Waterfly Anti-Theft Sling Review: Is the Budget Pick Actually Secure?

Real talk upfront: I'm not going to pretend a $27 sling bag belongs in the same security tier as a $100 bag with embroidered steel mesh. It doesn't. But most solo travelers don't need a $100 bag for every single trip, and this is where the Waterfly earns its spot.

The Waterfly Anti-Theft Sling is the budget pick on our anti-theft bag list, and at around $25 it delivers real value if you're clear-eyed about what "anti-theft" means at this price. It gets its security from a hidden, body-facing pocket and RFID-blocking lining rather than the steel mesh or cut-proof strap cable you'll find on pricier picks like the Pacsafe Citysafe CX. That makes it a solid deterrent bag, not a vault.

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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.

Waterfly Anti-Theft Sling at a glance

What the security features actually cover

The main protection here is a hidden zippered pocket on the rear panel, positioned against your body where a bag-slasher can't reach it, plus RFID-blocking lining for cards and passport. That's a genuinely useful setup for opportunistic theft in a crowd. What it doesn't have is the embroidered steel mesh or cut-resistant cable strap used on the Pacsafe and Lewis N. Clark picks on this list, so treat it as a bag that hides your valuables well rather than one built to resist a blade.

What we like

• 10 liters for $25 to $30 is a lot of organized storage for the price, including a padded sleeve that fits a 9.7-inch tablet.
• Genuinely light at 7.2 oz, easy to wear all day without shoulder fatigue.
• Well organized for its price point: a front zip pocket with a mesh pouch, two pen slots, a key rack, a phone pocket that fits screens up to 7 inches, and dual side mesh pockets for water bottles.
• Adjustable, reversible strap with a quick-release buckle, so it works on either shoulder.

What could be better

• No steel mesh or cut-proof strap cable, so it's a deterrent bag, not hard security. If that matters more than price, step up to the Pacsafe Citysafe CX or Lewis N. Clark Secura.
• Small water bottle pockets (under 2.25 inches diameter), so a wide-mouth bottle may not fit.
• Some reviewers note occasional stitching wear with heavy daily use, worth keeping an eye on if you plan to use it as your only bag for a long trip.

Who it's for

Solo travelers who want a lightweight second bag, or a first anti-theft bag to try before committing to a pricier pick. It's an easy yes for occasional trips or as a beach/day-out bag layered over a swimsuit or dress; for a primary daily-carry bag in a high pickpocket area, weigh it against the steel-mesh options above.

Waterfly Anti-Theft Sling — honest, unglamorous security for under $30. Hidden anti-theft pocket, RFID-blocking lining, 10-liter capacity. Around $25 to $30. Check price on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Is the Waterfly Sling actually anti-theft, or just a regular bag?
It has real anti-theft features, a hidden body-facing pocket and RFID-blocking lining, but not the steel mesh or cut-proof strap cable found on pricier bags. It deters opportunistic theft rather than resisting a deliberate attack.

Will it fit a tablet?
Yes, the main compartment includes an elastic-banded sleeve that fits up to a 9.7-inch tablet.

Is it comfortable for all-day wear?
At 7.2 oz with a padded, adjustable strap, most reviewers find it comfortable for full-day use.

How does it compare to the Pacsafe Citysafe CX?
It's roughly a third of the price and holds more (10L vs 3 to 5L), but skips the steel mesh panel and cut-resistant strap cable that make the Pacsafe a harder physical target.

See how it stacks up against the other 5 picks in our full anti-theft bag comparison for solo travelers.

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