Ranked for maximum pickpocket resistance in Europe's highest-risk tourist cities.
The Best Anti-Theft Backpacks for Europe (2027)
The best anti-theft backpacks for Europe: ranked for pickpocket-heavy cities like Barcelona, Rome, and Paris.
The short answer
For Europe's pickpocket-heavy cities, the Pacsafe Venturesafe is the best protection: steel-mesh slashguard and lockable everything for Barcelona, Rome, and Paris. The XD Design Bobby is sleeker for sightseeing with hidden zippers, and the Travelon delivers real protection at a one-trip budget price.
Our top picks at a glance
- Pacsafe VenturesafeThe security specialist: slash-proof everything.Best for high-risk cities
- XD Design Bobby HeroThe current Bobby: hidden zippers, RFID pockets, cut-resistant shell.Best for city sightseeing
- Travelon Anti-Theft BackpackBudget-friendly security for city travel.Best budget Europe pick
- Korin Design ClickPack ProSlash-proof panels with a TSA lock built in.Best slash-proof runner-up
- Matein Anti-Theft BackpackThe bestseller with hidden zippers and USB.Best value
- BANGE Anti-Theft Backpack with TSA LockA lockable, waterproof business pack with USB 3.0 charging.Best for big laptops
- FANDARE Anti-Theft Laptop BackpackWork-travel security with a clean profile.Best for work travel
- BOPAI Anti-Theft Laptop BackpackStudent-priced security with hidden zippers.Best for students
- SHRRADOO Anti-Theft Travel BackpackExpandable anti-theft for longer trips.Best expandable
- YOREPEK Anti-Theft BackpackCamera-friendly secure backpack.Best for photographers
What owners report
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Slash-resistant straps and locked compartments suit the metro and market crowds European sightseeing involves
- Hidden back access means a pickpocket behind you in a queue meets fabric, not a zipper
Common complaints
- In the highest-risk crowds, owners still keep the bag on their front on packed metros despite the hardware
- All-day sightseeing in a security pack means accepting extra weight for protection you hope never gets tested
The picks, ranked
Every product in this lineup was picked for this use case, ranked with our strongest choices first. If a product from the wider category does not genuinely fit this scenario, it is not listed here.
| # | Product | Award | Slashguard | Straps | RFID | Zippers | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pacsafe Venturesafe | Best for high-risk cities | Stainless steel eXomesh | Cut-proof Dyneema | RFIDsafe blocking pocket | Lockable, Roobar system | 30 L |
| 2 | XD Design Bobby Hero | Best for city sightseeing | - | - | - | Hidden, back-panel | - |
| 3 | Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack | Best budget Europe pick | - | Slash-resistant | Blocking pocket | - | - |
| 4 | Korin Design ClickPack Pro | Best slash-proof runner-up | - | - | - | - | - |
| 5 | Matein Anti-Theft Backpack | Best value | - | - | - | Lockable main zippers | - |
| 6 | BANGE Anti-Theft Backpack with TSA Lock | Best for big laptops | - | - | - | - | 30 L |
| 7 | FANDARE Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack | Best for work travel | - | - | - | Lockable | - |
| 8 | BOPAI Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack | Best for students | - | - | - | Hidden main zipper | - |
| 9 | SHRRADOO Anti-Theft Travel Backpack | Best expandable | - | - | - | Hidden | - |
| 10 | YOREPEK Anti-Theft Backpack | Best for photographers | - | Padded ergonomic | - | Lockable | - |
Best for high-risk cities
Pacsafe Venturesafe
The security specialist: slash-proof everything.
Full slash-proofing for Barcelona, Rome, and Paris metros where slash-and-grab happens: the serious Europe pick.
Strengths
- eXomesh stainless-steel slashguard in vulnerable panels
- Cut-proof Dyneema straps
- RFIDsafe blocking pocket
- Lockable zippers with Roobar locking system
Limitations
- Heavier than non-secure backpacks
- Security features add daily fiddliness
- Premium price tier
| Slashguard | Stainless steel eXomesh |
|---|---|
| Straps | Cut-proof Dyneema |
| RFID | RFIDsafe blocking pocket |
| Zippers | Lockable, Roobar system |
| Capacity | 30 L |
Best for: Urban travelers and commuters in high pickpocket-risk cities.
Skip if: You want ultralight hiking performance.
