City travel brings excitement, but it also attracts pickpockets and thieves who target distracted tourists. A good anti-theft backpack can protect your passport, phone, and wallet while you explore busy streets and crowded metros. With hidden zippers, slash-resistant fabric, and smart security features, these packs let you focus on the adventure instead of worrying about your belongings.
1. Pacsafe Citysafe® CX 17L
Museums, coffee shops, and subway platforms become safer carrying spots when your gear includes interlocking zippers that thieves can’t quickly open. This polished 17-liter pack from Pacsafe wraps your valuables in eXomesh® slashguard panels, so a razor blade won’t slice through to your laptop or camera.
An RFID-blocking pocket keeps credit cards and passports safe from electronic skimmers. Best of all, the entire bag uses recycled ECONYL® fabric, so you protect both your belongings and the planet. Whether you’re hopping metros in Paris or strolling through Tokyo markets, the Citysafe CX blends security with everyday style that doesn’t scream “tourist.”
2. Pacsafe Metrosafe X 20L
Built specifically for the chaos of crowded urban centers, the Metrosafe X hides a secret back-panel stash where you can tuck cash or a second phone. Lockable zippers and cut-resistant anchor straps mean a thief would need serious time and tools to access your stuff—time they don’t have on a packed train.
The recycled construction keeps waste out of landfills while an RFID-blocking pocket guards against digital pickpockets. At 20 liters, there’s room for a day’s essentials plus a light jacket. If your itinerary includes sketchy bus stations or festival crowds, this “urban jungle” specialist has your back—literally and figuratively.
3. Pacsafe Vibe 25L
Sporty aesthetics meet serious security in this 25-liter commuter favorite. The eXomesh slashguard fabric runs throughout the body, turning would-be slash-and-grab attempts into frustrating failures for thieves. Pacsafe’s quick-lock zipper system lets you clip pulls together in seconds, creating a mini fortress around your gear.
An RFID-blocking pocket handles cards and passports, while the larger capacity swallows gym clothes or groceries alongside your tech. The look skews athletic rather than tactical, so you won’t stand out as an overly cautious traveler. Perfect for city dwellers who bike to coworking spaces or tourists who pack light but need room to grow.
4. Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Large Backpack
Walk through any European capital and you’ll spot this Travelon classic on the backs of savvy travelers who’ve done their homework. Slash-resistant mesh runs through both the body panels and shoulder straps, so a blade can’t cut through to grab your tablet mid-stride. Locking compartments add another layer, requiring a key or code to open the main sections.
Inside, an RFID-blocking organizer keeps cards secure and tidy. The roomy design handles full-day excursions without feeling bulky. Guides and tour operators recognize this pack because it works—simple, reliable protection that doesn’t require a PhD to operate or a lottery win to afford.
5. Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack
Vintage charm doesn’t mean sacrificing modern security—this Heritage pack proves it. Travelon’s five-point anti-theft system includes slash-resistant fabric, locking compartments, and an RFID-blocking pocket, all wrapped in a retro silhouette that looks more Brooklyn coffee shop than airport security line.
A padded laptop sleeve protects your work machine or tablet during commutes. The classic styling pairs well with jeans or business casual, making transitions from sightseeing to dinner reservations seamless. If you appreciate timeless design but refuse to gamble with your valuables, the Heritage delivers both aesthetics and peace of mind in one handsome package.
6. XD Design Bobby Original
Hidden zippers changed the anti-theft game, and the Bobby Original kicked off the minimalist revolution. Every zipper sits against your back, unreachable when the pack is worn, turning opportunistic thieves into frustrated bystanders. Cut-resistant materials throughout the shell add a second defense layer.
The water-resistant exterior handles surprise rain showers, while the clean, geometric design appeals to tech professionals and design lovers alike. No flashy logos or tactical webbing—just smart engineering wrapped in understated style. Since its launch, countless copycats have appeared, but the Bobby remains the original innovator that made “invisible zippers” a must-have feature for urban travelers worldwide.
