Anti-theft travel backpacks for Europe

2. XD Design

A good choice if you want a modern-looking backpack for city exploring. Selected Bobby models offer cut-resistant construction, concealed or secured zippers, and RFID-protected pockets.xd-design.com+1

Models to compare: Bobby Hero XL and Bobby Edge.

Typical price: about $80–$150.

Shop XD Design

3. Travelon

A useful option for travelers who want dedicated security features without necessarily paying premium prices. Selected backpacks have locking compartments, slash-resistant panels or straps, and RFID-blocking organizers.

Models to compare: Anti-Theft Classic Backpack and Anti-Theft The Voyages Daypack.

Typical price: about $50–$125, depending on retailer and model.

Shop Travelon

Also sold through retailers including Target and Kohl's.lazarsluggage.com+2

Other places to buy them

• Nordstrom — carries Pacsafe backpacks, including city-oriented anti-theft models.www.nordstrom.com+1
• Backcountry — sells larger Pacsafe packs, including the EXP35, for travelers who need more capacity.www.backcountry.com+1
• Macy's — offers Travelon and Baggallini anti-theft bags. Baggallini's Vacation Backpack includes locking zippers and slash-resistant panels.www.macys.com+1
• Target — another place to compare Travelon backpack styles and prices.lazarsluggage.com+3

What size should you buy for Europe?

15–20 liters — Day trips

Best for carrying a passport, water bottle, rain jacket, camera, and daily essentials while keeping your main luggage at the hostel.

25–35 liters — One-bag travel

A good compromise for a minimalist trip, particularly if you want to move between cities without wheeled luggage.

35–45 liters — Longer backpacking trips

Better suited to carrying clothes, toiletries, and other essentials for several weeks. Check the dimensions and weight before buying.

My recommendation: Start with Pacsafe if security is your top priority. Look for lockable zippers, slash-resistant construction, and a comfortable harness. RFID protection is a useful extra, but it doesn't replace physical security.

One important distinction: a security-focused city backpack isn't always as comfortable as a hiking pack for carrying heavy loads all day.

How long will you be backpacking in Europe? If you tell me your approximate trip length and budget, I can narrow this down to the best three backpacks for your needs.

If theft protection is your #1 priority

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 Travel Backpack

$269.95

The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 is much closer to what I'd call genuinely anti-theft: it uses slash-resistant construction and lockable zippers, with 750D recycled polyester. The tradeoff is weight—the comparable EXP35 listing is 5.3 lb, considerably heavier than the Farpoint.

Where I'd buy

• Backcountry — currently lists the Farpoint 40 around $200. Backcountry
• Nordstrom — also currently lists the Farpoint 40 at $200. Nordstrom
• Osprey direct — currently lists it at $200 and provides the manufacturer's warranty/support.Osprey Farpoint 40

Bottom line: For two weeks, I'd choose the Farpoint 40 + a small luggage lock + sensible valuables placement rather than carrying a 5+ lb dedicated anti-theft pack. You're likely to notice the extra weight every day, whereas basic precautions address a lot of the practical pickpocket risk.

One other thing: if your itinerary includes Ryanair/Wizz Air/easyJet, tell me which airlines you're flying. European budget-airline cabin dimensions can change the ideal backpack size considerably.