A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated Oct. 04, 2024
When searching for the best Pacsafe backpack, we couldn't choose just one. Here's why our testers dubbed these styles as their favorites.
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Whether you’re running errands around town or sightseeing in a new city, an anti-theft bag is the best way to keep your belongings safe from pickpockets. They feature built-in safety features, such as anti-slash materials, locks and radio frequency identification (RFID)-blocking capabilities, so you can enjoy stress-free travel. Our team of expert product testers put 15 anti-theft bags to the test, and there’s one brand that really stood out from the rest. Four Pacsafe bags made our list of best anti-theft bags including two travel backpacks.
The Pacsafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack and the Pacsafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack both scored high marks for their stylish design, roomy interiors and smart zipper security. “Overall, Pacsafe was our favorite brand. The anti-theft locks and slash-proof features were outstanding,” says associate product tester, Sheri Kaz, who also raved about the brand’s helpful website. Though the two backpacks might seem similar at first glance, they’re actually quite different. Read on for everything you need to know about Pacsafe anti-theft backpacks.
The Pacsafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack is a lightweight backpack made of recycled fishing nets, plastic bottles and other nylon waste. Recycled polyester is used for the interior lining. Speaking of the interior, this Pacsafe backpack is roomy with plenty of organizational pockets and a structured top. “I love how this roomy backpack has a structured top that stays open when unzipped. Plus, it stands upright, so it’s easy to pack,” raves Kaz. “It’s so much easier than rifling through a floppy-topped bag, and the laptop slides in and out in seconds. No more fumbling around blindly looking for the contents. The light gray interior helps to keep me organized because it’s easy to see, and the pockets are laid out conveniently. I highly recommend this bag.”
More importantly, this backpack has tons of anti-theft features. Cut-resistant materials and straps, RFID-blocking capabilities and smart zipper security keep your belongings safe wherever you go. This backpack comes in four colors and is large enough to hold a 16-inch Macbook Pro.
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This backpack is made of recycled fishing nets and plastic bottles and is large enough to hold a 16-inch MacBook Pro.
The Pacsafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack is made of the same sustainable material as the Pacsafe backpack listed above. It also features the same cut-resistant materials and straps, RFID-blocking capabilities and smart zipper security. But unlike the other Pacsafe backpack, this one can be worn in two ways: as a backpack or folded down into a handbag. An internal magnet keeps the folded-down purse flap in place, and the strap hooks have extra locking features.
This convertible Pacsafe backpack is available in three colors and has enough room to hold an 11-inch iPad Pro when being used as a backpack.
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This lightweight backpack has room for an 11-inch iPad Pro and can be worn as a backpack or folded down into a handbag.
The puffy exterior of these backpacks caused a stir as soon as they entered our Testing Lab. Though they acknowledged that the puffy look isn’t timeless, our team loved the colors and described the bags as poofy and cute. They were also impressed by the straps on both bags, noting they were softer than others they had tested. Once they were done inspecting each backpack, they immediately got to testing them out. Our team began by filling each backpack with an appropriate assortment of items, including keys, a wallet, sunglasses and a book, along with a few other daily essentials, and walking around for 15 minutes to assess each backpack’s comfort and ergonomics.
The Pacsafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack passed the comfort test with flying colors, thanks to its sturdy padded straps. The only thing our testers didn’t love about this bag was the zippers. They noted that its lockable zippers are mostly easy to use, but they can get a little stuck. Additionally, Kaz felt that the large plastic zipper teeth cheapened the overall look. However, she insists that the bag as a whole feels quite durable and that the brand’s Roobar-style locking zipper system is a superior locking system.
The same can be said for the Pacsafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack. As mentioned above, our team pointed out that the straps on this bag are softer than other styles they had tested. However, because it’s a convertible bag, it wasn’t as easy to slip on quickly. “When worn as a backpack, the straps simply slide through a loop, so it’s a little hard to get on and off because the body of the backpack flops around,” explains Kaz. “You have to ‘work it on.'” And while it was manageable to carry around when filled with our test items, it became uncomfortable after 15 minutes. “It started to hurt a little where the front of the straps were resting when worn as a backpack,” says Kaz.
On the other hand, our long-term tester, Paul Klawien, didn’t experience any discomfort while wearing this Pacsafe backpack for an extended period of time. After spending time at the zoo and a museum, Klawien insists that the bag was comfortable. His only complaint was that it seemed to trap in the heat on his back. And while he agreed with our testers that the zippers are mostly easy to use, he also found that they could get stuck at times.
Though this convertible Pacsafe backpack is trendy and convenient, Klawien’s wife, who also tried out the bag, points out that it may not be for everyone. “This backpack bag is convertible, but as a mom who wants to use the most space as possible, it is not as practical, and therefore, I would only have purchased this for the backpack option,” she says. “But one thing that I did like about this backpack being convertible is that I was able to attach it to my stroller, so I did not need to wear it at all times.”
After our testers were through assessing the overall comfort of these backpacks, it was time to test their anti-theft capabilities. Most notably, are they indeed cut-resistant? Our team used a box cutter to find out. They slashed each bag’s body and straps. The good news is that our box cutter didn’t even leave a mark on the straps. The not-so-good news is that it did slice through the first layer of fabric, leaving behind big gashes on each backpack. However, it did not cut all the way through to the interior of the bag.
Overall, Klawien and our experts on the Product Testing Team agree that these bags are on the pricey side. That said, they are money well spent, given their overall durability, comfort and performance—especially if you can snag one on sale!
At Reader’s Digest, we know how important it is to have peace of mind wherever you are. Whether you’re exploring a new city, taking your kids to the zoo or simply running errands around town, it’s imperative that you feel safe. That’s why we love products like zipperless luggage and anti-theft bags, which deter thieves. As a diverse mix of travelers, parents and pet owners who know how easy it is to become distracted or disoriented while out and about, our editors and testers have years of personal experience trying to keep our purses safe. As shopping experts, we only recommend products that live up to their hype.
Our product testing experts on the Product Testing Team spent around 36 hours in our Testing Lab carefully inspecting 15 anti-theft bags and considering each bag’s anti-theft capabilities, comfort and wearability, durability, capacity and functionality. Our testers spent several hours carefully inspecting each of these Pacsafe backpacks. We also had one of our testers carry the convertible Pacsafe backpack on several all-day adventures with children in tow to see how it holds up to real-life use. “I feel that it is more of a practical look and design,” says Klawien. “I like that it is smaller in size than a normal backpack, which can make it more stylish than other backpack bag options out there.”
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Padded straps make this anti-theft backpack comfortable for all-day wear.
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Our long-term tester spent several days wearing this backpack while out and about with their children and found it to be comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Originally Published: October 04, 2024
