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Here’s a fun fact about me: I’ve traveled to over 20 countries and had my phone stolen in three. Twice (once in Indonesia and once in Colombia) my iPhone was snatched out of my hand by a duo on a passing motorbike. Once (in Mexico) it was plucked from my back pocket.
Oh, and once (also in Indonesia) I dropped my phone in the ocean — but for that, I had no one to blame but myself (and perhaps a strong pina colada or two).
Full disclosure: A few lost phones are a small price to pay in exchange for years spent exploring bustling cities, chowing down on street food and dancing the night away at sweaty salsa haunts. That said, I decided it was time to reevaluate my approach to personal belonging security.
Having learned my lesson the hard way, I’ve become highly committed (read: obsessed) to not getting pickpocketed again. Ahead of a recent trip to attend Carnival in Brazil, I researched and tested out anti-theft crossbody bags to ensure that this time — this time — my phone (and wallet and passport) stayed safe. (Fool me once, global phone swipers!) Ahead, I share a guide to choosing a travel bag as well as six of the sturdiest, securist, most stylish options on the market.
What to look for in an anti-theft bag
When shopping for an anti-theft bag, there are a few features to look for:
- Slash-Resistant Materials: The best anti-theft bags feature slash-resistant fabrics. Ideally, straps should be reinforced with steel or carbon fiber to foil cutting attempts.
- Lockable Zippers: Look for zippers that can clasped together or to the bag with locks.
- Hidden Zippers: When it comes to thwarting theft, the less accessible your zippers are, the better.
- Anchor Straps. These are straps that can attach to a fixed object tp prevent grab-and-run thefts when you’re stationary.
- Secret Pockets: Look for bags with dedicated pockets that can be locked or are difficult to access.
Do you need RFID protection?
Okay, this one is controversial. Most of the anti-theft bags you’ll find on the market today offer something called RFID-blocking technology. RFID, which stands for radio frequency identification, is a technology that uses radio waves for speedy identification, typically found in contactless payment-enabled credit cards. In theory, RFID blocking interferes with these radio frequency signals, making it impossible for unauthorized scanners to read the data on your cards.
However, experts generally agree the market for RFID-blocking products has been overhyped, with many claiming the protection is unnecessary. There are better security measures than relying on RFID blocking, such as reviewing credit reports and being careful with online transactions.
Still, RFID protection won’t hurt — so if you find a bag you love with RFID blocking tech, go for it.
Best Anti-Theft Crossbody Bags for 2025
Pacsafe Go Anti Theft Sling Pack
Image: AmazonI’ll start with my top pick: the Pacsafe Go Anti Theft Sling Pack. The crossbody bag is packed with sophisticated anti-theft features, including slash-proof straps and a lockable two-way zipper compartment. The external zippers can be attached to a hook to thwart even the most determined pickpockets.
This was the pack I took with me to Brazil, and I appreciated how roomy the main compartment was. It easily fits my phone, passport and credit cards with plenty of space left over for bug spray and sunscreen. I wore the Pacsafe Go Anti Theft Sling pack to massive Carnival celebrations and never lost so much as a single Brazilian real coin.
Price: $54.95 at Amazon
Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Free Time Crossbody Bag
Image: AmazonMy favorite thing about this bag is its versatility: The Baggallini is stylish enough to accompany you on an ordinary night out and secure enough to keep your valuables safe on an epic adventure. The bag is equipped with anti-theft features like locking zippers, anti-theft pull hoops and cut-resistant straps. On the inside, the Baggallini is organized with credit card slots, a zipper pocket, a key leash and other thoughtful touches. It also comes in seven colors, so you can find one that compliments your travel track suit.
Price: $92.81+ at Amazon
Travelon Anti-Theft Greenlander Compact Sling Bag
Image: AmazonAnother top contender, the Travelon Anti-Theft Greenlander Compact Sling Bag is small but mighty. The bag has a slash-resistant body and straps combined with locking compartments. It’s worth emphasizing that this bag can handle the essentials — as in, your phone, passport, wallet, perhaps a mini hand sanitizer and not much else.
Price: $49.44 at Amazon
Arden Cove Crissy Full Crossbody with Locking Clasps Strap
Image: AmazonLooking to treat yo-self? Arden Cove’s ultra-classy Crissy Full Crossbody with Locking Clasps Strap is worth the splurge. The elegantly designed bag is designed to thwart not just theft but inclement weather, too, with features like waterproof, lockable zippers and a water- and slash-resistant body. The surprisingly spacious bag is large enough to fit a Kindle or iPad mini on top of your phone, sunglasses, passport and a whole lot of other goodies.
Price: $179 at Amazon
OSOCE Sling Bag
Image: AmazonEasily the most affordable bag on this list, the OSOCE Sling Bag surprises with its sophisticated design and spaciousness. The bag is slim enough to be worn under a jacket and large enough to carry most phones (though, importantly, not the Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold5). It features four zipper pockets and a shoulder strap that can be unhooked — perfect for smoothly removing at security checkpoints at the airport.
Price: $12.99 at Amazon
Solo New York Stealth Hybrid Backpack
Image: AmazonTechnically, I suppose, the Solo New York Stealth Hybrid Backpack is not a cross-body bag. It is however decked out with enough anti-theft, travel-friendly features to make the cut. The bag boasts a nifty, three-in-one design that lets you transition from backpack to tote bag to over-the-shoulder bag. It also has a back strap that slides over your luggage handle. The zippers have double-coil teeth and the fabric is strap resistant. I’m a major fan of the hidden back security pocket (perfect for phones and passport) and the fact its large enough to hold my Macbook.
Price: $60.66 at Amazon
The post Anti-theft Crossbody Bags as Secure as They Are Stylish appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
