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

There’s lots of anti-theft technology out there when it comes to bags and backpacks. Unless you’re an insider or crazy bag geek, 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. 

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.

 

You can protect your bag itself with a locking cable or anchor strap. This comes in handy when sitting at a cafe on a busy street, riding public transport, or when leaving your bag on the beach while you go for a quick swim. 

Locking Cable

A locking cable is a steel wire that 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 is an anchor strap. This means that the shoulder strap of the backpack becomes the cable. Check out the video below to see how this work on Pacsafe’s bags. 

 

 

Protecting what’s in your 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). This  adds an extra layer of coverage. 

3. Protect Your Identity

As online technology becomes the key to our lives,  ‘identity theft’ is becoming a real concern. Someone can lift information off your credit card/passport and  use it to apply for anything from loans to hire cars. Having some technology in your bag (or wallet) will help protect you. 

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.

 

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This article is adapted from Pacsafe’s Travel Blog.