The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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Stay safe on your travels with these expert-approved picks.

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The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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Travel + Leisure

As a frequent traveler who has filed more insurance claims than I care to think about — for camera equipment stolen from a sleeper train in Spain, for a bag slashed at Johannesburg airport, and a backpack swiped from a bus in Nicaragua, to name but a few — I’m a big advocate for making every effort to keep your belongings safe on vacation. One of my favorite pieces of equipment is an anti-theft backpack. Features vary but can include anything from slashproof straps and fabrics to lockable zippers and cables that allow you to secure your bag to a fixed object. If only I’d had that in Nicaragua. 

To help prevent other travelers from becoming a crime statistic, we tested a total of 24 anti-theft backpacks. We slashed them with box cutters, we fastened them to chairs and then simulated an attempted theft, and we tried to access hidden pockets without being detected. We determined our favorites based on design, capacity, comfort, protection, durability, and value, and we will continue testing each backpack over the course of six months to see how it feels to travel with them. 

Top Picks

Best Overall: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL at Amazon $290 Jump to Review Best Locking Zippers: SALE Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack at Amazon $120 $94 Jump to Review Best Waterproof: Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody at Amazon $242 Jump to Review Best for Commuters: XDDesign Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase at Amazon $160 Jump to Review Best Value: SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack at Amazon $29 Jump to Review Best Personal Item: Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 Daypack at Amazon $160 Jump to Review Best for Outdoor Adventures: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L at Amazon $300 Jump to Review

Best Overall

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Credit: Pacsafe $290 $273 at Amazon $290 at REI $290 at Backcountry Why We Love It

  • This carry-on bag is defined by a convenient clamshell opening; abundant organization features; and comfortable shoulder, chest, and hip straps.

What to Consider

  • Because it’s so large, it may be a little heavy for those with a smaller frame.

Designed to comply with most international airlines’ carry-on size requirements, the Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-theft Carry-on Travel Pack is made from recycled polyester with a water-repellent coating. You can wear it as a backpack or carry it briefcase style, and it features puncture-resistant zippers with lockable pulls. We found that the locking mechanism required a little getting used to, but we appreciated the added security of the built-in padlock. Taking a box cutter to the bag’s cut-resistant straps resulted in superficial markings, and while we were able to slice through the outer layers of fabric, the wire-reinforced inner layer remained intact. 

Travel +Leisure editor Taylor Fox particularly likes that “the laptop sleeve is on the inner side of the front pocket, which means that even if someone was able to cut through the full outer layer, they would still have to open the bag to access your laptop.” The bag also features a stainless steel cable for anchoring it to a fixed object should you take it off in transit.

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

The huge, clamshell-style main compartment fit everything on our packing list — a jacket, a toiletry bag, headphones, a water bottle, keys, a laptop, a phone, a passport, a wallet, and chargers — with space left over. Organization features include a spacious front pocket with a padded laptop sleeve, an organizer section for cables and chargers, an RFID-blocking pocket big enough for a passport, and a side water bottle pocket. The large size and heavy weight (4.3 pounds) may make it uncomfortable for people with a smaller frame. After six months of testing, we've noticed that the shoulder straps don't offer much cushion, and it can be uncomfortable to wear the backpack for prolonged periods of time.

The Details: 21.7 x 13 x 7.9 inches | 4.3 pounds | Slash-resistant fabric and straps | Locking zippers | Chair lock | Laptop pocket | Water-resistant  

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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The 12 Best Travel Safety Devices, According to T+L Editors

Best Locking Zippers

Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Credit: Baggallini $120 $94 at Amazon $120 at Macy’s $120 at Bloomingdales Why We Love It

  • This bag has locking zippers on the main and back pockets while also offering impressive organization features.

What to Consider

  • Most laptops will be too big to fit inside.

Available in a variety of colors from black to portobello, the Baggallini Securtex Anti-theft Vacation Backpack is made from a lightweight, water-resistant material reinforced with slash-resistant panels. Our box cutter test caused visible damage, but we weren’t able to cut through to the interior, and we were impressed with how many slashes the backpack took while remaining intact. It also offers double-cable, cut-resistant straps and RFID protection on several pockets. Our favorite feature is the locking zippers on the main and back pockets. 

