While a backpack is really useful when you’re traveling, it isn’t as easy to access as a cross body bag if you need to get something out quickly. However, a cross body bag isn’t as comfortable to carry over long periods of time and can get in your way in some instances. That’s why a sling bag for travel is a better option, as it is a cross between the two. Even better is if it is theft-proof. When looking for the best anti theft sling bag for women, you want to have your hands free and feel completely comfortable while carrying the bag across your back.
If you need to get something from it, you shouldn’t have to remove the bag but instead just swing it across to the front. This option is also very useful if you’re in a crowded metro or at a major tourist attraction where theft is common. Some bags require you to carry the sling over one shoulder at all times but a few give you the option of switching shoulders if the load starts feeling heavy.
Before you look for theft proof sling bag options, know that the following features are what make a bag so. The anti-theft features should include slashproof construction and locking zippers, and maybe even RFID-blocking pockets so that sneaky card readers don’t steal your personal information from your passport or credit cards. If you don’t need all these features then take a look at our top picks for women’s sling bags. Also keep in mind that some mini backpack purses have a few features to make them secure too and a few can be converted into a sling bag.
Sling bags aren’t often found in women-friendly designs but we’ve found a few that are well designed and functional, yet stylish too. Read on to see our top picks ranging from those priced under $50 to those over $70. If cross-body bags are more your style, check out our picks for theft-proof across the body shoulder bags too. We also have some very good theft-proof regular backpacks reviewed.
Table of Contents
[table id=10 responsive=scroll /]
Small Sling Backpack
Travelon Anti Theft Classic Sling Bag
Travelon is the go to brand for travel handbags and accessories, particularly for women, so it’s no surprise that they have a very nice Anti Theft Classic Sling Bag that’s sized just right for most women. This is the one if you want an inexpensive and small bag to take with you while sightseeing.
There are two lockable compartments – the main one and a front one. The zipper heads feature small lobster claws that hook onto D-rings so that you have to unclasp them to unzip. Inside the main is an organizer with RFID slots for a passport and several cards, a large zippered pocket and a key chain tether with an LED light. The rest of the space can easily hold a variety of travel essentials, like a snack, map, small guide book, etc. Although there is no sleeve for a tablet, a small iPad in its own sleeve will fit in here. There is an expandable mesh water bottle zipped pocket on the side that can hold a small water bottle.
This entire travel sling bag for ladies is made of polyester with slash-proof construction. The adjustable strap is cut-proof too and can be adjusted to be worn on either shoulder or can be tethered to a chair or post to prevent theft. The back of the strap and bag features mesh paneling to prevent you from feeling sweaty.
While this is a comfortable slash proof sling bag to carry, men may find the strap too short to be worn across the back or front since the strap only adjusts to a maximum of 25″. That’s why, we think it’s really a women’s sling bag only. A few customers wish it could be just a bit larger, as it can only hold a 6″ by 9″ tablet and not a regular sized one.
Pros:
Cons:
Pacsafe Metrosafe LS150 Anti-Theft Sling Backpack
Another sling pack that has theft-proof features and can hold an iPad Mini or iPad Air is the Pacsafe Metrosafe LS150 Anti-Theft Sling Backpack. This pack measures 12.6 x 7.9 x 2.8 in with a 7 litre capacity and weighing just 1 lb.
With a nylon shell and polyester lining, the standard Pacsafe exomesh slashguard layer runs through underneath the lining. This pack has two double zipper compartments, both of which can be locked by security clips at one end. Inside the main compartment is an RFID pocket along with a few other slip and zip pockets and a key ring holder. A padded laptop sleeve will hold a small tablet. The front compartment can hold a paperback, point and shoot camera and other odds and ends.
In addition to the padded top grab handle, the sling pack’s padded shoulder strap is adjustable and is designed to be slung over the right shoulder. It has a slash guard wire running through it too. The bottom end of the strap can be unhooked and tethered around a stationary object when you want to keep it safe from bag snatchers.
