Top Anti-Theft Travel Bags & Essential Accessories for Safe Travel

In today’s world of cyber technology and highly trained criminals, it’s easy to have your valuables compromised. You need more than a money belt to keep safe, and these anti-theft travel bags will help you do that while looking good!

Best Features of an Anti Theft Bag

  • Slash proof over the shoulder straps
  • Metal mesh-lined body panel and compartments
  • Locking zippers
  • Locks to attach to a secure fixture
  • RFID blocking pockets and compartments
  • Versatility – You are spending a lot, so you want to have it fit a lot of different outfits
  • Easy to clean

What is RFID Skimming?

Deb with her cross body bag

RFID Skimming is a form of theft using wireless transmitters to gain information from your credit and debit card identification chips. Cybercriminals can decode personal information, including your name, address, phone number, and private social insurance and social security numbers. Consequently, this information can be exploited for identity theft or unauthorized access to your accounts.

RFID technology protects your credit cards and personal information from being intercepted. Therefore, it’s vital to consider anti-theft travel bags, purses, and wallets when planning your trip abroad.

The Best Anti-Theft Travel Purses

Deb’s favorite anti-theft cross body purses

When looking for a good purse for travel, an over-the-shoulder slash-proof bag with RFID protection is essential. Having your hands free for travel allows you to enjoy the little things. Moreover, with a shoulder strap crossing your body, you never have to worry about someone grabbing your bag.

Anti Theft Crossbody Bags and Purses

There are many types of anti-theft purses and bags that you can use to travel safely. Here are some of the latest designs to help travelers protect their valuables and personal identities.

Pacsafe Citysafe LS400 RFID Travel Tote

Best Bag to Carry when Traveling

If you prefer a larger bag, this option is excellent. I love carrying large bags when traveling because I pack a lot of essentials to take out each day. This Pacsafe Tote accommodates my camera and even my computer when flying. The inner compartment is spacious, so I can easily find what I need.

It features reinforced locking zippers and eXomesh Slashguard stainless steel wire mesh woven into the fabric to protect against slashing and grabbing, as well as a slash guard strap and turn-and-lock security to secure my bag to a fixture at airports or restaurants.

Travelon Anti Theft Classic Messenger Bag

Travelon Purse

For a different style, the Travelon Anti-Theft Bag is a classic messenger bag design with essential anti-theft security. It has the same features and functions as the classic Travel Bag but includes two outside pockets for water bottles and an umbrella.

Travelon Anti Theft Purse

Anti-theft travel purse classic

Travelon Anti-Theft Purse – This classic Mini Shoulder Bag fits all your anti-theft requirements. It also includes a removable LED light and mesh expansion holder for a water bottle.

  • Locking zipper compartments
  • Slash-proof construction
  • Adjustable, cut-proof shoulder strap that attaches to posts or chairs
  • RFID blocking pocket for credit cards and passports

When navigating crowded markets, I can lock my zippers so that no one can access my valuables. This gives me peace of mind and allows me to enjoy my experience.

Pacsafe City Safe Antitheft Travel Purse – Small Crossbody Bag

A Small yet secure purse

The PacSafe Women’s Citysafe Cs100 Anti-Theft Handbag Travel Cross-Body Bag is a smaller version of the earlier tote. I prefer using this bag when heading out without my camera.

This model is more of a purse than a travel bag, but it is a viable option to pack in your suitcase for evenings out or sightseeing. Although it can’t accommodate a large camera, it provides essential anti-theft features and enough space for necessities.

Small Secure Crossbody Hip Travel Purse

If you want to elevate your style, this Pacsafe Crossbody Safety Purse receives high praise. Its long shoulder straps accommodate various body types, blending fashion with function while being spacious enough for your essentials.

Choosing the Best Anti Theft Bags

Travelon and Pacsafe are both reliable brands for safe and secure travel bags. Travelon offers more options for small travel purses and urban designs, whereas Pacsafe provides a wider selection focused on functionality and travel-specific needs. Therefore, explore both brands to discover the best features that suit your requirements.

Anti Theft Purse Backpacks

For a long time, I hesitated to use purse backpacks due to concerns about carrying my valuables on my back. However, with modern anti-theft technology, things are much safer now. Both Dave and I carry significant camera gear, and while I previously preferred a messenger bag, using a backpack now helps evenly distribute the weight and preserve my back comfort.

Look for backpacks with features like locking zippers, steel mesh lining, and slash-proof straps. You’ll be all set for your adventures!

Sherpani Sojourn, Anti Theft Convertible Backpack

The convertible backpack is also a tote and crossbody bag

This versatile backpack, purse, and tote is an excellent option for adapting your travel style. It can be transformed into a backpack, tote, or crossbody purse, offering various options for any occasion. Plus, it incorporates essential anti-theft security features. There is a smaller version available as well.

Baggallini Convertible Backpack

If you want to add some flair to your anti-theft bag, this trendy backpack seamlessly marries style and functionality. Its stylish appearance makes it suitable for an evening out or daytime sightseeing without compromising practicality.

