9 Best Anti-Theft Backpacks for Women

Looking for a secure travel backpack you can trust to protect all your valuables? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up the 9 best anti-theft backpacks for women that have the features and functionality you need to keep your things safe while you’re on the go. 

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9 best anti-theft backpacks: our top picks for 2024

1. Best overall anti-theft backpack: Pacsafe

The Anti-Theft Essentials Backpack from Pacsafe is equal parts smart, stylish, and sustainable. Each backpack is made from 14 plastic bottles, helping to reduce ocean plastic and support sustainable manufacturing practices. In addition, this bag has ample space to store your tablet, travel guides, sunglasses, travel water bottle, and more. There’s even a compartment in the back to hide your phone or wallet, as well as security hooks and slashguard straps for peak security.

Price: starting at $135


2. Best affordable anti-theft backpack: PINCNEL

This budget backpack from PINCNEL is a great option when you want to prioritize safety but don’t want to spend a whole heck of a lot. For under $30, you can get this lightweight backpack that offers plenty of interior/exterior pockets as well as multiple carrying options. But the biggest selling point? Thanks to the back zippered closure, there’s no way for anyone to unzip or reach in your bag when you’ve got it on your back. A simple feature, but one that’s super secure.

Price: starting at $24


3. Best convertible anti-theft backpack: Arden Cove

The Carmel Convertible Backpack from Arden Cove is the perfect combo of versatility and practicality. You can wear this design as a backpack, handbag, shoulder bag, or even as a crossbody bag — giving you room to play with fashion and functionality. Along with that, this bag is made from waterproof materials and has a built-in RFID-blocking wallet (with 8 card slots and 1 bill pocket). This way, you can feel confident your credit card info is only accessible to you.

Price: starting at $199


4. Best expandable anti-theft backpack: Peak Design

The Everyday Backpack from Peak Design is highly rated for its accessibility, organization, expansion, and protection. On the interior of this bag, you’ll find a dedicated laptop sleeve plus a variety of slip pockets to store your smaller travel essentials. Not only are there expandable side pockets to hold your water bottle or umbrella, but there’s also internal expansion up to 3L on the 20L bag (and up to 8L on the 30L bag) so none of your belongings have to get left behind.

Price: starting at $280


5. Best durable anti-theft backpack: Nomatic

This sleek and chic design from Nomatic is a great choice for anyone looking for a highly durable backpack they can take with them anywhere. Available in 2 sizes (14L and 20L), this backpack is made with study, water-resistant materials and YKK zippers so you can be sure none of your belongings get wet/damaged in transit. There’s also RFID-safe storage and hidden pockets, plus 20% expansion for times when you’re bringing more with you on the return flight.

Price: starting at $260


6. Best laptop anti-theft backpack: Pacsafe

Another excellent product from Pacasfe is their Citysafe® CX Anti-Theft Backpack. This bestselling bag is made from regenerated nylon and is full of organizational features like a 16” laptop pocket, padded phone pocket, and a special spot to hold your reusable water bottle. In terms of security, this pick is ready to protect your valuables with its smart zipper system, cut-resistant materials, and built-in RFID blockers to safeguard against unwanted scans.

Price: starting at $190

Read our full review of the Citysafe CX Convertible Backpack here.


7. Best sling anti-theft backpack: Sherpani

This sporty sling backpack from Sherpani is made from 17 plastic water bottles that have been diverted out of landfills and into this beautiful design. On top of its sustainable materials, this bag is full of anti-theft features like: anti-slash mesh, main zipper click lock, exterior zipper tunnel lock, chair lock loop, and a cut-proof strap to make sure your bag isn’t going anywhere you don’t want it to. Choose from 6 fun color options like Sterling, Copper, and Merlot.

Price: starting at $70


8. Best structured anti-theft backpack: Nordace

The Nordace Siena Smart Backpack has a structured design that makes it possible for this bag to keep its shape whether it’s totally empty or completely full. Another cool feature is that this backpack has adjustable, cushioned shoulder straps that prioritize your comfort for both short trips and long-term journeys. If that wasn’t enough, Nordace has equipped this bag with a hidden, anti-theft pocket so you can safely store your travel wallet, passport, and other valuables.

Price: starting at $110


9. Best lightweight anti-theft backpack: Travelon

Travelon’s Anti-Theft Classic Backpack has a timeless and versatile design that’s renowned for its security features and thoughtful organization. Not only is this bag water- and dirt-resistant, but its patented security system includes everything from a slash-resistant lining and slash-resistant straps, to locking compartments and an RFID-blocking organizer. Weighing in at just over 1 lb, this pack is definitely light enough to take with you anywhere you want to go.

Price: starting at $64


Anti-theft backpacks - common FAQs

Do anti-theft backpacks actually work?

Yes, anti-theft backpacks work well to protect your belongings from being stolen and your credit cards from being scanned. Not only that, but these backpacks help you travel with more peace of mind since you can feel confident all your valuables and travel documents are safely stored.

What is the most secure backpack?

The Anti-Theft Essentials Backpack from Pacsafe is one of the safest bags on the market. Along with having ample space to store your travel essentials, this design has a compartment to hide your phone or wallet, built-in security hooks, slashguard straps, and RFID-blocking pockets and materials to protect your credit cards, passport, and more.

How much do anti-theft backpacks typically cost?

Anti-theft backpacks can really range in price and features. That said, you can find anti-theft bags on Amazon for as low as $30 — while bigger brands like Travelpro, Pacsafe, and Arden Cove typically charge between $100 and $200 for their bags.

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