Pros:
Cons:
Sling Bags for Tablets
Sherpani Esprit Anti Theft Sling Bag
If you need a sling bag that is large enough for a tablet, you’ll have to skip the Travelon and maybe consider this small sling pack from Sherpani, called Sherpani Esprit Anti Theft Sling Bag. It measures 18″ high and 11″ at the widest part and weighs 13 oz with a 10L capacity.
This is the best crossbody sling bag for travel if you’re looking for something sophisticated. It features a combination of lightweight but durable and water-resistant Melange & nylon fabrics and vegan leather trim. The inside is lined in lime green so you can see inside easily.
The padded sling strap features a zip pocket big enough for some knick-knacks and is designed to rest on the right shoulder. It also allows you to tether it to a chair.
The main compartment of this anti-theft sling backpack features a key fob and two pockets – one zipped mesh and the other a large slip pocket. It includes RFID protection. There is a zipped pocket on the front exterior, which is big enough for a small smartphone. A rear zippered tablet pocket is fleece-lined and big enough for a 7″ tablet but a larger tablet can easily fit into the slip pocket of the main compartment. There’s even an exterior water bottle pocket on the opposite side of the compartment openings.
The bottom of the bag and shoulder strap are slashproof. The main compartment features a clip lock for the opening, and the rest of the zippers come with exterior zipper-lock tunnels. There is also a chair loop lock system to keep it safe when your eyes are not on it.
Pros:
Cons:
Pacsafe Vibe 325 Anti-Theft Cross Body Pack
The unisex Pacsafe Vibe 325 Anti-Theft Cross Body Pack has all the anti-theft features that made the brand famous while being functional as well as stylish enough for most women. The Exomesh slash-proof construction runs the entire length of the bag between the nylon shell and polyester lining, so even if someone tries to rip a hole in the bag, your valuables won’t fall out. The padded and adjustable sling strap also has stainless steel mesh running through it and, with the help of its smart buckle, can be used to attach the bag to any suitable stationary object. The zipper pullers of both compartments can be anchored to security hooks to deter anyone from opening them. The main compartment features double zippers, so you can secure it with a luggage lock as well.
There are two compartments built into this bag. The main one features a padded tablet/iPad sleeve and an RFID blocking pocket along with other slots, key ring and pen holder. This sling bag weighs 1 lb 4 ounces and measures 15.7 x 9.1 x 3.1 inches with a 10 L capacity. It is designed to hold up to a 10 inch tablet.
This may just be the best anti theft sling bag here. Users love that this travel sling bag as it is roomy yet compact, and some even use it to transport large cameras. They also love how it easily swings round to the front as well, however, you can only use it over the left shoulder to do this. If you carry it on the other shoulder, you’ll have to remove the pack to open it.
Pros:
Cons:
Sling Bag for Camera
Pacsafe V9 Camsafe Carrying Case for Cameras
If you want a similar Pacsafe to the above one, but that’s especially suited for cameras, consider the X9 Camsafe Camera Sling Pack. This one can fit a DSLR or mirrorless camera with two standard lenses, and for additional carrying comfort, the adjustable sling strap also comes with a stabilizer strap. Not only does this keep it from bouncing around, but it also allows makes it possible to sling the bag over the left shoulder in case your right one gets sore after wearing it for many hours. The EVA foam backed bag is easy to carry and it also comes with a built-in rain cover that can be hidden away and pulled out when you have to protect your equipment.
The interior of this theft-proof sling bag comes with padded dividers to protect all your camera equipment and one of the dividers can be removed if you’re not carrying a camera but want to make more space for other items. The iPad/tablet storage is located in the rear zippered compartment and can hold an 11″ device. There is also an external pocket for a water bottle, a side access pocket to grab your camera quickly, and an RFID pocket with other pockets for SD cards and a phone, plus a pen loop and keyring in the front zippered compartment.
All the anti-theft features remain the same as those of the Vibe 325 bag above. This bag is 8L in capacity and weighs 1 lb 12 oz.
Pros:
Cons:
Featured Image: “Сумка Pacsafe Metrosafe 100 анти-вор 250 грн.” by NoLimit.com.ua is licensed under CC BY 2.0