Best Anti-Theft Backpacks In 2020: Reviews & Buying Guide
We will review ten of our favorite products, present a detailed buying guide on what to look for and respond to some of the most frequently asked questions on anti-theft backpacks.
As a matter of fact, no one ever leaves home with the hope of losing their stuff. No one. When you travel, you want to experience new cultures, destinations, and simply get lost in a strange city, and so the last thing you want is for security scares to prevent you from immersing yourself fully in the moment.
How would you lose your personal effects? You’d mistakenly leave your backpack unsupervised only for someone with happy fingers to keep it ‘safe for you,’ or you could be too fatigued to notice the zipper is open and stuff falling off your bag. The only way to prevent these incidences is by investing in the best anti-theft backpack on the market, which is what this article is all about.
Table of Contents
- Anti-Theft Backpacks – Review & Buyer’s Guide
- 1. Oscaurt Anti-theft Travel Backpack
- 2. Women Backpack Waterproof Nylon Anti-theft Rucksack
- 3. Travel Laptop Backpack – By Matein
- 4. eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack
- 5. Travel Laptop Backpack
- 6. KOPACK Slim Women Laptop Backpack
- 7. Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 25-liter Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
- 8. XD Design Bobby Pro Anti-Theft Backpack
- 9. Kenneth Cole Colombian Leather Backpack
- 10. NOMATIC Backpack
- Best Anti-Theft Backpacks: Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Anti-Theft Backpacks – Review & Buyer’s Guide
1. Oscaurt Anti-theft Travel Backpack
This backpack from Oscaurt has several great features, among them its size. It has enough space for a 15.6-inch laptop and even more for other personal effects. Measuring 11.02 X 4.92 X 16.93 inches, the interior part of this bag is a large compartment with smaller others for pens and notepads. A hidden outer compartment is also part of the design and is ideal for items that you need to access easily.
The material, EVA, is durable and doesn’t collapse, which means no one can tell how much is in your bag. The back is reinforced with sturdy material that makes it possible to carry up to 25kgs in the bag. Its straps have comfortable padding to prevent straining your shoulders.
On the front part of this pack is a reflective stripe for night visibility. The material, being slash-proof, will prevent thieves from tearing into the bag and stealing your stuff. Weighing a mere 2.3 pounds, this backpack will not strain your back even when you pack it to its full capacity.
- Water-resistant.
- Side pockets for water bottles and umbrellas.
- Has a USB cable to connect to the backpack.
- Breathable material.
- No mention of RFID protection.
- The zippers are visible.
2. Women Backpack Waterproof Nylon Anti-theft Rucksack
This backpack is meant for women because of its clean design that makes it look like a purse. The outer fabric is black soft durable PU leather while internally, nylon keeps it water-resistant. It has a back zipper design that is hidden from view and effectively making it hard for anyone to access the bag. The fabric is collapsible but sturdy.
It has two exterior zipper pockets, two exterior pockets for water bottles and umbrellas, and one large interior compartment. There are two more hidden interior pockets for personal effects. It weighs 1.3lbs and measures 12.99″L x 5.90″W x 13.28″H and so it may not fit lots of things, but then again it works well for a day bag.
Two adjustable shoulder straps are padded for comfort while one detachable sling strap is also handy when carrying few items. Because of its size, this bag will not fit a laptop larger than 9.7 inches. It comes in several colors and is waterproof.
- Beautifully designed.
- Alternative straps – shoulder and sling.
- Several compartments.
- Hidden zipper.
- Quite small.
- Material collapsible so one can see the level of items in the bag.
3. Travel Laptop Backpack – By Matein
This Matein backpack will fit a 15.6-inch laptop, an iPad and other techie items while leaving enough space for notebooks and pens, thanks to the roomy compartment and smaller pockets within. The material is not collapsible and so you can hardly tell what’s inside. Though the zippers are unhidden, they are sturdy enough to make it really hard for a pickpocket to access your valuables before you catch wind of it.
Made of durable polyester fabric with a waterproof lining, this backpack will keep your stuff safe and dry. Side pockets are ideal for water bottles while an outer back pocket holds those documents you need to access easily. A built-in USB charger and cable enable you to charge your phone while on the move through a power bank.
The material is sturdy but a soft multi-panel ventilated padding ensures a soft landing for your back to enable you to carry at least 20lbs without straining your back. Foam-padded straps are easy on your back while those metal zippers last long.
- Foam padded straps for comfort.
- The back part of the bag is padded.
- USB charger.
