Top 10 anti-theft crossbody bags, backpacks and accessories that stop pickpockets

Andrea M. Rotondo

Here at TPG, we aren't fearmongers. We steadfastly believe that travel brings the world just a little bit closer together.

That being said, we do get a lot of questions about how to thwart pickpockets in popular vacation destinations around the world. No matter what big city you may visit — here in the U.S. or beyond — someone may want to part you from your wallet, cellphone, passport or other valuables. Don't make it easy!

With one of the busiest summer travel seasons upon us, be aware of your surroundings and select a few travel accessories that will give you an extra layer of protection — and peace of mind — as you travel the globe.

Here are several TPG-approved anti-theft crossbody bags, backpacks and accessories to slow down and stop thieves from taking your personal items.

Crossbody bags

Security experts say that crossbody handbags are a good bet since you can easily keep an eye on your belongings. With these bags, your items are safely secured to the front of you or your side via bag straps that go all the way around your body. The design is both practical and comfortable, stopping passersby from yanking your bag off your shoulder or out of your hand as you're out and about for hours on end.

To find the right crossbody bag for protecting your items, look for a bag that has a wire threaded through the straps (so they can't easily be cut) and a steel mesh liner between layers of fabric (so the bag is slash-proof). Pockets that block radio-frequency identification, which scammers can use to access your credit cards, passport and other forms of ID, are also a must. Locking zippers are essential, too, as they make it harder for someone to quickly retrieve items stored inside.

While several brands make anti-theft bags, popular manufacturers include Travelon and Pacsafe. Both of these companies prioritize quality, appearance and functionality when producing their bags.

travel belt bag anti theft

This particular Travelon bag is a solid option for frequent travelers, as it's compact enough to fit the essentials without adding bulk. I've had it for about a year now and really like it for specific uses: transiting through an airport when I'm also wearing a backpack, visiting a museum where larger bags are not permitted, heading to dinner and going on a half-day tour that doesn't require lugging bigger items.

While this bag, which measures 8.5 inches by 7 inches by 2 inches, can fit the items I always have on me — two pairs of glasses, my iPhone, a Vera Bradley ID/card wallet, two passports, keys, a pen and a pill case — it won't accommodate much more. Still, it has all the important anti-theft features to look for, including slash-proof steel mesh sandwiched between the fabric layers, a locking main compartment zipper and a cut-proof, wire-reinforced strap that has a locking carabiner so you can thread your bag through a post, chair or table leg to prevent someone from snatching it while passing by.

On the outside, you'll find a front flap with a magnetic snap closure. I usually stash any sightseeing tickets or papers I need in there so they're easy to access. Behind the front flap sits a slip-in pocket that comfortably fits an iPhone. There's also a zippered back pocket that's ideal for storing a few dollars so you don't need to unlock and access your wallet inside when buying a drink or something small.

Inside the bag, you'll notice a main compartment with three RFID-blocking credit card slots and a passport pocket. Additionally, there are an internal zippered pocket and an attached key ring loop with an LED. The latter comes in handy for securing items like my pill case.

If appearance is important to you, odds are you'll appreciate that this bag is available in four colors. Choose from neutral hues like black, smoke (dark gray) and sable (tan), or go for a deep pop of color with the ocean (navy blue) option.

travel belt bag anti theft

At 8 inches by 10.5 inches by 2 inches, this bag is a little roomier than its sister bag, the Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Quilted Slim Pouch . Like the Signature Quilted Slim Pouch, the Classic Small East/West Crossbody doesn't have any side pockets to store water bottles or umbrellas. However, its wider design makes it possible to store select miniature umbrellas inside.

This bag has all the same anti-theft features previously mentioned. There are locking zippered pockets on the front and back, plus a main compartment (also with a locking zipper) that has RFID-blocking credit card slots and a passport pocket. The interior also has a pocket for a phone and a tethered key ring with an LED.

Those who love bolder colors will like that this Travelon option comes in a few nontraditional hues, including spruce (deep green), purple and midnight (dark blue). Neutrals like black and nutmeg (brown) are available as well. If you prefer a textured fabric, opt for the quilted version in the wine rose, geo sunflower or painted floral pattern.

During Amazon's Prime Day sale, you can get this bag for abut $35 versus the usual $49 retail price.

travel belt bag anti theft

If you're looking for a large bag with two zippered, mesh side pockets that can comfortably fit water bottles, umbrellas or sunglasses, the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger could be the right pick. It has all the same anti-theft features noted in the above bags but in a more spacious design.

Measuring 12.5 inches by 9 inches by 3.5 inches, this larger option from Travelon has a magnetic flap closure in the front that hides a locking zippered pocket. There's also a back pocket with a locking zipper closure that reveals four RFID-blocking credit card slots, a larger slot, a pen loop and a removable key clip with an LED when opened. Four wall pockets and an additional pen loop are tucked within the main compartment.

Color options range from solids like black, midnight blue and nutmeg to patterns like black with white stripes, black with white flowers and AV stripe (multicolor).

travel belt bag anti theft

Pacsafe says it's the original anti-theft bag brand, and all its products — including the Metrosafe LS200 Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag — come to the table with all the features you seek. Security details include a cut-proof strap with a TurnNLock security hook so you can attach the bag to a chair or table for additional protection, a slash-resistant lightweight steel mesh layer, RFID-blocking pockets and locking zippers.

While the high price tag is a drawback, most reviewers love this bag, especially its locking zippers. Pacsafe's locking zippers are widely considered the safest in the business, as they don't unfasten as easily as those from Travelon (which act more like clips). If you're nimble with good dexterity, this shouldn't be a problem, though the extra effort required to open the zippers may make them difficult for those with arthritis or other hand-related health issues.

Featuring Econyl regenerated nylon, a product made from recycled materials like fishing nets and plastics found in the ocean, this bag is a great environmentally friendly option for those who need to store various items on the go.

Measuring 11.4 inches by 9.3 inches by 2.8 inches, the bag comes with a handle at the top for easy grabbing, as well as a wide shoulder strap, a zippered back pocket and two side pockets with snaps for smaller water bottles, umbrellas or sunglasses. Inside, you'll find an RFID-blocking zippered pocket and a padded sleeve for storing an 11-inch tablet.

Color options are limited, but both are ideal for coordinating with various outfits. You can choose between black and ocean blue.

Anti-theft backpacks have many of the same attributes that the best anti-theft crossbody bags have: cut-proof straps, slash-resistant fabric, RFID-blocking pockets and secure zippers. The main difference between the two is that the backpack design keeps your items safely stored on your back instead of in front of you or on your side.

