When it comes to choosing the best anti theft bags there are two brands that come to mind---Pacsafe vs Travelon.
If you want a great anti theft bag, Pacsafe vs Travelon model comparisons are a great place to start. Both brands offer a wide range of theft-proof travel bags, from backpacks to purses.
These bags keep your belongings safe from pickpockets, without costing you an arm and a leg to get them.
For the best models each brand has to offer, check out our Travelon vs Pacsafe reviews below.
[toc]Why Get an Anti Theft Travel Bag?
There is only one reason to buy anti theft travel bags, and that is security. Whether you're traveling by plane or train or touring a foreign city, you're going to be carrying some valuables with you.
This includes a wallet, some important documents, and any devices like cellphones, tablets, or laptops.
In a normal bag, a thief could sneak open the zippers or cut through the material and help themselves to whatever you're carrying.
A theft-proof bag prevents this, using slash-proof material, lockable zippers, and other deterrents.
Best of all, a theft-resistant bag looks stylish, so you won't be embarrassed carrying it with you around the world.
Pacsafe vs Travelon Anti Theft Bag Comparisons
Anti Theft Daypack Backpacks
Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 Anti Theft Backpack
If you want the best Pacsafe backpack, the Metrosafe LS 350 anti theft backpack is a great option. It has a 15L capacity, so can be used for sightseeing in a foreign city or even for a day trip to the park close to home.
The Pacsafe Metrosafe backpack is made of durable nylon with a polyester lining. Between these two layers is their eXomesh slashguard, with their Carrysafe slashguard in the straps.
Together, these prevent thieves from cutting into your bag.
Other safety features include the zip clips, the Locakabout security clip, the TurnNLock security hooks, and the RFIDsafe blockers in the pockets.
There is a large main compartment with internal organizational pockets and an attachment point for your keys and wallet if needed.
There is also a large front pocket, plus a water bottle pocket to keep you hydrated. This bag can hold a 13-inch laptop, so you can take it with you no matter where you go.
Click Here For Reviews, Ratings & Pricing on Amazon.com
Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack
For a great Travelon anti theft backpack for shorter day trips, look no further than their Classic Backpack.
It is made of polyester but has incorporated slash-resistant body panels made of flexible stainless steel mesh to eliminate slash-and-grab thieves. There are also slash-resistant straps to keep the bag on your back where it belongs.
There are RFID blocking areas to keep your personal information safe. The zippers on the front and main compartments are also lockable to keep other people's hands out of your bag.
The main compartment has a wide-mouth opening and is roomy enough to hold a change of clothes, a few notebooks, a tablet, or anything else you may need on your trip.
There is a zippered pocket and a mesh pocket in there for organizational purposes.
The front flap has slots for cards, phones, pens, and other small items. There is also a water bottle pocket on one side of the backpack and a zippered one on the other side.
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Anti Theft Travel Backpacks
Pacsafe VentureSafe 25L GII
Sometimes you travel to foreign cities, other times you want to take a long hike in the woods. The Pacsafe Venture Safe 25L GII covers both areas.
The combination of N230 3line ripstop and N400D 100T materials are durable and easy to clean. They also have the eXomesh slashguard stainless steel mesh inside to keep your bag intact, even if it is cut with a knife.
The Carrysafe slashguard straps are adjustable, with TurnNLock security hooks to let you secure it around a chair or table leg when you sit down to eat or have a drink. There is also a sternum strap for stability which is adjustable and removable.
The main compartment has a padded sleeve that fits either a 15-inch laptop or a 3L hydration sleeve, depending on your needs.
This area has an RFID blocking pocket inside to protect you from hackers. There are also 2 water bottle pockets on the sides and a front organizational pocket.
All the zippers are lockable. There are also outer compression straps to reduce the size of the bag once it's packed for a smaller load.
Click Here For Reviews, Ratings & Pricing on Amazon.com
Pacsafe Vibe 40 Anti Theft Weekender Backpack
This Pacsafe anti theft backpack has many of the same safety features found on other models, including the eXomesh slashguard mesh, the Carrysafe straps, lockable zippers, and RFIDsafe pockets.
But it has added a few extras for even more secure traveling. First, it uses PopNLock security clips on the straps, which makes it easy for you to secure it around a chair leg while you dine, while still repelling thieves.
The Weekender has also added ToughZip technology. This makes your zippers puncture resistant, so thieves can't get into your bag this way.
Other features include a large main pocket with a large internal Velcro pocket, which can hold a 15-inch laptop, some books or magazines, or any other large slim objects. There are also internal compression straps to keep your belongings from shifting during your travels.
