Anti-theft travel bags explained
Anti-theft bags look like ordinary crossbodies, slings and backpacks, but have security features built into the fabric, straps and zips to slow down pickpockets and bag slashers. This guide explains each feature in our travel range, shows which bags have which, and helps you choose.
The features explained
RFID-blocking pockets
Contactless cards and many passports contain a chip that can be read by radio signal. An RFID-blocking pocket has a lining that blocks those signals. In these bags it's one dedicated pocket, not the whole bag, so keep cards and passports in it.
Slash-resistant panels
Some thieves cut the front or base of a bag to get at the contents. Most bags in the range have their front and base panels reinforced on the inside with UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene), a high-strength material that resists cutting. The Florence Anti-Theft Crossbody Shoulder Bag uses a cut-resistant reinforced fabric on its outer panels instead.
Steel cable straps
Others cut the strap and take the whole bag. Most of the crossbodies, the sling and the belt bag have a flexible steel cable inside the strap. The Florence Anti-Theft Crossbody Shoulder Bag also has a Secure & Go buckle for fastening the strap around a large or fixed object.
Lockable zips
On most models the main zip pull clips to a fixed clip, so it can't be opened with a quick tug. The Aspen Crossbody Organiser and Aspen Max Crossbody also tuck the front pocket zip pull behind a loop, and the Drift Daypack has two compartments that clip shut, including the laptop section.
Concealed and back pockets
The Soho Crossbody, Crescent Crossbody, Camden Crossbody and the $105 Luna Crossbody have a magnetic phone pocket on the back that sits against your body, and the Voyager Anti Theft Backpack has a hidden rear pocket.
Which bags have which features
Based on the features the manufacturer lists for each product. "Not listed" means the feature isn't mentioned, not necessarily that it's missing. Some names appear twice for different versions, so use the price to tell them apart.
| Bag | Style | Price | RFID pocket | Slash-resistant panels | Steel cable strap | Lockable zip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go Anywhere Belt Bag | Belt bag | $48 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Soho Anti-Theft Small Crossbody | Crossbody | $68 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Go Sling | Sling | $70 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Soho Crossbody | Crossbody | $73 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Camden Crossbody | Slim crossbody | $73 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Luna Crossbody | Handbag-style crossbody | $77 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed |
| Logan Anti-Theft Messenger | Messenger | $97 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Florence Anti-Theft Crossbody Shoulder Bag | Shoulder bag | $97 | Yes | Yes, cut-resistant fabric | Yes | Yes |
| Florence Crossbody | Crossbody | $105 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Luna Crossbody | Envelope-flap crossbody | $105 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed |
| Crescent Crossbody | Crossbody | $105 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Aspen Max Crossbody | Expandable crossbody | $105 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Aspen Crossbody Organiser | Crossbody | $105 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Logan Messenger | Messenger | $105 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Brooklyn Anti-Theft Tote | Tote | $120 | Yes | Yes | Reinforced straps, steel not listed | Yes |
| Drift Daypack | Daypack | $125 | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Yes |
| Voyager Anti Theft Backpack | Backpack | $128 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voyager Backpack | Backpack | $140 | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Yes |
Choosing by how you'll use it
Just the essentials
For a phone, cards, keys and a passport, look at the Go Anywhere Belt Bag ($48), which you can wear at the waist or across the body, the Soho Anti-Theft Small Crossbody ($68) or the Go Sling ($70). The Camden Crossbody ($73) is designed to sit flat against the body under a jacket.
A full day of sightseeing
For a water bottle as well, try the Florence Crossbody, Crescent Crossbody or Logan Messenger (all $105). The Aspen Max Crossbody ($105) has room for an iPad and an expander zip for days you carry more. The Logan Anti-Theft Messenger ($97) is also sized for an iPad.
Something that looks like a handbag
The Luna Crossbody ($77) has an everyday handbag shape with a zippered envelope flap. The Florence Anti-Theft Crossbody Shoulder Bag ($97) carries as a shoulder bag or crossbody.
Laptop, commuting and work
The Drift Daypack ($125) and Voyager Backpack ($140) keep the laptop inside a compartment that clips shut, with a padded back and sternum strap. The Voyager Anti Theft Backpack ($128) adds a dual USB port for charging from a power bank inside, and a luggage sleeve. The Brooklyn Anti-Theft Tote ($120) has a padded 13-inch laptop pocket, an optional crossbody strap and a trolley sleeve.
Other bags and wallets with security features
A few bags outside the anti-theft range have one or two of these features, but no slash-resistant panels. The Road Warrior Backpack has lockable zips on all three compartments and an RFID-blocking passport pocket. The Commuter Laptop Backpack has a fixed combination lock and a hidden RFID pocket. The Trinity, Bukbagz, Hampton and Classic Weekender bags each have an RFID-blocking pocket.
For documents, the RFID Passport Holder ($26) and the RFID protected Family Travel Wallet ($32, with four passport slots) are RFID-blocking when closed. The Travel Neck Pouch ($25) is worn under your clothing. Five value bundles pair an anti-theft bag with one of these wallets: the Drift Day Set, Voyager Go Set, Logan Travel Set, Soho City Smart Set and Aspen Explorer Set.
What anti-theft features can and can't do
These features slow a thief down, but they don't make theft impossible. They help most alongside a few habits:
- Clip the zips shut every time, not only in crowds.
- In busy places, wear a crossbody bag in front of you rather than behind.
- Keep your passport and cards in the RFID pocket, and your phone in a back or concealed pocket.
- Don't hang your bag on the back of a chair where you can't see it.
Browse the anti-theft bags and crossbody bags categories.