Best Anti-Theft Travel Bags for Women 2026
Support Travel Fashion Girl by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
Safety is always a top concern when traveling, and having a secure travel purse can make all the difference. We’ve rounded up the best anti-theft travel bags for women. Check out the top anti-theft purse options our readers trust most for keeping their belongings safe on the go!
If you don’t have time to read the entire article, this is the most popular theft proof bag for travel!
What is an Anti Theft Bag?
If you’ve never heard of them before, you may be wondering what an anti theft purse is exactly?
An anti-theft bag is a purse, backpack, or luggage with built-in safety features. It’s designed to help you avoid becoming a victim of theft at home or abroad. They also can be referred to as theft proof bags or slash proof bags.
Best Travel Purses and Anti-Theft Bags Reviews
Below you’ll find the slashproof bags for traveling most recommended by our readers.
Best Crossbody Travel Purses with Safety Features
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic North/South Crossbody
Best Anti Theft Bag for Everyday Travel: Travelon North/South Crossbody
If you’re looking for a sleek, practical purse with serious security, the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic North/South Crossbody might just be your new favorite.
It’s equipped with all the anti-theft features that makes Travelon so popular: slash-resistant body panels, a cut-proof strap, locking zippers, and RFID-blocking pockets to protect your identity.
Ideal for city adventures, day trips and navigating crowded areas, there is plenty of space for your daily essentials. A convenient mesh expansion pocket offers extra room for a water bottle or compact umbrella, perfect for when you’re on the go.
DETAILS: 11.5 x 3.5 x 11 inches | 14.4 ounces | 6.5L Capacity
Travelon Anti Theft Classic Messenger Bag
Best Travel Bags with Space for Just About Everything: Travelon Messenger Purse
I absolutely loved the Classic Messenger Bag for my trip to Europe in 2018. It was very spacious, offered RFID protection, plus it had two compartments for a water bottle and a travel size umbrella. I loved this feature!
Unlike the Classic Cross Body bag, it also has a security feature (lockable zippers) on the outside pocket. However, I’d still recommend keeping valuables in the interior compartments. In addition to the basics, it also will fit a paperback book, small tablet or Kindle, snacks, sunglasses, and more.
DETAILS: 11 x 4.5 x 10 inches | 13.7 ounces | 5L Capacity
Best Seller: Travelon Anti Theft Cross Body Bag
Top Pick for the Best Purse for Travel: Travelon Anti Theft Cross Body
The Travelon Anti-Theft Cross Body Bag is the best selling purse for travel! In fact, our readers say it’s the best travel purse ever!
It has a slim design, featuring slash-proof fabric and an adjustable, cut-proof shoulder strap. You can attach it to any post or chair for added safety, and it also comes with RFID blocking card slots. Without overstuffing it, you can easily carry a small water bottle, travel size umbrella, phone, and other daily essentials.
If you’re wondering what is the best anti theft bag, this is it!
DETAILS: 11.5 x 2.25 x 12.5 inches | 12 ounces | 4.5L Capacity
If you’d prefer a roomier bag and don’t mind carrying weight on your shoulders while sightseeing all day, consider the Classic Messenger Bag shown previously instead.
Travelon Anti-Theft Addison Small Crossbody
Best Stylish Travel Purses with Safety Features: Travelon Addison Crossbody
Travelon has long been a favorite for their practical anti-theft travel purses, and now they’re taking it up a notch with the chic Addison Crossbody. Built with slash-resistant mesh panels and straps, locking compartments, and RFID-blocking pockets, it keeps your essentials safe wherever you go.
The roomy main compartment holds everything you need for sightseeing, commuting, or running errands, making it a stylish and secure companion for fall travels.
DETAILS: 9 x 7.25 x 3.5 inches | 14.7 ounces | 3L Capacity
Best Small Travel Purses with Safety Features
Travelon Anti Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag
Best Purses for Minimalist Travelers: Travelon Mini Shoulder Bag
When we read that this bag has the best features of a large purse without the bulk and the weight – we were sold! The Travelon Classic Mini Anti-Theft Bag is a small travel purse that can carry all your daily essentials.
This slim anti-theft shoulder bag offers a locking main compartment, an RFID pocket for a passport, credit cards slots, and adjustable shoulder straps. It’s ideal for women who prefer a small travel bag or for sightseeing days when you’re not planning to bring as much with you.
DETAILS: 8.5 x 8.5 x 2 inches | 10.6 ounces | 2.5L Capacity
WHERE TO BUY: Macy’s
Travelon Heritage Anti Theft Cross Body Bag
Best Anti Theft Bags for Traveling to Casual Destinations: Travelon Heritage Cross Body
The anti-theft features for Heritage small travel purse include slash-resistant construction, locking compartments, slash-resistant and locking straps to keep you and your belongings protected. In addition, there is a locking front zippered pocket.
