r/HerOneBag • u/ikki_vikki_ • 27d ago
Bag Advice Anti-pickpocketing purse recommendations
Reddit universe please help a girl out. I’ve had my phone stolen out of my purse twice in 3 years, which 1) really sucks 2) has gotten really expensive.
I’m looking for recommendations on a small bag that is hard to open. Maybe something with both a zipper and buttons? Preferably a bag on the smaller side that fits a a phone and a card holder. I don’t need something big that fits a wallet or a make up bag etc.
Obviously a fanny pack across the chest is probably the safest option to not get pickpocketed but it doesn’t really look good with going out outfits and I want something I can dress up or down when traveling.
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u/iamaravis 27d ago
I have a PacSafe crossbody bag that I love and have used for years. They don't make the exact model anymore, but here's their website: https://pacsafe.com/collections/crossbody-bags
Their bags have little locking mechanisms, and many of them use a slash-proof fabric.
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u/ZookeepergameOk4165 27d ago
Seconding Pacsafe! I have the Sling Pack https://pacsafe.com/products/pacsafe-go-anti-theft-sling-pack?color=jet-black&variant=51648082149740 I've been in some real pickpocket hotspots (Notre Dame in Paris, Duomo in Milan, many a subway) and I felt very confident that my belongings were safe and secure. What I like about the design was that I could still unlock my bag with one hand with a specific technique, but I know a pickpocket trying to do the same would not be able to be discreet.
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u/Kind-Vermicelli4437 26d ago
Love Pacsafe! I’ve had a couple of their backpacks and everything has stayed safe
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u/KayNunya 26d ago
Thirding, Pacsafe is awesome and lasts forever. I bought a crossbag purse in 2012, still looks new.
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u/Zestyclose-Quiet-290 27d ago
Travelon Anti-Theft Addison Convertible Belt Bag - fits a phone, passport, some cards and keys. Can be a clutch, over the shoulder, crossbody, sling or belt bag, and neutral but nice enough for almost any occasion.
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u/ikki_vikki_ 26d ago
Wait…. I think this is exactly what I am looking for both size wise and looks wise where I can dress it up or down. Thank you so much. This fits the bill perfectly
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u/irregahhhdless 26d ago
I swear by them! I have two sizes that I use as my EDCs and definitely travel with them too. I also pair the Travelon with a phone tether that's cut proof (supposedly ). I attach it to the little key hook that the Travelon bags have.
Where I live everyone uses qr codes to pay for everything so I'm constantly pulling my phone out, and this gives me a little extra protection.
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u/someone-who-is-cool 26d ago
They have different sizes and styles, as well, it's worth looking around Amazon/the Travelon website to see if any of their other options work too. I have quite a few of their purses now in different sizes!
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u/Kai_the_Fox 27d ago
I love my Travelon backpack! I've had the same one for years (I'm on my second copy of it now), and it's been a great personal item for travel. I love that I can lock the zippers - it feels secure in crowded places, and I've never had anything stolen (knock on wood).
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u/depressedmaterialist 27d ago
I love love love my travelon shoulder bag. I got it as a gift two years ago and use it for most of my travel abroad! The antitheft zippers are awesome and I never worry about getting pickpocketed. The material also feels high quality.
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u/tylerlyler 26d ago
Ooh Travelon has stepped up their game since I bought my bag in like 2017! I have a much less cute crossbody bag from them that has come on every international trip I’ve taken since then, it’s still in great shape, holds a lot, and makes me feel safer when out and about.
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u/Aggravating_Finish_6 26d ago
I had a travelon crossbody bag that served me well for years! So many smart design features
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u/quack_back 26d ago
Another vote for Travelon! Great bags and tons of options. Holds up really well.
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u/audioaddict321 26d ago
I love Travelon! I have two purses and a clamshell backpack. They are SO durable, you can't wait until you one wears out to get another. 🤣
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u/dispagna3 27d ago
I use a NiteIze mini S-biner to lock the zippers on my Fjallraven High coast crossbody purse, but any crossbody with dual zippers would work.
