15 Anti-theft Travel Bags for Valuables, from $28

If you’ve ever been to a major European city, you know how common pickpocketing is. It happens in an instant. That’s exactly what happened when my mom and I went to Paris a few years ago during Christmas. As we stepped off a crowded bus, I helped her down and caught a girl clutching her bag, ready to grab everything inside. I screamed, chased after him, and luckily, that was enough to drive him away.

Since then, I’ve been scouring the web for an anti-theft bag that I can travel with (and gift to my mom when we travel together). Because these days, it’s not just about having bags that can be locked or have tight straps – thanks to new technology, pickpockets can now steal your data without opening your bag. Armed with tiny handheld RFID readers, thieves can wirelessly scan credit cards or passports from a short distance to capture chip data and clone cards without touching your wallet.

So, between lockable zippers, anti-slash fabric, and RFID blockers, the right bag needs to pull quadruple duty in protecting your belongings. Still, they need to be light enough to carry on long trips or travel days, and stylish enough to keep you from looking like a total tourist. To help, I’ll protect your luggage wherever you travel, but no matter your budget, there’s no need to dash to the embassy to cancel your credit cards and get a new passport. Shop the anti-theft travel bags I’m checking out below before your next trip.

Best deals overall

Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Bag

No list is complete without the PAC SafeGo Anti-Theft Bag. One of the best brands in travel gear, this sleek crossbody is designed with built-in security features like cut-resistant straps and panels, lockable zippers, RFID-blocking pockets, and Paxif’s signature Turnlock Hook system that securely secures the bag to your chair or luggage. Despite all the tech, it still feels lightweight and minimalist, made from recycled, water-resistant fabric. Best of all, it’s under $100.

Bagglini Security Anti-Theft Crossbody

This compact crossbody by Bagglini is packed with security features, including slash-resistant panels, a double cable cut-resistant strap, locking zippers, and RFID-blocking pockets to protect passports and cards. Despite its protective construction, it’s still chic and compact, and made from water-resistant nylon that’s lightweight enough for all-day wear on tours and sightseeing trips. On sale for $60, this is one of the more affordable bags on the market.

Travelton Compact Sling

A great bag to throw on for long days on your feet. It’s designed with the brand’s signature five-point anti-theft system, including slash-resistant construction, locking zippers, and RFID-blocking pockets that keep your cards and data safe and secure. Weighing less than 1 pound, this bag sits comfortably across the body completely hands-free. The price is also reasonable. It’s a travel must-have that lets you feel well-stocked in multiple colors.

Rachel Bloom Smart Crossover

A high-tech twist on classic travel luxury, this elegant crossbody bag is equipped with everything you can imagine to stay safe on your adventures, including a biometric fingerprint lock, RFID protection, and GPS tracking for even greater peace of mind. Not only that, the zippers lock completely and it also comes with an alarm if your bag moves too far from your body. Full-grain, buttery-soft leather adds an element of luxury, making it perfect for travelers who want security without sacrificing style. At around $395, it’s an investment piece, but if you plan to travel a lot, it’s worth the splurge.

Arden Cove Mini Crossbody

The Arden Cove Mini Crossbody is small but mighty, so if you need a bag that doesn’t weigh you down, this is it. Its slash-proof body is also waterproof and comes with locking zippers, RFID blocking card slots, and lockable hooks. Plus, you can add slash-proof straps for an extra level of security. Despite the tough exterior, it’s still effortlessly chic, with subtle gold hardware and six colors to choose from.

Solo Stealth Hybrid Bag

Travellon Anti-Theft Classic Travel Bag

Despite its compact size, this bag is packed with smart protection. It has all the features you want in a standard anti-theft bag, like slash-resistant mesh, locking zippers, and a cut-proof strap to keep pucks at bay. Plus, it has RFID-blocking pockets that keep your cards and passport safe from digital theft, while the organized interior makes it even easier to grab what you need on the go. It’s also lightweight and durable, and comes in four neutral colors that go with literally everything.

Rachel Bloom Smart Bag (with GPS)

Anti-theft meets cosmopolitan chic with this luxurious leather bag. Like the brand’s crossbody above, Rachel Bloom’s bag is packed with security measures to keep your valuables safe, whether on the metro, on the street, or even commuting to work. It has a single fingerprint sensor so only you can open it, a zip lock, a slash-resistant layer, distance monitoring, and even GPS tracking that’s synced in the app. Storage-wise, it also holds a lot, including a laptop, tablet, keys, AirPods, camera, and more.

Arden Cove Victoria Toot

As cute as it is protective, the Victoria Total from Arden Cove was designed to be protective without skimping on style. The easy-to-match colors make it easy to take from work to the bar, or from the plane to the piazza, and it’s also coated with a water-resistant exterior and finished with premium gold hardware. Plus, there’s more to it than meets the eye, making it known for travel and work (or hauling your daughter’s iPad and some of her labs).

Pencil bag for women

Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you don’t deserve protection in your bag. This affordable option is decked out with amazing security, including an anti-theft back zip entry, water-resistant nylon, and strong zippers that resist tampering. Multiple compartments help keep essentials organized and close at hand, while the sleek design pairs with everything from my go-to sweats to my business casuals.

Foldy cross body

When you’re an overpacker like me, bags are often an afterthought because my suitcase is already full. Thankfully, the Foldi Crossday folds up to be super compact for minimal carry but expands to fit everything you need. It features secure zippered pockets, RFID-blocking compartments (take that, digital thieves), and durable construction to help keep your wallet within easy reach. The best part? It comes in 10+ colorways so you can mix and match depending on your outfit, your mood and your vibe.

New Small Crossbody Bag

One of the fastest options on this list, the new Crossbody features hidden compartments with RFID blocking technology to protect your cards and ID from super-savvy pickpockets. Strong hardware and a reinforced strap add security while maintaining a lightweight feel that doesn’t weigh you down. Made from high-quality full-grain leather, it’s as luxurious as it is practical, and comes in 14 colors for quick mix and match.

Pacsafe Cx Convertible Bag

PACSAFE has helped set the standard for anti-theft bags, and their CX is one of the best in their lineup. Not only is this kit made with resistant fabric, lockable zippers, and RFID-safe pockets that stop thieves in their tracks, but it converts from a bag to a handbag in seconds. As a bonus, it is made from recycled materials, making it not only safe, but also durable and long-lasting.

Urban Max Sling Bag

One of the few sling bags on the list, the Urban Max Sling Bag makes the cut by boasting security through its super smart design. Its close-to-the-body strap and hidden pocket make it difficult for anyone (even the most sneaky sneer) to pick it up, while water-resistant materials add to everyday durability. The lightweight and easy-to-carry body makes it the ultimate go-to for city life, hikes, or quick trips.

inicat blocked slingback

Affordable and functional, this comfortable sling bag features an RFID-blocking pocket, hidden compartment, and a cross-body strap that keeps it snug against the body. The lightweight fabric keeps you from weighing down on long travel days, and its simple design pairs effortlessly with everything. Plus, it’s on big sale right now (under $30), so you can stock up on multiple colorways.

Want a great deal? Sign up for our T+L recommends newsletter And we’ll send you our favorite travel products every week.