Best Anti-Theft Backpacks for Travel 2026

Are you nervous that you’ll get your money or passport stolen on your trip? Of course, vigilance is the best way to prevent pickpockets from stealing your stuff. But it is physically impossible to be constantly focused on all your belongings all the time. (I know — pickpockets have tried to snatch my things several times here in Barcelona!) Rest easy, my friend, because anti-theft backpacks are a thing. From doing city sightseeing to weekend adventures, you can find the right backpack for you – with this guide to the best anti-theft backpacks for travel 2026!

BEST ANTI-THEFT BACKPACKS FOR TRAVEL 2026

What’s an anti-theft backpack?

An anti-theft backpack is a backpack with safety features that stop pickpockets from robbing your valuables. 

<<Click here for the best anti-theft backpack for 2026!>>

COMPARISON CHART: Which is the best antitheft travel backpack?

Anti-theft backpacks sorted from largest to smallest volume. (Scroll right to see more columns!)

Brand / Model	Price	Volume	Great use for	Slash-proof body and straps	Lockproof or hidden zippers	Maximum size of Laptop /Device
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45	See current price	45L	An overnight bag, weekend getaways, adventure backpack	YES	YES	15.6"
Pacsafe GO 25L Anti Theft Backpack	See current price	25L	Business trips, sightseeing and day trips	YES	YES	15.6"
Travelon Anti Theft Classic	See current price	13L	Sightseeing and day trips	YES	YES	13"
XD Design Bobby Compact Backpack	See current price	13L	Business trips, sightseeing and day trips	YES	YES	15.6"
Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti Theft 8L Backpack	See current price	8L	Sightseeing and day trips	YES	YES	15.6"
Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack	See current price	4L	Sightseeing and day trips, day-to-night wear	YES	YES	9.7"

Features: What to look for in an anti-theft backpack

Don’t be fooled by the term “anti-theft” on Amazon. Some dealers say they do, but they have one theft-proof feature. The anti-theft backpacks featured here AT LEAST THREE of the features mentioned below. They are the following:
>> Locking or hidden zippers. Some backpacks have no zippers on the front at all, making access impossible for pesky pickpockets. Others have zippers that “lock”, where the zip pull is tethered to another object. Sometimes they have a combination lock to make it the most secure travel backpack.
>> Slash-proof straps. Slash-resistant straps are hard to cut, and they’re usually thick and webbed. They may have an inlaid flexible steel cable running through it.
>> Slash-resistant body material. Slash-proof material is usually strong, webbed material that a thief can’t cut through easily.
>> RFID Blocking technology. RFID stands for “radio frequency identification”. Technically, a thief can steal your credit card information without touching it, using an RFID reader. According to an April 2018 Slate article, there are few reports of RFID skimming. Personally, I don’t think it’s a must-have.

Additional features to help you decide which to buy

 Size: How much do you want to carry? For example, some people use 40-liter backpacks to last them the whole week. A backpack that’s 11 to 25 liters in volume can carry a whole’s day worth of sightseeing. Organization: How many compartments do you need? Will you need a side pocket for easy access? Comfort: Your secure backpack should have cushioned straps so it doesn’t cut against your shoulders. Also, the design should distribute the weight of your backpack contents so it’s ergonomically sound and won’t kill your back. Durable, water-repellant material: Tons of new anti-theft backpacks should repel water to protect your laptop and other belongings. While most of the backpacks are water-repellent, they aren’t waterproof (i.e. can’t withstand torrential rains). This is why some include rain covers. Style and color: A lot of backpacks on Amazon make you look like a high schooler. But you can have function and style also! Travelon (one of my favorite companies) specifically makes fashionable bags and backpacks geared towards women.

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<<PSSST…If you’re looking for the best anti-theft purse, check out my Buyer’s Guide: The Best Anti-Theft Travel Bags. Or, hide your money and wallet in your clothes! Find out pickpocket-proof clothing that has hidden pockets! Or, check out my buyer’s guide to an anti-theft passport wallet with RFID blocking.

