What is the Best Anti‐Theft Backpack for Travel?

As someone who travels a lot and has had to file more insurance claims than I’d like to admit—think stolen camera gear on a sleeper train in Spain, a slashed bag at Johannesburg airport, and a missing backpack in Nicaragua—I’m a big believer in doing whatever it takes to keep your stuff safe while traveling. One of my go-to travel essentials is an anti-theft backpack. These bags come with different security features like slash-resistant straps, lockable zippers, and even cables to secure them to a fixed object. If only I’d had one in Nicaragua!

To help other travelers avoid the same fate, we put 4 anti-theft backpacks to the test in the Travel. We tried slashing them with box cutters, locking them to chairs and attempting a grab-and-run, and sneaking into hidden pockets unnoticed. Our top picks were based on design, storage capacity, comfort, security, durability, and overall value. We’ll continue testing them for six months to see how they hold up in real travel situations.

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Best Overall: Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

Made from recycled plastic bottles and coated with a water-resistant layer, the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack is a standout because it can switch between a tote and a shoulder bag. It also has a back strap that slides over a luggage handle.

It’s a bit small (we couldn’t fit a puffer jacket inside), so it’s better suited for warm-weather trips when you don’t need extra layers. That said, we love its interior organization, especially the protective laptop sleeve for devices up to 14.1 inches. T+L writer Rosie Marder, who tested it, called the hidden pocket on the back “perfectly sized for a passport or wallet.”

Security-wise, the backpack features slashproof fabric and wire-reinforced straps. When we tested it with a box cutter, the straps only got minor scratches and didn’t break. The outer fabric did get cut, but the reinforced lining stayed intact, keeping everything inside safe. Other features include puncture-resistant zippers, lockable pulls, and a front zipper pocket with an extra latch to prevent sneaky hands from getting in. After three months of testing, we love its ability to switch between a shoulder bag and backpack—super handy for crowded public transportation and museum visits where backpacks aren’t always allowed. However, it might be too small for longer trips.

One minor downside: The straps aren’t padded. While the bag itself is lightweight and comfortable to wear, the straps loosen as you move, so you may need to adjust them throughout the day.

Our Pick

Solo New York Stealth Hybrid Backpack, Black

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Also Read: What are the Best Packing Strategies for Business Travel?

Best Locking Zippers: Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack

Available in multiple colors (from classic black to portobello), the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack is lightweight, water-resistant, and reinforced with slash-resistant panels.

Our box cutter test left visible marks, but it didn’t cut all the way through, which was impressive. It also has double-cable, cut-resistant straps and RFID protection in several pockets. Our favorite feature? The locking zippers on the main and back pockets.

These locks add about five extra seconds to opening the bag, which might be just enough to deter a thief. There’s also an anti-theft zipper pull hoop on the most accessible front pocket. Size-wise, this bag is on the smaller side, and not all laptops will fit inside. But the smart organization makes up for it. Inside, you’ll find a wallet section with two zippered pockets and six card slots, a padded tablet sleeve, two side water bottle pockets, and even a headphone port.

Our Pick

Securtex® Anti-theft Vacation Travel Backpack

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Best Carry-On: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 ECONYL

The Pacsafe EXP45 is designed to meet most international carry-on size requirements. Made from recycled polyester with a water-repellent coating, it can be worn as a backpack or carried like a briefcase. It features puncture-resistant zippers with lockable pulls.

The locking system takes a little getting used to, but the built-in padlock adds extra security. Our box cutter test left only superficial marks on the straps, and while we cut through the outer fabric, the wire-reinforced inner layer stayed intact.

T+L editor Taylor Fox particularly likes that “the laptop sleeve is on the inner side of the front pocket, meaning even if someone managed to cut through the outer layer, they’d still need to open the bag to reach your laptop.” It also includes a stainless steel cable so you can anchor it to a fixed object when needed.

The large, clamshell-style main compartment fit everything we packed—a jacket, toiletries, headphones, water bottle, keys, laptop, phone, passport, wallet, and chargers—with room to spare. Organization features include a spacious front pocket with a padded laptop sleeve, an organizer section for cords and chargers, an RFID-blocking pocket big enough for a passport, and a side water bottle pocket. One downside: At 4.3 pounds, it’s heavier than other options, and the shoulder straps lack enough padding for long-term comfort.

Our Pick

Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack, Slate

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Also Read: Which Anti‐Theft Backpacks are Recommended by Frequent Travelers?

Best for Commuters: XDDesign Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

Perfect for professionals on the go, the XDDesign Bobby Bizz converts from a backpack to a briefcase with detachable straps you can store inside. It even comes with a messenger-style strap.

Made from quality polyester with a reflective print for nighttime visibility, it also features an integrated metal frame and anti-shock padding to protect your belongings. The slash-resistant fabric held up, but we were able to cut through the straps with a box cutter.

After three months of real-world testing, we still love the thoughtful security features, including a locking chair strap and a hidden pocket with a built-in USB port. We even locked it to a chair at the airport while stepping away, adding an extra layer of peace of mind.

While it lacks lockable zippers, the spacious main compartment unzips completely for easy packing. Inside, there are padded compartments for a 15.6-inch laptop and a 10-inch tablet, plus smaller organization pockets. In terms of comfort, Taylor Fox noted, “The backpack fits well and is very adjustable. The straps and back panel are padded, and even when fully packed, it was comfortable to wear for long periods.”