Anti-Theft Backpacks Worth Carrying in Crowds
The Pacsafe Metrosafe X leads for its locking zippers and slash-resistant panels, while the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic offers the same protection for less. Budget shoppers should look at the MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack, which adds a hidden zipper and USB port at a friendly price.
If you want a bag that resists grab-and-go theft, the Pacsafe Metrosafe X is the strongest all-round pick, with the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic close behind for value and the MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack covering the budget end. Each one layers several deterrents rather than relying on a single gimmick.
Anti-theft backpacks are tricky to shop for because the marketing often outpaces the hardware. We compared models on the features that actually matter to pickpocket resistance, then weighed comfort, laptop protection, and how they hold up as daily carry, based on manufacturer specifications and owner reports.
The shortlist, ranked
Pacsafe Metrosafe X Anti-Theft Backpack
Pacsafe built its reputation on layered security, and the Metrosafe X shows why. Lockable zipper pulls, a slash-resistant panel, and RFID-blocking pockets combine with a genuinely comfortable harness. It reads as a normal urban pack rather than a tourist target.
Pros
- Multiple layered anti-theft features
- Comfortable padded back panel
- Understated, low-profile styling
Cons
- Premium price point
- Not the largest cargo space
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack
Travelon packs a lot of security into a mid-range bag. You get locking compartments, slash-resistant construction, and RFID-blocking card slots without paying flagship money. Owners report it works equally well for city commutes and light travel.
Pros
- Strong security for the price
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Chair-loop lock for cafes
Cons
- Fabric feels less rugged than pricier rivals
- Limited color choices
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack
The MATEIN is the entry point for anyone who wants deterrents without a big outlay. A hidden back-panel zipper, luggage strap, and external USB charging port cover the basics. It is roomy enough to double as a work-and-weekend bag.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Large capacity for the price
- Comfortable for full workdays
Cons
- No slash-resistant panels
- Zippers are not lockable
XD Design Bobby Hero Anti-Theft Backpack
The Bobby Hero hides its zippers against your back so they cannot be opened while worn. Cut-resistant material and a minimalist shell make it a favorite for design-conscious commuters. A built-in USB pass-through keeps a power bank tidy.
Pros
- Hidden zippers block casual access
- Sleek water-repellent exterior
- Balanced weight distribution
Cons
- Interior organization is basic
- Concealed zippers take getting used to
Nordace Siena Smart Backpack
The Nordace Siena pairs a clean silhouette with a hidden anti-theft pocket and water-resistant fabric. A USB charging port and luggage strap make it a natural for daily commutes and short trips. Owners praise how light it feels loaded up.
Pros
- Lightweight and stylish
- Water-resistant coating
- Handy luggage pass-through
Cons
- No cut-resistant panels
- Main zipper is not lockable
KAKA Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
KAKA focuses on protecting your electronics with a padded laptop sleeve and a hidden zip section against the back. A combination-style buckle adds a deterrent, and the roomy main compartment swallows a workday of gear. It is a practical, no-frills option.
Pros
- Well-padded laptop protection
- Generous storage
- Durable exterior fabric
Cons
- Bulkier than slimmer rivals
- Styling is fairly plain
Lewis N. Clark Secura Anti-Theft Backpack
Built for the road, the Secura combines slash-resistant fabric with locking zippers and RFID-blocking pockets. It stays compact enough for a personal item on flights while still guarding valuables in busy transit hubs. A solid choice for cautious travelers.
Pros
- Travel-focused security features
- Compact carry-friendly size
- RFID protection included
Cons
- Smaller main compartment
- Straps are only lightly padded
Before you buy
What makes a backpack actually anti-theft The strongest bags stack several deterrents: lockable or hidden zippers, slash-resistant panels woven into the fabric, and RFID-blocking pockets for cards and passports. No single feature stops a determined thief, so look for a model that combines at least two of these rather than one headline trick.
Match the features to your risk A daily train commuter mostly needs concealed zippers and an RFID pocket, while someone navigating crowded tourist districts benefits from slash-resistant construction and a cable to anchor the bag to a chair. Buying more security than you need usually means paying for weight and bulk you will not use.
Do not forget everyday comfort Security features add nothing if the bag is uncomfortable enough that you leave it at home. Check for padded shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and a capacity that matches your load. A well-balanced harness keeps a loaded pack from straining your shoulders on longer days.
Protecting your laptop and tech If you carry a laptop, prioritize a padded, suspended sleeve that keeps the device off the bottom of the bag. Many anti-theft models add a USB pass-through so a power bank stored inside can charge your phone without opening the main compartment, a small convenience that also keeps zippers closed in public.
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Laptop fit | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pacsafe Metrosafe X Anti-Theft Backpack | Up to 15 inch | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack | Up to 15 inch | Best value | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack | Up to 17 inch | Best budget | 8.6 | Check price |
| 4 | XD Design Bobby Hero Anti-Theft Backpack | Up to 15.6 inch | Best for design | 9.0 | Check price |
| 5 | Nordace Siena Smart Backpack | Up to 15 inch | Best for commuting | 8.8 | Check price |
| 6 | KAKA Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack | Up to 15.6 inch | Best for laptops | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Lewis N. Clark Secura Anti-Theft Backpack | Up to 15 inch | Best for travel | 8.2 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
Are anti-theft backpacks worth it?
For commuters and travelers who move through crowded places, yes. Features like hidden zippers and slash-resistant fabric make opportunistic theft much harder, and most of these bags work fine as everyday carry too.
What does slash-resistant actually mean?
Slash-resistant fabric contains a wire mesh or tough fiber layer that resists being cut with a blade. It is designed to stop a thief from slicing open the bag to reach contents, though it is not fully knife-proof.
Do I need RFID-blocking pockets?
RFID pockets shield the chips in contactless cards and passports from being scanned. The real-world risk is debated, but if a bag includes the feature it costs you nothing extra to use it for your cards.
Can the zippers really not be opened?
Hidden and locking zippers make casual access much harder, especially designs that tuck the pulls against your back. They are a strong deterrent against pickpockets, but no zipper system is completely impossible to defeat with time and effort.
Will one fit a 17 inch laptop?
Some do. The MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack handles up to a 17 inch machine, while most security-focused models top out around 15 to 15.6 inches. Always check the stated sleeve size before buying.
Are these bags waterproof?
Most are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, meaning they shrug off light rain but should not be submerged. A few include a rain cover or coated fabric for heavier weather.
Can I take one as a carry-on?
Yes. The more compact models, such as the Lewis N. Clark Secura, easily fit as a personal item, while larger packs like the MATEIN work as a main carry-on within typical size limits.
How do I lock the bag to a chair?
Several models, including the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic, include a cable or loop that wraps around a chair leg or fixed object. This anchors the bag so it cannot be quickly snatched while you are seated.
The bottom line
For most people the Pacsafe Metrosafe X is the safest all-round bet, layering locking zippers, slash guards, and RFID protection into a comfortable pack. Shoppers watching their budget still get real deterrents from the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic or the wallet-friendly MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack.
