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Nothing screams ‘tourist’ like wearing a backpack on your front. While this strategy keeps your possessions within eyesight, it looks goofy and far from comfortable. Thankfully, many brands have started creating anti theft backpacks specifically designed to thwart wannabe thieves. Featuring integrated locks, secret pockets, and reinforced fabrics, every detail makes you feel more comfortable wearing your backpack on your back where it belongs. Here are eight anti theft backpacks we think are worth buying.
Nomatic Anti Theft Backpack
If space is your main concern when buying a new anti theft backpack, you’ll love the design of the Nomatic. At 20 liters, the pack is organized to haul your daily cargo, but subtle features enhance function. An internal strap system adds an extra four liters of capacity, or reduces the pack to the size of a briefcase. Other anti theft features include magnetic water bottle sleeves, RFID safe storage, and hidden pockets inside and out. The minimalist setup looks goods on trips to the grocery store, or to the office.
Samsonite Pro Slim Backpack
Known for their reliable luggage and the occasional Hollywood reference, Samsonite designs packs like the Pro Slim Backpack with meaningful tech upgrades to make the commute a little smoother. Hidden under the unassuming profile you’ll find features that include a designated laptop compartment and tablet sleeve, as well as a wireless charging pocket. A detachable pouch manages excess cords, and an integrated USB socket supplies juice from an internal power bank (sold separately). Use the RFID pocket to safeguard your credit cards and devices from potential identity theft.
Travelon Anti Theft Heritage Backpack
The Anti Theft Heritage Backpack looks rather unassuming upon first glance, passing for a classic canvas and suede backpack. Take a closer look, however, and the details begin to reveal themselves. Underneath the water-resistant exterior lies a slash-resistant barrier along the panels, reducing the risk of puncture attacks. Zippered compartments lock shut to prevent unwanted entry. And an internal RFID blocker discourages identity theft. Use the pass-through strap to slide the pack over your luggage handle.
Peak Design Travel Backpack
Peak Design’s Travel Backpack has been lauded by one-bag travelers for years. It effortlessly transitions between a slim 35-liter daypack and a hike-ready 45-liter bag. Plus, it’s got all the bells and whistles that made Peak Design famous, including dedicated pockets for everything you might carry, metal hardware and magnetic chest and waist straps. 360-degree grab handles offer easy and hassle-free transport.
Pacsafe EXP45 Anti Theft Backpack
So you want an anti-theft backpack, but you don’t want to navigate Fort Knox every time you open it up? Pacsafe’s Venturesafe Backpack has an easy-access pocket separate from the main sealed compartments so you can reach your regularly used items quickly. Panels are made from eXomesh slash-proof fabric, and stainless steel locking cables secure the bag to any fixture, much like a bike lock. Zippers latch to spring-loaded metal clips, thwarting pickpocketers.
Pacsafe Metrosafe Backpack
The Metrosafe is a compact alternative backpack featuring 17 liters of storage. You can use it as a regular daypack, or stuff it in your larger bag and pull it out only when you need it. The slimline design is accented by locking zippers and a cut-resistant anchor strap. Perfect for commuting, a three-step Lockabout security clip will keep your contents safe between home and the office.
WNDRD PRVKE Anti Theft Backpack
The PRVKE is perfect for organization fanatics. It features four zippered pockets, so you can separate small items from larger ones, and three points of access to the main compartment. Originally designed as a photographer’s pack, interior space is compartmentalized and customizable. The ultra-durable 1680 D ballistic nylon fabric easily fends off rain and knife slashes. When you’ve got some extra gear in tow, expand the pack an additional 4 liters.
KOPACK Slim Business Laptop Backpack
Most anti theft backpacks are not what we’d consider aesthetically pleasing, but the Slim Business pack isn’t one of them. The heathered grey exterior looks good enough to wear with a suit, and features technology like RFID protection and dual-layer zippers. An external USB port keeps your phone charged and within reach, while a hidden laptop sleeve is positioned under the shoulder straps to prevented unwanted entry. A smaller model supports 15-inch laptop storage.
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