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Home / Travel Gear

Pacsafe Backpack Review

Travel Gear Last Updated · Jan 20th, 2023 · Layer Culture

Are you on the lookout for a Pacsafe backpack?

pacsafe backpack review
Welcome to this Pacsafe backpack review

Maybe you have you been let down by the quality of other anti-theft backpacks that have not lived up to their promise.


Quick Answer: Pacsafe Backpack Review

  • The Best Anti-Theft Backpacks – PacSafe: Buy Yours >>Here<<
  • Anti-Theft vs. Normal Backpacks – What’s The Difference?
  • Choosing Pacsafe Today – Learn What Makes PacSafe Special
  • Pacsafe Backpack Full review – Tried and Tested Backpack Review
  • PacSafe Cross Body Bag – Protect Your Belonings in Style

If you’re traveling to another country, or you commute within close quarters to other people, it’s daunting having a backpack.

Table of Contents

  • Pacsafe Backpack
    • Anti Theft Backpack vs. Normal Backpacks
    • Roobar system
  • PacSafe: The Best Anti Theft Backpacks
  • Anti-theft backpacks: Things To Know
  • Pacsafe Best Anti Theft Backpacks
    • Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 25 Litre
    • Pacsafe Metrosafe Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag
    • Pacsafe Vibe Shoulder Bag
    • Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 45 Litre
  • Pacsafe Backpack Review

Pacsafe Backpack

It’s a fact that the convenience of using backpacks around the inner city or on vacation is a lot better than a briefcase or suitcase.

With most backpacks, you have to choose between convenience or safety.

Until now! Anti-theft backpacks have forever changed the backpack landscape with their innovations that help stop petty crime.

Anti Theft Backpack vs. Normal Backpacks

Below we are going to take a look at the differences between an anti-theft backpack and a normal backpack. This should clear up any confusion.

Perfect if you’re thinking of buying one for the first time:

  • Normal backpacks have visible zips, anti-theft backpacks try to hide them.
    All backpacks need zips for outside pockets, but the anti-theft backpack tries to minimize the accessibility. Without becoming complicated for the backpack user, zips are either locked, hidden, or not even there.

    Most normal backpacks have many different outer compartments with loose metal zips. Not only are these types of zips susceptible to pickpockets on the train or in public, but they wear out over time.

    Have you ever had a zip on the outer section of a backpack that broke? It leaves a useful compartment unusable.

  • Regular Backpacks need expensive padlocks, anti-theft backpacks have a roobar. Instead of having to go out and buy padlocks that fit your specific backpack, you can use the built-in security zip bar.

    Most zips don’t have an option to add padlocks, so how can you keep all of your outer compartments locked when you walk around?

    Roobar system

    Most anti-theft backpacks have a roobar system which means two zips on one line join together and lock into a mechanism that has an option for a padlock.

    This system is useful for a number of reasons and can be made as easy or as difficult to access as the user requires it.

  • Normal Backpacks are made of soft material, anti-theft backpacks have slash-guard. Most backpack users may not consider the idea that their bag has a less-than-preferable material when it comes to petty crime.

    You could attempt to modify an already existing backpack into anti-theft by refitting the zips and adding straps.

What happens when a thief sees a lot of bells and whistles and just decides to use a knife to cut the bag open?

Many anti-theft backpacks have a hidden metal meshing that guards against knives or screwdrivers getting into the zips or the material.

Let’s look at what makes PacSafe the market leader in the anti-theft arena.

PacSafe: The Best Anti Theft Backpacks

PacSafe are market leaders when it comes to anti-theft backpacks. They hold patents and designs which make them an original anti-theft brand.

After years of research and development, their range has become the gold standard of travel bags; for both backpacking as well as casual travel.

Pacsafe Founders Rob Schlipper and Magnus McGlashan were tired of the lack of security backpacks had when traveling through countries in which backpacks are vulnerable.

It doesn’t matter how much you attempt to make yourself not look touristy, you will always be a target for pick-pockets and thieves.

Theft could affect anyone, whether you’re traveling abroad or just using public transport. You know with PacSafe, when you’re backpack is on your back, no one can just reach it.

You may have experienced a pickpocketing incident, or reached into your backpack just to grab your passport and find that it’s disappeared.

A PacSafe means no more pickpockets, it means peace of mind, and it means your important items will never be lost.

Anti-theft backpacks: Things To Know

When looking for an anti-theft backpack, you should trust your instincts.

pacsafe backpacks safety
Anti theft backpacks are perfect for the city

You will need to decide whether you need a bag for backpacking South America, or just a backpack to wear on the bus on your way to work.

You’ll find that all of the major anti-theft backpack brands have specific designs dedicated to specific needs. It could have two straps or just one.

It could have no outer compartments or it could have 3 or more.

It could be shaped to fit laptops and tablets, or it could be shaped for clothes and tenting.