On the outside are a side stretch pocket and a quick access pocket on the top of the bag. There is also more compression straps on the bag's exterior to cinch it as small as possible.
The backpack straps are adjustable and storable to keep them out of the way when you don't need them.
Best of all, this anti-slash backpack meets the airline standards on the majority of the major airlines, so it can go anywhere you do.
Click Here For Reviews, Ratings & Pricing on Amazon.com
Travelon Anti Theft Travel Backpack
The Travelon anti theft travel backpack has similar safety features as the others in our Pacsafe vs Travelon backpack reviews.
The polyester material is both water and dirt resistant, plus has the slash-resistant stainless steel mesh embedded in the body of the bag.
The straps are adjustable, plus have stainless steel cables inside them to prevent slash and grab thieves from cutting through them and running off with your bag.
A sternum strap adds stability and support. The back is padded mesh, for comfort and breathability to keep you cool and comfortable. The top and side handles give you alternative carry options as well.
There are two zippered compartments on the front of the bag, both with locking zippers. One of these also has a couple of RFID blocking slots to keep your personal info safe from hackers.
An elastic pouch on one side holds water bottles. There is also a zipper on the other side which gives you access to a padded sleeve for a large tablet.
The main area has room for your clothing and other large items, with compression straps to hold everything in place.
There are also two zippered pockets on the lid, one mesh and one PVC to keep your liquids from spilling over everything if a bottle should open or break during your trip.
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Anti Theft Crossbody Bags
Pacsafe Vibe 325 Anti Theft Cross Body Pack
An anti theft crossbody bag is light and comfortable, perfect for a day of shopping or touring some interesting landmarks.
But despite its small size, the Pacsafe Vibe 325 anti theft Cross Body Pack can hold everything you need.
There is a main compartment with a tablet sleeve, a smartphone pocket, and an RFID pocket for your documents and cards.
There is also pen slot and a loop to keep your keys from getting lost among your other belongings. A small front pocket holds any other small items you need.
The outside material is 210D nylon twill, with a 200D polyester lining.
There is also the eXomesh slashguard steel mesh inside to deter slashing, plus the Carrysafe slashguard straps which can't be cut and pulled off your back. The Roobar sport locking system secures your zippers at all times.
Click Here For Reviews, Ratings & Pricing on Amazon.com
Travelon Anti Theft Classic Light Sling
The Classic Light Sling is one of the best Travelon anti theft crossbody bags available.
The main compartment has plenty of room, with a sleeve for a small tablet, a zippered pocket, and RFID blocking slots for all your cards and other sensitive documents.
This compartment is also lockable to keep your valuables safe from thieves. A tethered key clip with an LED light makes it easy to find small items in your bag in the dark.
On the outside is a small drop pocket and a zippered area, which is also lockable. The side pocket is perfect for a water bottle.
The slash-proof strap is adjustable, so you can turn this into a left or right shoulder bag as needed. This polyester Travelon crossbody bag includes stainless steel mesh to repel knife-wielding thieves.
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Anti Theft Purses
For our Pacsafe vs Travelon anti theft purse comparisons, we have a few models to compare. First is the Pacsafe Citysafe CS100 Anti Theft Travel Handbag against the Travelon Anti Theft Classic Messenger Bag.
This Pacsafe anti theft travel purse is stylish, with three colors to choose from. It is made of 100D Nylon Heavy Twill, with a 150D Polyester Twill lining.
It has Pacsafe's eXomesh slashguard inside to prevent slashing, and the long adjustable strap has the Carrysafe slashguard cords inside.
The Citysafe CS100 has a 5L capacity, with a large main compartment and a smaller front pocket. The main area has sleeves for a 10-inch tablet, smartphone, pen, and even makeup.
There is a ring for keys as well, to keep them from getting lost among your other belongings. This area also has zip clips to keep them closed at all times.
The front pocket also has a secured zip tab to make it more difficult to open this pocket for those trying to steal from you. This anti theft travel purse also has RFID blocking pockets for added security.
The Travelon anti theft Classic Messenger Bag has 5 colors to choose from, with the room to store everything you need for a day of touring museums, castles, or anything else on your sightseeing list.
It has multiple compartments to store your belongings. The main area has padded sleeves and a zippered pocket for easy organization. There is a front pocket, with a magnetic closure and a flap.
There is also a zippered back pocket, with RFID blocking slots for all your cards and your passport. This pocket also has a removable LED light on a tether for those emergencies in the dark.
Two side pockets hold your water bottles or other items you can't fit in the rest of the pockets.
All the zippered compartments are lockable, using lobster claw clasps. For extra security, the adjustable strap is cable-reinforced for cut-proof protection.