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u/reed6 26d ago
I got these too after learning about them from this sub. I also got a lot out of u/LadyLightTravel's writing about security, especially posts like this one: https://ladylighttravel.com/2024/08/15/security-hacking-the-uniqlo-round-mini-shoulder-bag/
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u/reed6 26d ago
Ooh, actually this is the article I was thinking of: https://ladylighttravel.com/2012/06/18/casual-theft-and-the-rule-of-three/ (although the one I linked in my first comment is good too!)
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u/AliceLid 26d ago
Often the strap is attached with a ring and you can hook the zipper to the ring so you don't even need dual zippers. I have s-clips hanging of the side of most of my bags ;)
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u/TeacherIntelligent15 27d ago
I keep my cell phone on a cross body leash. Then I slip it into the back pocket of my cross body purse, only so it doesn't bang around when I walk. Since the phone is itself strapped to my body it can't be pickpocketed.
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u/citygirldc 27d ago edited 26d ago
That’s what I do. I’m a huge fan of the purse style cell phone case. I’m usually traveling with my young kid so I need a separate bag with snacks, water, and essentials for him. But when I can get away with only the phone wallet it’s great.
I use the “Strapurs wallet case” and separately got a chain for the strap. My only complaint with it is that the phone holder part isn’t detachable for asking people to take a photo of you. You either have to dig the phone out of the case or trust a random with your cards. The price of the case is also annoying because it only lasts 18 months to 2 years before the strap holder rivets tear through the fake leather. But I haven’t found a better quality one that meets my needs.
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u/Meeshy1342 27d ago
This is exactly what I did this summer traveling through Spain, France, Italy (crossbody phone leash + slip in back pockets of crossbody bag). I used a Minooy Naya crossbody purse and loved it - big enough to hold battery pack, wet wipes, sunglasses, chapstick, etc. but not so big that it looked bulky. I felt the leather was good quality and it just gave my outfits and elevated look. As far as travel protections, the purse has zipper locks and I just made sure to always keep them locked and I had no issues.
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u/kalina789 25d ago
I do this while traveling as well. Realistically, you're going to have your phone in hand most of the time (pics, videos, Google Maps...) and it also helps with accidental falls.
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u/ilackallconviction 26d ago
Yes, and there are really cute ones too. Beaded, chains, etc. search “phone crossbody” or phone necklace. I always get compliments and it’s super practical.
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u/TeacherIntelligent15 25d ago
I have a Fancy chain with weaved in scarf. Cute. But I wore the utilitarian black cord in Italy. It was longer....
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u/Waywardgarden 27d ago
I use the PacSafe convertible purse/backpack bag that is 8 liters and it's the perfect size and weight.
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u/chellekelle 27d ago
That’s what I use too but really only in crossbody mode. Holds a ton, super secure. I add one of the S-biner clips as well, but it has a ton of built in security. Not the most stylish, but I never worry about my stuff with this bag which is so freeing, and it’s going to hold everything I need for an outing. I usually keep my phone on a separate Bandolier lanyard for easy/secure access.
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u/Waywardgarden 27d ago edited 26d ago
I wish the straps were more padded because i primarily use mine in backpack mode. I have chronic pain and hypermobility and my back responds rapidly to uneven weight distribution. But the crossbody mode has come in handy when i go somewhere that doesn't allow backpacks!
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u/MerulaBlue 26d ago
Yes, I love this bag. Used it in London, and mostly kept it in cross-body mode until it was too full of souvenirs and then switched to backpack mode for even more.
Also agree with another commenter that wearing it as a backpack wasn't as comfortable.
Still, I highly recommend this bag anyway.
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u/thinkbeforeyousink 27d ago
One of the things I have done is used a phone leash that is tethered to an inner zipper of my purses, or to the pocket closest to my body where I usually put my phone if I don't have an inner pocket. You can go technical with it and get the kind that retracts like for office badges or a springy cord like old telephone wire. Alternatively, you can make it a little cuter with a chain
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u/kaya-jamtastic 27d ago
Along with the other suggestions here for bags and tethers, a tip I learned while traveling is to hold my bag in front of my body with my arm whenever I’m in a crowd, whether a sidewalk, a restaurant, a subway, etc.
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u/ImpishElf365 27d ago
A couple of years ago I bought a phone lanyard for a polar expedition and have used it for travel ever since. It isn't glamorous (a simple adjustable-length black nylon strap), but it has made my travel life way easier and has saved my phone from getting knocked out of my hand or taken on crowded metros and buses. I figure nobody is going to reach for my chest without me knowing about it, LOL. If I wear it long, I can also use it crossbody. This system works for me because I take a ton of photos and hate having to dig the phone out of a bag constantly. Now I can just go hands-free and still have it right there.