There are many brands that offer travel backpacks , but Nomatic, Baggallini and Travelon stand out when it comes to anti-theft backpacks. These traveler-approved manufacturers take great strides to ensure the backpacks they offer are not only harder to steal but also stylish, well made and practical.

travel belt bag anti theft

If you're more concerned with keeping your things safe during airport, train or bus transit, consider the water-resistant Nomatic Travel Pack. Available in 14- and 20-liter sizes that weigh 3.5 pounds and 4.2 pounds, respectively, this bag has backpack-style straps, handles similar to those on carry-on bags and luggage trolley sleeves.

Unlike most backpacks, the Nomatic Travel Pack opens like a traditional carry-on for easy packing. It also has a backpack-style zippered pocket on the front with plenty of interior pockets, including a lockable RFID-blocking security pocket, multiple mesh zipper pockets and a notebook pocket. The side pockets are large enough to fit bottles up to 3.5 inches in diameter.

Noteworthy details include the zipper expansion feature, which lets you add up to 10 liters of extra space so you can fit souvenirs and other items you pick up during your travels, and the hidden back pocket, which is capable of fitting a 16-inch laptop. There are cord pass-through holes in each compartment, too, so you can charge your devices or easily access your wired earbuds.

Whether you choose the smaller 14-liter bag (which is 17.5 inches by 11 inches by 5.5 inches, making it small enough to pass as a personal item on airplanes) or the larger 20-liter bag (which measures 18.5 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches), know that there is only one color available: black.

travel belt bag anti theft

This backpack from Baggallini acts more like a purse than a traditional backpack you use for storing everything you own, as it only measures 13 inches by 10 inches by 3.5 inches. But if you don't mind the smaller capacity that may not fit your laptop, odds are you'll like this fashionable alternative to standard anti-theft backpacks.

Safety features include slash-resistant panels, cable-reinforced straps, sleek locking zippers on the front pockets and an RFID-blocking pocket for credit cards. The back of the bag features another zippered pocket that opens to reveal four more credit card slots and two interior zippered pockets. There are also two side pockets designed for water bottles, umbrellas and other items.

Made with a lightweight, water-resistant material, the Securtex Anti-Theft Vacation Backpack is one of the lightest options available, weighing only 1.1 pounds.

As for colors, you'll have several options that go beyond the standard shade of black commonly found on travel bags. In addition to black, you can purchase the bag in charcoal, pacific (deep blue), ruby red or portobello (beige/brown). Two dark prints — black cheetah and midnight blossom — are available as well.

travel belt bag anti theft

Few backpacks come with a wide zippered pocket at the top like the one you'll have with this Travelon bag . From a bird's-eye perspective, it lets you easily see what's in the bag while it's standing upright.

The zippered front pocket is spacious, revealing a pocket for your phone, a tethered key ring clip with an LED, and RFID-blocking pockets for three credit cards and a passport or two. When unzipped, the front pouch gussets extend so you can pack thicker items like a pocket-size guidebook in there as well.

The main part of the bag has a section for an iPad or tablet, plus a second larger compartment and a small open pocket. One side has a pocket for a water bottle or umbrella, while the other has a zipper compartment that reveals a mesh pocket.

Like Travelon's crossbody bags, this backpack has adjustable straps that are cut-proof. Additionally, every compartment is lockable and all four sides feature slash-resistant mesh lining, adding extra layers of security while you're traveling with your bag.

Available colors are similar to what you'll find for other Travelon bags, too. You'll have three solid choices — black, midnight and nutmeg — in addition to prints like black with white flowers, black with white stripes and geo tile.

Related: 5 best backpacks for every travel style

Accessories

For some, a crossbody bag or backpack will suffice for travels near and far. However, traveling with smaller anti-theft accessories like money belts and neck wallets may be the way to go when you have a lot of items in tow. These accessories let you safely store credit cards, cash, passports and more beneath your clothes so pickpockets can't grab them on the fly.

You'll find various brands selling anti-theft accessories, but some of the most popular manufacturers include Alpha Keeper, Venture 4th and Zero Grid. Travelers favor these brands due to their safety features, high quality and comfortable, breathable designs.

travel belt bag anti theft

This Alpha Keeper money belt works great for various vacations, especially ones that include visits to places that require checking larger bags before entering, such as museums. It's a hassle-free option for meals, too, as you can dine out without having to constantly keep an eye on a purse or wallet.

Despite the product description saying the money belt fits waists from 25 to 45 inches, it actually stretches to 55 inches, making it a terrific option for all kinds of travelers, including those who are plus size. If your shirt isn't long enough to fully cover the money belt, you can wear it outside your clothes or tucked into your pants.

The wallet, which is 10.7 inches by 5.3 inches, is made of ripstop nylon and a triple layer of fabric that blocks RFID. It has two zippered compartments on the front, the smaller of which is ideal for storing a few credit cards, cash or sightseeing tickets; behind the larger pocket, you can fit three passports, a smartphone, additional credit cards, cash and more. There is also a breathable mesh back pocket, though keep in mind that this pocket does not block RFID.

Designed for both men and women, Alpha Keeper's money belt is available in four neutral colors: black, brown, beige and gray.

travel belt bag anti theft

If you don't like the idea of wearing a money belt under your clothes, a neck wallet is another option. Just load it with your valuables before placing it around your neck. To keep it from dangling and flopping as you move from point A to point B, tuck it inside your clothes.

Venture 4th's version of a neck wallet has several features that make it ideal for safely storing your travel documents, credit cards and cash. The pouch, which measures 8 inches by 5.5 inches, is made of lightweight ripstop nylon material, and the front has a clear window where you can place your ID, your travel insurance card or another small document. Two vertical zippered pockets on the front are good places to stash your earbuds, tickets or other small items.

At the top is a velcro flap that hides two larger compartments: one that's just the right size for your phone and another that can fit passports, money and other documents. The exterior back panel is made from breathable mesh fabric.

One downside to this neck wallet is that the strap is not cut-proof. However, it is made from a soft material with a toggle to adjust its length, giving you the flexibility to tweak where it sits so it's fully hidden under your clothes.

Available colors are all neutrals, though you'll find more options than other brands offer. Pick from black, pure black, beige, brown, gray, green, navy blue and silver.

travel belt bag anti theft

Not all money belts are designed for frequent use. If you're more concerned with hiding important items like spare cash or an emergency credit card, then this option from Zero Grid may work well for you.

Measuring 38 inches by 1.5 inches, this travel security belt has a zippered compartment that's hidden inside the belt. To access its contents, you need to take it off to expose the pocket.

Because of the narrow design, you can't use this twist on a traditional money belt to store wider items like passports. However, it could work well for a photocopy of your passport; you'll just need to fold the photocopy first so it fits. The same is true for any cash you wish to hide within it.

This belt is approved by the Transportation Security Administration, meaning you can wear it while transiting through airports. Some reviewers were particularly impressed with the fact that it didn't set off the alarm when they were going through airport scanners.