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Using them adds a good five seconds to opening and closing the backpack, which we believe would be enough to dissuade any thief from attempting to do so. There’s even an anti-theft zipper pull hoop on the most easily accessible of the bag’s two front pockets, so it's a great option if you're traveling in crowded places. In terms of capacity, this is a relatively small bag, and not all laptops will be able to fit inside; however, we were surprised by how much we were able to fit and attribute this to its superior organization. This includes a rear wallet section with two zippered pockets and six credit card slots, a padded sleeve big enough for a tablet, two side water bottle pockets, and a port for your headphones. 

The Details: 10 x 13 x 3.5 inches | 1.1 pounds | Slash-resistant fabric and straps | Locking zippers | Hidden pockets | Water-resistant  

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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Best Waterproof

Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Credit: Arden Cove $242 at Amazon $210 $180 at Ardencove.com Why We Love It

  • This mini backpack is both pretty and practical, with a sleek urban aesthetic and waterproof material and zippers.

What to Consider

  • Not all versions include a chair lock, so check carefully when ordering if this is a feature you require. 

The Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody comes in a variety of colors and strap styles. It’s compact, lightweight, and ideally sized for a day’s sightseeing in an urban setting where looks are important. Versatility is a highlight — with a detachable top handle and straps, you can wear it as a backpack, a handbag, a shoulder bag, or a crossbody. “The fabric and zippers are waterproof with a tight seal, so I’d feel confident wearing this even in a downpour,” says T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Park.

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

True waterproofing isn’t the bag’s only protective feature: it also offers cut-resistant straps and a slash-resistant lining so effective that it took considerable effort to cut through the outer layer of the bag. A casual swipe with a box cutter only left scratches, and we were not able to cut through to the inside. There are also locking zippers on the main and front compartment. The former fits a 10-inch tablet and has three pockets and a connection point for a key leash. The latter acts as a built-in wallet with RFID-blocking fabric, card slots, and a section for bills. After three months of testing, we continue to love the look of the backpack and think it’s well suited to travelers who tend to travel a little lighter.

The Details: 10.5 x 4.5 x 8 inches | 1.7 pounds | Slash-resistant fabric and straps | Locking zippers | Chair lock | Waterproof

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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Best for Commuters

XDDesign Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Credit: Amazon $160 at Amazon Why We Love It

  • The ability to use the bag as either a backpack or a briefcase is a major bonus, as is the fact that the bag opens flat for easy packing.

What to Consider

  • It lacks lockable zippers and cut-resistant straps.

The perfect choice for busy businessmen and women, the XDDesign Bobby Bizz comes with detachable straps that you can store internally whenever you want to switch from a backpack to a briefcase. It also includes a separate messenger-style strap. The bag is made from quality polyester with a reflective print for after-dark safety, while the integrated metal frame and anti-shock padding protects contents from unexpected impact. The fabric is slash-resistant; however, we were able to cut through the straps with the box cutter. 

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

After six months of real-world testing, we continue to love the thoughtfulness of it's additional safety features, including a locking chair strap and a hidden pocket with an integrated USB port —  we were even able to lock the backpack to a chair at the airport while we went to use the bathroom. Though there are no lockable zippers, we love that the spacious main compartment unzips completely to allow easy packing and unpacking, and that there are separate padded compartments for a 15.6-inch laptop and a 10-inch tablet. There are also many smaller organization pockets. In terms of comfort, Fox says, “The backpack fits well and has plenty of adjustability. The straps and back panel are padded, and I had no problems wearing this for the duration of the test period even when fully packed.” However, over time, we noticed the zippers seem flimsy and don't work as well as they did at first.

The Details: 16.1 x 11 x 3.9 inches | 2.8 pounds | Slash-resistant fabric | Hidden pockets | Chair lock | Laptop pocket | USB port

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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Best Value

SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Credit: Amazon $29 at Amazon Why We Love It

  • This affordable backpack is spacious and versatile, with an impressive variety of organization and anti-theft features for the price.

What to Consider

  • It doesn’t have slashproof fabric, and the inner lining feels a little flimsy.

Retailing for just over half the price of our overall winner, the Shrradoo Anti-theft Laptop Backpack is the ideal choice for those on a budget. Though this backpack does not have slashproof fabric, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the exterior fabrics and hardware, though the inner lining didn’t feel as strong. We liked that the bag felt relatively lightweight despite its large size. It offers a padded compartment for laptops of up to 16.3 inches. We were able to fit a laptop and a tablet but worried that there was still enough space leftover for them to jostle around. On the upside, this compartment is protected by an integrated combination lock. 