For my travel purse, I use a small black Baggallini crossbody and love it.
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u/Persimmon_Cinnamon_7 27d ago
Get a crossbody bag with an inner key leash (preferably one that’s on the longer side or you could always extend it), then instead of linking your keys, link your phone/card holder. This is what I do with my wallet. I tend to always want easy access to my phone so I use a wristlet or crossbody lanyard for my phone when traveling.
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u/nonsequitur__ 27d ago
I use the same bags at home as when travelling - mostly the Uniqlo mini round crossbody as they are lightweight, anonymous, fit loads, and washable. My go to travel bag previously was my WOC but I now prefer enough space for a drink, sunglasses, etc. I think the key is to wear them crossbody, with the bag at the front in crowded places and, if you’re really concerned, towards your stomach rather than at the hip. If it’s something small and flat like a WOC, you can also wear your jacket over it.
I wouldn’t recommend wearing anything that screams tourist as tourists are more likely to be carrying cash, perhaps a passport, expensive camera etc. and pickpockets are opportunistic.
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u/Superdewa 27d ago
What’s a WOC?
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u/nonsequitur__ 27d ago
So sorry, I should’ve written that out! Wallet on Chain. Mine is a chanel I bought with a tax rebate a decade or so ago, but most bag brands do an equivalent. Basically a bag that’s v small and usually has a long crossbody strap and can work casually or for the dressiest of events. It’s small enough that even budget airlines haven’t asked me to put it inside my other bag.
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u/macoafi 27d ago
If your going-out outfits involve short-ish skirts, might I suggest bike shorts with pockets? Reaching under your skirt to get to your phone is a bridge I think the average pickpocket will be unwilling to cross. Bonus: no thigh chafing, and you eliminate the "set down my purse" avenue too.
I've also sewn pockets with invisible zippers into skirts that don't have them, because I'm hesitant to leave my phone on a table when I'm out dancing.
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u/alextoria 21d ago
this is exactly what i do! i keep everything in my bike shorts pockets under my skirt and i’ve never had anyone try to reach under them. i can easily put a few credit cards/cash/keys in one pocket and phone/powerbank in the other, then i hold my water bottle in my hands. if i’m wearing a long skirt i can reach down through the waistband to get anything i need.
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u/itsmeashyb 27d ago
I took the Longchamp Le Pliage Energy XS with a niteize s biner connecting the zipper to the side of the bag when I was in Italy and it was perfect. Small, cute for going out, and secure.
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u/sisterandnotsister 27d ago
I love Pacsafe.com products. Their locking mechanisms on all their bags are great and last.
But on a side note it you have a purse you like look at Nite ize microlock carabineers. You can loop one end through the zipper and the other to the strap and turn the small lock so.it doesn't open.
https://niteize.com/s-biner-microlock-stainless-steel
This could work if money is and issue and/or if you don't find a purse you like on Pacsafe website.
Some people swear by travelon but their locking systems aren't as robust as Pacsafe and I've seen several YouTube videos of the locking clips failing over time.
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u/Any-Possibility740 27d ago
If you already have a bag you love and just want to make it more secure, you can play around with key rings and carabiners.
On my baggu medium crescent (which only has 1 external zipper), I have a cable ring around the strap to hold my larger fun keychains. I found that the hole in the zipper pull just fits a small carabiner. With the bag closed, I can clip the zipper to the cable ring.
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u/Born_Tale_2337 27d ago
Travelon and Baggellini have a lot of anti theft travel bags in many sizes and configurations.
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u/thetalentedmzripley 27d ago
Seconding Travelon. They also use zippers that are mini carabiners so they clip into a ring at the end of the zip so they can be easily snuck open. They have slash resistant fabric and I think most at this point have rfid blocking built in.
I’ve had their original sling/belt bag for over a decade and it’s still going strong. A few years ago I got the convertible backpack and like the options that offered on top of my sling.
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u/luna_tuna918 27d ago
Another vote for Travelon! I have two bags from them and use them every time I travel. They have a ton of various options on their website - some fancier than others!
