If you’re leaving on your next adventure and doing a little research about some of the great travel products out there, you have probably come across some kind of anti-theft gear. There are anti-theft backpacks, anti-theft purses, anti-theft pants and shirts, even anti-theft underwear! Looking at it all, you’ve probably thought to yourself is it worth it to get anti-theft gear? Do I need an anti theft purse?
I thought those same thoughts before purchasing my Travelon anti-theft crossbody bag. I was in preparation mode for my three week trip in Central America, and after terrifying myself by reading about pickpocketing and different ways to prevent it, I decided to just bite the bullet and get the purse.
To be completely honest, I don’t know if anyone tried to pickpocket me. If they did, then the purse worked like a charm! I had nothing stolen from me! If they didn’t try, then I at least had the peace of mind that my things were safe inside my anti-theft purse.
Do I need an Anti Theft purse: The Cons
Waterproofing
Really, the only bad thing about my Travelon Anti-theft Crossbody purse is that it is not waterproof. While in Antigua, Guatemala I got caught in a downpour and of course, my bag was soaked. I had stored a few Immodium tablets in one of the pockets (because that’s my thug life) and after the rainstorm, I just had a pocket full of Immodium-dust. Not to mention that everything else inside the bag got wet.
After that incident, I bought a shoe waterproofing spray and used it on the purse. It didn’t make everything air-tight, but definitely helped keep the water out!
Do I need an Anti Theft purse: The Pros
Locking Zippers
One of the best features of my Travelon Anti-theft Crossbody bag are the locking zippers. This makes it impossible to quickly unzip the bag and reach in, keeping those nasty pickpockets at bay. It does take a bit of getting used to, but they definitely help with security.
Crossbody Anti-slash Shoulder Straps
Apparently, it’s a thing for robbers to slash the traps of your purse, so it falls off your shoulder and into their sneaky little hands. The Travelon Anti-theft Crossbody bag has an anti-slash strap so that it can’t be cut. In addition, the crossbody fit allows the purse to sit at your hip, making it easier to guard in front of you.
Can’t get through this shoulder strap!
RFID Card Blocking
There’s also this thing that people can use to scan and steal your credit card information from inside your purse. You’d never even know that your info was stolen until it was too late. But with the RFID blocking card slots in this purse, nobody can get that information.
Range of Colors
Obvi, if you’re going to buy a purse you want to make sure it comes in the color that suits you best. This is not a safety feature per se, but it will help keep you safe from the dangers of looking unfashionable! I had a hard time picking what color I wanted, but in the end, I fell back on my classic Olive color.
Amateur purse models
Space
Having an anti-theft purse is great, but if there’s no room for your stuff it’s basically worthless! This purse has just the right amount of space to hold the basics for a day of exploring. It comfortably holds my wallet, phone, power banks, and an umbrella if needed. One time I also stuffed 6 bags of Haribo gummies in that bad boy. I’d call that a win.
Peace of Mind
My experience with whether or not the Travelon Anti-Theft crossbody bag keeps you safe from all pickpocket encounters is inconclusive. But the biggest advantage is the peace of mind it brings. It helps to have that little something extra to take some of the paranoia of travel away. Instead of having to wear your backpack in front of you, or constantly check on your belongings, you can have some peace that your things are safe inside your anti-theft purse.
Come at me, Bro
Do I need an Anti Theft purse: The Conclusion
Okay, so do you really need need an anti theft purse for travel? No. But is it worth it to spend money on a purse that gives you peace of mind so you aren’t constantly worried about making sure your pockets are closed and that your wallet is still with you? Oh heckums yes.
And bonus:
The Travelon anti-theft crossbody bag makes an excellent gift! If you find yourself wondering what to get that special traveler in your life this year, buy them something super useful that will allow them to adventure with a little more confidence!
Click here to buy the Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag on Amazon
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by or affiliated with the Travelon brand. I just genuinely enjoy this product! This post also includes affiliate links, which means that if you purchase anything through my links, I will get an itty bitty commission at no cost to you!
Looking for other travel gift ideas? Check out all this travel gear I use. Or shop my Holiday Gift Guide for travelers!
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36 Comments
Crossbody bags are my favorite travel “must.” You may not need one but I would recommend traveling with it. You are hands free and have your property close to your body. When the bag is the correct amount of space, you can have everything you need for your day and avoid a backpack (which you cannot enter in several places). I have one from REI but it is getting old. I have to check the one you have in here.
I’ve had mine for almost 3 years now and it shows no wear and tear at all!
I love my Travelon cross body bag! Good call on the waterproofing spray!
I’ve always thought about getting a bag of some sorts to help with theft issues. But I have still yet to invest in something haha.
I always travel with cross-body bags, but I didn’t realize ones like this existed!
I always use cross body bags, whether travelling or for day to day stuff. They are really so much safer and easier to use. But hadn’t heard of the RFID blocking card slots till now. Sounds quite useful.
Yea, I think it could be worth spending the bucks for anti-theft gear. There are so many places we visit that are known for theft, so I think this might really help.
They really don’t cost much more than a regular purse, too!
I love this post. Never really considered anti-theft gear but this is really convincing. Also never heard about waterproofing spray. Must be living under the rocks. Smh. Thanks for sharing.