And the slash-proof steel mesh embedded in the polyester fabric eliminates the possibility of slashers damaging your bag and stealing your valuables.
Click Here For Reviews, Ratings & Pricing on Amazon.com
Some people prefer to carry an anti theft crossbody purse because this type leaves their hands free for anything else they need to carry or touch. These two Pacsafe vs Travelon models are secure choices for these people.
The Travelon Anti Theft Classic Light Mini Crossbody Bag is slim, but still has plenty of room for everything you need.
The main compartment has multiple slots for cards, all with RFID blocking protection. There is also a pen loop, a phone sleeve, and a zippered area for little things.
There is a key clip inside with an LED light for added convenience.
There is an outer zippered pocket on the front and a slip pocket on the back for those items you want to keep close at hand. But these pockets aren't lockable like the main compartment.
There is steel mesh embedded in the polyester material for slash-proofing, plus steel cords in the adjustable, lockable strap for the same reason.
The Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti Theft Convertible Crossbody Bag is a great slash-proof bag for any situation.
This theft-resistant purse has two sets of loops for the slash-proof lockable strap. This allows you to place the strap at the top for a larger bag, or lower down on the back when you don't have as much to carry.
The outer material is made of nylon twill, with a polyester lining. The eXomesh slashguard mesh keeps thieves from slashing through these layers.
The main compartment holds everything you need, plus has lockable zippers to keep thieves out.There is also a front pocket with a smart zipper, which has a loop to slide the zipper tab through for extra security.
There are RFID blocking slots for your cards in this small anti theft purse to keep your sensitive information safe.
Click Here For Reviews, Ratings & Pricing on Amazon.com
Anti Theft Carry On Luggage
Pacsafe Toursafe EXP21 Anti Theft Wheeled Carry On
Anti theft carry on luggage is essential to make sure nothing you bring with you gets stolen.
The Pacsafe Toursafe EXP21 keeps your belongings secure, using eXomesh slashguard steel mesh in the body of the bag to repel knife-wielding thieves.
There are puncture-resistant ToughZip zippers as well. All of the zippers lock into the Roobar deluxe locking system using a simple padlock.
A locking cable can also be attached to this area so you can secure your bag to a pole or chair next to you to keep anyone from grabbing it and running while you're waiting for your flight.
On the outside of these wheeled Pacsafe bags are external attachment points for sleeping bags, coats, or anything else you're carrying.
There are also compression straps, a front organizational pocket, and a protective flap to cover your locking system.
The high-performance wheels have a protective kick plate to keep them safe from bumps, plus have a high clearance to keep the bottom of your bag clean and free of scuffs.
There is an aluminum pull handle, plus carry handles on the top, bottom, and side for multiple carry options.
Inside the bag is a large main compartment with room for a 13-inch laptop. There are also internal compression straps to keep all your clothing and other travel items secure during your flight.
Click Here For Reviews, Ratings & Pricing on Amazon.com
Travelon Anti Theft Tailored Wheeled Underseat Carry On
The Tailored Wheeled Underseat bag is the only anti theft carry on Travelon offers.
It has the same anti theft features found on the other bags in this line, including the locking zippers, an RFID blocking pocket in the front compartment, a slash-proof body, and a slash-proof shoulder strap.
There is a large main compartment split into two storage areas. The bottom is large and open, with compression straps to hold your clothing in place. The lid is enclosed with a zippered divider, giving you room to store your toiletries, socks, and other small items.
On the front of the bag is another storage compartment with a padded laptop pocket for a 15.6-inch laptop, plus a zippered pocket for charge cords and other small items.
There are even two elasticized sleeves for a pair of shoes or slippers. There is also another pocket on the front for those extra accessories.
This Travelon theft-proof luggage is made of nylon twill with a polyester lining. There are four spinner wheels on the bottom, with protective housing to prevent damage.
On the top is a telescopic, adjustable handle which has its own zippered pocket to store it in when you don't need it. There is also an add-a-bag panel, which lets you slide this one over the handle of a larger bag if needed.
Though this anti theft Travelon luggage is great to keep your belongings safe, there is another bag to consider. The Travelon Wheeled Underseat Carry on with Back-up Bag is stylish, has great features, and comes with an extra tote, though it does lack the anti theft features.
Click Here For Reviews, Ratings & Pricing on Amazon.com
What to Look for in a Anti Theft Bag
How Will You Use Your Anti Theft Bag?
The beauty of an anti theft bag is that it can be used for all the same activities and adventures as a regular bag, whether comparing Pacsafe vs Travelon or any other brand.
