Anti-theft backpacks are specially designed bags that are equipped with features to keep your belongings safe and secure while you’re traveling. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a backpacker, or an urban commuter, you’ll find these backpacks very useful.
Since these backpacks are becoming increasingly popular nowadays, many brands have designed and come up with their own models – all with the same purpose of keeping your items safe. And if it’s your first time buying one, deciding which brand and model to get may be a daunting task with all the options out there.
To help you decide, I made this list of the best anti-theft backpacks. I’ll also be including a list of features to look for when buying one. Let’s get to it!
The Best Anti-Theft Backpacks Reviewed
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Travel Backpack
Best overall with its generous capacity and great wearing comfort
The Download
With its capacity of 45 liters, the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 is one of the best anti-theft backpacks in the market. One thing to note is that, even though you can carry so much with it, it’s comfortable to wear over extended periods as the straps and handles are nicely cushioned. It also has hip and chest belts to evenly distribute the weight.
This backpack is made from a lightweight steel mesh fabric that’s resistant to cutting. It also has numerous safety features such as four lockable zippers, a flap that hides zippers and clasps, and a stainless steel locking cable that can be attached to any fixture. Do note that the lock itself isn’t included in the bag.
Because of its safety features, accessing your items won’t be too easy for you but this does offer peace of mind. While this is “okay” as a commuter bag for everyday use, it’s more suitable for longer trips as a weekend bag or carry-on bag as it’s heavier compared to other backpacks.
The Specs
- Material: Steel Mesh
- Dimensions: 8.7 x 21.7 x 13.8 inches
- Weight: 3.97 pounds
- Maximum Capacity: 45L
Stuff I like
- Made from a durable cut-resistant material
- Secure and puncture-resistant zippers
- Includes a stainless steel cable to lock the bag
- Lots of organizational compartments
- Comes with a padded laptop sleeve
- Cushioned straps and handles for wearing comfort
- Adjustable for better weight distribution
- Size is great for carry-on
- Water-resistant and very easy to clean
Where to get it
Osprey Nebula Commuter Backpack
An excellent anti-theft backpack for daily commuters
The Download
If you’re looking for an anti-theft backpack that’s great for everyday use, then look no further than the Osprey Nebula. It’s one of the best anti-theft backpacks out there and it’s specially made for commuters with its lightweight design and excellent wearing comfort.
It features a large main compartment with internal pockets for easy organization and a separate full-zip compartment with a padded laptop sleeve. Its anti-theft features include lockable zippers to keep your belongings safe and a hidden RFID-blocking pocket to prevent electronic theft.
With a capacity of 35L, it’s ideal for daily use but it’s quite versatile as it can also be used as a daypack or travel bag for weekend trips. Whether you’re a working professional or a student who needs a backpack that’s durable and can carry your belongings securely, the Osprey Nebula is a great option.
The Specs
- Material: Recycled Nylon
- Dimensions: 11.42 x 19.29 x 12.2 inches
- Weight: 2.12 pounds
- Maximum Capacity: 32L
Stuff I like
- Made from high-quality nylon
- Soft, breathable back panel and harness for comfortable wear
- Main compartment with organizational pockets
- Comes with a TSA-approved laptop sleeve
- Scratch-resistant zip pockets
- Dual stretch mesh water bottle pockets
- Front panel shove-it pocket
- Comes with a loop for blinky light attachment
Where to get it
Kopack Slim Backpack
A budget-friendly option with plenty of organization and safety features
The Download
The Kopack Slim Backpack is an excellent option if you’re looking for an affordable anti-theft backpack. It’s very durable and can effectively protect your gear from would-be thieves or pickpockets whenever you’re out and about.
It has a designated compartment that can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches and can be locked for extra security. The main compartment has a dual-layer zipper that’s resistant to punctures and more than 10 internal pockets that let you organize and neatly store your items. As a bonus, this backpack is water-resistant.
Another cool feature is its built-in USB port that includes an internal cable so you can easily charge your devices using a power bank. Of course, the power bank isn’t included. Retailing for under $35, there’s no doubt that this bag is one of the best anti-theft backpacks for the budget-conscious.
The Specs
- Material: Nylon
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 17.7 x 11.8 inches
- Weight: 1.56 pounds
- Maximum Capacity: 19L
Stuff I like
- Made from durable and tear-resistant nylon
- Scratch-resistant and water-resistant
- Main compartment with 10+ internal pockets for organization
- Separate laptop compartment with padding
- Hidden back pocket to safely store smaller items
- Water bottle compartment and sunglass holder
- Built-in charging port with cable
Where to get it
XD Design Bobby Bizz Backpack
A backpack and briefcase in one
The Download
Admit it – most backpacks have a rugged design that can make them look out of place in the office. If you want something more stylish and professional-looking, then you may want to consider the Bobby Bizz from the Dutch brand XD Design. It’s a backpack and briefcase in one!
This anti-theft backpack is equipped with hidden pockets and zippers to keep your belongings secure during your daily commute to work. It’s made from polypropylene plastic and anti-shock foam, plus it has multiple protective layers, to ensure that it’s completely theft-proof. It comes with an integrated zinc alloy lock for added peace of mind. It also has a built-in port so you can charge your phone on the go.
