Pacsafe vs Travelon: Which Anti-Theft Backpack to Buy?
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Pacsafe vs Travelon: both make anti-theft backpacks with slash-resistant materials and locking features, but the Pacsafe Metrosafe X 25L is a 25 litre bag for a 16 inch laptop, while the Travelon Anti-Theft Metro is a slimmer 14 litre bag for a 15.6 inch laptop. We read both maker pages and both Amazon listings on 5 October 2026. The numbers below come from the makers' own pages.
Quick answer
Checked on 5 October 2026. Choose the Pacsafe Metrosafe X 25L if you want the bigger bag (25 litres, 16 inch laptop) with lockable zips and a cut-resistant strap you can lock to a fixed object. Choose the Travelon Anti-Theft Metro if you want a lighter, slimmer day bag (1.65 lb) with slash-resistant panels and straps. Both have RFID-blocking pockets.
Both, with a buy button each
Pacsafe Metrosafe X 25L
Lists lockable zips, a Dyneema slashguard strap and a 5-year warranty. Read more
Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Backpack
Lists 1.65 lb, slash-resistant panels and straps, 15.6 inch laptop sleeve. Read more
How we compared them
The NomadsToolsLab team read both makers' product pages end to end on 5 October 2026 and checked both Amazon pages with a US delivery address. What surprised us: the Travelon Metro has almost no independent write-ups, only retailer pages that repeat its feature list, while the Pacsafe has a full review at Pack Hacker. Their reviewers scored it 7.9 out of 10, called the lockable zips smooth and secure once you learn the interlocking, and described the shoulder straps as softly padded. Their complaints were small: the bottle pockets do not hold a bottle securely, the laptop sleeve has no deep false bottom, and the metal zips are a bit noisy when not interlocked. Every number in the table comes from the makers' own pages.
Our conclusion: the Pacsafe has the stronger evidence behind it and a 5-year limited warranty from its maker, while the Travelon wins on weight and simplicity. If you pick the Travelon, check the return window first.
Pacsafe vs Travelon at a glance
| Pick | Size | Weight | Laptop | Security | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size: 25 L, 18.9 x 12.2 x 7.1 in | Weight: 2.2 lb | Laptop: 16 in | Security: Lockable zips, Dyneema slashguard strap, eXomesh, RFID | Get yours on Amazon |
| Size: 14 L, 11 x 17 x 6 in | Weight: 1.65 lb | Laptop: 15.6 in | Security: Locking compartments, slash-resistant panels and straps, RFID | Get yours on Amazon |
Both makers list an RFID-blocking pocket, and that is the makers' own claim. Pacsafe lists a 5-year limited warranty on its bags. We did not find a warranty term on Travelon's Metro page, only a 30-day return policy, so ask the seller before you buy.
1. Pacsafe Metrosafe X 25L: more room, more locks
Pacsafe Metrosafe X 25L
Pacsafe lists the Metrosafe X 25L at 25 litres, 18.9 x 12.2 x 7.1 inches and 2.2 lb. The padded sleeve fits a 16 inch MacBook Pro and most 16 inch laptops, and a second sleeve fits an 11 inch tablet. The main fabric is 750D recycled polyester, water resistant to 1,000 mm and PFC free.
The security list is long: lockable zips, a PopNLock security clip, a Roobar Sport locking system, a secure zip tab, RFIDsafe pockets, an eXomesh slashguard and a Carrysafe slashguard strap with Dyneema. There is also a cut-resistant anchor strap that you can loop around a fixed object. Read the details on the Pacsafe product page.
On Amazon on 5 October 2026 the Metrosafe X 25L in slate showed In Stock with an Add to cart button, sold by a third-party seller (Movatik) and shipped by Amazon. It ranked #884 in Laptop Backpacks. We did not see a bought-in-the-past-month line on the page.