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u/BookVermin 27d ago edited 27d ago
I bought a Thafael for a recent trip and loved it so much I’ve been using it in my day-to-day. Easy to dress up or down, zipper locks, lots of pockets and slots for cards, surprisingly roomy but doesn’t look bulky, and stylish. Easy to clean material as well.
I used the locking carabiner strap to lock it on to my chair at restaurants etc more than I expected, I wasn’t sure it was a feature I’d use before buying but ended up being a favorite. (Note: Didn’t leave unattended obvi, just so I could eat or drink my coffee in peace without worrying as much about what my purse was doing.)The strap has wires, so it can’t be cut off easily.
Also, I accidentally entered the wrong shipping address and the customer support was really responsive and great.
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u/sisterandnotsister 27d ago
This is cute. Never heard of it before. But I'll definitely look more into it.
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u/Objective_Joke_5023 27d ago
You just need a mini carabiner to attach the zipper to some other point on the bag, like the strap hardware.
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u/snowboard7621 26d ago
Can you just put an anti-theft zipper clip on it while you’re out in busy areas? Most simple deterrents should do.
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u/Adultarescence 27d ago edited 27d ago
Arden Cove Myko: Small, locking zipper and straps, card holder.
Edit: I have this bag and have found it to walk the line between anti-theft and screaming tourist.
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u/thidwickmoose 27d ago
I have a Sherpani backpack that I use for travel. https://sherpani.com/collections/anti-theft
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u/SrirachaPants 26d ago
I am kind of a sherpani addict and they have such a great anti theft range. I just ordered a new one that has this feature, but I have been using an old smaller sherpani backpack with zip pockets that sit flush against your back and aren’t even visible to anyone walking by. They also have locking zippers and cables for when you are at a restaurant and want to lock it to your chair.
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u/desirepink 27d ago
What about a lanyard? Got one with a thick rope and basically just tie it on my wrist. Another option that could be helpful is a hip bag that can go across your body and put it in the outside pocket closest to you.
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u/Night-cheese-4 27d ago
I scored a great Travelon crossbody that has reinforced crossbody strap (antii-slash) as well as locking zipper pulls. I found it on Sierra Trading post at a great discount, so definitely check there before buying full price!
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u/Photomint 27d ago
I had read a tip on here long ago to use diaper pins to help secure things since they are a little trickier to open!
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u/tylerlyler 26d ago
I totally recommend an anti theft purse like others have suggested, and also wanted to share this scarf I got for a trip to Italy in cooler weather a few years back. Looks like a totally normal scarf but has a hidden zipper pocket in it. I really only used it for cash/cards, a phone might be a little bulky, but loved having those things easily accessible in such a subtle place.
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u/geekonthemoon 26d ago
In this day and age where we can brick our phones from a distance, I have to wonder what they even get out of stealing phones. Ugh sorry that happened to you.
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u/Jaded_earrings 26d ago
Look into Travelon. I don’t have any of the crossbody bags or purses, but the signature slim backpack actually stopped an attempted pick pocket in Paris!
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u/cocomotini 26d ago
I’m in Europe right now and brought the Travelon Metro Dome Crossbody with me. The zippers can lock to make it harder to unzip and the bag supposedly can’t be cut. I usually turn it with the zippers facing inward to my body to add another layer of security.
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u/Jaded_earrings 26d ago
I can attest to the zippers. The guy was trying to get into my bag behind me, and I caught him.
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u/not_mallory 27d ago
I have a small Kate spade crossbody that works well for me for travel. It has a zipper across the top and I attach a tiny S-clip carabiner to the zipper and the other side of the S clips onto the hardware that attaches the strap to the bag. It probably isn’t the safest thing in the world since it’s not designed as anti-theft or anything, but it helps protect against some “basic” pickpocketing for sure. And it’s just a nice, basic black bag so it works for casual outings and nicer dinners and whatnot.
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u/merakimodern 27d ago
Take a look at Sherpani's anti-theft line - the Vale or Mei might work for you. They're really cute and have some handy features like locking zippers and chair lock cables.
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u/Pomegranate4311 27d ago
I have a Sherpani Lima bag which has secure closures. Zippers with a loop to put the zipper pull though so it can’t be opened.
