Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.

If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Stay safe on your travels with these expert-approved picks.

People sitting outside holding backpacks

Credit:Travel + Leisure

One of my favorite pieces of equipment is an anti-theft backpack.

If only Id had that in Nicaragua.

The backpack straps arent particularly secure, tending to loosen with wear.

Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

Credit: Solo NY

It also has a back strap so you could slide it over a luggage handle.

Other anti-theft features include slashproof fabric and wire-reinforced straps.

This versatility has also let us take it into museums, which don’t tend to allow backpacks.

Site Loop: The Travel + Leisure Team Tests the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

That being said, it might be too small to take on longer trips.

Most laptops will be too big to fit inside.

It also offers double-cable, cut-resistant straps and RFID protection on several pockets.

A person carries the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack by the shoulder strap

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Our favorite feature is the locking zippers on the main and back pockets.

Theres even an anti-theft zipper pull hoop on the most easily accessible of the bags two front pockets.

Because its so large, it may be a little heavy for those with a smaller frame.

A person adjusts the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

The Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody comes in a variety of colors and strap styles.

There are also locking zippers on the main and front compartment.

The former fits a 10-inch tablet and has three pockets and a connection point for a key leash.

A person uses a box cutter to cut the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack fabric

The latter acts as a built-in wallet with RFID-blocking fabric, card slots, and a section for bills.

It lacks lockable zippers and cut-resistant straps.

It also includes a separate messenger-style strap.

A person places a water bottle into the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

The fabric is slash-resistant; however, we were able to cut through the straps with the box cutter.

There are also many smaller organization pockets.

In terms of comfort, editor Taylor Fox says, The backpack fits well and has plenty of adjustability.

A person holds open the pocket on the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

It doesnt have slashproof fabric, and the inner lining feels a little flimsy.

We liked that the bag felt relatively lightweight despite its large size.

It offers a padded compartment for laptops of up to 16.3 inches.

A person cuts the strap on the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

On the upside, this compartment is protected by an integrated combination lock.

The shoulder straps and back panels are padded for all-day comfort.

The side slip pocket is too tight for a standard reusable water bottle.

A person zips up the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

It has so many features that we found it a little too complex for casual use.

Designed for on-the-go convenience, it offers top, side, front, and rear access.

The bags UltraZips are extra durable with interlocking pulls.

A person attaches a keychain to the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

We did find these a little too time-consuming to operate but cant deny their effectiveness in deterring thieves.

Finally, the bags padded shoulder straps and hip belt tuck neatly away when not in use.

However, they may still be a worthwhile option for some.

A person places a laptop into the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

Sherpani Soleil Convertible Travel Backpack: We loved this bags style, generous capacity, and thoughtful organization features.

It lost points for flimsy materials and a headphone jack that didnt fit our headphones.

The process for each one was the same.

A person opens the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

First, we familiarized ourselves with the backpacks anti-theft features.

We also used the box cutter on cut-resistant straps.

Next, we fastened the backpacks with a chair lock to a chair leg.

A person places a cell phone into the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

Some models have them all, while others have only a few.

Obviously, the more features your backpack has, the more expensive its likely to be.

It makes sense therefore to think carefully about which are most important for your particular needs.

A person carries the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack by the shoulder strap

These designs are inexpensive but can make all the difference in terms of protecting your belongings.

A sturdy, well-built backpack is especially important when theft is a concern.

Look for high-denier polyester, nylon, or canvas with reinforced stitching and padding on high-wear areas.

A person adjusts the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

The latter are generally marketed especially as anti-theft backpacks, although locking mechanisms can vary greatly.

Anti-theft backpacks often include a pocket lined with RFID-blocking fabric.

However, the latest research suggests that this feature is somewhat redundant, for several reasons.

A person uses a box cutter to cut the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack fabric

There are many anti-theft devices out there for the safety-conscious traveler.

She now travels with lockable luggage and prioritizes slashproof straps and fabric when choosing her backpacks.

Products in this article were chosen according to the results of laboratory tests carried out by the T+L team.