Note that this belt only comes in one color: black. Perhaps the lack of different hues is a good thing, as the standard black color prevents the belt from sticking out while it's being worn.

Protect Your Trip »

The 10 best fanny packs and belt bags for travel.

Combine hands-free convenience with style and organization.

travel belt bag anti theft

The Best Fanny Packs and Belt Bags

travel belt bag anti theft

Courtesy of Cotopaxi

Fanny packs of the 2020s are not the same as they were in the 1980s and 1990s. Yes, you can still find packs adorned with wild shapes, fluorescent colors and styles to perfect your Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson costume, but many of them are more fashion-forward. Choose from neutral tones, an array of fabrics (from recycled fibers to leather) and unique features to keep you organized.

What's more, fanny packs are useful. They free up your hands while keeping everything at your fingertips. You don't have to worry about a pack sliding from your back to your front (like a crossbody bag), nor will you suffer the excess heat on your back that often plagues backpack users.

If you're still not convinced, perhaps one of the packs below will help. Based on consumer reviews and travel expert insights, these are the best fanny packs for travelers. Whether you're vacationing solo , heading out on a hike or taking the kids to Walt Disney World , there's something on this list for you.

  • Best Overall: Dagne Dover Ace Neoprene Fanny Pack
  • Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Overall (at a lower price point): JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack

Best men's: patagonia ultralight black hole mini hip pack 1l, best women's: lululemon everywhere belt bag 1l, best for kids: everest junior waist pack, best anti-theft: travelon anti-theft active waist pack, best plus size: attackcatbags waxed canvas sling bag, best clear: veckle clear fanny pack, best for hiking: cotopaxi bataan 3l fanny pack.

  • Best Leather: Lo & Sons Bond

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Best Overall: Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

Open Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack in gray against white background.

Courtesy of Dagne Dover

What sets this pack apart: Dagne Dover's neoprene fanny pack is made from recycled plastic bottles, making it an appealing option for eco-conscious travelers . The bag features three different sections: a front zip area, the main zippered compartment and a card slot on the back. Inside the main pocket, you'll find slots for both lip balm and cards or cash, plus a key clip. The fanny pack has an adjustable waist strap, weighs 9 ounces and is water-resistant.

This pack comes in classic colors, including mauve, olive, camel, black and gray. Special seasonal colors and patterns may be available, too. It also comes in a recycled air mesh version that weighs less than 5 ounces.

Travelers appreciate: Reviewers say the bag is excellent for everyday use and they love being hands-free while traveling or running errands. Others note that the bag can be small if you have a large phone plus other items inside.

Price: $95 or less

JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack in black against white background.

Courtesy of JanSport

What sets this pack apart: This bag holds all your travel essentials in a main zippered compartment with a small zip pouch on the front and a fully adjustable waist strap. When empty, the pack weighs just 4.5 ounces, and it is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including lilac, camouflage, floral and black. You can also snag the bag in a corduroy material.

Travelers appreciate: Users of this bag praise the variety of colors and patterns, noting it's best for those traveling light (think: a few credit cards, your phone and lip balm). Many also mention that the bag is great to wear as a crossbody.

Price: $30 or less

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L in gray/green with neon green zippers against white background.

Courtesy of Patagonia

What sets this pack apart: Patagonia's pack has a classic style, with one large zip pouch and a smaller zippered enclosure on the front. It comes in multiple colors from basic black to blue to moss green. What's more, the pack stows away into a stuff sack for easy portability and weighs less than 4 ounces. It's also made with 100% recycled materials. Patagonia also makes a larger version of this pack.

Travelers appreciate: "This light pack is the perfect size for your phone, wallet, car keys, and any other adventure essentials (sunscreen, dog treats, etc.)," says Zach Watson , senior editor of travel at U.S. News. "I'm always misplacing small equipment, but Patagonia's eye-catching colors help this pack stand out from my more monotone gear. My pack is still going strong after more than four years of regular use in sun, rain and snow."

Price: $35 or less

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L in dark green against gray background.

Courtesy of Lululemon

What sets the pack apart: The bag features a water-repellent fabric with two zippered compartments: one main section (which includes a mesh pouch inside) and one along the back exterior. This crossbody comes in multiple colors, including gray, black, green, pink and white. It also comes in a clear bag style with white or black trim. Select colors feature fabric made from recycled materials. The regular bag's strap reaches 41.7 inches, but you can buy a version of the bag with a longer strap that extends to 55.5 inches.

Travelers appreciate: "I started using the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag when I would take my son to a park or playground because it allowed me to keep my hands free and also kept all my essentials at my fingertips (without being bulky)," says Ann Henson , assistant managing editor of travel at U.S. News. "Now I use this as my everyday bag. It's easy to wipe clean and the interior pockets keep everything organized."

Megan Wood , senior editor of commerce for U.S. News' 360 Reviews, adds, "I especially love the size for walking my dog. It holds keys, treats and poop bags, and frees up my hands for holding the leash and a cup of coffee." Other reviewers also like the color variety, with several noting they own multiple different colors.

Price: $38 or less

Also consider: Reviewers say the ODODOS Unisex Mini Belt Bag is a durable, stylish dupe of the Everywhere bag. Plus, it's a budget-friendly alternative at about $14 or less.

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Everest Junior Waist Pack in dark blue against white background.

Courtesy of Everest

What sets this pack apart: From snacks to fidget spinners, children have their own necessities during a trip. Everest's kid-sized waist pack could fit the bill. The pack itself measures roughly 8 x 2.5 x 3.5 inches and weighs 4 ounces when empty. The pack has two front-access zippered compartments. There are several kid-friendly color options, such as coral, purple, hot pink and turquoise.

Travelers appreciate:  Travelers say the pack is perfect for small children, noting it fits their kids well and gives them space to keep small objects such as rocks and seashells safe as they explore. Nevertheless, parents do warn the buckle can be finicky and that the excess strap is long after adjusting (it can adjust up to 60 inches).

Price: $21 or less

What sets this pack apart: AttackCatBags prides itself on offering not only stylish fanny packs, but also inclusive sizing. Its waxed canvas bags come in youth to 6X sizes as well as two styles: a 12-inch hip pack or a 15-inch sling bag. The bags are covered in organic beeswax, which makes the bag fashionable and water-resistant. Bags come in various colors and patterns, such as pink, a moons and clouds print, and Japanese-inspired designs.

Travelers appreciate: Reviews compliment the quality of the bag, noting both its durable construction and beautiful fabrics. They also appreciate how big both the hip pack and sling bags are, saying they're both perfect for carrying the essentials on a trip.