Best for city sightseeing
XD Design Bobby Hero
The current Bobby: hidden zippers, RFID pockets, cut-resistant shell.
Hidden zippers defeat the crowd pickpockets of tourist attractions, with a sleek look for restaurants after.
Strengths
- Zippers hidden against your back
- Cut-resistant material
- External USB charging port
- RFID-protected pockets
- Fits 15.6-inch laptops
Limitations
- Smaller capacity than travel packs
- Single main compartment limits organization
- USB port needs your own power bank
| Zippers | Hidden, back-panel |
|---|---|
| Material | Cut-resistant |
| USB | External charging port |
| Laptop | Fits 15.6 in |
| Extras | RFID-protected pockets |
Best for: Commuters and students who want sleek anti-theft design.
Skip if: You need a large travel pack (this is a daypack).
Best budget Europe pick
Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack
Budget-friendly security for city travel.
Real slash-resistant panels and locking compartments for one trip's price: smart for a single European vacation.
Strengths
- Slash-resistant body and straps
- Locking compartments
- RFID blocking organizer
- Light and affordable
Limitations
- Basic padding and comfort
- Smaller capacity than rivals
- Zippers less smooth than premium
| Body | Slash-resistant panels |
|---|---|
| Straps | Slash-resistant |
| RFID | Blocking pocket |
| Compartments | Locking |
| Weight | Lightweight build |
Best for: Budget travelers visiting crowded tourist areas.
Skip if: You want premium materials or a laptop-first design.
Best slash-proof runner-up
Korin Design ClickPack Pro
Slash-proof panels with a TSA lock built in.
Cut proof fabric panels plus a TSA approved lock on the zippers, the closest security hardware to the Pacsafe at a lower tier. For metro crowds in Rome or Paris, panels and a real lock beat hidden pockets alone.
Strengths
- Cut-proof fabric panels
- TSA-approved lock secures zippers
- Hidden magnetic pocket
- USB charging port
Limitations
- Less certified than Pacsafe
- Heavier than basic backpacks
- Mid-tier price
| Panels | Cut-proof fabric |
|---|---|
| Lock | TSA-approved |
| Hidden magnetic | |
| USB | External charging port |
| Laptop | Fits 15.6 in |
Best for: Travelers who want near-Pacsafe security at a lower price.
Skip if: You want the absolute certified maximum.
Best value
Matein Anti-Theft Backpack
The bestseller with hidden zippers and USB.
A hidden back pocket for passport and cards, lockable main zippers, and water resistant fabric for sightseeing days. Not slash proof, so it deters the casual pickpocket rather than the determined one, at a fraction of the premium cost.
Strengths
- Hidden anti-theft back pocket
- External USB charging port
- Fits 15.6-inch laptop
- Water-resistant fabric
Limitations
- Not truly slash-proof like Pacsafe
- Basic strap comfort
- Security claims less certified
| Hidden anti-theft pocket | |
| USB | External charging port |
| Laptop | Fits 15.6 in |
| Fabric | Water-resistant |
| Zippers | Lockable main zippers |
Best for: Students and commuters who want anti-theft basics cheaply.
Skip if: You need proven slash-proof materials.
Best for big laptops
BANGE Anti-Theft Backpack with TSA Lock
A lockable, waterproof business pack with USB 3.0 charging.
A TSA lock, waterproof YKK zippers, and room for a 17.3 inch laptop make this the Europe pick for travelers working from trains and cafes, where the bag also needs to survive weather between stations.
Strengths
- TSA lock and lockable zippers
- Waterproof YKK zippers and water-repellent Oxford fabric
- USB 3.0 external charging port
- Fits laptops up to 17.3 inches
Limitations
- Bulkier and heavier than minimalist picks
- Limited color range
- Power bank not included
| Capacity | 30 L |
|---|---|
| Laptop | Fits 17.3 in |
| Lock | TSA lock |
| USB | USB 3.0 port |
| Fabric | Waterproof Oxford |
Best for: Business travelers and commuters who carry large laptops.
Skip if: You want a slim minimalist daypack.
Best for work travel
FANDARE Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
Work-travel security with a clean profile.
Lockable zippers and a hidden anti theft pocket under a clean professional profile. It suits the traveler whose European trip mixes meetings with old town crowds and who needs the bag to look right in both.