I can’t wear a cross-body bag for long: I end up with shoulder, back and/or neck ache. I have to have the weight evenly distributed, which means a backpack. I’ve found a small bag that does the trick, and it’s small enough that when I’m in a crowd and get nervous about pickpockets, I switch it to wear in front. I wish it had that anti-slash strap, though! If I’m in a place that’s known for crime, I wear a travel vest that is anti-slash and has lots of pockets.
Cross body bags are my faaaave! Thankfully I’ve never fallen victim to pickpockets, but I know a few friends who have. I might need to invest in this! Currently I just have a small cross body wallet and I keep my phone in my front pocket so I have less things to steal, but eventually the day will come when I need to carry more things lol!
I’ve been considering an anti-theft bag for such a long time now! I should really get one. Nice to know the pros and con haha
I’ve not travelled with a specific anti-theft purse, but I do use a cross body bag and my camera bag is specifically designed to look less camera-bagish and more purse-ish. Never felt the need for one but have probably just been really lucky when travelling, tbh!
I had never heard of an anti-theft purse until this post! It’s such a great idea. I’ve traveled a lot and never had an issue with pickpockets but I have friends who have fallen victim to multiple pickpockets in the SAME trip! So I think you’re right, the peace of mind this purse brings makes it totally worth the investment. Especially with regards to the credit card scanning (SCARY!).
Thanks for the great suggestion! I’m moving to Colombia next year and have considered investing in a good anti-theft something. Usually when I travel, I have two kids worth of stuff to tote around too, but this looks big enough to even stick a few diapers in! 😉 Thanks!
I have been considering getting an anti theft bag as well as you can never be too prepared for pick-pocketing known destinations. I have actually bought anti theft underwear which are great for cash and cards, haha!
Wow this purse looks really useful. It would definitely give me some peace of mind. Thinking of getting one maybe.
I need to look into this purse. The RFID card blocking is key! I’ve had my card swiped a few times already and it’s such a pin in the ass!
Cross body bags are definitely a travel must! I’ve never heard of this one before, but it sounds great!
I’m always in the market for a good theft proof bag. It’s just hard finding ones that are cute, too and don’t look like something my grandma would lug around haha.
These are a great start!!
Wow, I’d never heard of a scanner that can steal your credit card information! totally scary. This sounds like a great purse for peace of mind. I’m always looking for a newer/more secure purse or bag for my travels, and this one looks good.
Great review. Think I need to add this to my Christmas list. The RFDI would be especially useful as one of us had a card scanned in NYC at the JFK airport. I also prefer crossbody bags so I can be as hands free as possible.
I always wondered if I should buy one, especially for when I have to go to very crowded places, thank you for the honest review!
I was actually worried about this during my trip because mine, despite being over the shoulder, was also open. My backpack though, was really good and had all the safety locks!
I’ve been looking for a decent cross body purse for my upcoming relocation to East Africa but most of them are so ugly lol This one is actually functional and not bad looking at all 🙂 Glad to have come across this post 🙂
I don’t have an anti-theft purse, but it looks really useful! I love cross body purses, especially when traveling. I really like the navy blue one! I’m definitely considering buying one!
Thanks for sharing information about the product. Sounds very helpful during travel. Definitely, want to try it.
I have been curious about this purse!! Though I’ve never had anything stolen, if anything strangers have returned money that I dropped!
I’ve never heard about the waterproofing spray but that is an amazing idea. Where do you buy something like that? I’ll have to try it on my backpack next trip!
They usually have it in shoe stores. It’s typically used to spray shoes, but it seemed to work on my purse too! If you’re using a different purse, make sure you spray a little bit in a spot where nobody will see, first. Just to make sure the spray isn’t going to mess with the fabric of your bag 🙂
Having just used an anti theft backpack I fully support using such equipment. As you said, sometimes it might not be more than your own mindset but it does make a difference. I guess you only need one incident or close call to make it worthwhile having.
I’ve never had any anti-theft stuff but I am super careful when I travel .All it takes is one bad incident though to change everything! I think this is a great idea though. Annoying it’s not waterproof but good though.
I’ve always been hyper aware of my belongings when out and about in crowds so I’ve not been pickpocketed, but I’ve never bought a purse specifically marketed for anti-theft. I used to use a cross-shoulder design that I wore in front, one hand naturally rested on it most of the time. These days I use a bum bag (worn at the front) so again, it’d be virtually impossible for anyone to get access. I do really like the locking zippers design though, I think those are super cute, and would also stop the kind of zips that sometimes unzip because you’ve stuffed too much into the pocket!!!
I like the way you concluded this review. We never really “need” anything in this world, That probably includes GoPros, USB charging carry-ons and anti-theft purses. Its always a question of value for money, isn’t it? You made a good case!
While water proofing would be a definite plus for a downpour, it does come with a ton of fantastic perks. I love the zipper locking system and the card blocking. Perfect for travelers!
An anti-theft purse is a must, especially when you are always on the go. Realized it the hard way, when I had my backpack zipper opened and some stuff stolen on a busy street. This one looks perfect to ensure that you do not find yourself robbed.