Most bags have one larger main compartments, organizational pockets, and some even come with padded laptop or tablet sleeves.
This means you can choose an anti theft backpack for day trips, hiking, or fights. You can use anti theft bags for work or school, or for running errands.
The only difference between an anti theft bag of any kind and a regular bag is the safety features in the body, straps, and zippers, which makes it harder for thieves to get ahold of your belongings, which can happen at home or on a foreign trip to a new city.
Bag Type
There are as many different types of anti theft bags as there are for regular bags, as you may have noticed in our Pacsafe vs Travelon reviews above.
There are backpacks and daypacks for all types of travel, at home, in the woods, or abroad. There are anti theft luggage models, like carry-ons, suitcases, or duffel bags.
There are also a variety of smaller anti theft options, including purses, crossbody bags, sling bags, or messenger bags.
This means you can get a great anti theft bag for almost any type of activity, regardless of how much you need to carry with you that day.
And you'll be comfortable in the knowledge that whatever you pack in that particular bag will still be there when you reach your destination.
Security Features
There are a few main security features you'll want to look for when comparing the Pacsafe vs Travelon models, or when you're looking at any anti theft bag for that matter.
Slash-proof fabric is the first safety feature. This is usually in the form of steel mesh embedded in the body and sides of the bag.
The mesh prevents thieves from cutting through your bag and dumping the contents onto the ground for easy grabbing. Straps should also have steel cables inside them to make them slash-proof as well.
The zippers should be lockable to keep unwanted hands out of your bag. Puncture-resistance is also found on many bags.
No one will be able to jam a screwdriver or other pointy object into the zipper and pry it open with these types of zippers on your bag.
Another thing to look for is RFID blocking fabric or pockets. You don't want a hacker scanning your cards or other important documents as you pass them while you sightseeing, so be sure at least part of the bag has this type of protection.
Comfort
When shopping for an anti theft bag, comfort is quite important. If the bag isn't comfortable, you won't want to carry it around with you.
Some things to look for are padded, adjustable straps. These don't dig into your shoulders, plus let you tighten or loosen them as needed for your particular size. This goes for backpacks, daypacks, sling bags, and purses.
For the bags you carry on your back, you also may want a sternum strap to keep the bag stable and positioned properly.
Padded backs are also a must, especially if you're going to be walking around with it all day long. Mesh in this area adds breathability, which is a must on hot days with lots of walking.
Pockets & Storage
You may have noticed the bags in our Pacsafe vs Travelon comparison reviews had plenty of storage space. This is essential to a bag, no matter how small it is.
There should be a decent main compartment for any larger items. This means clothing, books, and shoes in a backpack or carry on bag, or just a wallet, notebook, and a travel guide in your purse or sling bag.
Pockets are also a must, though they will vary depending on the size of the bag. Bigger bags may have multiple pockets for all your toiletries and accessories.
There may also be padded sleeves for laptops and tablets. Outer side pockets, water bottle pockets, and slip pockets could all be found on the exterior of many of these bags.
Some bags and purses also add organizational areas for cards, documents, phones, charge cords, and your other little items you don't want to be lost among the rest of your gear.
When buying your anti theft bag, check out what it has to offer in all these areas to make sure you have all the storage space you may need.
Size
The size of the anti theft bag you carry depends on what you need to carry with you and how long you'll be away for.
If you're only going to be doing some sightseeing for the afternoon, a light daypack, crossbody bag, or purse, like those in our Pacsafe vs Travelon reviews, may be all you need.
For air travel, a small carry on bag is a must. But you can replace this with an anti theft backpack if you prefer that type of bag.
But backpacks are also versatile and come in a variety of sizes, making them a great choice for an overnight trip or weekend away from home as well. So, figure out what you need to carry and then find the bag that meets these needs.
Weight
When you're carrying a bag on your back or over your shoulder for more than a few minutes, you don't want it to weigh a ton or you'll be sore in no time.
That's why you should always check the weight of any bag before you buy it, even those in our Pacsafe vs Travelon comparisons.
A heavy empty bag is bad enough, but once you fill it with your clothing, electronics, and all your other essential items, it's going to weigh so much more. So, find a lightweight bag that has all the features you want to keep your back, shoulders, and arms feeling their best, regardless of how far your travels take you.
Another reason to go lightweight is due to airline restrictions. You'll only be allowed to carry so much weight with you, so be sure your packed bag won't put you over this limit or you may be forced to leave some of your gear behind.
Materials & Durability
The materials used in your anti theft bag need to be durable and strong to withstand the rigors of travel.
Outdoor use has pointy branches, sharp rocks, and other rough surfaces to deal with. But modern travel can also wear out an inferior bag in a hurry if its materials aren't up to the task.