2. Travelon Anti-Theft Metro: lighter and slimmer
Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Backpack
Travelon lists the Anti-Theft Metro Backpack at 11 x 17 x 6 inches, 14 cubic liters and 1.65 lb, in polyester. It has locking compartments, slash-resistant body panels and straps, and an RFID-blocking pocket plus a removable RFID-blocking pouch. A tablet sleeve, side mesh pockets for a bottle or umbrella and a tethered key clip complete the list.
The padded laptop sleeve holds up to 15.6 inches. The Travelon product page has the full list. On Amazon on 5 October 2026 the bag showed In Stock with an Add to cart button, shipped and sold by Amazon.com, and ranked #1,038 in Laptop Backpacks.
What the anti-theft features do and do not do
Locking zips, cut-resistant straps and slash-resistant panels slow a thief down. They do not stop one who has time. The most useful part is often the anchor strap or the habit of keeping the bag on your lap, between your feet or on your front in a crowd.
Chenzo, founder of NomadsToolsLab
My backpack was stolen once in South America, on the long bus rides of 24 hours. Clothes, a second phone, a tablet, cash and shoes were in it. I did nothing about it, I took my losses, and I travelled lighter afterwards. Since then I split my money: a belly pouch, a small hip bag and some cash in my socks, so that losing one thing is never losing everything.
If it does happen, read what to do if your backpack is stolen abroad. For the rest of the kit, our guide to stopping pickpockets covers belts, pouches and more, and a good padlock handles the hostel locker.
Which one to pick
Laptop and a full day out: the Pacsafe, for the 25 litres, the 16 inch sleeve and the lockable zips. A light city day bag: the Travelon, at 1.65 lb. Hostels, buses and trains: the Pacsafe, because the cut-resistant anchor strap can be looped around a fixed object. You carry only a small laptop and a few things: the Travelon is enough.
If you carry more than a day bag, see our best backpacks and the digital nomad packing list. For a bigger travel pack, compare Peak Design vs Nomatic.
- Pacsafe Metrosafe X 25L: 25 litres, 2.2 lb, 16 inch laptop sleeve, lockable zips, Dyneema slashguard strap, 5-year limited warranty.
- Travelon Anti-Theft Metro: 14 cubic liters, 1.65 lb, 15.6 inch laptop sleeve, locking compartments, slash-resistant panels and straps.
- Both makers list RFID-blocking pockets.
- On 5 October 2026 both were in stock on Amazon with an Add to cart button.
Where to go next
Read how to stop pickpockets, the best padlocks for hostel lockers, and comfort gear for long flights, buses and trains. Still choosing a pack? Compare the Osprey Farpoint and Fairview, or the Osprey Daylite Plus and Gregory Nano 20 for day trips.
Watch: the Pacsafe X 25L in action
Video by Pack Hacker Reviews on YouTube. Pack Hacker earns affiliate commissions on its links.
FAQ
Is Pacsafe or Travelon better for travel?
Pacsafe lists a bigger bag (25 litres, 16 inch laptop sleeve) with lockable zips and a Dyneema slashguard strap. Travelon lists a lighter, smaller bag (14 cubic liters, 1.65 lb) with slash-resistant panels and straps. Pick by how much you carry.
Do the Pacsafe Metrosafe X 25L and Travelon Metro fit a laptop?
Pacsafe says its sleeve fits a 16 inch MacBook Pro and most 16 inch laptops. Travelon says its padded sleeve holds up to a 15.6 inch laptop.
Are Pacsafe and Travelon bags RFID blocking?
Both makers list RFID-blocking pockets. That is the makers' own claim.
Which one is lighter?
Travelon lists 1.65 lb for the Anti-Theft Metro. Pacsafe lists 2.2 lb for the Metrosafe X 25L.
Can an anti-theft backpack stop a pickpocket?
The features make a grab or a slash harder, but neither maker presents a bag as theft-proof. Keep the bag in front of you in crowds and do not leave it unattended.
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