An Anti-Theft backpack is a perfect addition to your travel packing list. Some popular tourist destinations are notorious for pickpockets. Even when you’re not travelling and simply commuting for work, there’s still the risk of pickpockets stealing from your backpack, especially if you take public transport.
Anti-theft backpacks are perfect for this very purpose as they have built-in security features that ensure no one but you can get into the bag.
In this article, you’ll find my top picks for the best anti-theft backpacks for travel, which are great as carry-on or day backpacks for those short trips.
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Anti-Theft Backpack Comparison Chart
10 Best Anti-Theft Backpacks
There are so many anti-theft backpacks to choose from! Here are 10 of the very best:
1. MATEIN Travel Backpack – Best Overall Anti-Theft Backpack
The MATEIN Travel Backpack is the all-rounder best anti-theft travel backpack on Amazon, given its wide range of features, sturdy construction, and simple look. This backpack is ideal for all kinds of travellers, be it leisure or business.
The anti-theft features include lockable zippers of the main compartments and a hidden zipper pocket on the back. What this backpack offers is clean and easy organization. The exterior pocket has several slots to keep all your essentials for quick access.
It can fit a laptop of up to 15.3-inch in its padded laptop sleeves. However, it also comes in a bigger size that can hold a 17.3-inch laptop.
As for the construction, it’s quite durable, made with high-quality polyester fabric that’s breathable. There are mesh patches on the back to increase ventilation. All straps, including the luggage strap, are adjustable for a comfortable fit.
Key Features
- Two main compartments
- Anti-theft hidden zipper pocket
- Padded straps and top handle
- Lockable metal zippers
- USB charging port with charging cable
Pros
- Sophisticated design
- Generous capacity
- Secure external pockets
- Quick access
- Great value for money
Cons
- Gaming laptop won’t fit
2. Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack – Best Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
If you’re looking for a backpack that keeps your precious laptop safe and sound when you’re commuting or travelling, the Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack is a good choice. It has heavy-duty metal zippers and a lock with a password, so only you can open the backpack.
The laptop sleeve is thoroughly padded and comes with a velcro strap to secure it in place. Now, this backpack is also good for storing your other electronics. There’s also a sleeve for a tablet or a small laptop like Chromebook in the front zipper pocket.
The base of the backpack is pretty sturdy, so it provides all-rounder protection for the laptop inside the bag. Made with sturdy polyester fabric, the exterior of the backpack is water-resistant and tear-resistant.
While it offers a generous capacity, the backpack itself doesn’t look bulky. In fact, if you don’t have a lot of stuff, you can adjust it with buckled straps on the sides.
Key Features
- Padded laptop sleeve and straps
- USB charging and headphone ports
- Fixed password lock
- Keychain fob
- Water-resistant construction
Pros
- Keeps laptop protected from thieves and impact
- Lots of space
- Extra side pockets
- Comfortable to carry
Cons
- Front zipper pocket not lockable
3. WENIG Anti-Theft Backpack – Best Anti-Theft Backpack for Business Travel
The WENIG Anti-theft Backpack is one of the best anti-theft travel bags, ideal for business travel. It has multiple exterior pockets, including two pouch pockets on the sides that close with a button snap.
You can conveniently fit a laptop up to 15.6-inch in size, as well as other gadgets in their designated pockets inside the main compartment. If you want to charge your phone or tablet with a power bank, you can do so using the built-in USB port.
The main compartment closes with two zipper pulls lock protected with a unique numeric code that you can easily set yourself; just how it works on normal luggage. You can also secure it into the luggage with the help of the luggage strap on the back.
So this one offers a lot of travel-friendly features aside from the main theft lock on top. The size and dimensions are also appropriate for business travel.