Most of the bags in our Pacsafe vs Travelon reviews are made of either nylon or polyester fabric. This is because these materials are durable and strong, plus are easy to clean. Many of these anti theft bags are also water and dirt resistant for added convenience.
You also want to make sure the zippers are of decent quality or they could break during your trip, leaving your bag open to anyone who wants to rummage through it.
If you have a carry on, the wheels should be made of durable plastic with some type of protective housing to reduce damage if they are bumped against a wall or running over rough surfaces.
Handles and straps also need to be made of quality materials to make sure they won't break the first time you use them.
Otherwise, you won't be able to carry your bag and will need to spend your hard-earned money on a replacement.
Colors & Style
Colors and style may not be the most important things to look at when comparing any bags, even those in our Pacsafe vs Travelon reviews above. But they are more important than you think.
For instance, if you have other luggage, is your new anti theft bag or purse going to match them, or is the color going to make them stand out?
Also, brighter bags draw the eye, so may make you a more visual target to thieves, so a darker bag may be a better option for blending with the crowd.
The style of the bag is also something to think about. A bag with fancy stitching and pretty designs may make you look somewhat well-off, which thieves may be watching for.
A plain bag could still be targeted, but may also be ignored easier than a more stylish, higher-end model.
So, though you want a bag that looks good to you, don't get one that will look so good to others, or you may be drawing the wrong type of attention.
Special Features
As well as the anti theft features we've already touched on, there are a few other handy features to look for.
Compression straps inside the bag keep your gear from bouncing around as the bag is moved.
There may also be some on the outside of your anti theft bag to compress it as small as possible, which is great for those needing to slide it under a seat or into an overhead bin.
Adjustable straps are a must, as are sternum straps on larger packs. Laptop and tablet sleeves are great for those who need to take their devices with them on the road.
Slots for cards, documents, and even pen loops are also handy. An ID pocket lets you put your relevant information directly on the bag in case it is lost.
The Bottom Line: Pacsafe vs Travelon
Anti theft bags are great for any and all situations, and the models in our Pacsafe vs Travelon reviews are no exception. But which one is best?
All of the bags we've reviewed in every category have similar anti theft features, including the slash-proof mesh in the bags, steel cords in the straps, RFID blockers, and lockable zippers.
So, we'll focus on the other details in each area to decide which is best in each category. It's also important to note that the Travelon bags are all cheaper than the Pacsafe models they are being compared to, so keep this in mind when reading the reviews above.
For our Pacsafe vs Travelon daypack comparison, both models have large main compartments, front storage areas, and numerous pockets for all your gear.
The Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack has the wide-mouth opening for easy access, but only holds a small tablet while the Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 Anti Theft Backpack has room for a 13-inch laptop.
In the travel backpack comparisons, the Pacsafe Venture Safe 25L GII has room for a large laptop, has outer compression straps, and a removable sternum strap. The Pacsafe Vibe 40 Anti Theft Weekender has the same features, minus the sternum strap, but adds internal compression straps and ToughZip technology for better zipper protection.
The Travelon Anti Theft Travel Backpack has the sternum strap and the compression straps, and a bit more breathable padding at the back for extra comfort.
In our Pacsafe vs Travelon crossbody bag category, both bags have space for a tablet, card slots, and a key clip. But while the Travelon Anti Theft Classic Light Sling Bag has that handy LED light, the Pacsafe Vibe 325 Anti Theft Crossbody Bag has the Roobar sport locking system that locks all your zippers in one place for added convenience.
For the first purse comparison, the Pacsafe Citysafe CS100 Anti Theft Travel Handbag has lots of room, even enough to store a 10-inch tablet inside, which the Travelon Anti Theft Classic Messanger Bag lacks. But the Travelon bag has water bottle pockets on the outside, so it all depends on what you need to carry.
If you prefer a crossbody purse, the Travelon Anti theft Classic Light Mini Crossbody Bag has an LED light attached to the key clip, plus areas for all your little accessories. But only the zipper on the main compartment is securable. The Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti Theft Convertible Crossbody Bag has lockable main zippers and a smart zipper on the front pocket. Plus, it has that handy adjustable strap to create a convertible purse.
Finally, in our carry on bag category, the Pacsafe Toursafe EXP21 Anti Theft Wheeled Carry on has ToughZip zippers, the deluxe locking system to keep all the zippers together, and the high clearance to keep the bag extra clean.
The Travelon Anti Theft Tailored Wheeled Underseat Carry On has those handy divided sections in the main compartment, room for a large laptop, and the storable handle to keep it safe and out of the way.
