Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID technology, has made the news in recent years as a new way that thieves are stealing money from citizens on the street. Most people don’t even realize that they’ve been robbed until hours, days, or even weeks later.
Most modern credit cards contain an RFID chip that allows for quick, contactless purposes. Unfortunately, this chip also makes your personal information vulnerable to attack. Thieves can use a specialized scanner to access information such as your credit card number, PIN, and expiration date.
Fortunately, you can block RFID signals with specialized fabrics that contain metals such and nickel or copper. Backpacks made with RFID-blocking fabric form a barrier that blocks electronic signals from both sides, keeping your information safe.
You can find some backpacks made entirely of RFID blocking materials, but many simply boast a special pocket for cards, phones, passports, and other sensitive valuables.
Not all thieves are after your digital data. Many pickpockets will still slash the pockets of a person’s bag to get to wallets, phones, laptops, and other valuables.
Some anti-theft backpacks are made of slash-proof fabric that protects against all manner of sharp objects. Fine steel mesh is embedded within the fabric of the bag to add an extra layer of protection. Even knives and scissors would have trouble tearing through metal.
Not all slash-resistant bags have straps that could withstand a determined thief. A backpack with slash-proof straps is safe from being ripped off your back or snagged from your chair back as easily.
When your attention is elsewhere, a skilled thief can steal from your backpack without having to hack into it. Some thieves rely on stealth to slide open easy-access zipper and take whatever they can find.
A hidden zipper makes it harder for pickpockets to sneak their way into your backpack without your notice. Most hidden zippers are set on the back panel of the backpack so that you can feel when someone is tugging on the slider.
Some anti-theft backpacks feature lockable zippers to add an extra layer of protection. A lockable zipper has a tab on the slider to keep it in place and out of reach of prying hands.
Pacsafe is one of the top names in anti-theft gear, and the Metrosafe is one of their most popular backpacks. It’s large yet lightweight, making it a good choice for travelers. The Metrosafe can hold up to 25L of goods without weighing you down.
This backpack is built with multiple layers of protection to keep your valuables safe and secure. The exterior is made of durable and water-resistant material to keep out wind, weather, and moisture. The fabric is lined with a lightweight, steel eXomesh slash guard to prevent pickpockets from cutting your pack open.
All exterior zippers are lockable so that you can trust they’ll stay closed and keep your valuables hidden. For an added layer of protection, you can secure pullers using the lockable security clip. There’s even room for a small padlock to ensure nobody unzips your bag without your knowledge.
The Metrosafe features three separate exterior pockets as well as two side pockets to make water bottles, outdoor gear and more easily accessible. Inside, a padded laptop sleeve protects your electronics.
For credit cards, passports, and other sensitive data, one of the two interior pockets features Pacsafe RFIDsafe blocking fabric. It forms a barrier for almost all transmissions between 10MHz and 3 GHz, covering most common devices.
Two padded shoulder straps make the Metrosafe a comfortable choice for all-day wear, especially when you’re out traveling. They’re adjustable between 26.8 and 36.2 inches so that you can customize the fit. Like the bag’s body, the straps are slash-proof thanks to two lightweight steel wires embedded in the padding.
XD Design is a top-of-the-line Dutch brand that specializes in safe and functional travel gear. Their backpacks help to keep you organized throughout the day, while anti-theft features keep your belongings safe.
All zippers are hidden behind seams to make it difficult for thieves to open pockets without your knowledge. The bag also features hidden compartments located close to your body for safekeeping electronics and valuables.
The durable nylon and polyester blend water-repellent fabric is resistant to cuts and tears, making it more difficult for pickpockets to slash their way to your belongings. Multiple layers along with a cut-proof protection board ensure that your backpack can withstand knives, scissors, and more.
The Bobby Original backpack by XD Designs is sleek and stylish, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear whether you’re a student, a business professional, or simply need a backpack for travel.
The pack comes in a variety of bold color schemes, all of which include reflective stripes to keep you safe in low-light conditions. The design offers an optimal weight balance to keep you comfortable when walking, running, or cycling.
Inside, the main compartment is large enough to fit everything you need during the day, with specialized pockets and compartments to keep you organized. The pack features a separate compartment for both your laptop and your tablet.
An integrated charging port allows you to keep your electronics plugged in at all times. You can charge your tablet or laptop in their sleeve or charge devices outside of the backpack for easier access.
While you might not be able to tell by looking at it, this fashionable backpack is tough as nails. As part of the Pacsafe lineup of anti-theft bags, you can trust that the CITYsafe CX offers the highest level of protection for your valuables.
This backpack comes in a variety of attractive designs, with bold colors and vibrant metal accents. The deceptively bright, shimmering material is actually durable and water-resistant polyester to keep your goods safe and dry. The fabric has a lightweight steel mesh lining to prevent pickpockets from cutting into any of the main compartments.
For the eco-conscious consumer, The Citysafe CX comes in two styles that feature sustainable materials. The ECONYL Black and ECONYL Storm style options use materials made from recycled ocean waste to help lower the bag’s carbon footprint.