Price:  $70 or less

Also consider: Canvelle's Original Fanny Pack is another wonderful option as its strap reaches up to 61.5 inches (including the bag). It costs $95 or less for the original size. "Not only is this belt bag ideal for all body types, but it also offers a deceiving amount of space – even more so if you use one of the coordinating slim wallets," says Amanda Norcross , senior content and SEO strategist for travel at U.S. News. "I appreciate that it's machine washable, and that I can use it for literally anything: travel, concerts, everyday errands and more."

Veckle Clear Fanny Pack with rainbow strap against white background.

Courtesy of Veckle

What sets this pack apart: This clear fanny pack features a waterproof PVC material as well as two zip compartments. The strap adjusts up to 47 inches. The bag itself measures 11 x 6.5 x 5.9 inches, which meets the size requirements for events (most stadiums limit bags to 12 x 12 x 6 inches). Though clear, there are a few colorways such as black trim, gray trim, pink trim and white trim with a rainbow strap.

Travelers appreciate: Users say they've successfully taken this bag to concerts and stadiums that have clear bag rules. Many also appreciate the size of the bag, complimenting both its capacity and long strap.

Price: $12.99 or less

Travelon Anti-Theft Active Waist Pack in blue against white background.

Courtesy of Travelon

What sets this pack apart: Thanks to RFID-blocking technology, locking waist straps, locking zippers and slash-resistant material, this Travelon fanny pack is ideal for jet-setters who want some extra security during their vacations. The bag features front and rear zippered pockets, and the interior has a key clip plus a small light. The strap can accommodate waists up to 48 inches in circumference. This pack comes in three colors: black, gray and teal. Keep in mind that to take full advantage of the security features, you'll have to relock the bag each time you get something out.

Travelers appreciate: The security features, plus the bag's classic style, appeal to reviewers. Some travelers say the bag was too small for their needs, while others say it was just the right size for essentials (like a passport, credit cards and a phone).

Price: $50 or less

Multicolored Cotopaxi Bataan Fanny Pack against white background.

What sets this pack apart: Each multicolor Cotopaxi fanny pack is one-of-a-kind. Possible colors you can combine include yellow, teal, olive or red. Purchasers have the option to select their own bag – or save a few dollars by receiving a mystery bag (and have no control over the colors). What's more, the materials are sustainably sourced: Packs are made from surplus nylon fabric that otherwise would've ended up in a landfill. The single zip compartment has two internal mesh pockets to help keep belongings organized.

Travelers appreciate: "Besides being fun to look at and wear, this durable fanny pack really packs a punch when it comes to outdoor activities," says Leilani Osmundson , senior digital producer for travel at U.S. News. "In addition to my phone, wallet and keys, I'm able to fit other hiking must-haves like snacks, first-aid supplies and even a small water bottle. Plus, with two mesh pockets inside, it's easy to keep things organized."

Price:  $37.50 or less

Also consider: If you'd like slightly more subdued color options, you can't go wrong with Eddie Bauer's Stowaway Packable Waist Pack . "I've worn this bag while traveling, during hikes, at concerts, to bars – basically any scenario where you would want to have all your necessities on-hand without feeling weighed down," says Victoria Sheridan , home goods editor for 360 Reviews at U.S. News. Sheridan also says the bag is subtle enough to not clash with her outfits and it's durable: She's had her bag for about three years.

Best Leather: Lo & Sons Bond

Lo & Sons Bond in black against white background.

Courtesy of Lo & Sons

What sets this pack apart: This sheepskin leather fanny pack comes in four neutral tones (black, navy, cognac and cream) to match any outfit. The main zippered compartment on the front features mesh pockets and a zippered pocket with card slots inside; it also has a key tether. The back of the fanny pack has a card slot as well as a zip compartment. The zipper pulls are designed to accommodate a TSA-approved lock, should you want some extra security for your belongings.

Travelers appreciate: Wearers point out the fine quality of the bag and note it is an excellent travel accessory that fits all the essentials. A few noted how lightweight the bag is.

Price:  $328 or less

Also consider: This leather fanny pack from Etsy gets great reviews for its quality and classic style. The bag costs around $86 or less.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Marisa Méndez   is an avid gear connoisseur who's constantly on the hunt for her next perfect travel item. Her current favorites are Knockaround's Deja Views sunglasses , a Portland Gear backpack (the compact size), a Quatish jewelry case and a Lands' End cargo jacket . She's also anxiously awaiting her next trip to break in her Solgaard Carry-on Closet . Marisa used her love of both organization and research to come up with this list of fanny packs.

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The 9 Best Anti-Theft Backpacks, Tested and Reviewed

Travel with peace of mind

travel belt bag anti theft

In This Article

  • Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested.

  • What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

TripSavvy / Conor Ralph

Backpacks are super handy for carrying everything you need while traveling. The contents we pack into them are becoming increasingly expensive, though: Our smartphones are worth several hundred dollars, and our tablets and laptops are worth far more. If you’re toting your tech around where pickpockets are prevalent, you’ll want to keep things secure so you don’t have to deal with an unpleasant theft that interrupts your vacation. Luckily, brilliant designers have you covered: Anti-theft backpacks are more secure than ever with features like locking zippers, RFID-blocking technology, and even slash-proof material. And aesthetically, we’re happy to announce that these backpacks have graduated beyond basic black and gray to become increasingly stylish.

We researched some of the best options on the market and then took them to our New York testing lab. First, we packed them full of the kind of essential belongings for which one might use an anti-theft backpack. Then we did everything possible to break into them, including some slash tests. The top performers made it onto our list.

Best Overall

Pacsafe venturesafe exp45 econyl.

Comfortable to carry

Easy to pack and unpack

Held up well during our slash test

Needs lock to secure locking cable

Pacsafe is an industry leader in anti-theft backpacks, and honestly, you can't go wrong with any of their styles (we've got more than one featured here). For travel in particular, however, we love their Venturesafe EXP45L. Besides the fact it's now made from recycled nylon, giving it some eco points, it's carry-on size: You won't need to bring both a bag for your gear and a carry-on for your clothes, which makes a difference when it comes to reducing stress on a busy day of travel. The backpack meets most airlines' carry-on requirements (as always, check ahead!). It has a large main compartment for clothes, a sleeve built for a 15-inch laptop, organization for your cables and USBs, and even places outside the bag to secure bulky things like sleeping bags, jackets, or yoga mats. There are also attachment points inside for wallets and keys and a side pocket that lets you keep a water bottle or umbrella close at hand. As for anti-theft measures, Pacsafe has the bases covered with lockable zippers, an anchor cable that can lock around a fixed object (like the leg of a table), and cut-resistant materials.