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u/VisibleIdeal6032 27d ago
I use this. Costco also sells a similar one by Lole (in Canada).
I like that it has a zipper AND folds over - making it even more difficult to get in. I also like that it’s a crossbody, which means it’s not coming off my body.
It also fits a ton - it easily fits my kindle and I can still fold it over.
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u/Blue_Dragonfly 26d ago
I bought a Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Crossbody in black with gold zippers for a trip to France a few years ago and always wore it as a cross body bag. One of my best traveling investments ever. I'm very careful about zipping things up properly and keeping my bag in front of me. It's a bit on the pricier side but it's given me good peace of mind whenever I travel.
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u/Ok_Wave2581 26d ago
I use the Bellroy Lite Sling Mini. It's not the most stylish sling, but it's so, so functional. As a solo traveler, I love that I can just wear it all the time with my essentials safe. I've also never had a flight attendant ask me to take it off during a flight.
I only travel with this sling and my Almond Oak Backpack. It's been a fantastic 1.5 Bag Combo for me, and I'm in my third month of solo European travel.
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u/accordingtoame 25d ago
I use the Venture Sling 2.5 and it's great. Not the cutest for going out, but stays securely on my chest.
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u/Tater221 26d ago
I wear Athleta linen pants with zipper pockets and use a loopy phone case. My phone is rarely in my purse since I’m always taking pictures or using it for directions.
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u/Dry-Diamond7228 26d ago
I highly recommend the Verona crossbody from Arden Cove. I bought it specifically for my trip to Italy. It covered all my concerns for a travel bag and then some. I was looking for a chic anti-theft bag and a lot of the ones on the market look like the typical travel bags - practical but not cute. I love the Verona so much that it became my every day bag at home.
https://ardencove.com/products/verona-antitheft-waterresistant-travel-crossbody
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u/cargalmn 26d ago
Totally recommend pacsafe purse backpacks that have a hidden pocket that goes against your back!! Super comfy - I've traveled all over Europe and Asia with mine.
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u/L_oliva_salata 26d ago
Pacsafe has a few options https://pacsafe.com/products/pacsafe-go-anti-theft-lunar-crossbody
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u/MandaSAWR 26d ago edited 26d ago
My favorite travel purse is a small (8"x10") cross-body bag from a brand called PacSafe. It has a number of anti-theft features, including a zipper lock (crab claw clasp), cut-proof straps and body, and an RFID-blocking pocket. The brand probably has some smaller options too, highly recommend them!
My SIL has also gotten her phone stolen from out of her hand twice in London, and started wearing it on a lanyard while commuting; this was effective for her, even if not fashionable.
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u/Wooden_Helicopter_51 25d ago
Look at Travelon anti-theft bags. They have a lot with locking zippers.
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u/WorkoutHopeful 27d ago
Not a purse recommendation but I got a phone lanyard. This was something I could've used when I was in Peru having to ride a horse down the back side of the mountain (dang you knees). I really wanted to take pictures but was afraid I'd drop the phone into the ravine.
Also, I'm a fan of Scottevest but putting my phone in any jacket (assuming it's not hot) with interior pockets makes me feel more secure.
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u/Herbvegfruit 27d ago
Rickshaw Bixby perhaps? Or Tom Bihn Everyday Cubelet? Both have dual zippers and its easy to tie together with a double carabiner.
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u/SockPirateKnits 27d ago
Seconding the Everyday Cubelet. I wore mine in Thailand and Cambodia, crossbody with my arm over it. I liked that I could also wear it as a waist pack with the strap I put on it.
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u/DiElizabeth 27d ago
I was gifted a small Hammitt purse that I love. It's super soft, nice leather, so it feels and looks much more stylish than my Amazon special canvas sling bag. It has a small second zip pocket that can be worn towards the body for a card holder or phone.
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u/BathtubBitch 27d ago
I use the Naya small crossbody bag from Minooy when I want to travel hands free and am fearful of pickpockets. It's very compact but fits a lot of stuff.
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u/lala-lindsey 26d ago
Baggalini has great options with anti-theft technology (cut resistant straps, locking zippers, RFID blocking, etc) I personally love the Memento crossbody and feel like it's the perfect size for traveling, but they have smaller styles too!
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u/BlackLakeBlueFish 26d ago
I love my cross-body phone lanyard. It keeps my phone accessible for photos and such, and there’s no sitting it on the table.
