Anti-theft Crossbody Bags as Secure as They Are Stylish

Author - Maria Lalonde

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.

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 — this time —my phone 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.
• Lockable Zippers: Look for zippers that clasp together or to the bag with locks.
• Hidden Zippers: When it comes to outwitting theft, the less accessible your zippers are, the better.
• Anchor Straps. Look for bags with anchor straps that can be attached to a fixed object when you’re stationary to prevent grab-and-run thefts.
• Secret Pockets: A solid anti-theft bag will have a hidden pocket or two for stashing items you want to keep extra safe.

Do you need RFID protection?

This one is controversial. Most of the anti-theft bags you’ll find on the market today offer something called RFID protection. 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 that RFID-blocking products are 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

I’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 foil 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 fit 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

Shop Pacsafe Go at Amazon

Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Free Time Crossbody Bag

My 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 luggage and/or travel tracksuit.

Price: $92.81+ at Amazon

Shop Baggallini at Amazon

Travelon Anti-Theft Greenlander Compact Sling Bag

Another 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 and perhaps a mini hand sanitizer — and not much else.

Price: $49.44 at Amazon

Shop Travelon at Amazon

Arden Cove Crissy Full Crossbody with Locking Clasps Strap

Looking to treat yourself? 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, 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 other goodies.

Price:$179 at Amazon

Shop Arden Cove at Amazon

OSOCE Sling Bag

Easily 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, some of the larger Galaxy models).  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

Shop OSOCE at Amazon

Solo New York Stealth Hybrid Backpack

Technically, 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, plus 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 passports) and the fact that it’s large enough to hold my Macbook.

Price: $60.66 at Amazon

Shop Solo New York at Amazon

A globe-trotting, Topo Chico-swilling and ukulele-pickin' writer, Maria Cristina Lalonde loves saving money as much as she hates Oxford commas.

about Maria Lalonde

Maria Lalonde is a savings strategist and home lifestyle content creator from New York, currently living in Brooklyn with her partner, a fluffy tabby cat and a senior rescue dog. She has always loved budget-friendly living and has become even more passionate about tracking down the best coupons, flash sales and home essentials deals since joining RetailMeNot as the Home & Living Editor. She loves her career linking readers to can’t-miss bargains and trusted home brands she actually uses and recommends in her own daily life.

About Maria Lalonde

Maria LalondeA globe-trotting, Topo Chico-swilling and ukulele-pickin' writer, Maria Cristina Lalonde loves saving money as much as she hates Oxford commas.