8 Best Anti Theft Crossbody Bags For Travel
I usually wear a waist bag to breeze through the airport, but it’s less secure on crowded streets. So I asked our well-traveled community which anti-theft crossbody bags they use, and you had plenty to say.
A good one keeps your phone, cards, passport, and lip balm close without looking like security gear. Bulletproof but digs into your shoulder for eight hours? Bad bag. Gorgeous but closes with a magnetic snap a toddler could pop open? Also bad bag. The eight below strike that balance at a range of prices and styles.
8 Best Anti Theft Crossbody Bags For Travel
These are grouped loosely by style and price, not ranked best to worst. “Best” here depends on what kind of trip you’re taking and how much you actually carry.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic N/S Crossbody
Sue likes Travelon bags that don’t scream tourist, and Bonita has carried the brand’s anti-theft bags for years. The Travelon Anti-Theft Classic N/S Crossbody has a vertical shape that holds quite a bit without looking bulky.
It has locking zippers, slash-resistant panels, a cut-resistant adjustable strap, and RFID-blocking slots. There’s room for a wallet, phone, medication, sunglasses, and two pairs of glasses, which many of us now consider a basic travel requirement. It’s a good choice if a tiny bag won’t do, but you want something that sits close to your body.
Sue and Drusilla also love the Travelon Heritage Crossbody. Lori calls the Travelon Classic Travel Bag “perfection.”
Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Crossbody Pouch
Judi highly recommends Pacsafe bags with RFID protection, strap locks, and a strap that can’t be cut. Elaine also loves this brand. This Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Crossbody Pouch has all of that, and you can also use it as an organizing pouch inside a larger carry-on. Its zipper pulls attach to hooks, making them harder for others to access without you noticing. It also has a water-resistant exterior, comes in several colors, and is a stylish choice for minimalists.
Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Activity Crossbody Bag
The Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Activity Crossbody Bag has slash-resistant panels, a cut-resistant strap, locking zippers, RFID protection, and plenty of compartments. Baggallini bags are known for being light, which matters on long sightseeing days when every ounce starts to feel like a pound. It comes in several colors and prints, but if you just need something for daily errands, the best everyday crossbody bags for women is a great place to start.
Pacsafe GO Saddle Crossbody Bag
This Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Saddle Crossbody has a softer, more casual shape and expands when we start the morning carrying very little and somehow end up with a water bottle, museum brochure, and several things we apparently couldn’t live without.
It has the security features we’ve covered: slash-resistant material and strap, RFID blocking, and secured zippers. What sets it apart is the flap that conceals the front pocket, plus an attachment point inside for keys or a wallet. It’s a good size for sightseeing days when a tiny bag won’t do.
Travelon Anti-Theft Runways Small Sling
I could easily see myself carrying this Travelon Runways Crossbody. It has a clean shape, comes in several colors, and weighs just half a pound. It also has locking zippers, a slash-resistant body, a reinforced strap, and RFID-blocking slots for cards and a passport.
Inside, there’s a place for the things you need to keep secure, while the front zippered pocket keeps the things you reach for all day close at hand.
Sherpani Metro, Reversible Anti-Theft Sling Bag for Women
Worn sling-style across the body, this Sherpani Metro Reversible Anti Theft Sling Bag keeps everything at your front hip and swings around easily without taking the bag off. It has the same core protection, with a slash-proof strap and bottom, locking zippers, a chair loop lock, RFID, water resistance, and personal-item sizing for most US airlines. It comes in eleven colors and is probably better for a walking tour than a dinner out.
Arden Cove Grande Marina Convertible Wallet and Belt Pouch
Susan swears by the Arden Cove Crissy, which comes in eleven colors with removable straps. If you’d rather pack one bag that does several jobs, the Grande Marina converts from a crossbody to a belt bag, clutch, or wallet. It has locking zippers, RFID protection, a steel-reinforced strap, and wipe-clean faux leather. It fits a phone, passport, cards, and the small things that otherwise end up at the bottom of our bags.
Sherpani Vale Crossbody Tote for Women
The Sherpani Vale Anti-Theft Crossbody Tote converts from a crossbody to a shoulder bag or tote. It holds more than most bags here, including a 10-inch tablet. The pale lining and key leash help you find the small things before you’re unpacking the whole bag at the ticket counter.
It’s made from lightweight, water-resistant recycled nylon, with RFID protection, locking zippers, a secured main compartment, and a slash-resistant bottom and strap. You can also lock it to a chair.
Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag Buying Guide
The best bag isn’t automatically the one with the longest feature list. It needs to fit your body, belongings, wardrobe, and travel style.
What Makes a Crossbody Bag Anti Theft?