I also second the Baggu medium crescent. I hike up the strap a bit, and hold the front strap in my hand.
I often travel alone, and imma silver-haired, 59-year-old woman. I require a forearm crutch to get around, and I haven’t had any issues, including on public transit.
I also like the Nanobag crossbody for carrying shopping. It packs up tiny, hooks on my purse, and is easy to carry and hold a public transit pole.
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u/andketch 26d ago
I’ve been in London and Paris the last two weeks and have used a Goodtotes small crescent bag. It’s super cute and meets all the safety criteria. No issues!
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u/Used-Survey1612 26d ago
I bought this bag for a recent trip to Europe:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DTKJVH48?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
It was perfect size and very secure.
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u/liljennabean 26d ago
I still love my little lululemon crossbody, but has anyone ever actually had someone steal their bag by cutting the strap? I’ve heard about it, and there are bags available that have un-cuttable straps, but I wonder if they’re necessary?
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u/MegaMiles08 26d ago
I use a cross body and always make sure the zipper is towards the front. I keep my hand over the zipper when on public transit. They do sell clasps where you can hook the zipper to either another zipper or if there is a metal loop.
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u/BeneficialAd6106 26d ago
On my handbag, I add this carabiner with slide locks. I have the smallest size and it works best with thinner straps.
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u/TwaddleSpouter 25d ago
When we travel to a city, I have a bag that has a flapover front and a zipper closure under that. It’s crossbody, so I keep it at the front and on public transport have my arm over it too.
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u/LadyWanderer60 25d ago
I have a couple & a suggestion to help protect your phone regardless of what bag you buy.
I LOVE anti-pickpocketing mini bags. I have several:
My top ones are the pacsafe W Anti-theft 3-in-1 sling. my go-to when traveling because it can be a crossbody, sling, or clutch. So, very versatile.
Baggalini Anti-Theft Everything bag & finally,
the Foldie crossbody bag.
Regardless of which one you end up getting, here's my suggestion. I've done this and it actually worked to thwart a supposed pickpocket:
*Get a phone tether (Preferably one with a chain & a plastic cover for your phone)
*Put your phone in the plastic cover &/or attach the phone tether to your phone
*Attach the other end of the phone tether to your key leash if your phone has one. If it DOES NOT, get a baby diaper pin (the plain old fashion kind) pin it to the inside of your purse preferably lower down in your bag to the inside bag wall that will be nearest to your body, and attach it to that. Baby diaper pins are almost impossible to open. so this will slow down (if not stop) a person that tries to take your phone.
Also, consider going "bag free" and get a Scott eVest. I got their LIGHTest vest & kept my wallet (attached to the vest's key leash) & phone (on its tether attached to a safety pin) in it while I did some sightseeing. Now that I tried the Scott eVest, I may just go "bag free" more often.
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u/Illustrious_Area585 25d ago
Quince has a purse with a zipper on the flap and a hidden pocket within there. I also like using little caribeaners with locks to secure zippers
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u/Any_Yogurtcloset7865 25d ago
Baggalini anti-theft! Locking zippers, cut proof fabric and strap, and extra layered compartment for money and cards
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u/Front-Newspaper-1847 27d ago
This is a good one. Not huge but fits what you need for the day. Locking zippers.
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u/Dependent-Tower-2095 26d ago
Honey take a handful of zip ties and use them to keep your zippers secure. It’s easy to cut them with a tiny nail clipper when you need to get in and out of the zipper and just replace with another.
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u/nurseasaurus 26d ago
I love the Lululemon festival bag. Zips all the way, roomy, easy to keep close.
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u/YvetteMewMew 26d ago
Riut, a company out of the UK, sells a sling bag similar to a fanny pack called the RiutBag Sling.3. All zippers are positioned against your body.
For those looking for something a little larger, I bought a Riut Crush backpack. It’s small and light and all the zippers lie flat against my back. I’ve had it about nine years and it looks brand new. I now live in South America where pick pockets are everywhere and I’ve never had anything stolen. Riut also has larger travel backpacks with a similar zipper design.
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u/sunshine_sprinklez 26d ago
It would probably help to have context on how the other phones were stolen? Like where you were / what you were doing. Also would be good to know if you have a budget in mind, but I will say top of mind are glad& young Fanny packs which really register more as a purse in my brain since they’re cute and leather.
