3 Main Types of Anti-Theft Security On Bags and Backpacks

There is lots of anti-theft technology out there when it comes to bags and backpacks. Unless you’re an insider or crazy bag geek (or both) it can be tough to make sense of everything. Here’s an easy guide to help you understand what you’re looking for, the most important things to consider, and also how to use it all. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking at Pacsafe or another brand. These concepts should always apply.

The first step is understanding the 3 main things anti-theft security on bags protect. These are technologies that either –protect the bag itself, protect your belongings, or protect your identity. Once you’ve got that down, it’s simple to see what a certain feature will secure.

Protect Your Bag

Anything that covers the whole bag itself is going to be some kind of anchor strap or locking cable that you can use to fix to an immovable object. This can come in handy when sitting at a cafe on a busy street, riding public transport, or wanting to leave your bag on the beach while you go for a quick swim.

Locking Cable

The simplest option to understand is a locking cable. This is basically a steel wire you can combine with a padlock to fix your bag around something, much like you’d do with a bike lock in the city.

Anchor Strap

Another handy option built into the bag is an anchor strap. Essentially this solution uses the shoulder strap of the backpack itself to use as your cable. Depending on your option these can also be combined with a padlock for extra security, or just used as a quick loop to offer some easy peace of mind. Check out the video below to see how these work on Pacsafe’s bags.

Protect Your Belongings

Protecting what’sinyour bag is another key goal of anti-theft backpack security. Again, this could be a range of technology, from wire mesh built into the bag as a slash guard, to lockable zips that shut things tight. This kind of tech is great anywhere, from walking around crowded tourist attractions, to stopping your cheeky little brother from stealing your diary out of your bag.

Slash Guards

Slash guards can vary from full 360 degree coverage, to wire mesh being built into a couple of key outside panels. Both options are aimed at preventing cut & run theft. If you’re going to an area where this kind of theft is common, make sure you look for a backpack with this feature. However, most of the time, it’s the zippers that will really protect your gear.

Lockable Zippers

Stopping people with sneaky fingers from getting into your bag is normally the number-one thing people want from an anti-theft backpack. So, make sure you’re looking at how zips lock down. Solutions range from zip clips that act as a quick deterrent to full slide locks that you can add a padlock too.

Here’s an example of how to use one of Pacsafe’s more heavy duty options – the Roobar Deluxe.

When thinking about zips, it’s also worth considering how easy it is to puncture the zip. A lot of times, it’s super easy to do with just a pen. So, select bags with puncture-proof zippers (also called a Tough Zip), that add an extra layer of coverage over just lockable zip pullers.

Protect Your Identity

As online technology becomes the key to our lives, the instances of ‘identity theft’ have been getting greater. This can range from someone getting hold of your credit card details, to lifting the information off your passport and using it to apply for anything from loans to hire cars. Having some technology in your bag (or wallet) to help eliminate any worry here is something well worth considering. RFIDsafe pockets are the key option in this zone. They are perfect for having in your daily wallet, or as a pocket in your backpack.

RFID Shielding Technology

This basically works by lining bag pockets and wallets with a material that blocks accidental payments and intentional skimming. The great thing here is that because it’s built into products, you don’t have to switch it on or off, or do anything other than have it in the products you use.

If you’re wanting RFIDsafe technology in your gear, look out for it in the features list of anything you’re buying online.

If you’d like to further check out a review of the best 11 Anti-Theft Backpacks out there, including a guide to what features matter, head to this article byVagrants of the World.

By Tim Hawken

Tim Hawken is an Australian writer who enjoys surfing, Indian food and romantic midnight strolls to the beer fridge. He has clocked up visits to 23 countries on 5 continents (and counting). Find out more about his weird world by heading tohis website, or following him onInstagram andTwitter.