Think Twice Before Traveling With A Backpack. Here's Why
For those long sightseeing days in a new place, a trusty backpack is an easy and convenient way to stash your wallet, snacks, camera gear, and anything else you might need to bring along. There's just one problem: your accessory is a prominent clue that you're a tourist, especially if you appear distracted or disoriented. In busy areas, it's easier for opportunists to pick you out of a crowd, sizing up your bag for potential valuables and weak spots, like flimsy material or exposed zippers.
Pickpocketing occurs the most around packed tourist areas and public transportation, where people get wedged together like sardines and don't think twice about a stranger bumping into them — i.e., covertly stealing your stuff. A report by the comparison service Money.co.uk notes that the destinations with the most reviews about pickpocketing are Barcelona, Paris, and Rome. A survey by Tripadvisor says eight out of the top 10 cities for petty theft are in Europe. If you're thinking of a European getaway anytime soon, perhaps leave your favorite backpack at home.
Pickpocketing hotspots have spurred watchdog groups to publicly call out thieves and film their mired attempts. Popular creator Monica Poli has been doing the rounds on TikTok with a group called Cittadini non distratti (Citizens Not Distracted). She shouts "Attenzione, Pickpocket" at unsuspecting tourists in Italy who are about to lose their valuables. But pickpocketing is often preventable with the right gear and mindset, even if you don't have a content creator to watch your back.
Opt for theft-proof bags instead
Traditional backpacks don't offer protection against pickpockets, as the zippers are visible, the main pockets face outwards, and the side pockets are shallow and exposed. This leaves your phone, wallet, and other treasures up for grabs in about two seconds. You'd be surprised by how quickly thieves operate, as demonstrated in a video by Wired. By the time you realize what's up, they may be way down the street.
The good news is that there are plenty of theft-proof bags on the market. Look for cut-proof material, hidden compartments, locking mechanisms, and RFID-blocking material so folks can't digitally swipe your precious personal data. Two clear winners tick all the boxes: Pacsafe and Travelon. From Reddit threads to traveler blogs to industry publications, these brands always seem to come out on top.
Starting with Pacsafe, one notable bestseller is the Pacsafe® GO 15L Anti-Theft Backpack ($110), which can fit all your daytime essentials and a 13-inch laptop. The bag contains eXomesh® slashguard, its trademark stainless steel barrier. There's even a secret compartment that hugs your back, perfect for your passport and wallet. Travelon also has fashionable backpacks and day bags, especially sleek crossbody models. The Anti-Theft Classic Travel Bag ($85) is a bestseller for a reason, featuring slash-proof mesh on four sides, a quick grab smartphone pocket, interior zippered compartments, and a key clip to secure your bag to an immovable object, like a table while you're enjoying brunch in an under-the-radar European destination for food lovers.
More tips to ward off pickpockets
Pickpockets are very skilled at what they do. Even guidebook author and travel expert Rick Steves had his wallet swiped in Paris with 4,800 days of travel under his belt. While a sophisticated anti-theft bag is a great step in the right direction, there are a few more safeguards to ward off pickpockets. The top suggestion is to pay attention to your surroundings in busy areas, says Steves on his blog. Routinely look around and double-check that people aren't walking too close behind you. If you have to use your phone or consult a map, secure your valuables in front of you. Be wary of anyone who tries to distract you, as they may be teaming up with someone else to take your stuff when you least expect it.
Another safety tip, courtesy of travel expert and TV host Samantha Brown, is to dress like a local, she explains on her website. Outside of America, your baseball cap and alma mater sweatshirt scream, "I'm not from around here." It's better to dress down so you don't stand out from the crowd. Also, avoid displays of wealth, like fancy jewelry, expensive watches, or top-tier camera gear. The more you can blend in, the better.
Last but not least, don't let paranoia take hold. Aim for relaxed awareness — you're alert, yes, but not about to let the fear ruin your fun. You earned this vacation; go forth and enjoy it.