Anti Theft Travel Bags for Men

Keep your luggage safe at the airport

Anti Theft Backpack

Anti-theft backpack

We are enthusiastic about Pacsafe’s designs, and a fantastic choice for an anti-theft travel backpack is the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Backpack. This 45-liter backpack is compact enough for carry-on luggage and offers all the necessary anti-theft features for peace of mind. All zippers can be secured to one central point, making it ideal for sleeping on trains or overnight buses.

This design ensures security, knowing that everything is closed and locked. The wire mesh fabric protects against slash-and-grab theft while accommodating laptops and other essentials. This bag is perfect for backpacking through Southeast Asia.

Anti Theft Camera Backpack

Anti-theft camera backpack

While Dave has a structured system for his camera gear using Shimoda, various backpacks are designed specifically for camera equipment. If you seek a dedicated bag for professional photography that accommodates multiple lenses and camera bodies, consider exploring other options. However, we recommend the PacSafe Camsafe X17 Anti-Theft Camera Backpack as a quality choice to carry all your camera gear with essential anti-theft features.

Anti Theft Bag Accessories and Alternatives

Pacsafe Travel Organizer

Everything is well-organized

Sometimes I prefer not to carry my tote or travel purse, so this folding wallet transforms into a handy anti-theft travel purse (even though it resembles a wallet). I’ve kept my cellphone, portable charger, and charging cord in this organizer for nighttime outings. It’s RFID secure with a wrist strap to prevent theft while I’m out and about. It may not be a traditional handbag, but I often use my Pacsafe Travel Organizer as a clutch purse in the evening.

Leather RFID-Blocking Thinfold Wallet

The perfect wallet

Dave often relies on me to carry the wallet. Thankfully, I have secure purses to keep everything safe. However, when he does choose to carry a wallet, he ensures that his credit and bank cards are protected with RFID technology. This wallet comfortably accommodates all his cards and cash.

Pickpocket Proof Pants

To keep his wallet safe, he opts for pickpocket-proof shorts or pants featuring buttoned pockets. These innovative pants provide extra security when traveling, enabling individuals to move through towns with just a few items and some cash securely stored.

FlexSafe Aqua Vault

This product is ideal for lounging by the pool or at the beach. We all dislike leaving our valuables unattended. Now, you can securely lock them to your lounge chair and enjoy your time in the pool!

PacSafe Anti-theft Travel Bag Protector

Pacsafe is a must for trains and buses

The Pacsafe Travel Bag protector provides reassurance while traveling by train or when leaving a beach bungalow. This item is excellent for securing all valuables in one location. Often on trains in Asia, personal belongings can end up misplaced. The Pacsafe protector allows you to wrap a lightweight steel frame around your bag and lock it to a pole, which enables you to sleep soundly while knowing your belongings are safe.

While it may add extra weight to your luggage, it was worth it for our travels through India. We used it frequently since our budget accommodations often felt less secure. With the Pacsafe protector, we locked everything up and enjoyed our adventures.

Luggage locks

These are easy to use

We prefer to secure our luggage while in transit. Even in lines, people may easily access your zippers. Luggage locks provide additional protection against opportunistic thieves. We often say, “why make things easy for people?” Thieves typically target easy opportunities. I often observe fellow travelers neglecting to secure their bags, leaving them wide open.

Whether it’s a carry-on roller, backpack, or rolling duffel bag, anyone can rummage through your items. Luggage locks are lightweight and straightforward to operate, helping to deter crime.

Other Anti Theft Products

It’s common to desire minimal belongings while exploring towns or sightseeing. Consider the following anti-theft alternatives to carry cash and credit cards discreetly:

  • Bra Wallet – Clips to your bra, keeping ID, cash, and cards secure without the need for a handbag. Note: It cannot accommodate a phone.
  • Security Belt – An RFID-blocking wallet that clips to your waistband, holding cards, ID, and cash but not large enough for a phone.
  • Travel Scarf – A zippered travel scarf that allows hands-free transport of ID, cash, and cards, also providing coverage for entering temples.
  • Money Belt – A classic money belt designed for carrying passports and valuables discreetly under your clothing, featuring flexible spandex fabric with enough space for phones.
  • Neck Wallet – Ideal for those who wish to travel light; a neck wallet allows for hands-free airport navigation while accommodating essential travel documents.

Luggage Tracker

When flying, it’s not always possible to monitor your luggage. Even when packing light, you may have to check a bag. In case of lost luggage, having a tracking option can provide peace of mind. An automatic Worldwide Tracking feature using Cell-tower Connected Technology is a valuable investment.

Travel Tips for Anti Theft Bags

You’ve made it this far, so let’s review the best practices to keep both you and your valuables secure when traveling:

  1. Distribute your valuables among different bags. It’s wise to keep some in your travel purse, backpack, and carry-on; this way, if something goes missing, you won’t lose everything.
  2. Avoid carrying your passport while sightseeing. Instead, store it safely in your hotel room safe.
  3. Consider leaving behind one credit card as a backup in case of emergencies at your hotel. Minimize the number of cards and cash you carry at all times.
  4. Opt for a crossbody purse or travel bag to reduce the chances of slash-and-grab theft.
  5. Keep your shoulder bag close and in front of you in crowded markets and public transport. (Pickpockets are skilled and can access even reinforced zippers.)


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