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THE TOP 6: THE BEST ANTI-THEFT TRAVEL BACKPACKS 2026

So what’s the best travel backpack? Here are my top 6 picks that have at least 3 anti-theft features – and are cool-looking too. ALL of these backpacks have 4+-star reviews. Here are some backpacks sorted from largest volume to smallest. If you’re looking for anti-theft backpacks, Amazon has the whole selection:

Best Large Backpack (45L)

1. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45

If you’re not familiar with Pacsafe, this company is famous for its high-quality anti-theft travel bags, known mostly for their adventure backpacks and bags. While it has ample room at 45L, the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 is also compact enough to not look like you’re about to scale Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Compartments:  The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 opens like a clamshell when laid down, so you can easily see your things. It also has an “x” cinch strap that keeps your belongings in place. It complies with most airlines so you can bring it as a carry-on item in the overhead compartment. It also has a laptop compartment sleeve that fits a 15.6″ laptop.

Anti-theft: The winning features of Pacsafe are its signature eXomesh slash-proof straps, a strong lightweight material. It also the handy locking Roobar system for the zippers and a lockdown point so you can secure your backpack to a stationary object (i.e. you can leave your backpack at a hostel or hotel room, etc.)  

Comfort: For extra reinforcement, it has a padded waist strap and shoulder strap for comfortable wear and fully adjustable contoured shoulder straps. It also has padded handles, so you can pick it up from the top or sideways also. 

Why it’s great for travel: 

• It’s waterproof if you get stuck in the rain.
• You can use it as a carry-on item.
• Attractive, non-shiny sheen.

Colors: Black, blue // Dimensions 21.7″H x 13.8″W x 8.7″D // Weight: 3 pounds, 13 ounces

See current prices for the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 (45L)

Best Medium Backpacks (20-30L)

2. Pacsafe GO 25L Anti Theft Backpack

Pacsafe: Maker of a damn-good travel-safe backpackThe Pacsafe Go is the all-around sturdy, most versatile backpack of this bunch. For many Amazon reviewers, it’s their “go-to” backpack: it works functionally for travel, school, or business.

Compartments: This cut-proof backpack has two sections: a roomy lockable main compartment and a front pocket with with a quick key access. You can slide a 15″ laptop through its padded sleeve. It also has a Padded Laptop Sleeve, an RFID blocking pocket, a pen loop, two side water bottle pockets, a zippered hidden storage pocket in the back!

Anti-theft: For the main compartment, this Pacsafe backpack uses the Roobar locking system: the two zippers can attach to a bar and lock. Front, back, and sides are made of slash-proof eXomesh material. You can also unlock one of the straps and secure it to a stationary item, like a restaurant chair while you’re eating.

Comfort: The straps are well-padded and they also can be tucked away neatly. However, it receives mixed reviews about how comfortable it is to wear for long periods of time.

Why it’s great for travel:

• It’s large enough to fit a lot but small enough to look compact
• You can use it as a carry-on item in the airplane cabin
• Enough pockets for easy organization and access

Colors: Black, blue, coastal blue, stone // Dimensions: 18.1″H x 12.2″W x 5.5″D // Weight:  1.6 pounds

Check current prices for the Pacsafe GO 25L Anti Theft Backpack

Best Small Backpacks (8L-15L)

3. Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack

Practical, light and stylish, this Travelon anti-theft backpack big enough to carry your necessities for the day without feeling clunky. Travelon is one of the two best brands in the anti-theft product market, along with Pacsafe. This is the most compact, and it’s a best-seller on Amazon. Travelon builds a robust backpack full of patented anti-theft features such as locking zippers, strong mesh body material, slash-proof straps, and RFID blocking.

Compartments: The Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack has got a spacious main compartment with a zippered top that opens like a lid. It also has a zippered front pocket with pen slots, RFID blocking card slots, key clip, and wall pockets. There are two side pockets: one that zips with an internal mesh, and another open one for water bottles.

Anti-Theft: As I mentioned Travelon is a leader in high-quality anti-theft features! This travel-safe backpack has slash-resistant shoulder straps with stainless steel cable straps that run through it. Its material is made of stainless steel wire mesh, making it completely slash-resistant. All the zippers are D-clips, so they can be attached to an outer loop. One thing it doesn’t have: a strap latch so you can attach it to a stationary item.

