Imagine, you walk around enthusiastically at your travel destination and it has already happened without you noticing: cell phone, money, passport, important documents, laptop, tablet or what else you have been carrying around, have disappeared from your backpack within just a few seconds. When the owner notices the loss, the pickpockets are usually already gone. Nowadays, you can’t be careful enough. Even my adopted home Barcelona is referred to by some as the home of pickpockets. New cases are reported daily. Unfortunately, in other tourist destinations, it doesn’t look much different.
But what is the best way to protect yourself from pickpockets? An amazing solution is a theft-proof backpack. Whether for traveling or going to work, the best anti-theft backpack will protect you and your valuables reliably.
Below, we have examined the best anti-theft travel backpacks for you and show you what you should consider before buying your pickpocket-proof backpack.
What you will not find in this post
This post is exclusively about theft-proof backpacks. Is your backpack theft-proof and you are looking for a simple daypack? Then you will find our Guide to the best daypacks interesting.
What exactly is a theft-proof backpack?
Before we dive into more details and backpack models, let’s first answer the most important question: What exactly is such a protected backpack?
In general, you can distinguish between a backpack with theft protection and a so-called Anti Theft Backpack.
The backpack with theft protection is a normal (day) backpack, which is easily protected from thieves with safety gadgets for backpack protection, such as a combination lock or a portable safe.
The Anti Theft Backpack, on the other hand, is protected against theft. In the following, we want to talk about exactly these safe backpacks and also find the perfect model for you.
What are the differences between the models?
One thing that all models have in common is that they protect you from theft and pickpockets. However, the different models on the market also differ from each other. Not only is there a price difference, but also the size, shape, and color may vary between the different models and brands. Later, we will have a look at the best models of 2020.
What should you consider before buying your Theft proof backpack?
In addition to size, shape and favorite color, especially the security gadgets are important.
RFID block
With Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), your data (identity card, credit cards, etc.) can be easily read within seconds. If you use a backpack with an RFID blocking material, you can avoid the unwanted reading of your data. Whether such a thing is necessary, everyone has to decide for themselves.
Slash Proof Material
Some of the backpacks presented below offer a material that protects against the slashing and stealing of your valuables in that way. If you are traveling in areas where this theft is common practice, you should better get a slash-proof backpack.
Zippers
While some backpacks have lockable zippers or inside to protect against unwanted external influences. Check in advance what kind of zippers your backpack of choice has and whether those are practical for you.
Some backpacks need additionally purchased (combination) locks for closing the zippers.
The best Anti Theft Backpack – The most popular models in comparison
| Backpack | Size | Space for Laptops up to... inches | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pacsafe Metrosafe  | 25 Liter | 15,6 | 4,5 / 5 | Check Price |
XD Design Bobby  | 13 Liter | 15,6 | 4,2 / 5 | Check Price |
Travelon Anti Theft Backpack  | 16 Liter | 15,6 | 4,4 / 5 | Check Price |
Kopack Anti Theft Backpack  | 30 Liter | 17 | 4,5 / 5 | Check Price |
Eagle Creek Universal Traveler  | 35 Liter | 17 | 4,2 / 5 | Check Price |
Pacsafe Vibe  | 25 Liter | 13 | 4,5 / 5 | Check Price |
oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack  | 25 Liter | 15,6 | 4,5 / 5 | Check Price |
Best Anti Theft Backpacks
Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 – Our Favorite
The Pacsafe Metrosafe is considered the most popular anti-theft backpack currently available on the market. It is available in 4 different colors and equipped with various security features.
Pro: Large volume, many security features
Cons: Despite the large volume, it does not fit a large laptop
Size: 30 x 17 x 48 cm
Weight: 840 g
Suitable for a laptop up to: 15,6 Inches
Material: Nylon, Polyester
Security features: RFID blocking pockets and material, Lockabout Security Clip (zippered security clip), PopNLock (Detachable closure to secure bag securely to a fixed object)
Slash proof Backpack: Protected by eXomesh Slashguard: Double straps reinforced with stainless steel wire
Click here for more information and prices
XD Design Bobby Anti Theft Backpack
The XD Design Bobby backpack is probably the most famous one on this list. Recently, after videos of this backpack on Facebook, Youtube, and Co. it has been on everyone’s lips.
