure business travel and will give you the peace of mind you need when losing your laptop would feel like the end of the world. 

Kensington SecureTrek


Travelon Urban 

Travelon Urban Best Anti Theft Backpacks

Product Details

Weight: 1 lb. 8 oz. | Size: 18L | Material: Nylon

Features: Laptop Compartment, Lockable Zippers, Cut Resistant Cables, Internal Frame, Tethered Key Ring, LED Light

Pros

  • Feature-Packed
  • Versatile
  • High-Quality

Cons

  • Price

Suppose you’re a fan of the Travelon brand and are looking for something slightly more sophisticated and modern than the Heritage we discussed earlier. In that case, I recommend looking at their Urban anti-theft backpack.

Still housing all the security bells and whistles, as well as Travelon’s exceptional quality, this backpack has a smooth design, well-hidden zippers, and a shell-like appearance. It’s also breathable, with an air mesh back panel, shoulder straps, and thick padding to ensure you’re comfortable even during all-day wear. 

It has all the organizational capabilities you’d expect in the best anti-theft backpacks and traditional features such as water bottle side pockets and a shock-resistant laptop holder.

Travelon Urban 


Korin Design ClickPack Pro

Korin Design ClickPack Pro Best Anti Theft Backpacks

Product Details

Weight: 2 lbs. 2 oz. | Size: N/A | Material: Slash Resistant Material Blend

Features: Laptop Compartment, Lockable Zippers, Cut Resistant Cables, Slash Resistant Material, Rain Cover

Pros

  • Feature-Packed
  • Carry-On Size
  • Comfortable
  • Versatile
  • High-Quality Triple Lock

Cons

  • New Company
  • Meh Key Holder

The Korin Design Clickpack Pro anti-theft backpack oozes elegance, security, and functionality in a 17.3L bag. It has a sleek, tapered design that looks great and provides maximum weight distribution over your shoulders, hips, and back. 

The internal compartments come with stationary and removable organization cubes, giving all your belongings their designated cubbyhole. Like any good tech-savvy anti-theft backpack, the Korin houses a USB port power bank, a 15” laptop and 12” tablet sleeve, and a wire-secured TSA lock that will keep out even the most persistent thieves. Overall, Korin Design nailed the most critical factors that make up a tremendous anti-theft backpack.

Korin Design ClickPack Pro


Pacsafe VentureSafe x30

Pacsafe VentureSafe x30 Best Anti Theft Backpacks

Product Details

Weight: 2 lbs. 6.4 oz. | Size: 30L | Material: Nylon/polyester

Features: Laptop Compartment or Water Reservoir, Lockable Zippers, Cut Resistant Cables, Slash Resistant Material, Rain Cover, eXomesh Slashguard

Pros

  • Feature-Packed
  • Carry-On Size
  • Comfortable
  • Versatile
  • High-Quality
  • Outdoor Versatility

Cons

  • Not Suitable For Everyone

Regarding anti-theft backpacks, most brands cater to world travelers and business-savvy tech lovers. Unfortunately, that can leave a large part of the spectrum under-represented. What about those outdoor enthusiasts that want the same peace of mind while hiking, climbing, or biking? 

Don’t worry, Pacsafe has you covered! Their VentureSafe x30 has combined all the comforts of a hiking pack – such as an aluminum-supported back frame, padded shoulder, hip, and chest straps, and a built-in rain cover that will keep your contents bone-dry when out in the elements. 

Now combine all this with slash-proof materials, lockable zippers, and even RFID protection, and you have a pack that gives you the best of both worlds! 

Pacsafe Venturesafe X30


What To Conder in an Anti-Theft Backpack


Safety Features

The best anti-theft backpacks have three main components that take them from your grade school Jansport to a protective force. The first is slash-proof material. This can be material that is lined with a metal meshing, has a high-density knit, or even military-grade kevlar.

This can make it difficult to evaluate precisely how slash-proof the material is. Luckily, there is an internationally recognized ISO cut resistance grading system. The fabrics are graded from 1-5, with 5 being the highest. 

The next component used to create the best anti-theft backpack is lockable zippers. These keep wandering hands from rifling through your things while your back is turned, waiting in line, on the train, or even walking down the street. 

That being said, not all lockable zippers are created equal. It would be best if you were looking for backpacks with durable YKKs, the international standard for zippers. Steel and aluminum alloy waterproof zippers are also a great addition and can be found in many high-end brands. 

The last thing that anti-theft backpacks have that your regular backpack doesn’t is RFID protection. This is especially helpful in international travel when you carry credit cards, passports, and other forms of ID. This feature ensures no one can scan your bag and run off with your identity.  


Composition

Just because an anti-theft backpack provides protection doesn’t mean they get to skimp on functionality. The best anti-theft backpacks will have all the luggage components you love, such as organizing compartments, easy-to-access side pockets, and front-loading capabilities.  

They should also have sturdy padded straps at the shoulders, chest, and hips to distribute the weight and give your back a break when you run into those extra-long TSA lines. Breathability over the back region and through the shoulders is a bonus, especially if trekking in hot climates. 


Size

You can find anti-theft backpacks in a variety of sizes. Like any backpack, the sizes are measured in liters and range from 10L to 80L and above. Choosing the right backpack size will depend directly on your travel plans and whether you like to minimize or prefer having a new outfit daily. 

However, if you don’t want to pay the hefty checked bag fees, stick with a 45L backpack. These usually fit the carry-on standards and won’t break your back when you strap them on. 


Water Resistance

We have all been caught in an unexpected downpour, spilled drinks, or accidentally put our bags in previously unseen puddles. That’s why it’s essential to ensure you have a bag with some waterproofing when you’re trekking around- whether for business or pleasure. This can come in the form of an external coating or built into the materials used for the backpack. Protection of your belongings comes in more forms than just anti-theft!


Extras

Now it’s time for the fun stuff! While you can get standard anti-theft backpacks with all the essentials, you can also find them filled with gadgets and doodads. While not imperative, they can be pretty neat additions. 

These include USB ports, headphone jacks, laptop holders, wheels, and a handle! Backpacks with convertible capabilities are also excellent, as they give you the versatility to transform from a backpack to over-the-shoulder luggage, a briefcase, or even a duffel bag.

Keep in mind that all these will add to the overall price and weight of the backpack, but sometimes you have to say, “Why not?” 


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About Natasha Alden

Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Reader’s Digest.

Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page.

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