10 Best Anti-Theft Purses and Travel Bags
For most women who travel, safety is always a top-of-mind concern. This is especially true if you’re embarking on a solo travel adventure. No matter where your travels take you, you want to make sure you (and your belongings) are safe from morning ‘till night. To keep your ID, cards, and other valuables away from prying hands, investing in a quality anti-theft purse is the way to go. (Don’t worry—they make ‘em cute nowadays.) These are our favorite picks for anti-theft travel purses and bags.
Anti-theft features don’t have to be ugly
Who says safety can’t be sexy? Today, anti-theft purses are secure enough to protect your belongings—but chic enough to complement your #OOTD style. But of course, you need to know what to look for when you shop.
If you’re trying to figure out how to pick the best anti-theft purse for travel, be sure to look for bags with secure zippers, slash-resistant fabric, and lots of pockets. Unlike Mom's tacky fanny packs from the ‘80s, many of today’s anti-theft purses are made of luxe (slash-resistant) materials and come with multiple straps to help you transition from backpack to crossbody purse to tote to clutch.
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10 best secure and anti-theft travel purses (RFID-blocking features, cut-resistant straps, and more)
1. Best overall anti-theft purse: Arden Cove
A true knockout when it comes to anti-theft purses, this pick from Arden Cove doesn’t just help you stow your valuables securely—it also helps you stay organized. The Crissy Full Crossbody with Faux Leather Strap features two wall pockets, a zipper pocket, and a built-in wallet. Alongside your cards, phone, passport, and lip balm, there’s even room for a Kindle or small novel so you can read as you roam. Best of all, this anti-theft purse comes with a detachable, slash-resistant crossbody strap so you can go hands-free during the day and then sport it clutch-style at night.
For more insight, read our full review of the Crissy Full Crossbody bag here.
Price: $129
2. Best convertible anti-theft purse: Pacsafe
When you’re on the go, you usually need to pack more in your day purse than your usual wallet-phone-keys trifecta. This is why we love the Citysafe® CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack from Pacsafe. The crossbody bag can easily convert into a backpack, giving you extra room to stash travel must-haves like your passport and backup charger, while a host of anti-theft features give you extra protection. Think cut-resistant anchor straps, smart zippers, an eXomesh® slashguard, RFIDsafe™ blocking pockets and material, and a TurnNLock security hook. Now that’s some tough stuff!
Price: $139
For more insight, read our full review of the Citysafe CX Convertible Backpack here.
3. Best compact anti-theft crossbody purse: Baggalllini
We don’t care what others say. Sometimes, bigger isn’t always better. For those days on the road when you really want to lighten your load, try the Securtex® Anti-theft Activity Crossbody Bag from Baggallini. This anti-theft crossbody purse weighs in at just 8 ounces and only 5.25 X 7.5 inches. But good things come in small packages! With water-resistant nylon, slash-resistant Securtex® fabric, and locking zippers, this nifty crossbody packs a powerful anti-theft punch—without weighing you down. It’s also available in eight different colors and prints, like Ruby Red, Midnight Blossom Print, and Portobello. Because who says you can’t have it all?
Price: $40
4. Best no-frills anti-theft purse: Pacsafe
When considering travel gear focused on anti-theft features, Pacsafe should be your preferred choice, which is precisely why we've highlighted two of their products in this list. If you’re looking for an anti-theft purse that covers the basics, then we recommend the Citysafe® CX Anti-Theft Square Crossbody from Pacsafe. Its compact yet spacious design includes RFID-blocking pockets to safeguard personal information, while the eXomesh slashguard material and Carrysafe slashguard strap deter theft attempts. The bag's innovative locking system, Roobar Sport, enhances protection, and the zip clip can be secured to a fixed object for added peace of mind.
Price: $89
For more insight, read our full review of the Citysafe® CX Anti-Theft Square Crossbody here.
5. Best water-resistant anti-theft purse: Kipling
Traveling to a new locale means there’s no telling what Mother Nature will throw at you. Make sure you’re ready for anything with the Gabbie Crossbody from Kipling. Made from the brand’s signature water-resistant, easy-to-clean crinkled nylon, this anti-theft purse helps you keep both raindrops and pickpockets at bay. With six zipper pockets (two in the front; two on the side; and two inside), you’ll never have to worry about your cards, keys, or ID coming loose and falling out. Plus, this classic Kipling bag weighs only 0.9 lbs, making it the perfect lightweight companion for long travel days.
Price: $83
6. Best fold-over anti-theft purse: Sherpani
The fold-over purse design is a classic for that effortless, boho look. And bonus: It’s also a great choice for keeping out the pickpockets. But if you ever feel like changing up your boho look, know that the Vale Anti-Theft Crossbody Purse from Sherpani gives you options. With two straps (an 18-inch removable tote strap and a 56-inch removable/adjustable crossbody strap), this fold-over anti-theft purse easily transforms from crossbody to classic travel tote to fold-over silhouette, as you please. Shop it in five classic neutral hues, and always enjoy the security and efficiency of four zipper pockets, two slip pockets, and a key fob.
Price: $69
7. Best anti-theft backpack purse: S-Zone
Traveling with a backpack is comfy and convenient … but are we the only ones who get a little nervous leaving all our belongings out of sight? For your next trip, try leveling up your basic backpack with this anti-theft pick from S-Zone. The Anti-Theft Soft Rucksack features a specially-designed large zipper pocket on its backside; this compartment stays flush against your back so no bad actors can sidle up and try to swipe your wallet. Not ready to fully commit to the backpack life? This anti-theft backpack also comes with an extra shoulder strap, so you can change it up and wear it as a tote or shoulder bag depending on your mood.