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

The main compartment is very spacious (we were able to fit multiple jackets and toiletry bags), and the front compartment includes a wealth of pockets, pen loops, and a fob hook for keeping your smaller items organized. If you’re worried about pickpockets, store your passport, phone and wallet in the hidden pocket on the back of the bag. Other highlights include a luggage strap, an external USB port for on-the-go charging (you’ll need a separate power bank), and a stabilizing chest strap. The shoulder straps and back panels are padded for all-day comfort. Good to know: we came to find after six months of real-world testing that this backpack’s larger size is great for traveling, but might be a bit cumbersome for everyday purposes. And although there are many anti-theft features, we don’t feel the security is robust enough to transport high-value items.

The Details: 19.5 x 14 x 10.5 inches | Locking zippers | Hidden pockets | Laptop pocket | USB port | Water-resistant  

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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The 6 Best Luggage Trackers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Best Personal Item

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 Daypack

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Credit: Amazon $160 $143 at Amazon $160 $56 at Backcountry $160 at Pacsafe.com Why We Love It

  • Despite its compact size, this backpack offers abundant organization features, including a padded laptop sleeve.

What to Consider

  • The side slip pocket is too tight for a standard reusable water bottle.

Available in black or teal, the Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 Daypack is ideally sized for fitting under an airplane seat as your personal item and for day trips once you reach your destination. It ticks sustainability boxes with its regenerated nylon fiber and recycled polyester construction, while a water-repellent coating protects your belongings should you get caught out in the rain. When it comes to protecting your valuables from thieves, lockable zips on the main and front compartments make it impossible for anyone to get into the bag undetected. 

Like most other bags on this list, the backpack’s cut-resistant fabric prevents access to the interior, although we were able to slice away the first few layers easily. We particularly like the bag’s cut-resistant anchor strap, which secures around a chair or table leg so that you can relax before your flight without worrying about your bag being swiped. Organization features include an RFID-blocking pocket for your credit cards and passport, a padded sleeve for 13-inch laptops, and an attachment point for your wallet or keys. We found the padded shoulder straps and ventilated mesh back panel sufficiently comfortable for all day use, but the side slip pocket was too small to fit a standard reusable water bottle.  

The Details: 16.5 x 11.6 x 5.1 inches | 1.6 pounds | Slash-resistant fabric and straps | Locking zippers | Chair lock | Laptop pocket | Water-resistant  

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Best for Outdoor Adventures

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Credit: REI $300 at Amazon $300 at Backcountry $240 at Peakdesign.com Why We Love It

  • It's made from weatherproof, recycled nylon canvas built to survive the outdoors.

What to Consider

  • It has so many features that we found it a little too complex for casual use.

Designed with serious outdoor adventurers in mind, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is made from weatherproof, 100 percent recycled nylon canvas with a reinforced bottom liner for extra ruggedness. It can expand from a 35-liter capacity to a spacious 45 liters and is therefore a versatile pick for one-bag travel. We love that the roomy main compartment opens fully for suitcase-style packing and that it can be divided into two sections using the zippered mesh divider. Designed for on-the-go convenience, it offers top, side, front, and rear access. 

The backpack also features padded laptop and tablet sleeves, a quick-access pocket for your sunglasses, and hidden side pockets big enough for a passport or wallet. The water bottle pockets are extra expandable, making them ideal for stashing everything from rolled up layers to camera equipment. The bag’s UltraZips are extra durable with interlocking pulls. We did find these a little too time-consuming to operate but can’t deny their effectiveness in deterring thieves. Finally, the bag’s padded shoulder straps and hip belt tuck neatly away when not in use. 

The Details: 22 x 13 x 9.5 (standard); 22 x 13 x 11 (expanded) | 4.5 pounds | Locking zippers | Hidden pockets | Laptop pocket | Water-resistant  

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

    Credit: Travel + Leisure

  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

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  • The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Other Anti-theft Backpacks We Liked

The following backpacks just missed out on making our main list due to a few issues encountered during testing. However, they may still be a worthwhile option for some. 

Sherpani Soleil Convertible Travel Backpack: We loved this bag’s style, generous capacity, and thoughtful organization features. It lost points for only having slashproof fabric on the bottom section and for the chair lock strap, which broke when we tested it. 