Pro: With its water-repellent material, it not only protects your belongings from theft. Reflective safety stripes also ensure greater safety on the road.
Cons: No outer pockets.
Size: 34 x 20 x 42 cm
Weight: 454 g
Suitable for a laptop up to: 15,6 Inches
Material: Polyester
Security features: hidden zippers, integrated USB charging port
Slash proof Backpack: slash proof material
Click here for more information and prices
Travelon Anti Theft Backpack
The Travelon Backpack focuses on quality. Before only available in black, it is now available in 4 different colors.
Pro: The backpack comes with many different security features.
Cons: May look a bit bulky
Size: 30,5 x 49,5 x 14 cm
Weight: 998 g
Suitable for a laptop up to: 15,6 Inches
Material: Synthetic, Nylon
Security features: Lockable pockets, lockdown straps, RFID blocking pockets, straps and material with steel wire to prevent tearing, locks
Slash proof Backpack: Yes, slash proof due to steel wire
Click here for more information and prices
Kopack Anti Theft Backpack
The Kopack backpack is a real all-rounder. He convinces with a low price and many compartments and features.
Pro: Many compartments and a lot of space. There’s room for a larger laptop (17 inches), depending on the model. Integrated charging cable
Cons: Water permeable after some time in the rain. (But comes with rain cover). Zippers can only be closed with an extra lock.
Size: 48 x 36 x 14 cm
Weight: 898 g
Suitable for a laptop up to: Depending on the modeel 15,6 or 17 Inches
Material: Anti-scratch nylon
Security features: hidden zippers, integrated charging cable (charging devices without opening the backpack), no pockets or zippers on the front
Slash proof Backpack: No
Click here for more information and prices
Eagle Creek Universal Traveler
The Eagle Creek Universal Traveler Backpack is the largest backpack on our list. It stands quality and its brand value.
Pro: It offers plenty of space and comes with many security features.
Cons: For some too big
Size: 34 x 23 x 52 cm
Weight: 800 g
Suitable for a laptop up to: 17 Inches
Material: Polyester
Security features: Lockable zippers with secure zip-toggle closure, main compartment with central locking point, RFID blocker pocket for ID card protection, chest strap buckle with integrated security whistle
Slash proof Backpack: No
Click here for more information and prices
Pacsafe Vibe
The Pacsafe Vibe is another popular model from the Pacsafe family. It comes in many different colors.
Pro: Available in many colors. Many security features
Cons: Only little space for a laptop. Partitioning could be optimized
Size: 28 x 19 x 48 cm
Weight: 966 g
Suitable for a laptop up to: 13 Inches
Material: Nylon
Security features: RFID blocking pockets and material, Roobar Sport Locking System that protects the backpack from being opened unnoticed, PopNLock (Detachable closure to securely fasten a bag to a fixed object)
Slash proof Backpack: Protected by eXomesh Slashguard: Double straps reinforced with stainless steel wire
Click here for more information and prices
Oscaurt Anti Theft Rucksack
The Ubaymax, which could be easily confused with the XD Design Bobby backpacks, convinces above all by its low price.
Pro: Costs much less than most other models and comes with various security features
Cons: Qualitatively not quite as high quality as the XD Design Bobby
Size: 11.02 x 4.92 x 16.93 inches
Weight: 2.3 pounds
Suitable for a laptop up to: 15,6 Inches
Material: Polyester
Security features: Anti-theft double zipper, integrated charging cable
Slash proof Backpack: No
Click here for more information and prices
It’s great that you mention here that backpack with theft protection is a normal backpack that has a lock combination or a portable safe. I am currently in the hunt for a 16″ friendly backpack to which I can put my newly bought laptop. My boyfriend and I are traveling across Asia by next month and I want to be sure that my belongings will have a proper storage and remain handy. At the same time, I want to make it safe from thieves. Hopefully, I can find a nice shop that sells this kind of backpack.
How did you calculate the score of each bag?
Hi,
the score is the review-rate on Amazon 🙂