The strap can be easily adjusted to fit your height, and if you’re tall, the strap is long enough to allow you to wear the bag comfortably as a cross-body
DETAILS: 9.75 x 7.75 x 2.5 inches | 9.92 ounces | 3L Capacity
WHERE TO BUY: Kohl’s
Best Anti Theft Backpacks with Safety Features
Travelon Signature Slim Anti Theft Backpack
Best Theft Proof Backpack: Travelon Signature Bag
Ever since I started having back issues, I’ve found that purse backpacks are a good alternative to travel handbags because they evenly distribute the weight across my back.
Because of this, I’ve been on the hunt for cute and stylish options, and the Signature Anti Theft Backpack by Travelon was a great find! This is the best anti theft backpack for travelers who want to have a stylish option with all the benefits of a safe travel bag.
The main compartment has RFID blocking card and passport slots, an open top wall pocket, zippered wall pocket and tethered key clip with LED light. There’s a hidden slash pocket under the flap, perfect for sunglasses or a smartphone.
Because of its slim width, it’s a good option for summer travel when you don’t need to carry around extra layers.
DETAILS: 2 x 13 x 11 inches | 16 ounces | 5L Capacity
What Are the Special Features of an Anti-Theft Bag?
There are special safety features found in anti-theft bags:
Slash-Proof Fabric
Thin but strong wire or meshed wire built into the straps so thieves cannot cut into them. Even with the cut proof cables, slash-proof fabric and straps, the bag is relatively lightweight.
Zippers with Locking Latches
One of the most important features in all Travelon anti theft purses is their “lockable” zippers with little latches you can use to avoid pickpockets. The zippers make it more challenging to open your bag. This feature is easy to miss but absolutely essential, and it’s one of the top reasons this brand has the best travel handbags.
One thing to note is that some anti theft bag styles don’t have lockable zippers in smaller exterior pockets. Avoid putting anything of value in the front pockets. Keep things you need easy access to such as chapstick, eye drops, tissues, or some spare change, but store your wallet on the interior zipped compartment closest to your body.
Attach to Your Chair or Table while Dining
Many of the best theftproof travel bags have adjustable shoulder straps, which can be attached to a chair, table, or post using the included carabiner.
RFID Lining
Many bags have extensive RFID blocking organizational pockets and separate areas for credit cards, pens, or interior zippered pouch for money or loose change. RFID lining helps to keep credit card information from being stolen electronically.
Easy to Clean Material
As a bonus, the material is easy to clean and hard wearing, making it ideal for travel. Generally speaking, anti theft travel bags for women are made with a water-resistant nylon making it easy to clean in addition to keeping your belongings dry during light showers.
Versatility
For the most part, theftproof bags are versatile and designed with classic, if not plain, styling. They are available in neutral colors and can be worn with everyday outfits at home just as well when you’re traveling.
Many of our readers also like these travel bags to commute to and from work on public transportation, making it a worthwhile investment.
Tip: Travelers think the best travel bag for women is a cross body style as it can be worn securely across their body instead of wearing it loosely slung on their shoulder. Tip: keep your money extra safe with an RFID Secret Bra Wallet, too!
Using the Travelon Anti Theft Classic Messenger Bag for a 12-Day Europe Trip
How Do I Choose the Best Purse for Travel?
The best purse for international travel may be one that has anti theft features. It’s something an individual traveler has to decide based on their comfort levels with safety.
However, the one thing that all traveling purses should have is an opening with zippers that can be securely closed. Avoid bags with wide openings or faulty clasps.
You also want to consider the weight and size of the bag as you’ll be carrying it for hours while sightseeing. Unless you’re carrying items for other people or children, avoid choosing a bag that’s too big. It should just hold your daily essentials and enough space to store a couple of layers if you’re traveling in cool weather.
Take style into consideration and remember that an outdoors backpack will look out of place in a big city. The idea is to blend in. Choose the style of bag that you would also use at home.
Brands with the Best Anti Theft Bags
There are two main brands that offer the best anti-theft travel bags for women:
Travelon anti theft bags are the most popular option for our readers. They absolutely love this brand, which is why the top selling anti theft travel purse styles are all from Travelon!
If you’re looking for the best travel bags with security features, Travelon has a wide variety of options. If you’re on the hunt for a no-frills unisex anti-theft bag, then Pacsafe might be your best bet.
For a more traditional women’s travel purse, Travelon has a large collection of styles in all shapes, colors, fabrics, and sizes.