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Travel + Leisure

Solgaard Lifepack Backpack: This is a durable, professional-looking bag with abundant organization features and an integrated, solar-powered power bank. However, it’s expensive for what it is, considering that the anti-theft features are not particularly advanced and don’t include slashproof fabric.

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Travel + Leisure

Ambor Travel Anti-theft Laptop Backpack: Another budget-friendly option, this backpack performed well for its comfort, capacity, and organization. It lost points for flimsy materials and a headphone jack that didn’t fit our headphones.

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Travel + Leisure

Our Testing Process

For this article, we conducted two separate sessions, testing a total of 24 anti-theft backpacks. The process for each one was the same. First, we familiarized ourselves with the backpack’s anti-theft features. Then we examined it carefully, assessing the quality of its materials and construction and the weight of the bag when empty. We filled the bag with a set list of items (including a simulation laptop, phone, passport, jacket, headphones, and toiletry bag, among other things) and made notes on its capacity, ease of packing, and organization features. 

We adjusted the straps to fit and walked around with the backpack to assess how comfortable it was to wear. In the case of convertible backpacks, we also tried switching between the different carrying modes and evaluated the functionality of each one. Backpacks with anti-slash fabric were exposed first to a discreet swipe with a box cutter (meant to mimic a thief in a crowded area) and then to a more concentrated effort to cut into the material. We also used the box cutter on cut-resistant straps.

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Travel + Leisure

Next, we fastened the backpacks with a chair lock to a chair leg. We then tested the strap’s effectiveness by trying to snatch the bag while a second tester was sitting on the chair. We also tested locking zippers, evaluating how easy it was to lock and unlock them and how effective these measures would be against thieves. If the backpack had a hidden pocket, we tested how easy it was for a person to access this pocket while the bag was on someone else’s back. The most important attributes of each backpack were design, capacity, comfort, protection, durability, and value. Testing is ongoing, and we will update these results after we continue to test and evaluate those backpacks over the course of six months during our real-world travels. 

Tips for Buying Anti-theft Backpacks

Decide which anti-theft features are most important to you

There are a wide range of specialist features to consider when shopping for an anti-theft backpack. Some models have them all, while others have only a few. Obviously, the more features your backpack has, the more expensive it’s likely to be. It makes sense therefore to think carefully about which are most important for your particular needs. 

Lockable zippers are probably the most universally relevant feature for preventing petty theft, and they don’t have to cost a lot. Although some high-end backpacks use an integrated combination lock to secure their zippers, others use a simple clip system or have a loop through which you must thread the zipper pull to open and close it. These designs are inexpensive but can make all the difference in terms of protecting your belongings. 

Other features, like slashproof straps and fabric, are an upgraded option probably only necessary if you plan on traveling to an area where this type of crime is common. Similarly, a chair lock is great for those that frequently spend hours in an airport or train station or have an itinerary with an overnight journey on public transport, but if you’re likely to be wearing your bag at all times, this feature may not be necessary.

Look for durable materials

Durable materials are advisable for any travel bag or backpack — there’s nothing worse than your luggage coming apart at the seams when you’re in a hurry to reach your destination or stranded without access to a replacement. A sturdy, well-built backpack is especially important when theft is a concern. After all, there’s no point in investing in slashproof fabrics if your bag is liable to fall apart on its own anyway. Look for high-denier polyester, nylon, or canvas with reinforced stitching and padding on high-wear areas. 

Think about what size you’ll need

Backpacks come in all shapes, styles, and sizes, from mini versions suitable for a half-day sightseeing tour to stylish convertible totes to heavy-duty gear haulers designed for round-the-world backpacking expeditions. Choosing the right size for your needs is key, because a bag that’s too small will leave you juggling all the items you can’t fit in — while one that’s too big takes up unnecessary space and can be cumbersome to carry. The most versatile backpacks are those with an expansion feature or ones that can be compressed (either with straps or a roll-top) when not filled to the brim. 

The 7 Best Anti-theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Travel + Leisure

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

After living in South Africa for eight years and taking extended backpacking trips around South America and South East Asia, writer Jessica Macdonald has had her fair share of experience with bag tampering and theft. She now travels with lockable luggage and prioritizes slashproof straps and fabric when choosing her backpacks. Products in this article were chosen according to the results of tests carried out by the T+L team. 

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