Of all the bags we tested in our Brooklyn lab, this backpack earned the highest marks. Our testers loved the pack's well-cushioned handles and the 270-degree clamshell opening. "The Pacsafe Venturesafe Carry-On Travel Pack is an ideal option for backpackers hopping from hostel to hostel," one tester noted. "It has many great anti-theft features, including lockable zippers, a stainless steel locking cable that you can attach to any fixture and cut-resistant materials. Plus, with chest and hip belts and padded straps, you can carry about a week's worth of clothes and other travel essentials without breaking your back." Our testers did report a learning curve for the zipper lock. They recommend spending some time with it at home before taking it on a trip.

Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.8 x 8.7 inches | Weight: 3 pounds, 13 ounces | Capacity: 45 liters | Waterproof: Yes

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Pacsafe metrosafe ls350 daypack.

Reduced environmental impact

Comfortable shoulder straps

Can lock around various items

Not as durable as the brand claims

Water bottle holder could be larger

If you're looking for an anti-theft pack that offers the same quality and toughness as our overall winner in a smaller package, Pacsafe's Metrosafe 15L backpack is worth a look. This pack features lockable zippers, cut-resistant materials, and an RFID-blocking pocket. Bonus: This bag also features Pacsafe's eco-friendly ECONYL fiber, a regenerated material made from fishing nets and other nylon products.

Like its larger sibling, the Venturesafe EXP45, the Metrosafe 15L earned top marks from our testers. They enjoyed the pack's soft padding, even if the straps were difficult to adjust. "The Pacsafe Metrosafe 15L Travel Backpack has it all," one tester glowed. "Padded shoulder straps and back for hours-long city excursions, a zipper lock to protect your belongings from casual pickpocketing, and enough space to fit your travel essentials. Plus, there's a small, lockable hook to attach the bag to any fixture, say a hostel bed or table leg—no need to worry about your backpack getting snatched."

Our testers did have issues with the external water bottle pocket, which wasn't big enough to hold a standard-sized water bottle. And while the pack is slash-proof, the outer shell tore easily during testing.

Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.6 x 4.9 inches | Weight: 1 pound, 7.4 ounces | Capacity: 15 liters | Waterproof: Not listed

Best Budget

Ambor travel laptop backpack.

Smart capabilities

Laptop pocket holds pretty much any device

Not waterproof

Doesn’t stand on its own while empty

While we love the low price tag on this bag, the genius behind its design has thought of everything, too. It has the essential anti-theft features—think a fixed passcode lock and a hidden pocket on the back for super-valuable things like passports and wallets—plus a ton of perks that make your travel day more effortless, like a USB charging port and headphone jack, a laptop compartment for computers up to 17.3 inches, and S-curve straps that help take the weight off your shoulders.

"The Ambor Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack is roomy, versatile, and comfortable to carry for long stretches of time," one of our testers reported. "With laptop and tablet compartments, a built-in USB cord, and several pockets for organization, the bag makes traveling for work a breeze. And when you're ready to hit the streets, the spacious interior and padded straps and back make it easy to carry all your essentials."

The one issue our testers found was that the headphone jack was not universally compatible. But they did love the combination zipper lock and the size of the bag, saying, "This is a roomy bag that can go from the plane to the office or for a day of sightseeing."

Dimensions : 19.5 x 12.5 x 5.3 inches | Weight: 1.65 pounds | Capacity: Not listed | Waterproof: No

Best for Commuting

Kopack slim laptop backpack.

Super lightweight

Great organization

Keeps laptop out of reach

Won’t hold large gaming laptops

Kopack's budget-friendly laptop backpack will protect your gear—and keep thieves away. It fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop with a dedicated home in the back of the bag, right against your body. The zipper can also be locked to keep things secure. There's a USB port built into the backpack with an inner cable to charge your devices, though you'll need to use a power bank (not included). The dual-layer zipper that opens the main compartment is puncture-proof, and plenty of pockets hold everything else you need for the day, from tablets to sunscreen. Bonus: The pack is water-resistant.

Our testers liked some unique features of this bag, like the straps fitting over the zipper, making it impossible to open while on someone's back. "The number of pockets is helpful if you have a lot of stuff to bring into the office or a remote setup," one tester noted. A quick slash did nothing to the pack, but we could cut the backpack with effort. A nitpick was that the water bottle holder was a bit too narrow, and we struggled to fit a 20-ounce bottle in it. Still, "For those commuting to an office, this simple backpack is it," one tester concluded.

Dimensions: 11.8 x 4.3 x 17.7 inches | Weight: 1.56 pounds | Capacity: Not listed | Waterproof: Yes

Best Eco-Friendly

Peak design travel backpack 45l.

  • Capacity 5 /5
  • Design 5 /5
  • Durability 5 /5
  • Value 4.5 /5
  • Comfort 5 /5

Fits enough clothes for a small trip

Shoulder straps easily slip from adjustment loops

Peak Design's Travel Backpack has some genius features to ward off thieves and will set your mind at ease. In addition to the backpack's innovative details (there are straps and pockets for pretty much everything), this model expands from a modest 35-liter size for a day of exploring to a 45-liter size that still meets most international carry-on requirements. Thanks to its impressively weatherproof material, you won't have to worry about rain either. And about those anti-theft features: The zipper tabs are designed to deter any potential thieves, the laptop pocket sits closest to your back, and a special hidden pocket keeps your passport secure. It also doesn't hurt how sleek-looking this backpack is.

While our testers appreciated the number of features, they were also somewhat overwhelmed. They noted needing the instruction manual to help fully understand how to pack it properly. They were also frustrated with how tough it was to unlock and access items. "Once the bag is locked, it's not easy to access it, which is great to prevent theft, but not ideal for the bag owner who may want easy access," a tester noted. "There are many options to expand and compress the bag to your packing style, but the anti-theft features make the bag a bit frustrating to use," another said.

Still, this bag checked all the anti-theft and packing boxes for the eco-conscious backpacker or hostel hopper. It's made with a 100 percent recycled 40-denier nylon canvas shell, and our testers reported being able to fit at least a week's worth of clothes and items in it. Our advice: Spend some time getting to know this pack and its lock features before taking it on a trip. But if you're looking for a rugged, planet-friendly pack that can be tossed around, this is it.

Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 9.5 inches (compressed), 22 x 13 x 11 inches (expanded) | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Capacity: 35 liters (compressed), 45 liters (expanded) | Waterproof: Yes

Best Daypack

Travelon anti-theft classic backpack.

Comes in various colors

Not laptop-friendly

Most anti-theft backpacks are bulky and rugged or sleek and minimalist—yet still big enough to hold tech gear, which you don't always need. It can be hard to find an anti-theft backpack purse sized for light-traveling, tech-free days. Enter the Travelon Classic Backpack, which has RFID-blocking card and passport slots, should you happen to be traveling, and a hidden pocket under the flap (great for pricey sunglasses or your smartphone). For extra security, the zipper pull of the main flap locks into the tab of the front pocket, making it extra hard for thieves to get into. This budget-friendly travel backpack also works well as a daypack.