In comparison to PacSafe, Travelon offers various options for small travel bags such as the ones shown above.
The details are what stand out the most. I particularly like the metal hardware, which makes the designs look like “regular” purses.
Where Pacsafe truly excels is its anti theft backpacks. Pacsafe offers them in various sizes, including larger carry-on styles, which open from the side to give you full access to all your belongings.
When we researched their favorites, the vast majority of readers preferred the Travelon brand over any other brand.
Are All Travelon Bags Anti Theft?
Yes, all Travelon bags are anti-theft. While some of our readers do buy Pacsafe or anti-theft purses from other brands, the vast majority do prefer Travelon.
I viewed each of their entire collections and found them to be quite distinct in what they had to offer.
Watch this video for more tips on how to keep your stuff safe while traveling.
How to Use Anti-Theft Travel Bags
Whether you choose to use anti-theft travel bags for women or regular purses, always follow these precautions:
- Choose a cross body purse and always wear the strap across your body; don’t wear the strap hung over one shoulder.
- Avoid carrying all your valuables (including your passport) in your travel purse in busy tourist areas or when attending markets or festivals.
- Use additional anti-theft products like a bra pouch or money belt to hide the majority of your cash. Only carry the money in your wallet that you’ll need for the day. See a full listing of anti-theft products here!
- Have your bag positioned toward the front, not against your back side.
- Hold your purse close to you when in crowded trains or public transportation.
- Avoid walking next to the street where your travel purse could be yanked from your arm by a motorbike or vehicle.
- Look up scams and thefts in your travel destination. For example, search topics like “Bali scams” or “Tourist theft risks in Barcelona.”
For more tips, please read how to keep your passport safe while traveling!
Watch my video on TPSY TV for a few more anti-theft products.
Top Anti-Theft Bag Alternatives
Items featured in video (in order as shown)
Please note: The anti-theft travel purse suggestions and tips offered here are meant to encourage cautious travel but cannot guarantee that theft won’t occur.
The Benefits of Anti-Theft Travel Purses
No matter which destination you’re traveling to, safety should always be a top priority. Anti theft slash proof bags can help protect your belongings by making it more difficult for thieves to rip your bag or cut the strap.
- In Paris: A traveler shared a story of seeing someone’s entire purse get slashed from the bottom. Everything fell out, allowing the thieves to grab it and run.
- In Tanzania: A volunteer was mugged for her purse with a knife (in which case it doesn’t matter what type of purse you have – just hand it over).
- In Madrid: An expat had her belongings stolen when walking home late at night.
- In Southeast Asia: It’s common for thieves on motorbikes to drive past you and cut or rip the strap of your travel purse from your arm, in some cases, dragging you with them. Read one traveler’s story here.
While there are reports of thefts from travelers, there is a much higher number of people who’ve never experienced anything even close to these scary situations.
These stories are not meant to scare you. That’s the last thing I want you to feel, the world is a much safer place than we give it credit for. It’s good to be well-informed and cautious, but please don’t feel paranoid.
Fortunately, in many years of full time travel, I’ve never had my travel bag, purse, or any other belongings stolen (so far).
So, while theft does occur, it shouldn’t deter you from enjoying your travels.
Where Can I Buy an Anti Theft Purse or Travel Bag?
You can find theft proof bag brands in travel stores or department stores, but we prefer Macy’s or Kohl’s as it’s easy to shop and you can usually find the best deals, too!
The Travelon Crossbody Bag in black is the most popular anti theft purse for travel! You can buy it at Macy’s.
So, What Is the Best Travel Purse? Do You Really Need an Anti-Theft Bag?
Ultimately, whether you need an anti-theft bag is up to your personal comfort level. Some travelers feel more confident in knowing they have their belongings secured while others are perfectly comfortable with their regular handbag.
Pick pockets tend to target busy tourist areas in large cities all over the world; some female travelers feel safer with an anti theft purse vs. a regular purse.
The best travel purses are the ones that give you the most confidence. Being a confident traveler who’s vigilant and aware of her surroundings is one of the best ways to stay safe.
Looking for even more options? Here are five more styles to consider:
Best Travel Bags for Style: Arden Cove Cross Body
If you’re a searching for a more “fashionable” theft proof purse, look no further!
The Arden Cove Crissy Crossbody looks like a high-end handbag but functions as a discreet safe travel purse. Made from water-resistant materials and equipped with anti-theft features like locking zippers and RFID-blocking lining, this bag keeps your essentials secure and your style on point.
There are a range of color and strap options to choose from, so you can personalize your bag to match your travel wardrobe or switch up your look from day to night. It is easily the best traveling purse for Europe and other major destinations!