While this backpack is compact enough for daily wear, it has plenty of space to fit all of the essentials. A roomy main compartment and a padded sleeve keep large goods and electronics safe, while four card slots and two side pockets protect smaller gear.
This backpack features two compartments with RFIDsafe barriers to protect digital data from theft. The RFID-blocking front zip pocket and the zippered interior pocket prevent transmission of signals between 10MHz and 3 GHz.
Interlocking zippers help to prevent thieves from opening your bag when you’re not paying attention. The top zipper locks to ensure that your gear stays safe and tucked out of reach of prying hands.
The straps are adjustable and padded, making the Citysafe CX a comfortable choice. Each is reinforced with steel wire in the padding to ensure that no one can slash your backpack’s straps when you’re wearing or stashing it.
The Sosoon Laptop Backpack has plenty of space for your electronics, with a computer sleeve that fits up to a 17-inch laptop screen. There’s also a front pocket with plenty of organizational apartments, specialized pen pockets, two side pockets, and a convenient key fob hook.
A built-in hook located on the side of the bag allows you to secure and lock zippers in place to make access to your pack more difficult for thieves. The Sosoon also features a hidden anti-theft pocket for items such as phones and passports.
If you travel for work, this backpack features a suitcase strap. You can fasten it to rolling luggage for easier travel, and you won’t have to worry about it getting snatched when your back is turned. The strap even includes a card pocket and a glasses hook to give you easy access to essentials.
When wearing the Sosoon backpack, two adjustable shoulder straps allow you to achieve your frame’s perfect fit. Massage mats built into the straps keep your shoulders comfortable when carrying heavy loads. The back panel of the pack includes ventilated padding to keep you cool and sweat-free.
If you need to charge your electronics before or after work, the Sosoon boasts an external USB charger. With a power supply on hand, you can power your phone or laptop on the go. Because of its convenient location, you can even use your devices as they charge during your commute.
This stylish backpack comes in a variety of colors for both men and women, from bright and bold to camo. It’s designed for security, with a hidden anti-theft pocket situated in the back panel. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your valuables are snug against your back.
Two padded straps make this backpack comfortable to carry, while the back panel features ventilated padding to keep you cool and dry. Inside, a spacious main compartment can hold all of your travel gear, while a dedicated laptop sleeve lets you keep electronics organized.
The front compartment contains plenty of pockets for your belongings, including pen pockets and a key fob hook. Elastic mesh side pockets offer easy access to items such as water bottles, umbrellas, jackets, and more.
While this backpack is large enough to fit all of the essentials, it maintains a slim profile that’s ideal for travel. You can easily slip it under your seat or fit it on your lap for more legroom. If you fly frequently, the Matein Anti-Theft backpack passes most carry-on regulations.
If you’re commuting with a suitcase or rolling luggage, a built-in strap allows you to attach the suitcase securely to the handlebars. Not only does this make the backpack easier to transport, but it keeps your belongings safe from snatching attempts.
A built-in USB charger is located on the outside of the backpack so that you can charge your electronics as you commute, whether you need to power up your laptop for a meeting or keep your phone from dying before you get home.
The Tzowla laptop backpack is a great choice for college students looking for a safe storage solution. The main compartment is big enough to fit textbooks, electronics, and more, with a separate laptop sleeve that holds up to a 15.6-inch computer. There’s also a front pocket complete with pockets, pen loops, and a key fob hook to keep you organized.
This backpack features a built-in USB charge port that gives you easy access to your electronic devices. You can connect your own power bank and charge phones, tablets, laptops, and more on the go. For music lovers, a convenient headphone interface allows for hands-free listening.
The Tzowla backpack is made of high-quality polyester, making it durable enough to withstand daily wear-and-tear. The fabric is water-repellent to protect items such as books and electronics safe from moisture.
Two padded shoulder straps take some of the stress off your shoulders when carrying heavy loads. A multi-panel airflow system keeps you cool as you move, even on warm days. If you want to carry your backpack instead, a back suitcase strap makes it easy to attach the pack to rolling luggage.
This backpack features a fixed password lock for its zippers to keep your belongings safe from tampering. The design also includes a hidden pouch on the back of the pack for your phone, passport, wallet, or other valuables. Not only is this pocket hidden from view, but it makes contact with your back so that you can be assured your valuables are safe and sound.
Our favorite anti-theft backpack is the Pacsafe Metrosafe Anti Theft Laptop Backpack because it offers multiple layers of protection for your valuables. Slash-proof straps and fabrics prevent a cut-and-run attack, while an RFID blocking pocket keeps data safe from afar. The bag also features locking zippers to keep everything safe and secure.
No matter what you’re looking for in an anti-theft backpack, our list offers a great place to start in your search. If the Pacsafe Metrosafe Anti Theft Laptop Backpack isn’t what you’re looking for, consider some of the other customer-approved options covered in our guide to staying safe.