Our testers found this pack deceptively roomy and very lightweight. "This bag could be a daypack or hold everything you need for a weekend trip," one tester said. They also liked the small flashlight inside the pack, which helps with internal lighting. Like other packs on this list, the slash test revealed it was easy to make an initial tear but much harder to get into the pack and remove anything.

"This no-fuss, anti-theft backpack is a good option for travelers who want to go out and explore with just the essentials," a tester summarized. "Despite not being able to fit a laptop larger than 13 inches, it's surprisingly roomy, with multiple pockets to organize your things and RFID-blocking slots."

Dimensions: 6 x 12 x 16 inches | Weight: 14.2 ounces | Capacity: Not listed | Waterproof: Not listed

Best for Students

Oscaurt anti-theft 15.6" travel laptop backpack.

Minimalist aesthetic

Well-designed interior

Not as tough as we'd like

Itchy material

The Oscaurt Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack is a solid option for students or anyone looking to securely transport electronics and other work or study-related items. It's loaded with internal pockets for organization, features a USB charging port, and has some waterproofing capabilities.

Our testers liked the discrete "hidden" zipper on the front, and they liked how the bag opened and its organizational capabilities. However, they were less impressed with the durability of the anti-slash material. "The anti-slash material is a weak point; we were able to cut straight through to the bottom," one tester said. "If you want something super durable, I wouldn't recommend this backpack—it was a bit concerning how easily we could cut through it."

Said another: "If theft resistance is a priority, there are better options out there. However, based on look and price, I think this is a decent option for a sleeker backpack."

Dimensions: 11 x 15 x 17 inches | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Capacity: Not listed | Waterproof: Yes

Best Vegan Option

Sherpani dispatch 13" convertible backpack.

Eco-friendly

Can wear three ways

Suited to daily use

Can be difficult to open zipper

Won’t hold larger laptops

This backpack can easily transform into a crossbody or a tote with a simple change of the straps—and it'll keep your stuff secure no matter how you carry it. Made from 100 percent vegan and recycled materials, it features an RFID-protective lining, an external zippered security pocket, and two interior slip pockets to hold the essentials. While it might look relatively small, it's sized to fit 13-inch laptops, so you can bring your computer on the go. And although it's not big enough to hold more than a single change of clothes, it makes a great everyday carry.

"Even though it's on the smaller end of the bags we tested, it can fit quite a few things, including a 13-inch laptop," one tester reported. "In the bag's interior, there are two small pockets plus a drink pocket (you could use it to store your sunglasses)."

Said another: "Don't let its small size fool you: The Sherpani Dispatch can fit all your essentials—including a 13-inch laptop, sunglasses, passport, and water bottle —with room to spare. Lightweight and durable, it can be worn as a crossbody bag or travel backpack, perfect for carrying from the airport to the city streets."

While our testers liked the vegan and recycled construction, they also reported that the handles were uncomfortable.

Dimensions: 9 x 13 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 1.65 pounds | Capacity: 13 liters | Waterproof: Yes

Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody

Highly protective

Looks great

Not big enough for a laptop

This convertible backpack gets you everywhere you need to go with a few different configurations for carrying—and keeps your gear and devices secure. Get the version with locking hardware for extra security, though any model comes with full-body anti-slash lining, cut-resistant straps, and a fully waterproof vegan leather exterior. We also like the studs that keep the bottom of the bag lifted off the ground and the three interior pockets (there's also a built-in RFID-protected wallet with eight card slots and a spot for notes). While it's not big enough to be a carry-on, there's the option to expand it by 1.5 inches if you find a souvenir or two .

While this bag is difficult to tear into and open fully, it is almost effortless to rip and tear the outer layer. Our testers also reported it irritating sensitive skin. "While stylish, the Arden Cove Carmel Convertible Backpack and Crossbody is uncomfortable to carry and easily fell off my shoulders," one tester reported. "I can picture myself constantly having to adjust the straps, which, in my opinion, isn't worth the aesthetic." These things are subjective; however, if you opt for this backpack, consider trying before you buy or choose an online retailer with a good return policy in case you end up feeling the same way.

Dimensions: 7 x 10.5 x 3 inches (compressed), 8 x 10.5 x 4.5 inches (expanded) | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Capacity: Not listed | Waterproof: Yes

Secure, eco-friendly, and comfortable to carry, the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 is the ideal backpack for providing peace of mind and getting you and your essentials to your destination. We also like the Ambor Travel Laptop Backpack for its affordable price and solid organization.

Our editors and writers spent hours researching and reading customer reviews of the best anti-theft backpacks. We also tapped into our own experience and knowledge of backpack brands and specific anti-theft packs we've used in the past. We narrowed the list to the above 10 options based on price and diversity of use. We wanted to offer the best products across a wide price range. And we also wanted to consider all sorts of travelers, commuters, students, and anyone else regularly wearing and using a backpack.

TripSavvy editors tested anti-theft backpacks in our Brooklyn testing lab. We tested for features, comfort, and anti-theft capability. For features, we packed and unpacked each backpack with everyday items including laptops, books, magazines, headphones, passports, wallets, money, water bottles, etc. We then judged features based on how they helped—or didn't help—the packing and organization process.

For comfort, we put the full backpacks on and carried them around our lab until they became uncomfortable or we got tired. We also assessed comfort-boosting features including chest and waist straps. For anti-theft testing, we took a box cutter and made an initial quick swipe to see how well the pack withstood this kind of attack. Then we spent more time thoroughly trying to cut into each bag. We also considered hidden compartments and locking zippers and how well they worked.

We did not test for RFID-blocking material as it's been well-documented that this feature is somewhat redundant, but many of the products on this list advertise this capability.

What to Look For in an Anti-Theft Backpack

While the size of the bag you carry will ultimately depend on your needs, an excellent guideline for travelers to stick to is that it should fit within the carry-on size restrictions of most major U.S. or international airlines (depending on where you’re going). That said, getting a bag that fits your purpose is vital: If you want to keep your laptop secure at the gym, you will not require the same capacity you might if you're planning to pack all your belongings for a week-long trip.

We’re a fan of waterproof (or at least water-resistant) materials when it comes to backpacks—after all, you’re going to so much trouble to protect your gear with these anti-theft measures, so why compromise when it comes to keeping them out of the rain? These days, many backpacks are made from durable nylon or vegan leather that keeps the rain away from your laptops and devices (not to mention the clothes you’re packing, too). Look for recycled materials for an extra eco-bonus—they’re just as durable these days as freshly produced ones.

The devil (or maybe angel) is in the details when it comes to anti-theft features. Look for secure pockets, zippers with locking components, and cut-resistant straps or frames. We also like clever placement for pockets—say, one for your passport or laptop located on the back of the bag rather than the front. Some bags go the extra mile and have cables to secure your bag to a fixed point, too, so you can hook it up and not have to worry about someone grabbing your bag at a restaurant and running off.

