Backpacks have been increasingly popular over the past decade or so. Relegated for years to hikers and adventurers, today many business travelers prefer the simplicity and practicality of a backpack. But even backpacks can be overkill for everyday use. Enter the Daypack. Smaller, lighter and less bulky, the daypack is ideal for vacations or daily outings. When traveling around town a daypack is perfect for carrying your most essential needs like water, snacks, cameras or even a change of clothes.
While convenience is a vital component when selecting the right daypack for yourself, security should play a role as well. This is why we have chosen only anti-theft daypacks in our list. Each of the daypacks on our list have features that will make you feel more secure as you go through your day. The sophistication of anti-theft daypacks have improved immeasurably over the past few decades.
We all have our individual preferences and priorities so we’ve put together a list of our favorite anti-theft daypacks with an eye on different features that might appeal to your personal tastes and inclinations.
Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 15L Anti-Theft Laptop Daypack
Pacsafe is the original anti-theft brand for backpacks. While the Metrosafe is specifically designed for urban use it’s just as practical for any daily travel. It can fit a 13” laptop, water bottles, snacks, a camera and even a change of clothes. It is designed to be comfortable as well as practical. Great for local day trips, commuting or as a carry-on.
Manufacturer: Pacsafe
Practical Features
- Capacity: 15L
- Weight: 1.46 lbs
- Dimensions: 16.5″H x 11.6″W x 5″D
- Built-in rain cover
- Padded interior to protect contents
- (2) Side water bottle pockets
- Padded inside exterior (easy on your back)
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps for comfort
- Water resistant surface
- 5-year warranty
Security Features
- (2) Exterior lockable zipper pockets to deter pickpockets
- Sewn-in cut-proof steel mesh beneath the fabric
- Turn-and-lock security hooks
- Webbing straps for durability
- RFID & micro-chip reader blocking pocket for storing passports and credit cards
- Padded laptop sleeve
- (1) key & wallet clip
Price Range: List: $99.95 Amazon: $99.95
The Good and the Bad: This gem is the most versatile pack on our list. On the downside the Metrosafe does not have a trolley handle pass-thru pocket used to slip over a luggage handle for easy transport. Not a deal killer but it’s a preferred feature. While the straps are adjustable they are designed (and sized) for adults only, not kids.
Pacsafe Venturesafe X12 Anti-Theft Outdoor Daypack
If security is your #1 feature then look no further than this fantastic option. The Venturesafe X12 is simply the most secure daypack available. It means spending a bit more up-front but it could pay for itself many times over. And with its warranty package and durable build that could be for quite some time.
Manufacturer: Pacsafe
Practical Features
- Capacity: 15L
- Weight: 1.64 lbs
- Dimensions: 18.1″H x 10.2″W x 6.3″D
- Water repellant material that dries very quickly once wet
- Extra cushions on the straps and inside back
- (2) Side water bottle pockets
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps for comfort
- 5-year bag warranty + 2-year accessory warranty
Security Features
- Slash-proof strap that can be locked to any secure item like a table or rail
- Hidden pocket for valuable like keys, passport or credit cards
- Double enforced security clip that locks zippers in place
- RFID & micro-chip reader blocking pocket for credit cards and passports
Price Range: List: $69.97 – $99.99 Amazon: $99.95
The Good and the Bad: The design of the Venturesafe X12 is very comfortable and you won’t find a more secure pack on the market. It is on the pricey side but this is the Rolls-Royce of anti-theft daypacks. Smaller capacity size can be an issue if you like to carry a lot around with you on your daily outings. A positive would be disciplining yourself to only pack absolute necessities. Probably best anyway.
Pacsafe Slingsafe LX300 Anti-Theft Backpack
THE GLOVETROTTERS BEST PICK
This 20L backpack is right at the end of the range for what separates a daypack from a backpack. We include the Slingsafe if the anti-theft features are important to you but you just want a little more capacity. This makes it versatile enough to use as a small backpack or a small daypack without having to purchase one of each.
Manufacturer: Pacsafe
Practical Features
- Capacity: 20L
- Weight: 1.12 lbs
- Dimensions: 17.3″H x 11.4″W x 5.5″D
- Easy to clean (just use baby wipes)
- Water-resistant (not water-proof)
- Can fit a 15” laptop
- Deep main pocket
- Padded straps providing less stress on your shoulders
Security Features
- TurnNLock security hooks
- Metallic mesh material to prevent knife cutting
- Carrysafe slashguard straps virtually impossible to cut through
- Turn-and-lock hook to secure on any immovable object
- Secured zip tabs plus zip clip to discourage pickpockets
- RFID & micro-chip reader blocking pocket for safekeeping passports and credit cards
Price Range: List: $69.95 Amazon: $61.99
The Good and the Bad: The Slingsafe is a perfect daypack. It is attractive, roomy, lightweight and totally secure. The only downside is the lack of side pockets for carrying water. Since it’s a 20L pack there is more room inside but no quick-and-easy accessibility as you walk. Be aware that if you’ve stuffed the bag full the front pocket can be difficult to access.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack
This 20L backpack is right at the end of the range for what separates a daypack from a backpack. We include the Slingsafe if the anti-theft features are important to you but you just want a little more capacity. This makes it versatile enough to use as a small backpack or a small daypack without having to purchase one of each.
