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A popular item for travelers visiting destinations that are prone to pickpocketing and theft is a purse or bag that has special features to prevent it. Tourist areas in Europe and beyond are full of pickpockets, especially in crowded attractions.
I certainly considered a theft proof bag when planning my trip to Southeast Asia, which is known for bag slashings even when you’re riding in a tuk-tuk.
So what do you need to know about theft proof bags for travel?
- Are they worth the splurge?
- Do you even need one at all?
- What types are on the market?
We’re discussing it all in this post.
What Does a Theft Proof Bag Entail?
A theft proof bag is typically a bag marketed towards travelers for its ability to prevent, or at least delay, theft.
Here’s an example: For a purse, it could be a crossbody with secret pockets. The straps might be metal mesh lined to prevent slashing or it might have RFID pockets to prevent the scanning of your passport and credit cards.
Important Features to Have in a Theft Proof Bag
It’s easy to get caught up in all the bells and whistles, but there are only a few features that your theft proof bag actually needs to have.
- The first is zippers or some sort of closure. Most crimes are crimes of convenience when travelers leave their open bags out of their sight.
- It’s also nice to have a carabiner or clip for your zipper so that someone can’t come up to you and pull on it. Guest blogger Kristin found this out firsthand while traveling in Portugal when the features on her bag saved her from getting pickpocketed.
- Hidden compartments are also a good idea, as someone has to really rifle through your bag to find your wallet and important documents.
- While not essential, a detachable strap that can be looped around a table leg or your train seat gives you additional peace of mind.
- Have a look at some of these travel purses to see if they fit the bill.
Theft Proof Travel Bag Downsides
One important thing to think about is your safety. You don’t want to be seriously hurt because you refused to give up your bag to a criminal.
Are your valuables really worth it if your life is on the line?
The other downside to theft proof bags is the cost, as they are usually more expensive than your standard purse because of the various features they offer.
Theft Proof Travel Bag Brands
The two most popular makers of theft proof bags are PacSafe and Travelon. We’ve written about many styles of them, including crossbody purses, backpacks, and camera bags. Here are just a few:
- Travelon Anti Theft Shoulder Bag
- Travelon Anti Theft Signature Slim Pouch
- PacSafe Slingsafe 300 GII
- PacSafe CitySafe GII 200
- PacSafe CamSafe V25
But with these in mind, be sure to read reviews, as some held up better than others.
My sister’s Travelon React didn’t last through our Thailand trip, but my PacSafe Slingsafe has been to half a dozen countries with me! There’s something to be said for choosing quality over low cost.
Currently, Brooke is using the Pacsafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack. She packed for 2.5 weeks with only this bag! If you think that’s not possible, you might want to check out Baggage Freedom Express.
Creating Your Own Theft Proof Bag
If the price of theft proof bags has you worried (averaging $40+ minimum), fear not, you can replicate some of the features with purses or bags you already have at home.
- First of all, make sure the bag in question is either a backpack or crossbody, as one-shoulder bags are easy to pull off your shoulder.
- You can also create zippers that are difficult to open by attaching a carabiner, keyring, or safety pin to keep them together or attached to the strap.
- Keep a fake wallet on hand in an outer pocket that you can throw at a potential thief. Fill it with those fake credit cards you’re always getting in the mail and a few small bills.
- And if you’re worried about having your card information stolen over RFID, you can purchase an RFID blocking wallet for less than $20 on Amazon!
Do you have a preferred theft-proof bag for travel? How do you keep your valuables safe when traveling? Let us know in the comments below.
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We leave on our year-long trip in two days. I took the plunge and purchased the PacSafe Citysafe LS75 anti-theft cross body travel bag. It was expensive but I like the features including the locking zippers, anti-slash fabric and cross body strap. I have been using it for a month now to get used to its size and compartments. I think it will work well. I can carry my iPad mini with its keyboard as well as all of the other usual purse things.
I use a normal backpack with caribiners attached to the zippers, and so far that has worked really well in Europe! I also wrapped my emergency credit card in aluminum foil. As apocalyptic as that sounds, it works just as well as an RFID blocking wallet for so much less!
There are also scarves with pockets that you can put valuables in. Came in handy when travelling on tours.
When I am solo traveling I prefer a theft proof bag, as I don’t have anyone in a group to help me lookout for pickpockets, etc. I felt much safer carrying a small crossbody with locking zips that I used tucked underneath a sweater or jacket. I had a large open tote with cheapo souvenirs/food items that could have looked like a purse and may have been a decoy.
Come to think of it, even with a group there is a little more peace of mind having some bells and whistles to help keep your stuff safe.