“Anti-theft” isn’t a fixed standard. Look for locking zippers, slash-resistant material, and a reinforced strap working together. RFID-blocking pockets have a separate job: protecting compatible cards and passports from scanning.
The feature list only tells part of the story. That’s why I asked readers who’ve actually traveled with these bags which ones they like carrying.
How to Wear a Crossbody Bag Safely While Traveling
Wear it across your body and slightly in front, with the strap short enough to keep it close. Turn the zippers inward and lock them in crowds. They can’t do much for us if they’re left open while we’re juggling a phone, coffee, and boarding pass.
How to Choose the Right Anti-Theft Bag for Your Trip
Start with what you carry. A phone, passport, cards, and glasses need little room. Add medication, sunscreen, a charger, or a water bottle, and you’ll need a bigger bag.
For long days and unpredictable weather, lightweight nylon makes sense. If dinner is on the itinerary, you may want something more polished. Check the weight and strap width, too. A heavy bag with a thin strap gets old fast.
It should also work with your travel wardrobe. If it looks like camping equipment and you’re in Paris, it’ll spend the trip in your hotel room, which won’t help.
What kind of bag do you carry when you travel?
I use a leather cross body with a zip top closure and a wide woven strap. I’ve used madewell and coach brands. In Florence they sell woven straps in hundreds of colors all over town. I also use a phone lanyard the comes with a plastic cover case ( not the little insert type) . I noticed young women on the tram wearing those lanyards. They also sell hundreds of styles in phone shops all over Florence. I still use the same lanyard here at home , it’s extremely convenient.
I always keep my phone and bag across my shoulder, or in a pocket, or my lap. We visit Florence for three months.
I’m so envious of your trips to Florence!
I used the Travelon Classic this summer in France and it served me well. Very comfortable and fit everything I needed to have with me. I carried it with confidence.
I had a Travelon, but to me it was ugly. Someone sent me a Wander+ bag, but again, to me it is ugly and too big. I have been using a Lululemon CB bag, but it is bulky under a coat and tends to flip over on the rings. I recently discovered Concept Global, which is unisex, and the sling does not look like a tourist bag. I like that it lays flat too.
So funny that you posted this! I have a new Travelon bag coming this week. I have a waist bag and a small cross body but decided I needed a bag that would easily carry a water bottle and I wanted the bottle pocket on the outside so I wouldn’t have to open the bag. Finding one did take some looking!
Based on readers’ comments, I think you’ll be very happy with the Travelon.
I have four Travelon bags…one larger, and a few small ones. I love them – they look great and make me feel so secure when traveling!
Hi Jennifer, I have two Travelon anti-theft bags, one is the Runways Slim Asymmetric Bag and the second is the larger Classic Sling for adventures requiring a bit more stuff, like a water bottle and packable jacket.
The Travelon seems most popular.
Lots to choose from! I have had Baggalinis before and like them, but have not heard of these other brands. Will definitely check them out! Thanks for the suggestions!
I use my Lo and Sons Pearl, but I ordered a coordinating webbed wide guitar-style crossbody strap on Amazon for it. It’s not anti theft, but it would be hard for a thief to cut through. I bought some locking hooks on Amazon and secure the strap an extra time using them, as well as using some locking zipper hooks that work on any zipper. I’ve read that pickpockets will watch you for a while until they know your phone passcode, then zoom by, maybe on a bike, and take it. I put my phone on a leather crossbody strap around my neck in its own leather case and generally keep it in my hand also. It has the added advantage of not slipping from your hand when leaning out over a railing to get a picture. I carry only 2 credit cards. One I carry with me, the other I keep locked in my hotel safe, or my husband carries it in the hope that if there is a theft, they will only get one of us. I have had friends and family members pickpocketed, and I’ve spotted pickpockets frequently in Europe. I yelled at a couple who were targeting a group from our ship. It shouldn’t frighten anyone, but you do need to be cautious. I also put very bright strip of colored tape on my suitcase. If someone is trying to steal it from the carousel, I have a chance of spotting it in a sea of similar bags. I know bag theft in airports is on the rise.
All great tips! Thanks Linda. I leave most of my valuables in the hotel safe too. Customizing your Pearl is an interesting idea.
This a very timely subject, we leave for Japan in a few weeks! Thanks for posting this subject. One thing I hate is trying to decipher the reviews on Amazon. No matter what the product, some love it and some hate it and both sides can make very convincing arguments. I’m leaning toward one of the Travelon crossbodies.
I think I will too. They seem the most popular with readers who use them a lot.
I’m in Europe right now. When I know that I’ll be in crowded place (tourist sites or metro), I use a small Travelon crossbody bag with a locking zipper. I picked off the sewn logo so that it looks less conspicuous and often wear it under my jacket as suggested by another commenter. Would also suggest a phone tether, either crossbody or wristlet, to prevent your phone from being snatched from your hand (often by someone on e-bike or scooter). Amazon has lots of options.