- Roomy compartments.
- Zippers are exposed.
- No mention of RFID blocking.
4. eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack
Though this backpack looks compact, thanks to great design, it can fit a 17-inch laptop and other items. Its fleece-lined padded tablet sleeve is soft and protective of your electronics. It has a zipped side pocket for your water bottle, a large compartment that will handle quite a lot of items, and an outer pocket for those personal effects you wish to access easily. All the zips are sturdy, made of metal, and exposed.
It only weighs 3.31 pounds, and so it will not be too much on your shoulders. The straps are padded for comfort as is the back, and a bottom cubby/compartment that is well-hidden offers more storage for wires and chargers. Because it has a handle on the side, this bag can be carried like a briefcase and more so because you can tuck the straps to the side.
This backpack is waterproof, with the only part holding some water on the outside being the padded back part. No worries, though, because it dries in an hour or so. Overall, this backpack is great for travel.
- Large, roomy compartments.
- Mesh sides for aeration.
- It can be used in horizontal mode.
- Zippers are exposed.
- The side pocket is too small for a standard water bottle.
5. Travel Laptop Backpack
Tzowla’s backpack has a simple design, does not collapse and has five outer compartments for your items. A built-in USB cable makes it easy to charge your phone from a power bank while on the move, and a headset port gives you the freedom to plug in and play your music without interference. As a show of faith, the company offer a lifetime warranty for manufacturer’s defects, which is a good deal considering the cost of the backpack is also reasonable.
The material is tough and resistant to water splashes but breathable, while a lining inside protects your electronics from scratches. It is reinforced with a fixed password lock and super durable metal zippers that keep your belongings safe. The shoulder straps are wide and padded for comfort and the design makes it ideal for business or leisure. It measures 19.29x 11.8 x 5.43 inch which fits a 15.6-inch laptop and other electronics effortlessly. It also has multiple interior pockets for journals, pens and books.
- Reasonably priced.
- Roomy internal compartments.
- A password lock for safety.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Zippers are exposed.
- Some reviewers say its water resistance is wanting.
6. KOPACK Slim Women Laptop Backpack
You may underestimate the carrying capacity of this backpack by its slim design, but it actually measures 11.8″x 4.3″x 17.7″ and can fit a 15.6-inch laptop comfortably. The laptop compartment that measures 14.6″x 9.6″x1.4″ is padded and hidden, but it gives you easy access to the laptop since it is separated from other items. Other compartments in the bag are ideal for notebooks, journals, and pens that also make it easy to plan your pack. Also notable is the hidden lock for the laptop compartment which seals it off from the rest of the bag for safety.
It has an external USB port which has an inner cable for charging your phone with a power bank. An anti-puncture double-layer zipper protects the main compartment with its lockable features. An outer pocket is secured with hidden zippers and is ideal for smaller personal documents that are handy during travel. The tear-resistant and water-resistant oxford is easy to clean and breathable.
- Material not collapsible.
- Locks for safety.
- Hidden zipper on outer pocket.
- Sponge-padded straps.
- The charging port is a little offset.
- It is not as roomy as some reviewers had hoped.
7. Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 25-liter Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
This unisex backpack is 100% Polyester and is padded at the back for comfortable carrying even when at full capacity – 25 liters. It has a padded laptop fleece pack that protects it from scratches and thieves by locking it separately from the rest of the pack. It has an RFID blocking pocket to protect your electronic identification, a feature which we find most appealing. Also, it is a little costlier than most backpacks, but this feature makes it all worth it.
Weighing 1.84 lbs. and measuring 18.9″H x 11.8″W x 6.7″ D, the main interior compartment of this backpack fits a 15-inch laptop easily. It has a side pocket for a water bottle and other outer pockets for items you wish to access easily. The padded straps can be adjusted from 26.8″ to 36.2.” Pacsafe backs it with a 5-year warranty.
- RFID blocking pocket.
- Sturdy material and lining for waterproofness.
- Fleece pocket for a laptop.
- 5-year warranty.
- Costlier than most.
- The side pocket is too small.
8. XD Design Bobby Pro Anti-Theft Backpack
This backpack measures 11.4 x 6.1 x 17.5 inches, weighs 3.6 pounds, and is made of polyester which is known for durability. It is also not collapsible, and so no one can tell what you have in your bag. It carries a 15-inch laptop and leaves enough space for other journals, some books, and pens. Because the material is waterproof, you won’t have to worry about your documents getting soaked in the rain.