Key Features
- Anti-theft lock with a numeric key
- Gadget, notebook, and pen slots
- Slanted front pocket
- USB and headset port
- Oxford cloth
Pros
- Water-resistant fabric
- Two interior pockets (zipper and pouch)
- Available in multiple colours
- Glasses strap on the shoulder strap
Cons
- Shoulder straps not padded
4. Everfunny Women’s Leather Backpack – Best Anti-Theft Backpack for Women
This leather backpack for women from Everfunny may look like an ordinary backpack, but it has an anti-theft pocket as well on the back of the backpack where you store/hide your expensive essentials, as well as ID documents like a passport.
This one comes in a wide range of colours, from vibrant ones to basic ones. The design is simple yet stylish. Whilst you can easily fit in an iPad or tablet, it might not accommodate laptops.
It’s made of PU leather with a matte finish. This material is not only sturdy but also water-resistant.
The bag is small, but with many small compartments and pockets, it can make a good companion for a day trip.
Key Features
- Anti-theft pocket with heavy-duty zipper
- Matching leather zipper pulls
- Narrow adjustable straps
- Water-resistant PU leather
Pros
- Lightweight
- Practical interior design
- Multiple closures for max safety
- Multiple ways to carry it
Cons
- Only one anti-theft feature
- Doesn’t fit a laptop
5. XD Design Bobby Anti-Theft Backpack – Best Small Anti-Theft Backpack
One of the best anti-theft backpacks for travel and commute is the XD Design Bobby Anti-theft Backpack. The very design of this backpack is to keep the contents of the backpack safe. It doesn’t have any visible external pocket, and even the main compartment is accessed from the back.
With hidden zippers, no one walking behind you can open the backpack. The interior of the bag is organized pretty well with four dividers, which are removable. Also, on the front, you have a laptop sleeve, tablet sleeves, and small mesh pockets for smaller stuff. So not only does this keep your stuff safe, but it also keeps it organized well.
You can easily put a laptop up to 15.6-inch and a tablet up to 10-inch. Then there are other helpful features like a USB port and a small pocket for keys built into the base of the straps.
You can also strap on a water bottle or your phone on the carrying straps.
Most importantly, the fabric of this small backpack is water-repellant. You can even wear it on the back when it’s raining. And it doesn’t hurt that it looks quite modern!
Key Features
- Cut-proof protection board
- Lockable zipper
- Organized main compartment
- Laptop and tablet sleeves
- Padded back
- Regular and type C USB port
Pros
- Multiple anti-theft features
- Quick access
- Good for organizing stuff properly
- Very lightweight
Cons
- No external pocket
6. Kono Travel Backpack – Best Affordable Anti-Theft Backpack
For those looking for something cheaper but still reliable, this Kono Travel Backpack could be a go-to. Although it’s budget-friendly, it has comparable features with some of the other backpacks with anti-theft features.
It comes with a password lock to secure the main compartment. As it’s a separate lock, you can even use it with your other bags and luggage.
The main compartment has a laptop sleeve and decent capacity to keep all your other essentials. It can double as a work or school backpack, aside from being a travel backpack.
As a simple unisex backpack, both men and women can carry it. The fabric is soft, water-resistant, and textured, which gives the bag some style. The angled front pocket also works as an accent, besides housing all your essentials in a well-organized way.
Key Features
- Anti-theft lock
- Laptop sleeve with strap
- USB port
- Big front pocket
Pros
- Water-resistant material
- Quick access to the main compartment
- Lightweight backpack
- Multi-purpose
Cons
- Thin padding
- No built-in anti-theft features
7. Pacsafe VentureSafe Anti-Theft Backpack – Best Quality Anti-Theft Backpack
Pacsafe is known for its high-end anti-theft backpacks for travel, and this VentureSafe backpack is one of their best.
It’s one of the few backpacks that are completely slash-proof, thanks to the eXomesh slash guards. It has turn-lock security for the main zipper. The front zipper also locks with a clipper ring.
In addition to these locks, it also has an RFID blocking pocket. Furthermore, the straps are reinforced with sturdy wires to prevent slashing.