Compared to other backpacks out there, the XD Design Bobby Bizz has a small capacity – only 12 liters, which makes it unsuitable as a travel bag. At best, you can use it as an overnight bag if you pack light. Overall, it’s an excellent option if you need a commuter bag, making it into this list of the best anti-theft backpacks. Plus, it looks really nice.
The Specs
- Material: Polypropylene
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 16.1 x 11 inches
- Weight: 2.68 pounds
- Maximum Capacity: 12L
Stuff I like
- Made from cut-proof polypropylene material
- Water-resistant layers
- Two hidden compartments that can fit a laptop and a tablet
- Comes with a zinc alloy lock for added security
- Built-in USB charging port
- Optimal weight distribution for prolonged wearing comfort
- Reflective strips for safety at night
Where to get it
Peak Design Travel Line Backpack
A reliable anti-theft backpack for extended trips
The Download
The Peak Design Travel Line is an anti-theft backpack that has a capacity of up to 45L, making it ideal for longer trips. It’s made to meet international carry-on standards so it’s a great travel bag for backpacking, weekend getaways, and even extended out-of-country trips. And it looks pretty sleek.
With the brand’s modular bag system, you can customize this backpack based on your needs and preferences. It has an internal divider sleeve so you can create two compartments for better organization. It has zips that let you expand or compress it when needed – you can even convert it into a daypack. Plus, it has side pockets that are expandable to fit various items such as water bottles and tripods.
Some of its anti-theft features include theft-deterrent zipper pulls and hidden external zip pockets for small valuables like cash and passports. With its good capacity and safety features, the the Peak Design Travel Line is one of the best anti-theft backpacks for traveling and commuting.
The Specs
- Material: Recycled 400D Nylon
- Dimensions: 9 x 22 x 13 inches
- Weight: 4.51 pounds
- Maximum Capacity: 45L
Stuff I like
- Made waterproof recycled nylon canvas
- Rugged 900D waterproof bottom liner
- International carry-on approved
- Has a luggage pass-through for roller bag carry
- Can be converted into a 30L, 35L, or 45L backpack
- Stowable hip belt and strap attachments for all-day comfort
- Modular bag system for customization
- Front zip panel for access, storage, and organization
Where to get it
Features To Look For In Anti-Theft Backpacks
The best travel backpacks often have multiple compartments for easy organization and adjustable straps and belts for a better fit. These backpacks are designed for long travels so comfort is a top priority.
But what exactly do you look for in anti-theft backpacks? Here are some must-have features.
Hidden Zippers and Pockets
The best anti-theft backpacks have hidden pockets that let you safely store your belongings and keep them safe from prying hands. These features make the different compartments hard to access for pickpockets.
RFID-Blocking Pockets
Apart from physically stealing your items, some thieves can also steal your information with the use of RFID readers. This is called “skimming” or “digital theft”, and it’s often used to steal credit card information.
Many anti-theft backpacks have RFID-blocking pockets where you can store your wallet and cards while keeping your information secure.
Cut-Resistant Material
When fishing things out of bag pockets doesn’t seem to work, some thieves slash the straps or cut through bags to access the contents. This is why you need to opt for anti-theft backpacks made from durable and cut-resistant materials. Choose bags that are made from high-quality nylon, polypropylene, or steel mesh fabric.
Lockable Compartments
Most travel backpacks are designed to carry valuable items such as laptops, tablets, and cameras. Meanwhile, anti-theft backpacks have lockable compartments for these items so you can safely store them.
Lockable Zippers
For added security, many anti-theft backpacks also have lockable zippers making it hard for pickpockets to open them and access your belongings. Of course, the lock doesn’t usually come with the backpack so you’ll have to find a reliable one that fits perfectly in the zipper hole.
If you plan to use the backpack for international travel, then get a TSA-approved lock for your backpack’s lockable zipper.
Final Thoughts
Personally, I like the Peak Design Travel Line backpack because of its good capacity. I’d be able to use it for weekend trips, or even longer ones since I’m a light-packer. I like how it can be expanded or compressed, plus I like its minimalist design. I’m a digital nomad so I have no use for small daily commuter backpacks and this one perfectly fits my needs.
It’s important to note that while all anti-theft backpacks serve the purpose of keeping your belongings safe, not all of them can cater to your needs. Many of these backpacks are designed for commuters, working professionals, and students because of their small capacity.
However, you’ll still find brands that make anti-theft backpacks for travel with 30 to 45 liters capacity. If you do get one of these backpacks, then it may be a challenge to lug them around for daily commutes because of their size. Your choice really boils down to your needs and preferences.
Anyway, I hope you find this post helpful if you’re looking to buy an anti-theft backpack. If you have any questions, fire away in the comments below and I’ll be happy to answer them!
Eva is a content writer and digital creator who's passionate about traveling, photography, and fitness. When she's not writing or traveling, she enjoys watching movies on Netflix and playing Sims 4 and Animal Crossing. She also dabbles in graphic design and video editing.
This post was last updated on 2025-01-15 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.