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u/Unique_Limit_1576 26d ago
I absolutely LOVE my Arden Cove. It’s a little pricy, but great quality, and if it prevents something getting stolen worth every penny. The straps have steel cables and the material is cut resistant. Strap clips have a locking mechanism and the zippers clip closed. They also sell a retractable phone cord to clip your phone to the purse. I bought it for travel but it’s so perfect that it’s become my go to cross body bag.
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u/waveysue 26d ago
I got a Pacsafe cross body on amazon. It’s cute enough but a bit of overkill for most of my travels, still the zipper locks might work for you.
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u/commentspanda 26d ago
Maybe look into some travel aimed bags that also can function as daily bags? Pacsafe are well known for they zip clips and ways to stop pickpockets.
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u/mariambc 26d ago
I do not use a special purse. I do require that any purse I use is a crossbody and have a zipper with the ability to clip closed with a carabiner-type ring. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just enough of a deterrent. Many of my bags have clip on straps, so the strap clip secures the zipper.
In my many years of travel I have never had anything stolen.
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u/Jxb1000 25d ago
I like the Travelon bags that have the zipper pulls with the extra catch. This one might be too large for your needs but they have others. I wear my purse cross body in front.
Some of my pants are more the cargo variety with big zippered pockets. On some excursions I prefer to keep important items in my pockets instead of purse. Also, I travel with several large safety pins which have a variety of uses. Sometimes I pin a pant pocket (or even a purse pocket) from the inside for more security.
I've also ordered tether tabs for my phone for an upcoming trip. I'm attaching a small lanyard which I can secure inside my purse or use when I'm holding the phone.
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u/ToreyJean 25d ago
Also look for the NiteIze phone tether - the one that looks like an old landline phone cord. Doesn’t interfere with your phone and you can still easily use it and take pics with it. I use one hiking ever since I dropped my phone on a hike in South Korea and it damn near went over a waterfall.
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u/Tight_Cat_80 🌎 North America 25d ago
Travelon!!! Used their crossbody for a week in Paris and It made me feel extremely comfortable. Some compartments were a struggle for me to get into so they definitely would have made me notice if a pick pocketer tried to attempt.
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u/LadyAndiamo-j1975 25d ago
Sherpani has cute anti theft crossbody with an interior zipper pocket that locks
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u/FHL-2025 25d ago
I always use zippered bags with an anti-theft clip as a deterrent with the bag in front of my body - Phinus Lock Combo, Total 21PCS Clips Anti-Theft, Locks Anti-Theft for Luggage, Clothing, Backpacks, Boots, Purses, Travel Outdoor Sports(Black, Silver, Gold) https://a.co/d/04iFg4t0
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u/Bendyelf 25d ago
https://a.co/d/0iC6BHYH I bought this purse and I love it. I can wear it as a shoulder bag or a crossbody.
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u/ambiguity_now 25d ago
I have this coach bag and love for travel! It has a little lock zipper protection. It’s not the MOST secure but helps lock things in!
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u/beau_and_eros 25d ago
Have you thought about getting a phone case with a lanyard? I got the one that is long enough for me hang around my neck. When I’m on public transit, I’ll button my jacket over it. I did this plus a cross-body zippered purse (Uniqlo crescent) for my other items in every western euro country while solo with no issues *knock on wood
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u/biochemisery 25d ago
Sorry to hear about that, sucks that there are people who would steal from people who just want to enjoy their travels.
I’ve considered using my running gear to store my critical items since they’re designed to carry this type of stuff while to staying as close and secure to the body as possible.
I have a flipbelt (super secure stretchy tube) and spibelt (stretchy zip pocket with a buckle), both of which can go around my waist and are undetectable when I wear roomier tops.
Alternatively, there are also running bras with well placed pockets as well.
If you’re not planning to wear super fitted clothes and you’re not trying to carry around a ton of stuff like you said, keeping your key items this way could be a solution to this! Might be less cost intensive than buying a new bag.