How much you travel and use the bag will determine your spending on this—if you live in a city known for petty crime, this might be your everyday carry and, therefore, an investment in protecting yourself and your gear. If you want a bag for travel but don’t travel often, some great budget options (even under $40) make for a tremendous one-off purchase that comes with peace of mind.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to clean your anti-theft backpack—each model is made of different fabrics and might have delicate coatings, such as a durable water repellent (DWR). If you need to wash your bag and there are no specific instructions, it’s generally OK to take a damp, soft cloth with mild detergent and spot-clean wherever there’s dirt or dust.

Each anti-theft backpack has its own unique design, but in broad terms, they have special features meant to deter thieves from stealing your belongings. Think of zippers with integrated locks that make opening the bag harder for a would-be nabber—and give you more time to see or feel them trying to get in. Other standard security features on anti-theft backpacks include hidden passport pockets, slash-proof materials, and zippers that open on the side closest to your body rather than on the front.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy's Outdoor Gear Editor. He's a bit of a backpack nerd and has spent decades walking, cycling, taking the bus, public transit, or driving to school and work with a backpack.

Sherri Gardner , an Associate Editor at TripSavvy, helped with testing in our Brooklyn testing lab. She learned to love travel from her father and has traveled domestically since she was a child and internationally since she was a teen.

Elizabeth Preske is a TripSavvy Editor and helped with testing in our Brooklyn testing lab. She has been a travel fiend since age 4 and has traveled to many places worldwide.

Digital Trends. " RFID-Blocking Products Are Practically Worthless. Here's Why ." May 3, 2019

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Now you can stop watching your bag and look up to see the world in front of you. Our built-in 5-Point Anti-Theft security system will protect your valuables from pickpockets and thieves. Includes slash-resistant mesh barrier in all 4 sides and bottom body panels; slash-resistant and lock-down strap; locking compartments, and RFID blocking organizer. Travelon packs your bag with peace of mind.

• 5-Point Anti-Theft security system

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• Main compartment includes organizer panel, slip pockets and tethered key clip with LED light pocket under front flap

• Soft adjustable waist strap fits most waists from 31” to 38”

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travel belt bag anti theft

Viso | Convertible Crossbody

#color_cactus

Carry the Viso to keep your travel essentials safe and dry! This design includes two removable strap options, built-in anti-theft features, and a functional fold-over to increase the bag's water resistance.

• Dimensions: 14 x 13.5 x 4.5 inches • Weight: 12.5 ounces • Sustainability: Contains Recycled Materials • Best Use: Travel • Bag Style: Shoulder Bag • Gear Capacity (L): 12 liters. • Gear Capacity (cu.in): 732 cubic inches. • Number of Exterior Pockets: 2 + main compartment • RFID Blocking: Yes • Carry-On: Yes • Material(s): P/840 Ballistic Recycled Nylon • Can be carried as a tote, crossbody or over your shoulder; reverse the top to change the style or flip the top up for extra room. • Pack it full, and it will stand up straight—or create a fold-over look for the days when less is more. • Recycled ballistic nylon fabric is durable, washable, lightweight, and coated with waterproof polyurethane. • Fabric has been certified by the Global Recycled Standard • Engineered with RFID protection to prevent cyber theft. • Key leash, 2 exterior pockets and 3 interior pockets to keep your items organized. • Chair-lock loop system allows you to secure the bag to a chair or table leg for security and peace of mind. • ReturnMe tag connects the bag to a global lost and found network. • Plastic hardware is made from "ghost nets"—abandoned fishing nets found in the ocean. • Locking zippers

travel belt bag anti theft

RFID-Blocking Technology

Equipped with RFID protection to guard against cyber theft. RFID blocking is the best way to protect the sensitive information on your credit cards and passport. Learn more about Sherpani and RFID here.

travel belt bag anti theft

Zipper Locks

Two kinds of locking zippers deter pickpockets by adding a difference-making layer of protection. With tunnel locks on external pockets and a clip lock for the main compartment, you’re far from an easy target.

travel belt bag anti theft

Wire Loop Lock

Swipe and grab theft is one of the most common types of bag theft that travelers experience. The wire-loop chair lock allows you to secure your bag to a chair or table leg in seconds.

travel belt bag anti theft

Global Digital Bag Tag

Say goodbye to old bag tags that display your personal information. Each Anti-Theft bag comes with a ReturnMe Tag that connects your bag to a globally recognized lost-and-found service. Learn more about ReturnMe Tags here.

travel belt bag anti theft

Slash Resistant Bottom

The bottom of each Anti-Theft bag is reinforced with a layer of sturdy mesh that is durable and cut-proof. This will prevent slash-and-spill theft.

travel belt bag anti theft

Slash Resistant Strap

This style includes Sherpani’s proprietary anti-slash crossbody strap. Our crossbody strap is completely wireless! It can’t be bent out of shape, doesn’t add weight or bulk to the bag, and won’t dig into your shoulder.

travel belt bag anti theft

Material & Care

Sherpani travel bags are sustainably produced and made from 100% recycled materials! We turn discarded plastic bottles into a soft, recycled nylon, diverting plastic waste from landfills and waterways in the process. Vegan leather accents also elevate the designs.

Learn more about how to clean and care for your Sherpani bags here.

travel belt bag anti theft

About the Anti-Theft Collection

Sherpani’s Anti-Theft Collection is made to help female travelers explore the world with a sense of freedom, confidence, and security. We believe that travel restores the human spirit, and work to empower women to travel more and worry less.

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Our Alpine Heritage: We are happy people who love what we do. We have been designing bags in Colorful Colorado for over twenty-one years.

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Questions? Comments? Design ideas? We love to hear from our community - reach out at [email protected]

travel belt bag anti theft

Made Sustainably

In our award-winning history as a sustainable company, Sherpani has diverted 8.8 million (& counting!) plastic bottles from landfills & waterways

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Omsk city, Russia

The capital city of Omsk oblast .

Omsk - Overview

Omsk is one of the largest cities in Russia, a major scientific, cultural, sports, transport, and industrial center. The administrative center of Omsk Oblast, it is the second most populous city in Siberia.

The population of Omsk is about 1,126,000 (2022), the area - 567 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 3812, the postal codes - 644000-644246.

Omsk city flag

Omsk city coat of arms.

Omsk city coat of arms

Omsk city map, Russia

Omsk city latest news and posts from our blog:.

10 November, 2019 / Tomsk - the view from above .

3 July, 2016 / Omsk - the view from above .

20 October, 2012 / The bear at the gate .

2 August, 2012 / Omsk city from bird's eye view .

14 December, 2011 / Time-lapse video of Omsk city .

More posts..