Anti-theft design:

  • Hidden or lockable zippers
  • Slash-guard to block blades or screwdrivers
  • Inter-locking zippers held by a roobar

Durability:

  • Thick zippers that won’t bend or break
  • Waterproof or water-resistant material for the outer layer
  • Shock-proofing to prevent damage

Pocket arrangement:

  • RFID-safe inside pockets designed for passports or wallets.
  • Outer zip that unfolds the bag from the inside.
  • Padlock instead of a roobar which requires a combination.

With these useful bullet points, you know which anti-theft backpack is the right one to buy. You can never be too certain that an anti-theft backpack is as safe as it claims to be.

Pacsafe Best Anti Theft Backpacks

Now, lets take a closer look at some of the best anti-theft backpacks designed by Pacsafe and some of the key feature of each model:

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 25 Litre

craghoppers travel pants

Backpack Features:

  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • eXomesh Slashguard steel mesh
  • Lockabout security clip
  • Protective sleeve for 15-inch Macbook

Price via Amazon

This version of the Metrosafe is probably the best laptop bag on the backpack market. It’s very lightweight, durable, and has all the features you’d expect from a laptop bag but with the best in anti-theft technology.

Zips
Although the zips aren’t the roobar interlocking kind, it still has great security when it comes to the zips. If you’re looking for a bag to take abroad, this is the basic PacSafe model that can cater to your needs. However, this has to be viewed first as an office commute accessory.

Straps
The straps are very adjustable and just the right length for comfort. If you find yourself packed onto a public bus or an underground metro like a sardine in a can, this bag is also designed to fit perfectly onto the arch of the spine to make it as flat as possible.

Using this bag in the heat is perfectly suitable in terms of whether the bag can withstand heat. The only issue in hot temperatures is the lack of breathability on the back.

Even slightly high temperatures can mean a very sweaty back. With that being said, however, it can perfectly withstand direct sunlight without color fading, although we don’t recommend you try this out for yourself.


Pacsafe Metrosafe Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag

craghoppers travel pants

Bag Features:

  • Lockable zippers
  • Cut proof material
  • Recycled nylon outer layer
  • One or two straps

Price via Amazon

The Crossbody is ideal for commuters that require bags for work. Perfect for the inner-city, it has enough storage inside for an iPad Mini or a DSLR camera. The nylon outer layer is made from recycled nylon originating mostly from discarded fishnets. It’s easy to use, durable, and water-resistant.


Pacsafe Vibe Shoulder Bag

craghoppers travel pants

Bag Features:

  • Cut resistant steel mesh
  • Fits 13” laptop
  • Durable single strap
  • Interlocking roobar system

Price via Amazon

The Vibe is great for family holidays. Mothers or fathers that carry all the essentials wherever their travels take them: passports, sun cream, cash, etc. Make sure your valuables are not only on your person at all times but feel weightless on your front or your back.

Due to the lockable and adjustable single strap, you can attach the bag to any fixtures you deem safe enough to attach the bag too.

We do recommend a small padlock for this bag since the single roobar system would only require one.


Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 45 Litre

craghoppers travel pants

Backpack Features:

  • eXomesh slash-guard
  • Puncture resistant ToughZip
  • Available in 55/65L sizes.
  • Interlocking roobar system

Price via Amazon

The Venturesafe is perfectly suitable for use as a carry-on. Its initial design was originally for backpackers, but it soon became the perfect backpack for anyone needing a theft-proof bag for a large number of items.

Those who are fans of backpacks over suitcases will love this iteration of the PacSafe anti-theft design.

The EXP45 meets hand-luggage requirements for most airlines and has become a major fixture of all plane overhead lockers.

Pro and Cons

The EXP has everything you’d search for in a backpack: light, durable, affordable, and most importantly safe.

The only major criticism towards the Venturesafe is the idea that it’s specifically for backpackers traveling from place to place.

Although it is possible for backpackers to use this rucksack, it doesn’t exactly hold the amount of room that backpackers normally look for.

Without extending the bag and without the pockets on the inside or outside, the main compartment to the bag would probably fit less than 20 liters at best.

A 45 Litre is more like an ideal carry-on for a traveler to keep electronics and valuables inside of rather than a be-all and end-all.

The Venturesafe is the perfect hand luggage supplement for trips in which you already have a suitcase for clothes and toiletries.


Pacsafe Backpack Review

If you’re worried about your valuables being stolen from you, worry no longer and purchase a PacSafe.

Let’s say you’ve had a passport or currency stolen, you know how the sinking feeling is when you realize you need to claim insurance.

Don’t make simple trips at home or abroad a paranoid nightmare, and get yourself an anti-theft backpack. You won’t regret it!

Just ask yourself, then, what model you think does the best job?

📌 Like this article? Pin it…

pacsafe backpack review
pacsafe backpack review
Did this guide help you to choose a Pacsafe backpack with ease?

“Dear friend! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps me to keep traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

Filed Under: Travel Gear Tagged With: Safety Gear

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