It has an integrated USB port to which you can connect your power bank, and all the zippers are hidden. It also contains hidden RFID-protected pockets for your electronic items. The front outer pocket has no access by strangers because its zipper is hidden too. Wide, padded straps complete this pack.
- RFID-protected pockets.
- Hidden compartment zippers.
- Non-collapsible material.
- Breathable fabric.
- Costlier than most backpacks its size.
9. Kenneth Cole Colombian Leather Backpack
This Kenneth Cole Reaction backpack has an anti-tear leather exterior that gives it a classy business look. Available in black and brown, it has RFID Blocking technology and metal zippers that are quite hard to manipulate.
A padded rear exterior air-mesh panel makes it breathable and quite comfortable to carry on the back, while the handle at the top gives you an alternative way to carry it. Its straps are padded and comfortable while the many pockets give you extra space for packing smaller items.
The zippers, though exposed, are sturdy and made of metal for durability. It has a padded compartment that fits a 15-inch laptop, a padded tablet pocket that is compatible with any tablet, and smaller compartments for other items. It weighs 2. 9 lbs.
- RFID Blocking technology
- Padded compartments for laptop and tablet.
- Lightweight and easy to clean.
- Quite small.
10. NOMATIC Backpack
This bag from Nomatic is made with expansion technology that transforms a 20L bag to a 34L one. The exterior is made of Kodra 500D Tarpaulin fabric that is water-resistant and durable while the inside is lined for the safety of your electronics.
On the back of the bag is a hidden RFID blocking pocket for your electronics to prevent identity theft. The interior compartment fits a 15.5″ laptop and a 12″ tablet with other pockets for journals and pens. It is lightweight, easy to clean as it only needs wiping, and durable. The two water bottle pockets on the sides have magnetic snaps to keep them upright even when not in use. This backpack is ideal for business and leisure.
- Exterior material is durable, easy to clean and water-resistant.
- Expandable.
- Has an RFID blocking pocket.
- Lockable zippers for security.
- Quite expensive.
Best Anti-Theft Backpacks: Buying Guide
When buying an anti-theft backpack, you will want to look at more than just the appearance. Matter of fact, most of the ones on the market are of similar color and design because manufacturers are more interested in the features. Below, we have some of our must-haves for an anti-theft backpack.
RFID Blocking Fabric
RFID – Radio-frequency identification – blocks are important because they prevent anyone from accessing your electronic information. Cons are smarter and so they will not always try to physically steal your goods; they will do one better by scanning your cards and stealing your identity. You will then be confronted with credit card expenditure that you have no recollection of later. Material that blocks this action will keep your credentials safe.
Slash Proof Fabric
When walking in a crowded street, you will not feel anyone tag at or cut your bag, and so they will easily steal your personal items while you innocently try to maneuver new streets. You can prevent this having a backpack that is reinforced with material that is hard to tear into, effectively keeping off those with bad intentions. A steel mesh is lined into the material making it impossible for a knife to get far enough to expose your valuables.
Design of the Bag
Rigid material is great because it prevents people from seeing how much stuff you have in your bag. Zippers should be sturdy and hidden so that anyone looking at the bag wonders where to start to access it. Hidden compartments are even greater because a pickpocket will not know where you have placed your vital effects. You definitely want internal pockets because they make it easy to store smaller items such as passports and cards for easy access, while water resistance is vital for travel since you don’t want to stop on account of light showers.
While at design, you want to consider the comfort of your straps. You are likely to have the bag ion your back for long hours, and uncomfortable straps will take a toll on your shoulders. If they are reinforced with steel to make them slash-proof, they should have a padded outer lining.
Backpack’s Capacity
This is always a personal choice, although we have come to realize bigger is not always better. Since you only need it for the day, you may want to get a backpack that is just enough for your personal effects for the day to avoid taxing your shoulders and back. Lighter is also better.
Even with an anti-theft backpack, we advocate for vigilance when walking in public. If you stay alert to what is happening around you, you will be able to pick out pickpockets or at least be aware when someone touches your bag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion – Wrapping Up
We hope this article was informative and eye-opening because that was our main reason for writing it. There are so many backpacks on the market that will promise to keep your stuff safe when you travel, but the ten we have selected are also highly reviewed and will not disappoint.
As we always do, we have used information available on the market that is up-to-date, but we will stay on the lookout to update this article in case other notable products are launched.
Just to recap, you don’t want to leave everything to chance, even when you have the best anti-theft backpack. You want to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings to avoid preventable theft. May your travels be fun and personal effects safe!