DETAILS: 13.75 x 3 x 11.5 inches | 0.63 ounces | 6L Capacity
WHERE TO BUY: Arden Cove
Looking for even more versatility in your travel purse? The Arden Cove Anti-Theft Camel Convertible Backpack Purse transforms from a backpack to a crossbody, giving you multiple ways to wear it to suit your needs.
PacSafe Citysafe Cx Anti-theft Convertible Crossbody Bag
Best Large Stylish Anti Theft Travel Bag: PacSafe Citysafe Cx Convertible Crossbody
I love that PacSafe is designing chicer looking anti theft travel bags such as their Citysafe Cx Collection. I particularly like the look of the hardware and zippers. It offers good functionality without sacrificing style or space.
This stylish crossbody is made from regenerated nylon which expands to offer extra space when needed and even has room for a tablet. It’s very easy to switch from a small purse to a large crossbody bag in seconds and also has an adjustable, padded shoulder strap which is detachable.
DETAILS: 3.2 x 10.2 x 11 inches | 10.4 ounces | 3.5L Capacity
WHERE TO BUY: Pacsafe | Backcountry | Nordstrom
Sherpani Soleil Anti Theft Backpack
Best Convertible Anti Theft Backpack: Sherpani Soleil 3in1
In recent years, the Sherpani Soleil 3 in 1 convertible backpack has become a favorite with our readers! Super versatile, you can wear it as a crossbody, use it as a tote or backpack and it comes loaded with anti-theft features; including anti-slash fabric, zip locks, RFID blocking protection, and a looping lock system for chairs or table legs.
It has numerous compartments to hold anything from a phone to a water bottle, or a small makeup bag, and there’s a laptop sleeve as well as a luggage sleeve. And the way it looks? This TFG reader doesn’t hold back, “Wow! It’s beautiful, functional and affordable!”
DETAILS: 4.72 x 11.02 x 14.96 inches | 26.6 ounces | 18L Capacity | Water-Resistant Fabric
WHERE TO BUY: Sherpani | Nordstrom
Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Memento Crossbody Bag
Best Lightweight Crossbody for Travel: Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Memento Crossbody Bag
If you’re looking for a compact anti-theft purse that works for both travel days and everyday use, the Baggallini Securtex Memento Crossbody is a lightweight water resistant option that doesn’t compromise on security.
It features Baggallini’s Securtex anti-theft technology, including slash-resistant panels, a cut-resistant strap, locking zippers and RFID-blocking card slots. The adjustable strap makes it easy to wear as a crossbody or shoulder bag, depending on your style and comfort.
Don’t let its slim profile fool you, there’s just enough space to carry your must-haves like a phone, passport, wallet, keys, and a few other small essentials.
DETAILS: 9.75 x 7 x 1.5 inches | 8 ounces
WHERE TO BUY: Baggallini | Nordstrom
Note: Even if you use safe travel bags like the ones featured in this post, never carry all your money and credit cards while sightseeing. Hide the majority of your cash in a bra pouch then store the money you’ll need for the day in your anti-theft purse.
Sherpani Camden Anti Theft Convertible Backpack
Best Anti Theft Convertible Shoulder Bag: Sherpani Camden Bag
The one downside that you may experience if using a backpack as your travel purse is that some attractions such as museums or historic sites don’t allow backpacks.
This is where the Sherpani Camden solves this potential issue and wins as an awesome anti theft backpack. You can turn it into a shoulder bag at a moment’s notice. With an RFID lining at the front lower pocket, your credit card and passport are tucked away and safe from hacking technology.
DETAILS: 5.5 x 11 x 16 inches | 24.8 ounces | 19L Capacity
Pacsafe Citysafe CX 17L Anti Theft Backpack
Best Theft-Proof Backpacks with Laptop Sleeve: Pacsafe Citysafe Bag
For jetsetters traveling with a laptop and are concerned about using a backpack in public spaces, the classic Pacsafe Citysafe Backpack is a roomy option with space for a 16-inch laptop.
With interlocking zippers and cut proof material (lightweight steel mesh) to prevent theft/pickpocketing, it’s very lightweight at 1.54lbs. It also has a Turn and Lock Security Hook that you can use to secure this backpack to fixtures, which is particularly useful if you’re dining outdoors.
DETAILS: 10.6 x 6.3 x 15.4 inches | 24 ounces | 17L Capacity | Trolley Sleeve
WHERE TO BUY: Pacsafe | Backcountry | Nordstrom
See a full listing of anti-theft products here!
What are some of the precautions you take when you travel to keep your valuables safe? What do you think is the best travel bag for women? Share and comment below!
To learn more travel safety tips, please read:
LIKE THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
I hope you liked this post on the best anti-theft travel purses. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