Price: $79
8. Best RFID-blocking anti-theft purse: Vera Bradley
There’s only one thing worse than losing your credit card while you’re traveling: having it stolen! For extra peace of mind whether you’re traveling near or far, consider packing an RFID-blocking anti-theft purse for your next vacation, like this one from Vera Bradley. Outfitted with RFID-blocking technology, the Mini Hipster Crossbody Purse is your chic partner in crime to help you safeguard your credit cards on the go. Made out of lightweight, breathable cotton, this anti-theft purse also comes with a built-in wallet, a slip pocket, a zip pocket, and an ID window so everything has a place—and stays securely in it.
Price: $60
9. Best anti-theft messenger bag: Travelon
Pockets, pockets, pockets galore! That’s what you get with this anti-theft messenger bag from Travelon, along with washability, peace of mind, and adaptability. Durable and water-resistant, the Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag features two multi-organizational compartments with both zippered and slip pockets, a front magnetic flap to hide another zippered pocket, and two exterior zippered mesh water bottle pockets. Whew—but there’s more! Travelon’s patented anti-theft security system also gives you slash-resistant lining, slash-resistant straps, locking compartments, and an RFID-blocking organizer for cards. TLDR; the classic black design can’t be beaten when it comes to anti-theft functionality, and it’s also giving Y2K fashion vibes. (We’re here for it.)
Price: $50
10. Best leather anti-theft purse: Lo & Sons
When it comes to water resistance, rugged nylon gets it done every day of the week. But what if you want to look chic on your European vacation? Enter the Pearl from Lo & Sons. This leather anti-theft purse is as sexy and sleek as it is safe and secure, so you’ll not only protect yourself from the pickpockets but blend in with the locals. Available in your choice of Saffiano Leather, Nappa Leather, or Cactus Leather, this elegant anti-theft purse comes in a whopping 21 different colors, each packed with nifty pockets to secure your gear, so you never have to sacrifice style for safety.
Price: $178
For more insight, read our full review of the Pearl here.
What features should I look for in an anti-theft purse?
For international travel, it’s time to bring out the big guns. That means you want to look for an anti-theft purse that’s chock-full of robust safety features. Not sure what to prioritize? As you compare anti-theft purses for your next trip, keep these four features in mind to help you make your final decision:
Versatility
We love to see versatile pieces in our travel wardrobe—and that goes for our bags, too! That’s why most of the anti-theft purses in our round-up come with adjustable and/or removable straps so you can wear your bag over your shoulder, across your body, or securely in your hands, wherever you go.
Secure zippers
Save your wide-open tote bags for days at your local beach. When you’re on the road and traveling in a foreign locale, secure zippers are a must-have for an anti-theft purse. And we’re not talking about just any old zipper. Look for anti-theft bags with special secure zippers that you can tether to another tab or loop. This type of design prevents would-be thieves from walking by you and sneakily unzipping your bag.
Strong fabric
Next to secure zippers, a strong fabric is the foundation of any good anti-theft purse. Leather is a classic standby for durability and robustness. But if you’re feeling extra cautious, you can also bring it up a notch with slash-resistant, water-resistant materials. Pro tip: Even if the whole bag isn’t made out of slash-resistant materials, it’s a good idea to look for slash-resistant straps to prevent pickpockets from making off with your bag in a busy crowd.
RFID protection
Today, many contactless payment cards feature RFID chips. While these cards are handy for us to use on the go, they can also be handy for would-be criminals who want to scan your cards to skim your personal information. While not necessary for every card in your wallet, RFID (radio frequency identification)-blocking technology is another layer of protection to consider in an anti-theft purse if you want extra peace of mind on the road.
Wrapping Up
Of course, you can definitely travel without an anti-theft purse and still stay safe from pickpockets. But while you’re standing in front of the Eiffel Tower focused on getting the IG-perfect snap, wouldn’t it be nice to know the bag on your shoulder is resistant to slashes and has secure, locking zippers?
We think confidence looks good on you—and that’s what you get with a designed-for-travel anti-theft bag.
Travel Purse Common FAQs
What is the safest purse to carry?
For travel, the safest purse to carry is one that you can keep close to your body. Whether that’s a sling bag, a fanny pack, or a crossbody, look for a travel bag that will stay put when you’re moving through bustling streets. It’s also a good idea to consider additional anti-theft features, like slash-resistant straps, secure zippers, and strong fabric to help ensure safety while you’re roaming around a new city.
Are anti-theft purses worth it?
Losing your passport or getting your credit card stolen is a total nightmare when you’re traveling—which is why we think anti-theft purses are worth the extra spend. With strong zippers, secure pockets, and robust fabric, a good anti-theft bag goes the extra mile to keep your belongings secure. With this extra security, you have the peace of mind to let yourself be present in the moment and really enjoy your travels—instead of constantly thinking about and double-checking your backpack. (P.S. Anti-theft purses make great travel gifts for your location-independent friends!)
How do I keep my purse from being stolen?
Staying aware of your surroundings is always Rule #1 when it comes to safety on the road. Besides keeping a lookout for pickpockets and wandering hands, investing in a quality anti-theft purse is the best thing you can do to help protect your cards, ID, and other valuables. Here’s another pro tip: Watch where you keep your bag. Don’t hang it on the back of your chair during dinner, and always take it to the bathroom with you when you get up from the table.