A person places a water bottle into the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

A person holds open the pocket on the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

A person cuts the strap on the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

A person zips up the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

A person attaches a keychain to the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

A person places a laptop into the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

A person opens the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

A person places a cell phone into the Solo NY Stealth Hybrid Backpack

Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack

Credit: Baggallini

Site Loop: The Travel + Leisure Team Tests the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack

A person places a cell phone into the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack pocket

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person removes a wallet from the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack front pocket

A person wears the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack while walking outside

A person holds the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack pocket open

A person removes a credit card from the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack pocket

A person touches a rip in the fabric of the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack

A person cuts the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack strap with a box cutter

A person zips the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack closed

A person unzips the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack

A person unzips the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack

A person places a cell phone into the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack pocket

A person removes a wallet from the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack front pocket

A person wears the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack while walking outside

A person holds the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack pocket open

A person removes a credit card from the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack pocket

A person touches a rip in the fabric of the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack

A person cuts the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack strap with a box cutter

A person zips the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack closed

A person unzips the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack

A person unzips the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack

Pacsafe Exp45 Anti-theft Carry-on Travel Pack

Credit: Pacsafe

Site Loop: The Travel + Leisure Team Tests the Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-on Travel Pack

A person lifts up the strap on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person wears the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person secures travel items in the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person places a wallet into the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person tightens the waist strap on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person places a water bottle into the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person adjusts a lock on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person cuts the strap on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack with a box cutter

A person slices the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack with a box cutter

A person points to a RFID Safe tag on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person places a tablet into the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person lifts up the strap on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person wears the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person secures travel items in the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person places a wallet into the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person tightens the waist strap on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person places a water bottle into the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person adjusts a lock on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person cuts the strap on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack with a box cutter

A person slices the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack with a box cutter

A person points to a RFID Safe tag on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

A person places a tablet into the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack

Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

Credit: Arden Cove

Site Loop: The Travel + Leisure Team Tests the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person throws the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody on the ground

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person unzips the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person places a cell phone into the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person holds the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody by the top handle

A person unzips the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person cuts the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody strap with a box cutter

A person opens the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person places a tablet into the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person sprays water on the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person wears the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody like a backpack

A person throws the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody on the ground

A person unzips the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person places a cell phone into the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person holds the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody by the top handle

A person unzips the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person cuts the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody strap with a box cutter

A person opens the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person places a tablet into the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person sprays water on the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

A person wears the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody like a backpack

XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

Credit: Amazon

Site Loop: The Travel + Leisure Team Tests the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person cuts the strap on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase with a box cutter

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person places travel items into the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person opens the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person places money into the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase pocket

A person holds up a USB cord on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person carries the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase by a side handle

A person pulls on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person uses a box cutter to cut the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person places a laptop inside the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person wears the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person opens a lock on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person cuts the strap on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase with a box cutter

A person places travel items into the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person opens the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person places money into the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase pocket

A person holds up a USB cord on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person carries the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase by a side handle

A person pulls on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person uses a box cutter to cut the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person places a laptop inside the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person wears the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person opens a lock on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

Credit: Amazon

Site Loop: The Travel + Leisure Team Tests the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

A person removes a cell phone and cash from the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack pocket

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person holds the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack open

A person touches the lock on the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

A person wears the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack on their back

A person unzips the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

A person places a jacket into the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

A person places a water bottle into the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

A person holds open the pocket on the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

A person sprays the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack with water

A person wears the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack outside

A person removes a cell phone and cash from the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack pocket

A person holds the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack open

A person touches the lock on the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

A person wears the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack on their back

A person unzips the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

A person places a jacket into the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

A person places a water bottle into the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

A person holds open the pocket on the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack

A person sprays the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack with water

A person wears the SHRRADOO Anti Theft Laptop Backpack outside

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 15L Anti-Theft Daypack

Credit: Amazon

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 15L Anti-Theft Daypack next to a stack of books, laptop, and travel mug

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A closeup of hands holding the Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 15L Anti-Theft Daypack

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 15L Anti-Theft Daypack in front of a white background on a marble counter

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 15L Anti-Theft Daypack next to a stack of books, laptop, and travel mug

A closeup of hands holding the Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 15L Anti-Theft Daypack

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 15L Anti-Theft Daypack in front of a white background on a marble counter

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Credit: REI

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L displayed on a marble surface against a gray wall

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L displayed on a marble surface next to a stack of books, travel mug, and folded clothing

Closeup of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L zipper

Person wearing the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L with chest and waist straps fastened

Person wearing the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L over one shoulder

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L displayed on a marble surface against a gray wall

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L displayed on a marble surface next to a stack of books, travel mug, and folded clothing

Closeup of the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L zipper

Person wearing the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L with chest and waist straps fastened

Person wearing the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L over one shoulder

A person wears the Sherpani Soleil Convertible Travel Backpack on their back

Travel + Leisure

A person holds the front of the Solgaard Lifepack Backpack

Travel + Leisure

Ambor Business Travel Anti-theft Laptop Backpack next to a water bottle, headphones, laptop, and passport on marble surface

Travel + Leisure

A person removes a wallet from the Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack front pocket

Travel + Leisure