7. Sherpani Soleil AT (Convertible)
Switching from backpack to tote takes seconds with this clever convertible, ideal for museum mornings that turn into coworking afternoons. Locking zipper tunnels and a clip-lock main opening keep contents secure regardless of carry mode. A chair-lock loop lets you tether the bag to café furniture while you sip espresso and answer emails.
Anti-slash panels reinforce high-risk areas, and RFID protection guards your cards. Made with recycled materials, the Soleil AT weighs surprisingly little despite its security arsenal. Women especially appreciate the versatile styling and lighter build, though anyone who values flexibility over a single carry style will find this hybrid hard to beat.
8. Baggallini Securtex® Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack
Compact dimensions and tidy organization make this Baggallini a favorite in pickpocket capitals like Barcelona or Rome. Slash-resistant panels cover the body, while double-cable cut-resistant straps mean a thief can’t simply slice and run. Locking zippers require tools to defeat, not just quick fingers.
An RFID-blocking pocket keeps credit cards safe from tech-savvy criminals. The smaller footprint won’t overwhelm petite travelers, yet internal pockets hold a full day’s essentials without chaos. Purpose-built for vacation rather than expedition, the Securtex® shines in crowded plazas, busy markets, and metro cars where personal space evaporates and valuables become vulnerable.
9. NOMATIC Travel Pack (20–30L)
Tech lovers who refuse to compromise on security will appreciate the NOMATIC’s thoughtful pocket architecture. An RFID-safe, lockable security compartment hides against your back, perfect for passports and boarding passes. Hidden compartments throughout the pack let you stash valuables in unexpected places, confusing anyone who manages to unzip the main section.
The TSA-friendly laptop area speeds airport screening without sacrificing organization. Expandable capacity shifts from 20 to 30 liters depending on your haul. Minimalist aesthetics hide the pack’s clever security features, so you look like any other urban commuter rather than a walking vault. Ideal for digital nomads navigating unfamiliar cities.
10. Targus Work+™ EcoSmart® (15–16″)
Decades of laptop-bag expertise shine through in this commuter-focused pack from Targus. Lockable zippers with anti-theft webbings prevent quick openings, while a hidden security side pocket stashes your phone or wallet away from prying hands. A detachable tech organizer keeps cables, chargers, and dongles tidy and accessible.
The EcoSmart® construction uses recycled materials without sacrificing durability. Designed for 15- to 16-inch laptops, the pack fits under airline seats and in crowded train racks. Business travelers who shuttle between hotels and conference centers will appreciate the professional look that doesn’t broadcast “expensive gear inside.” Reliable, practical protection for the nine-to-five crowd.
11. Cotopaxi Allpa (28L/35L)
Bright colors and a beloved clamshell design make the Allpa a carry-on icon, though it skips slash-proof materials in favor of smart organizational security. Security loops and lockable zipper points let you add padlocks at key access areas, deterring casual thieves. The full-panel opening means you can keep valuables centered and zipped rather than digging through a top-loader.
Robust construction handles rough baggage handlers and cobblestone streets alike. Available in 28- and 35-liter sizes, the Allpa works for weekend city hops or longer one-bag adventures. While not fortress-grade, the thoughtful security touches combined with exceptional organization earn it a spot on this list.
12. Osprey Farpoint 40
A one-bag travel legend, the Farpoint 40 earns its reputation through durability and smart design rather than extensive anti-theft features. Lockable zippers on main compartments let you secure the pack when stored in hostels or overhead bins. A padded laptop sleeve protects your computer during transit, while the robust build withstands years of city exploration.
Osprey’s legendary warranty backs every pack, so damage or defects get fixed. While it lacks slash-proof panels or RFID blocking, the practical security touches and bomb-proof construction make it a favorite among long-term travelers who prioritize reliability. Perfect for those who want protection without feeling like they’re carrying a bank vault.
