Whether you are a student, a businessman or a traveler, a good backpack is essential. You need something that᾽s reliable and functional, with extra points if it᾽s stylish. And with an anti-theft backpack, you᾽ll not only make sure your stuff is safe, but you᾽ll also have more comfort on your travels.

How do anti-theft backpacks work?

Please keep in mind that the purpose of these backpacks is not necessarily to prevent theft, but rather to make it more difficult for thieves to steal. Any thief with enough resources and determination can get anything what they want; however, these bags offer a variety of protective features that will deter the average thief, or at least frustrate them enough to give up and sneak away.

Typically, thieves use a variety of tactics to steal when targeting a backpack. The least clever may try clumsy grab-and-run tactics, while others are more creative. Maybe they᾽ll cut your straps before grabbing your bag and running. Maybe they᾽ll stand behind you and carefully pull open your bag, grabbing anything they can get their hands on. Or they can quickly cut through the main compartment of your bag to reach in and steal your valuables.

Thieves are creative and many come up with new ideas every day, so any countermeasures you take will help. Thieves have a limited amount of time to find a suitable target, assess the risk, and take action. If they see any kind of countermeasure, they are likely to decide not to bother or give up.

Using scratch-resistant material in the body and shoulder straps of the bag is a great way to prevent theft, because they will keep your bag intact and your stuff undamaged in the event of a knife attack. Some bags are even reinforced with a wire lining woven into the fabric for added protection.

Another welcome feature is upgraded zippers that can be visually hidden or locked. If a thief can᾽t see the zipper on your bag, or if they can see the lock on your zipper, they᾽ll be less likely to make a move. Some bags also have hidden pockets that have the same effect. If the thief can᾽t find an easy way to get in, they᾽ll be less likely to take action.

Other features you may see are locking cables, which allow you to wrap the bag securely around a signpost or chair without the thief cutting it with a belt or breaking the lock. Some bags also have blast-resistant closures, which are noticeable but efficient. You may also see things like RFID interceptors in some bags that prevent your credit cards from being scanned.

What makes an anti-theft backpack different from a regular backpack?

Anti-theft backpacks are designed with more security in mind than your average travel backpack. The security features of these bags vary by manufacturer, but they typically include anti-slash or reinforced materials and straps, hidden pockets or zippers, and lockable zippers. They are designed to discourage thieves in the very beginning and will actually slow or stop the process of them trying to steal your valuables.

Otherwise, they are no different than a standard backpack. You can still expect multiple pockets or compartments for your laptop and other items, as well as comfortable padded shoulder straps and a stylish exterior design.

How much do anti-theft backpacks cost?

Anti-theft backpacks have a wide price range, but you can find plenty of solid options between about $40 and $125. In general, these backpacks are well worth the cost. Usually, the more you pay, the more theft protection you get and the more security you have.

Anti-theft backpacks are a good choice because they look like regular backpacks. They are just as easy to use as a regular backpack, and many offer the same number or more of pockets, gussets, and compartments to keep your stuff organized. A good anti-theft backpack will allow you to protect your laptop better and other valuables, so why not try upgrading from your regular backpack to a more secure anti-theft backpack?