Travelers and Commuters Are Obsessed With This Genius $21 Anti-theft Backpack

A good backpack is practically a travel necessity. After all, you need a place to keep your money, snacks, electronics, identification, and other essentials safe while you explore a new city. However, running around a foreign country with a large satchel on your back can make you stand out as a tourist and put you at risk for being pickpocketed — and no one wants to deal with a lost cell phone, stolen wallet, or missing passport on vacation.

Enter, the anti-theft backpack — a travel essential specifically designed to keep your belongings safe and secure whether you’re galavanting around a European metropolis or commuting to work in your hometown. While you might picture a bulky bag with industrial zippers and a strictly utilitarian look, there are plenty of smart yet stylish backpacks available.

Take this anti-theft travel backpack from Charmore, for instance. The sleek rucksack is made of eco-friendly nylon that works as a waterproof protective barrier between the elements and your precious cargo. It features a large back pocket that lies flush against your back, carefully designed to secure your things with a zipper that’s out of sight and reach — rather than traditional backpacks that zip up on the outside. There’s also a small front zipper pocket, four inner pockets, and two side pockets specifically designed to hold travel documents, keys, glasses, and phones in a safe, organized fashion.

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The versatile bag comes in multiple colorways, including minimalist black, blue, burgundy, khaki, and mint green. Choose from medium or large sizes that are both capable of holding tablet devices, magazines, travel umbrellas, and more. Not only does the backpack come in a variety of colors and sizes, but it also easily converts into a top-handle bag or shoulder bag so you can carry your things however is most comfortable for you. The best part? The backpack starts at just $21.

Currently the number one new backpack release on Amazon, the bag has already received rave reviews from happy travelers, commuters, and new parents alike. In fact, it’s garned a casual 4.8 out of five stars so far.

“This couldn’t be [a] more ideal backpack, both for travel and to use as a purse,” one reviewer wrote. They also noted that the color is true to what’s shown in the pictures on Amazon, the nylon wipes down easily, and the large version was just the right size to hold essentials without feeling bulky.

Another shopper said that the biggest draw of the bag is its versatility, especially since so many museums and historic landmarks don’t allow traditional backpacks or request visitors wear them on the front of their bodies. “I liked having the option of quickly changing it to a shoulder bag and have been keeping the strap in the front pocket,” the reviewer explained.

Even new parents love using the backpack instead of their usual diaper bag. “Such a cute bag, especially for the price… I’m able to fit a few diapers/pull-ups, a pack of wipes, an extra outfit and my own wallet plus a water bottle in the side pocket,” one shopper wrote. “I also can wear it around without worrying that someone can get into it while I’m preoccupied.”

If you’re looking for an anti-theft backpack for your next big trip or simply for your daily routine, this stylish, affordable bag is a great option.

To buy: amazon.com, from $21