This is easily the most advanced anti-theft backpack on this list, which is why it’s a little pricey too.
On the inside, there’s a padded laptop sleeve that can house a laptop up to 15-inch in size. As for the space, it offers a whopping 25 litre capacity in total, which is ample for it to be a carry-on or serve as a day-trip backpack.
Key Features
- Anti-theft locks
- RFID blocking pocket
- eXomesh slash guards (wire mesh)
- Multiple adjustable straps
- Hidden zipper
Pros
- Highly safe backpack
- Premium-quality construction
- Large capacity
- Easy to carry
Cons
- A bit pricey
8. Inateck Roll-Top Anti-Theft Rucksack – Best Roll Top Anti-Theft Backpack
The Inateck Roll-Top Anti-Theft Rucksack is hands-down the most stylish backpack with extra security features. Its roll-top design allows adjustable capacity ranging from 25 to 30 litres. You can easily expand it when need be.
As for the safety features, it has a zipper opening on the back for easy and secure access. The roll-top design also makes it extra safer. However, the front pockets lack any anti-theft locks, so you shouldn’t keep anything important in those pockets.
The main compartment is quite roomy with a padded laptop sleeve that can even keep bigger laptops that have 17-inch screens. It also has a tablet sleeve and smaller pouch pockets for notebooks, headphones, and other small gadgets.
Both the fabric and the zipper on this bag are splashproof and water-resistant. This ensures all the content stays dry. The side pockets can keep your water bottle or umbrella, so it can also work for your daily commute in addition to your travel adventures.
Key Features
- Roll-top design
- Discreet zipper on the back (main compartment)
- Rubber headphone hole cutout
- Splashproof and tear-resistant fabric
- Adjustable capacity
Pros
- Trendy design
- Many pockets
- Padded straps for comfort
- Easy and quick access
Cons
- No locks
- External zippers visible
9. Sosoon Large Travel Backpack – Best Large Anti-Theft Backpack
If you’re looking for something that packs in more capacity, the Sosoon Large Travel Backpack is a viable option. Whilst it’s not necessarily big, it has a bulky body with many compartments and pockets. It’s a good choice for business travel as well, as the only bag for a day or two of travel.
As for the anti-theft feature, that’s pretty much limited to a hidden pocket on the backside of the backpack. You can use this to keep important stuff like passports, keys, etc. However, if you want to make things more secure, you can use your own locks.
It has two main compartments, with the one on the back having the padded laptop sleeve with a security strap. The other main compartment can keep other stuff like a change of clothes, a pair of shoes, a small towel, etc.
The shoulder straps are heavily padded with built-in massage patches that help aid circulation. The reason for this extra feature is that this backpack, as a large one, can get heavy. It’s made of water-resistant fabric entirely.
Key Features
- Padded zipper pocket on back
- Smaller pockets and accessories clips/straps
- 45-litre capacity
- Padded laptop sleeve
- USB port
Pros
- Large overall capacity
- Organized front pocket
- Sturdy built
- Ventilated back and straps
Cons
- Heavy to carry for long duration
- No locks for the main compartment
10. Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack – Best Lightweight Anti-Theft Backpack
The Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack combines a simple design with advanced safety features like RFID blocking and slash-proof straps. Even the body panels of the bag are slash-proof.
It features a very easy access top flap with a zipper that gives quick access to all your essentials in the bag. The main compartment has a laptop sleeve and another pouch pocket. The front exterior pocket also has well-organized slots for cards, IDs, maps, etc.
The zipper ends lock with a clip but can be further secure with the help of a lock. If you’re someone who is always afraid of electronic theft of identity through your passport, well, this backpack’s RFID blocker pocket is perfect for keeping your passport and other chip-based identity cards.