Comfort: At 1.1 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than a normal backpack because of the anti-theft properties. Shoulder straps are well-padded, adjustable, and comfortable to wear.

Why it’s great for travel:

• Solid Travelon-quality anti-theft straps, body, and compartments
• Sits upright if you need to put it down
• Light enough for a daypack
• Easy access side pockets when you need to grab something in a pinch

Colors: Black, Dark Grey, Grey, Midnight, Navy, Nutmeg, Rock // Size:  16″H x 12″W x 6″D // Weight: 1.1 pounds

Check current prices for the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack

4. XDDesign Bobby Original 12.5L Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

Sleek and structured, the Bobby Original Backpack started on Kickstarter and is extremely theft-resistant. With a wildly successful product, the Dutch brand XD Design launched dozens more different models. Although at first glance, the Bobby looks like a hard shell, but it’s soft and structured. It fits a 15.6″ laptop and a 9.7″ tablet. The Bobby is water-repellent and also comes with a rain cover you slide on if you get caught in heavy rain.

Compartments: The front of the backpack doesn’t have any zippers or pockets. The main compartment opens at the top and can be open up 180º, where you lift a flap where two zippers hide. It also has concealed pockets found at the inside bottom section of the shoulder straps. A subtle zipper pocket is on the bottom back where you can easily access passport or cash. It has a pocket on each shoulder strap, great for securing a metro card that you can slip in and out. It even has more small pockets on the bottom part of the straps. Beware though – it doesn’t have any extra pockets to put something bulky easily like your umbrella, water bottle, or sunglasses.

If you’ll be traveling all day, your phone might need charging by late afternoon. The Bobby has an integrated USB charging port so you can comfortably charge it while you walk. 

Anti-Theft: Having almost no outside pockets, the Bobby makes it impossible for thieves to snatch your stuff. Its body material is made of multiple protective layers making it also difficult to slash.

Comfort: This backpack sits flush on the back, designed to give optimal weight balance that takes the stress of your spine. However, the back part lacks a more breathable fabric, which might make you sweaty on a hot day.

Useful for travel:

• Zero pockets or zips on the front or sides so pickpockets can’t see anything
• It has a luggage strap, so you can slide it onto the handle of a suitcase
• Compact to wear on subways and buses
• A ridiculously cute “mini-me”: a palm-sized Bobby backpack that holds a tote bag

Colors: Navy Blue, gray // Dimensions: 11.02″ x 5.12″ x 16.93″ Weight: 1.76 pounds

Interested in another size or style of the Bobby Backpack? Check out the wide collection of Bobby backpacks: 

See the latest price for the XDDesign Bobby Original 12.5L Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

5. Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti Theft 8L Backpack Petite

Pacsafe presents itself here again, this time with its high-quality anti-theft daybag and one of the most secure backpacks. The Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti Theft 8L Backpack is a versatile backpack made of strong nylon and can fit a day’s worth of your essentials, holding 8 liters. It’s small enough so that you can enter a museum without checking it in!

Compartments:It has a a front zipper compartment  where you can slip in change or receipts in a pinch. It also has and an interlocking zipper main mompartment with a padded sleeve that can fit an 11″ tablet!

Anti-theft: The Pacsafe Citysafe is a lockable backpack that you can also attach it to a hook or lock the zippers together. Pacsafe also boasts its eXomesh slash-proof body material, slash-proof straps, and an RFID pocket inside the main compartment.

Comfort: Light and small, this backpack is comfortable to wear.

Why it’s great for travel:

• Small and light but roomy for every day use
• Lots of outer pockets for easy access
• Looks fashionable
• Readers raved about how it makes the perfect daypack

Colors: Rose, Matcha, Gray // Size: 11.8″H x 9.8″W x 4.7″D // Weight: .93 pounds

See the latest price for the Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti Theft 8L Backpack

6. Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack

This is for the ladies. If you want a theft-resistant backpack that’s more stylish (e.g. can wear into the night time), go with this Travelon Anti-theft Signature Slim Backpack. At just 4L of volume, think of this backpack as a purse that you wear on your back. Made of strong nylon, and adorned with brass finishing, it’s the best way to be fashionable and hands-free.