That’s very smart. I need a phone tether. Those scooters make a fast getaway.
After working in downtown Chicago for 30 years and having my wallet taken once, I am in the habit of carrying a purse with a short enough shoulder strap that it easily tucks under my upper arm/armpit and I can squeeze it. If the strap is too long and you like the bag enough, just take it to a shoe repair shop and have them shorten it to a shorter length, making sure it will still fit over your winter coat.
I like that length strap too.
Thank you for this post. I am always searching for a great travel bag. My issue is usually with the strap material. Many use a stiff nylon web – which is probably more secure, but also rubs on clothing and causes pilling/wear. I have an old Baggallini crossbody that has a strap in the same fabric as the bag. I have carried it on many trips with absolutely no rubbing or pilling. But I know it isn’t as secure and could be slashed. Wish someone could come up with a strap fabric that is secure but doesn’t rub.
I’m betting they will!
I think every one of these bags screams “American tourist.” They make you an easily identifiable target. Instead, pack a lightweight jacket with an interior pocket or a zipped exterior pocket. If you absolutely cannot live without a crossbody bag, at least wear it under your jacket. The bag will still be accessible if you leave the jacket open. Bonus points for asking yourself, what would a man do here? Men do not walk around with easily stolen and highly visible crossbody bags. (The answer COULD be, men ask women to carry their stuff for them. LOL!)
I’ve carried my regular cross body bag (Coach, for example), in New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles and never had a problem. Of course, I’m careful, but should I be more worried?
I suppose it matters if you travel in crowded locations. People do often get bags stolen which will ruin your vacation, especially overseas.
I will admit that I do not care for the look of most of the “anti theft” bags. They just scream “tourist” to me, and they’re not bags I would carry when I’m not traveling. I’ve been fortunate to have never had an incident while traveling and living overseas in the last 35 years, but I carry a bag that is just smaller than what I use at home and has zipper openings that are somewhat more secure. Lately it’s been a Patricia Nash cross body bag, but I have a The Sak crossbody that I like as well. Both can be slipped into my personal item at the airport if need be as well.
Yes, some can, but I carried a very similar Prada nylon bag for several years and never felt touristy with it.
I like Lug bags. I use a smaller one. Their straps are super adjustable and comfy. Not sure if they have locking hardware though.
I carry a black Travelon crossbody purse. Love the locking zippers, and organization. I have carried it on cruises, to Breckenridge, CO, New York , and London many times. Looks classic with any outfit. They do come in many colors. Great prices when on sale on Amazon.
I just bought an Eileen Fisher bag that’s brown pebbled leather, zips closed and can be worn cross body at the chest or around the waist. It doesn’t have the anti-theft features you’re looking for but it’s large enough for my basics and I think it will be a great way to skip a larger when I want my hands free.
I haven’t seen that one but I love her designs.
“The strap can also be secured around a chair or table, which I’d appreciate at a café when I’m busy looking at the menu.” That is a no/no in NYC. It is quite easy to slip your bag off of the chair or table while you are busy reading the menu. I would wear the strap across my body while in a restaurant or place it on the floor with the strap around my leg, so that if my bag was grabbed, it would take my leg with it.
Lol, I removed that sentence because in truth,I never, ever put my bag on the ground and wouldn’t loop it on anything but my body.
My fav is Travelon Anti-Theft Mini shoulder bag. It’s a tiny bit smaller than their classic. But all those featured look great. I travel yearly to Europe months at a time and need something lightweight yet room enough to carry the essentials. Mine does not have an outside pouch for a water bottle so I might rethink getting one that does have that feature. Regardless, the most important security thing to remember abroad is to guard your phone with your life! That’s what the bad guys are snatching these days.
Yes! I’d feel lost without my phone.
I’ve used a Travelon bag for many trips. Love it – great bag!
They do cover everything they need to
I’m in the second week of a two week trip to Paris . Men absolutely carry cross body slings here, frequently do. They are small and black usually. They are not tourists. Face it, we are American tourists, although four times this trip, I have been approached by Americans who are lost and asked me if I ‘parlez vous Anglais.’ I must have the outfit right!
I see lots of stylish women carrying crossbody bags. For this trip I have a leather red Coach c/b, and also a utilitarian baggalini for visiting chateaux.
Many many women here still in black and white. I have seen lots of wine color, burgundy, and. Right red too. Still seeing wide leg jeans and denim, along with low sneakers all over.
Paris fashion report from real Paris,not avenue Montaigne.
I love your real fashion report!! And yes, I find no shame in being recognized as a tourist. I’m helping their economy 😊 and enjoying my life.