Strengths
- Hidden anti-theft pocket
- Lockable zippers
- Fits 15.6-inch laptop
- Clean professional design
Limitations
- Not truly slash-proof
- Basic strap padding
- Limited color options
| Hidden anti-theft | |
| Zippers | Lockable |
| Laptop | Fits 15.6 in |
| Style | Professional |
| USB | Charging port |
Best for: Commuters who want a professional-looking secure bag.
Skip if: You need heavy-duty slash-proofing.
Best for students
BOPAI Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
Student-priced security with hidden zippers.
The hidden main zipper design keeps the opening against your back in crowded squares and trams, with a USB port for a phone that is navigating all day. Security through zipper placement at a student friendly tier.
Strengths
- Hidden main zipper design
- Fits 15.6-inch laptop
- USB charging port
- Water-resistant fabric
Limitations
- Not slash-proof
- Basic padding
- Limited organization
| Zippers | Hidden main zipper |
|---|---|
| Laptop | Fits 15.6 in |
| USB | External charging port |
| Fabric | Water-resistant |
| Pockets | Multiple organizer |
Best for: Students who want anti-theft basics on a budget.
Skip if: You need certified slash-proofing.
Best expandable
SHRRADOO Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
Expandable anti-theft for longer trips.
Hidden zippers plus an expandable compartment for the trip home, and space for a 17 inch laptop. The Europe pick when souvenirs and layers grow the load as the itinerary goes on.
Strengths
- Expands for extra packing room
- Hidden zippers
- USB charging port
- Fits 17-inch laptop
Limitations
- Bulky when expanded
- Not slash-proof
- Basic materials
| Expansion | Expandable compartment |
|---|---|
| Zippers | Hidden |
| USB | External charging port |
| Laptop | Fits 17 in |
| Pockets | Multi-compartment |
Best for: Travelers who want expandable space plus security.
Skip if: You want a slim daily commuter.
Best for photographers
YOREPEK Anti-Theft Backpack
Camera-friendly secure backpack.
Padded compartments protect camera gear in crowds while a hidden pocket and lockable zippers guard the rest. For photographers working tourist districts where a camera bag draws attention, the padding and the security work together.
Strengths
- Padded compartments suit camera gear
- Hidden anti-theft pocket
- Lockable zippers
- Comfortable straps
Limitations
- Not slash-proof
- Heavier padding adds weight
- Limited color range
| Compartments | Padded, camera-friendly |
|---|---|
| Hidden anti-theft | |
| Zippers | Lockable |
| Straps | Padded ergonomic |
| Laptop | Fits 15.6 in |
Best for: Photographers who want secure gear carry.
Skip if: You need certified slash-proof materials.
Questions, answered
How should I carry my backpack on crowded European metros?
In a genuine crush load, swing it to your front or hold it between your feet with a strap looped around your leg. On a half-empty carriage, wearing it normally is fine if the zippers are locked or hidden. The risky moment is the doorway shuffle as people board and leave, which is when distraction teams work, so that is when the bag comes in front of you.
Is a lockable bag useful on European trains?
Yes, in a way it is not on a plane. Intercity trains have open luggage racks at the end of the carriage, out of your sight line, and bags do walk off at intermediate stops. A Roobar-style lock or a retractable cable lets you anchor the pack to the rack itself, which turns a grab-and-go theft into a project no opportunist will attempt in a moving carriage.
What should stay out of the backpack in tourist districts?
Your passport, if your hotel has a safe and local rules do not require carrying the original; a copy on your phone covers most checks. Also keep a payment card and a small amount of cash separate from the bag entirely, in a front pocket or money belt, so that even a worst-case loss of the pack never strands you without money or a way back.
Which European cities have the most pickpockets?
Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Madrid, and Prague consistently top the lists, especially in metros, around major attractions, and in crowded restaurants. That is where anti-theft features pay off.
How do pickpockets operate in Europe?
Distraction teams in crowds, slash-and-grab on metro straps, and unzip attempts in packed tourist sites. Awareness plus a secure bag beats either alone.
Should I wear my backpack in front?
In the highest-risk spots (packed metros, crowds), yes, regardless of bag. An anti-theft pack worn normally in medium-risk areas is fine.
Do I need anti-theft for all of Europe?
No: much of Europe is low-risk. The features matter in major tourist cities and transit hubs, less in small towns and the countryside.