Compartments: This small anti-theft daypack has one zippered main compartment and one zippered front pocket. The main compartment is large enough to fit a 9.7-inch iPad and is equipped with five card slots and two zipped pockets. It also has a front zip pocket that can be securely locked.

Anti-Theft: This small anti-theft backpack has all the robust theft-proof features that you’d expect from the Travelon brand. Its patented lockdown hardware is zippers are attached to a D-ring, which attaches to a metal loop, making it difficult for thieves to access your stuff.  One strap can also be released so you can attach it to a stationary item like you’re chair.

Comfort: Because of its size, this backpack is light to wear. Its shoulder straps aren’t padded, but they are comfortable and adjustable. It also comes with a small flashlight when you have to dig through your stuff in a dark airplane.

Why it’s good for travel:

• Stylish and versatile for dressy occasions
• Despite its size, you can still fit necessities like a water bottle, passport, umbrella, and light sweater
• You can attach it to another item (e.g. to a chair at a restaurant, your suitcase)

If you’re looking for more tailored and stylish travel gear, try Travelon’s “Tailored” collection.

Colors: Black, Ocean, Ruby, Sable, Smoke // Dimensions:  13″H x 11″W x 2″D // Weight: 1.05 pounds

Click here to see current prices of the Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Slim Backpack

Why You Should Buy an Anti-Theft Backpack vs. Normal Backpack

Think of an anti-theft backpack as a way to travel easier:

AN ANTI-THEFT BACKPACK IS A SECURITY BACKUP. You physically cannot watch your backpack at all times. Yes, you can probably wear your backpack on the front. But after a few hours of walking, sometimes it gets to be uncomfortable — and looks kind of obvious that you’re a tourist too. Or maybe you have to juggle other items when you’re getting in a taxi — so you have to wear it on your back for a sec to keep your hands free. Or maybe you’ve seen pickpockets in action and thought of ways to foil them. But think of these common situations:

– You’ve finally arrived at the Fountain of Trevi or the Sagrada Familia, and you want to take your epic shot. You take a few photos, but barely realize that someone was silently opening your backpack zippers.

– You’re walking down the street, and a “mom” and a “daughter” asks you how to get to the metro. You say you don’t know, and she asks you where you’re from. Meanwhile, another young girl swiftly unzips your backpack pocket and takes off with your wallet. Head, meet wall.

YOU’LL BE MORE RELAXED WHILE TRAVELING. European cities like Barcelona, Rome, and Paris are full of pickpockets.  Worrying about your stuff is like having ATTENTION FATIGUE! i.e. Paying attention isn’t hard, but dividing your attention in different ways can lead to stress. And if you DO become a victim, it’s a massive pain in the ass to go to your embassy, report the theft, call your credit card companies, etc. (Yes, I had to do this.)

AN ANTI-THEFT BACKPACK CAN BE REASONABLY PRICED. Nowadays, there are numerous anti-theft backpacks on the market, and some are of excellent quality and at decent prices, starting at $29. Even reputable brands like Travelon or Pacsafe have a myriad of options so you can find the right size at a minimum cost.  

AFTER YOUR TRIP, YOU CAN USE YOUR SAFE BACKPACK FOR BUSINESS OR SCHOOL. Many of these backpacks don’t scream “I’m a traveler!” but you can use it for practical, everyday use. In fact, many of them handy features or designs that you don’t even have to carry a purse.

SERIOUSLY, WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

For quality, you can’t go wrong with Travelon, Pacsafe, or XD Design. (<– Click on the link to see each brand’s different styles and sizes.) These are already reputable (in fact, the BEST) brands in the anti-theft travel backpack market. Travelon has a wider selection of fashionable bags, Pacsafe has a wider selection of sports and adventure bags, and XD Design is geared towards the young urban professional. So there you have it!

Think you’ve found the best theft-proof backpack for you? Still can’t decide? I’ve spent dozens of hours of research on this, so hit me up in the comments.