I mentioned in the main roundup that a stranger's fingers found my unlocked tote zipper in a Barcelona metro station. What I didn't mention: I bought the Pacsafe Citysafe CX two weeks later, mostly out of spite. It's been my daily bag ever since, and yes, the spite-purchase was worth it.
Short version: the Pacsafe Citysafe CX Convertible Crossbody earns its roughly $80 to $100 price if you want one bag that's genuinely hard to steal from, not just labeled that way. It's our overall pick in the 6 best anti-theft bags for solo female travelers, and once you look past the marketing copy at what's actually built into it, it's the only bag on that list stacking steel mesh, a slash-resistant strap, RFID-blocking lining, and a locking hook, all in a bag that weighs about as much as a paperback.
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Quick note on prices: everything below is in USD unless I've flagged otherwise — most of these picks are US-sourced, even though I'm reviewing them from Australia.
Pacsafe Citysafe CX at a glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 3 to 5 liters (expandable) |
| Dimensions | 11" H x 10.2" W x 3.1" D (28 x 26 x 8 cm) |
| Weight | ~10.6 oz (0.3 kg) |
| Strap drop | Adjustable, 15" to 30" (39 to 75 cm) |
| Material | 320D ECONYL regenerated nylon, water-resistant to 1000mm |
| Price | Typically $80 to $100 (MSRP $99.95) — Check price on Amazon → |
| Colors | Black, Matcha, Serenity Blue, Taupe |
| Warranty | 5-year limited warranty, 30-day returns |
What actually makes this bag anti-theft
Pacsafe names its security tech instead of hiding it behind "anti-theft" as a vague label, which is a good sign on its own. The eXomesh slashguard is a fine steel mesh embroidered directly into the body panel, so a blade can't cut straight through to your wallet. The strap uses Carrysafe technology, a wire woven into the webbing so it can't be sliced and grabbed the way a plain fabric strap can. A cut-resistant anchor strap lets you loop the bag around a fixed chair leg or table so it can't just be lifted. The main zip closes with a TurnNLock security hook and a secure zip tab and clip, small hardware that stops someone from working the zipper open in a crowd without you noticing. RFIDsafe lining in the front pocket blocks contactless skimming of cards or a passport.
Pro tip: none of this makes the bag bulletproof, and it's not supposed to. It removes the easy, opportunistic grab, which is what most bag theft actually is. If someone genuinely wants what's in your bag badly enough to bring a bolt cutter, no $100 accessory is winning that fight.
What we like
- Converts from crossbody to belt bag. Tuck the strap and it clips around your waist, useful for markets, festivals, or anywhere you want both hands free.
- Genuinely light. At around 10.6 oz it doesn't add noticeable weight to a day of walking, unlike some competitors that bury security hardware in heavy canvas.
- Expandable gusset. The 3 to 5 liter range means it can go from "phone and passport" to "phone, passport, water bottle, and a light jacket" without looking overstuffed.
- Water-resistant fabric. The 1000mm rating handles a rain shower without you needing to duck for cover.
- Backed by a 5-year warranty, longer than most bags in this price range, which says something about how the brand expects it to hold up.
What could be better
- One main compartment. There's no dedicated padded sleeve for a tablet or a larger phone, so if you're carrying an iPad daily, the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack is a better fit.
- Not the cheapest option on this list. If budget is the deciding factor, the Waterfly Anti-Theft Sling covers the basics for a third of the price.
- Strap drop tops out at 30 inches, which is fine for most builds but worth checking if you specifically want a long, hip-level cross-body fit.
Who it's for
Solo travelers who want a single daily bag that goes from a city walking tour to a train platform to a market without a second thought about security. It's sized for essentials, phone, passport, cards, sunglasses, a light scarf, not a full day pack, and it's the pick to reach for if you'd rather buy one well-built bag than compare five budget options and second-guess all of them.
Pacsafe Citysafe CX Convertible Crossbody — the one I'd actually buy. Steel mesh, locking hardware, RFID-blocking lining, converts to a belt bag. Typically $80 to $100. Check price on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Can the Citysafe CX be worn as a belt bag?
Yes. The strap tucks away and the bag clips around your waist, which is the "convertible" part of the name. It's a genuine second way to wear it, not a marketing footnote.
Is 3 to 5 liters enough for a full day out?
For essentials, yes: phone, passport, wallet, sunglasses, a light layer, and a compact umbrella fit comfortably. It's not sized for a water bottle and a packed lunch on top of that.
Does the RFID lining actually stop skimming?
The RFIDsafe-lined pocket blocks the radio frequencies contactless skimmers use to read chip-enabled cards and passports through fabric, so keep cards in that specific compartment rather than a random pocket.
Is it worth it over a cheaper anti-theft bag?
If you want the most security features in one lightweight bag and plan to use it as your everyday carry for years, yes. If you just want basic deterrence for occasional trips, a budget pick will cover you for less.
See how it stacks up against the other 5 picks in our full anti-theft bag comparison for solo travelers.
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