Manufacturer: Travelon
Practical Features
- Capacity: 18L
- Weight: 1.25 lbs
- Dimensions: 16″H x 12″W x 6″D
- Water-resistant
- Zippered front organizer for cards, pens, small supplies
- Easy access and roomy side pockets including a handy vertical zipper pocket
- Built-in flashlight
Security Features
- Slash-resistant stainless steel mesh in all body panels
- RFID blocking slots for securely storing credit cards, hotel keys, etc.
- Adjustable steel cable reinforced shoulder straps
- Lock down straps, with a tight spring mechanism, and compartments to discourage pickpockets
Price Range: List: $78.75 Amazon: $51.75
The Good and the Bad: We love the roomy, and practical, side pockets. They are wide, deep and easy to get to. The design provides surprising depth for more storage. About the only complaints are the occasional zipper sticks, the top opening is a bit small and there are no interior slots large enough for a passport.
Kopack Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
The Kopack is stylishly designed for women with very clean lines, hidden zippers yet, surprisingly, only in black and grey. It is equally practical as a business travel pack or a daypack for vacations with numerous features that work well for either endeavor.
Manufacturer: Kopack
Practical Features
- Capacity: 20L
- Weight: 1.94 lbs
- Dimensions: 18.9″H x 14.2″W x 5.5″D
- Adjustable, padded, laptop slot fit for 13-15” devices
- Padded shoulder straps and back for additional support and comfort
- Water repellant surface that is easily cleanable and keeps contents dry
- Luggage strap to easily fit on top of rolling luggage handle
- Hidden earphone Hole for listening to music as you stroll
Security Features
- Stealth zipper design so thieves cannot access easily
- Noctilucent (glow-in-the-dark) strips on the back makes it easy to spot once the sun goes down
- Hidden pockets located in bottom and side pockets for easy accessibility and storage of valuables
Price Range: Amazon: $40.99
The Good and the Bad: The coolest feature of the Kopack is the way it opens up completely, much like a suitcase. No more fishing around in the dark for your belongings! It also has a handle at the top that is real convenient when you just need to grab it for a second to move. Can also pair nicely with luggage handle when rolling through the airport. Only downside is a lack of anti-theft features like steel reinforced material or RFID blocking but the interior provides ample safe spaces for your valuables.
Travelon Anti-Theft Urban Backpack
Designed specifically for city use, this Travelon still has all of the security features you’d expect as well as a practical design. One of the larger options listed here, the Urban Backpack is also a bit heavier and compact. Consider if you need bit more storage room for your journeys.
Manufacturer: Travelon
Practical Features
- Capacity: 25L
- Weight: 1.49 lbs
- Dimensions: 18″H x 13″W x 6.2″D
- Water-resistant
- Zippered front organizer features RFID blocking card and passport slots
- Easy access and roomy side pockets including a handy vertical zipper pocket
- Padded and fleece lined compartment for both your tablet and a 15” laptop
- Top grab handle with neoprene for easy one-hand pick-up and slide down atop your wheeled carry-on luggage
- Built-in LED flashlight
Security Features
- Slash-resistant stainless steel mesh in all body panels
- RFID blocking slots for securely storing credit cards, hotel keys, etc.
- Adjustable steel cable reinforced shoulder straps
Price Range: $136.50 Amazon: $71.75
The Good and the Bad: At some point your choice will come down to personal preference. The Urban excels at providing a compartment for everything from your phone and tablet to a water bottle or even camera. About the only downside is the size. Not recommended if you’re under 5’5”.
Pacsafe Unisex Citysafe CX Anti-Theft 17L Backpack
The Citysafe is designed specifically for women and can serve as either a backpack or a large purse. It has a deep design and multiple compartments for organization. Of course it also features all of the security features that Pacsafe is known for providing.
Manufacturer: Pacsafe
Practical Features
- Capacity: 17L
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Dimensions: 14.6″H x 10.6″W x 6.3″D
- Easy to clean (just use baby wipes)
- Water-resistant (not water-proof)
- Can fit a 13” laptop
- Padded straps that are easier on your shoulders
- Luggage slip to easily fit on top of rolling luggage handle
- Outside pocket for easily accessible water bottle
Security Features
- TurnNLock security hooks
- Metallic mesh material to prevent knife cutting
- Carrysafe slashguard straps virtually impossible to cut through
- Turn-and-lock hook to secure on any immovable object
- Secured zip tabs plus zip clip to discourage pickpockets
- RFID & micro-chip reader blocking pocket for safe keeping passports and credit cards
Price Range: $129.95 Amazon: $129.95
The Good and the Bad: This pack is top-of-line quality, durability and style. Unfortunately, the price also reflects that. If you are looking to only buy one travel daypack, this is the one to get. It will last you a long time and not let you down.
As you can see, Pacsafe somewhat dominates the anti-theft daypack market. It makes sense as they were first to market with the concept and it is the focus of their other products as well. In our experience it is worth spending a few extra bucks for the peace of mind, and travelling confidence, that comes along with not worrying about theft or pickpockets when enjoying your day.
Please let us know if we left an anti-theft daypack off our list that you have enjoyed.