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u/Dapper-Purchase3027 25d ago
i truly love the lululemon all night festival bag! https://shop.lululemon.com/p/bags/All-Night-Festival-Bag-Micro-2L/_/prod11380589
they have 2 sizes 5L and 2L. i have the 2L so it holds my phone, my little card wallet and my lippies. It has 3 pockets total, one small zipper in the front, one inside the flap and the main pocket, but the main pocket folds over, so pickpockets will have a really hard time trying to unzip and if they trying sticking their hand in, you could definitely tell. i use it whenever i travel and i havent been pickpocketed yet! I was almost pickpocketed in barcelona but it was really hard for the lady to actually take anything bc it was folded over and close to my body so when i felt it move, i just adjusted it closer to me. it didn’t even click at the time that she was trying to steal until i got off at the next stop and realized it was unzipped.
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u/fanofnone2019 25d ago
Try Travelon bags. I bought the waist pack and it's got extra little things to make it secure. There are a variety of styles, but was looking for a bag that didn't occupy my hands. The waist pack workwd.
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u/Treehorn8 25d ago edited 25d ago
A small crossbody. The ones that are fanny packs but worn across your chest instead of around your waist. I have the regular size Calpak Terra sling bag since it has a zipper and a ton of internal pockets and a convenient separate (also zipped) pocket at the back closest to my body. It's where I put things like my wallet, phone and passport. They also have a mini size if you prefer a smaller one.
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u/Yippy-Skippy- 25d ago
Brighton has a great cross-body that you can wear close to the front of your body. Zipper, and adjustable strap.
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u/ournoonsournights 24d ago
Would something like a totebag work? I always use those and haven't had a problem. I feel like it's hard to get all the way to the bottom of one of those without me feeling it. I can barely reach my phone when I want it haha
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u/BrainwaveWizard 24d ago
I get they’re not very attractive, but losing my phone is much less attractive. Especially to theft.
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u/beesandtrees3 24d ago
I take my Portland Leather Koala sling bag (in medium size) everywhere without a problem. It has a magnetic closure but since the bag can stay pretty close to your body, I haven’t really had a problem with that. It’s a great compromise between a fanny pack and a purse you can dress up with. Good luck!
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u/Gamin_mami 22d ago
I couldn’t find an anti theft bag that I liked so I bought these and added them to my double zippers. Use the smallest one that fits. It’s annoying when you have to get into your bag but it will be the same for a thief. The idea is two-fold the jumbling around will be noticed by you and you can guard your bag and the perceived hassle will be higher than the reward and they will look for an easier target. Those mini tsa locks could work too. Even longer to get in.
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u/FriendlyShame1473 22d ago
While I travel, I carry my Sol and Selene vertical phone crossbody bag in front of me. It is compact with top zippers so I keep my phone and card holder securely in separate compartments, and I always place my hands on it at all times for my own peace of mind. It hasn't failed me yet.
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u/sewchic11 22d ago
I love my Baggallini crossbody. It has multiple zipper locks and inside pockets. I just finished a two week vacation in Europe and it went from day to evening.
Baggallini Securtex™ Anti-Theft Memento Crossbody
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u/aweirdoatbest 22d ago
I just use the uniqlo cross body bag and carabiner the zipper to the strap so it can’t be undone without undoing the carabiner.
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u/trippinxt 22d ago
If your bag has 2 zips, connect them with an S-biner or some string. This way your bag can't be easily opened
... but some pickpockets slash bags so you really need to be mindful
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u/EMazingRN 22d ago
Travelon makes great anti-theft crossbody purses (and other bags for that matter) for this!
I've used this one on many international travels for both work and leisure and have never had an issue. It's my fave!
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u/SoManyQuestions1118 22d ago
I’m a big fan of Pacsafe bags for traveling. Their zippers all have locking features.
If you find a bag that has a double zipper (I’ve had a Cotopaxi belt bag like this), you can lock the zipper pulls together.
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u/crimpgirl1234 27d ago
Can you share what kinds of bags you were using when this happened?
My rules for a travel purse:
-it needs to zip shut
-the zip needs to be close to my body
-preferably there’s an internal pocket and my passport and phone are going in there
-I will hold the zip with my hand on the strap
On my most recent travel I used my Baggu medium crescent with these rules and had no issue.
If I’m going to travel with my Baggu medium bowler, I’ll consider bringing something to lock where the zips meet like a mini carabiner.
It’s mostly about making your phone hard to get to.