Key Features
- RFID blocking pocket
- Zipper lock clip
- 402 grams weight
- Unisex design
- Slash-proof material
Pros
- Lightweight bag, easy to carry
- Minimalistic design
- Secure main compartment
- The base is also splash-proof
Cons
- The laptop sleeve is not padded
- Straps not padded
Types of Anti-Theft Backpack
Here are the main types of backpacks with anti-theft features
Anti-Theft Day/Weekend Backpack
Most anti-theft backpacks are of this type, with just enough capacity to suit a day or weekend trip. This kind of bag can also serve as the best anti-theft everyday backpack, great for commuting.
Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
As the name suggests, these backpacks are mainly for carrying your laptop. There’s a dedicated laptop sleeve or pocket.
Anti-Theft Handbag or Purse
There are some handbags for ladies with anti-theft features too, that double as backpacks and keep the contents safe.
Note that there’s not much distinction between the different types of anti-theft backpacks these days as they are designed to be versatile.
Types of Anti-Theft Backpack
Here are the main types of backpacks with anti-theft features
Anti-Theft Day/Weekend Backpack
Most anti-theft backpacks are of this type, with just enough capacity to suit a day or weekend trip. This kind of bag can also serve as the best anti-theft everyday backpack, great for commuting.
Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
As the name suggests, these backpacks are mainly for carrying your laptop. There’s a dedicated laptop sleeve or pocket.
Anti-Theft Handbag or Purse
There are some handbags for ladies with anti-theft features too, that double as backpacks and keep the contents safe.
Accessibility and Comfort
The safety of your stuff shouldn’t come at the expense of easy access and comfort. The backpack should keep the thieves away, not you. Accessing external and hidden pockets shouldn’t be too difficult.
Similarly, the backpack should have an ergonomic design and proper weight distribution. The last thing you need is a strained back from carrying an uncomfortable backpack all day. Multiple compartments, padded straps, and soft fabric ensure comfort.
Note that there’s not much distinction between the different types of anti-theft backpacks these days as they are designed to be versatile.
How to Choose the Best Anti-Theft Backpack
The best anti-theft bag is the one that provides not only safety but also convenience with its construction, capacity, and other features. A poor quality backpack can become a nightmare for your travels, so make sure to consider the following things:
Anti-Theft Features
When you’re buying an anti-theft backpack, you have to first take into consideration what anti-theft features the backpack offers. There are several ways these backpacks keep your stuff safe from pickpockets. While you don’t need all of the following, there should ideally be at least two:
- Lockable zips
- Hidden zipper pockets
- Secret compartments and slots
- Anti-slash fabric
- RFID blocking pockets
Durability of Materials and Construction
Generally, too, you should buy backpacks that are made of highly durable materials. But when looking for anti-theft backpacks, the material is all the more important.
Believe it or not, sometimes pickpockets can slash the bag pockets and run away with whatever they can get from it. To make that impossible for them, go for a backpack made of a strong fabric, ideally an anti-slash fabric.
Similarly, make sure the zippers are heavy-duty because a cheap zipper is an open invitation to thieves.
Size/Capacity
Most anti-theft backpacks are commuter style backpacks or day packs. Still, the sizes and capacities can vary. If you’re travelling with a baby, you would need something with a generous capacity, so you can pack in some of the baby stuff as well.
The capacity of the bag has more to do with its design than the actual size. So a backpack big in dimensions doesn’t necessarily guarantee a lot of space.
Pay attention to the external pockets and inner compartments.
Travelling and commuting with an anti-theft back can give you the peace of mind that you’re stuff is safe from pickpockets and thieves. If there’s one product from the above list that qualifies as the best anti-theft backpack, it’s MATEIN Travel Backpack.
This backpack has all the necessary anti-theft features you could ask for, combined with durability, ease of access, and a design that’s not too bad on the eyes. More importantly, it’s good value for money.
That said, if you don’t have a budget limit, the Pacsafe VentureSafe backpack is also a great choice.
FAQs
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