History of Omsk

Foundation of omsk.

The need to build a Russian fortress on the banks of the Irtysh at the mouth of the Om River arose in connection with the steppe nomadic peoples. In particular, with the Oirats, whose tribes in the first decades of the 17th century began to appear within the borders of the Russian state being under the onslaught of their external enemies and as a result of internal civil strife. However, various foreign and domestic political problems of Russia hindered the development and defense of the South Siberian borders.

The situation changed only at the beginning of the 18th century, when the Russian conquest of Siberia intensified. Since Peter I paid great attention to geographical research in the south, the expeditions of that time combined socio-political tasks and tasks of scientific research.

One of such expeditions was led by the Russian military and statesman, associate of Peter I, Major General Ivan Bukhgolts. The goals of the expedition, numbering about 3,000 people, were to search for ore and gold deposits, the discovery of trade routes to India and China, as well as the construction of towns on the Irtysh River.

The expedition left Tobolsk to the south along the Irtysh in July 1715. In the spring of 1716, after a conflict with the Dzungars in the north of today’s Kazakhstan, the remnants of the expedition (about 700 people) withdrew to the mouth of the Om River, where they laid a new fortress named Omsky ostrog (fortified settlement).

According to the census of 1725, 992 people lived in the fortress, in 1742 - 1,092 people. From the first years of its existence, it served as a place of exile for prisoners. After serving hard labor and imprisonment, a lot of them stayed in Omsk for permanent residence.

More Historical Facts…

Omsk in the second half of the 18th century

The ethnic composition of the region’s population was formed in the process of settling the territory. Russians, Germans, Ukrainians, Poles, Belarusians, and representatives of many other nationalities were sent here to serve or were exiled. The indigenous people of the region were the Siberian Tatars and Kazakhs, who switched to a sedentary lifestyle.

The foundation of the second Omsk fortress took place in 1762. The first fortress, although it occupied a favorable geographical position, was wooden and, by the middle of the 18th century, it was dilapidated. In 1765, new stone fortifications were constructed. The first stone structure of the fortress was the Resurrection Military Cathedral, built in 1773 and preserved to this day.

In the end of the 18th century, the Omsk fortress was one of the largest structures in the eastern part of the Russian Empire, its area was more than 30 hectares. In 1782, it was transformed into a town named Omsk within the Tobolsk Governorate. In 1785, the coat of arms of Omsk was approved.

Omsk became the center of management of the Siberian transport routes and the Siberian Cossack army, which not only guarded the South Siberian borders, but also made a huge contribution to the economic development of the steppe expanses of Kazakhstan, the annexation of Central Asia to the Russian Empire.

Omsk in the 19th century

The fire of 1819 destroyed almost half of the town including the archive and the magistrate of Omsk with all the first archival documents. Therefore information about the life of Omsk in the 18th - early 19th centuries is scarce and fragmentary. In 1825, the population of the town was about 9,000 people.

In 1829, the town’s development plan was approved. It was made by the famous Petersburg architect V.I. Geste, who took the city of St. Petersburg as a model with its wide avenues, huge neighborhoods, fountains, cast-iron bridges, and an abundance of green spaces.

The composition of the population of Omsk was not quite usual. In the middle of the 19th century, since Omsk was the center of the military and civil administration, the proportion of the military in the local population reached about 60%.

Fyodor Dostoevsky (one of the greatest psychological novelists in world literature), who served a term of hard labor in the Omsk prison in 1850-1854, in a letter to his brother gave Omsk the following description: “Omsk is a disgusting town. There are almost no trees. In summer, heat and wind with sand, in winter, a snowstorm. I have not seen nature. The town is dirty, military and highly depraved.”

By the second half of the 19th century, Omsk in its development outstripped many steppe towns and became not only an administrative, but also a commercial and industrial center. In 1861, in Omsk, there were 2,122 houses (31 stone houses), 34 factories and plants, about 20 thousand residents.

In 1892, the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway began, which gave a new impetus to the economy of Siberian towns and positively influenced Omsk. The development of the Trans-Siberian Railway caused an increase in the urban population due to migrants who came to work from the central part of the Russian Empire. According to the 1897 census, 37.3 thousand people lived in Omsk. The town had 14 streets with a total length of more than 140 km and 13 squares.

Omsk in the first half of the 20th century

The beginning of the 20th century was a time of great changes for Siberia. Mass peasant colonization caused a sharp leap in the development of the region’s economy, primarily its agrarian sector, and the Trans-Siberian Railway ensured the inclusion of the local economy in the system of the All-Russian and European markets.

Due to its favorable economic and geographical position - at the intersection of the railway and the Irtysh River, in the middle of a vast agricultural territory - Omsk quickly turned into a large transport, trade and industrial center of Western Siberia and Governor-Generalship of the Steppes (Eastern and Central Kazakhstan).

Wholesale trade in bread, butter and other agricultural products was concentrated here. Omsk also became one of the industrial, social and cultural centers of Western Siberia. By 1903, the city’s population grew to 60 thousand people. In 1914, it had about 134.8 thousand residents. Omsk became the most populous city in Siberia.

During the Civil War on the territory of the former Russian Empire, from June 1918 to November 1919, Omsk was the residence of the Supreme Ruler of Russia, Admiral Alexander Kolchak, who declared this city the capital of white Russia opposing red Russia of the Bolsheviks. Soviet power was finally established in the city in 1920.

In the summer of 1921, an event took place that had a decisive impact on the cultural and economic life of Omsk. The functions of the administrative center of Siberia were transferred from it to the city of Novonikolaevsk (future Novosibirsk). In 1934, Omsk became the administrative center of a separate Omsk Oblast.

Over the years of industrialization, Omsk became one of the largest centers for agricultural engineering in the USSR. The metal-working industry also developed at a rapid pace. In 1939, Omsk numbered more than 288 thousand people.

During the Second World War, about 200 industrial enterprises were evacuated to Omsk, as well as 60 hospitals, dozens of educational institutions, theaters, museums, and hundreds of thousands of refugees.

Omsk after the Second World War

In the post-war years, new enterprises were put into operation in Omsk, all existing factories and plants were reconstructed and expanded. The industrial potential of the city was also strengthened by the Omsk oil refinery, the largest in the country. In connection with the rapid development of industry, especially petrochemical enterprises, the ecological situation deteriorated. The concentration of harmful substances in the air sharply increased. In 1964, the population of Omsk was about 702 thousand people.

In the 1970s-1980s, Omsk developed rapidly. In 1975, the city’s population exceeded 1 million. The most pressing problem was the ecological situation. Omsk was in the top 10 cities of Russia in terms of environmental pollution. Another problem that required an immediate solution was the development of passenger transport. The capacity of Omsk streets was exhausted, and therefore the construction of the subway became an urgent issue.

The economic crisis that gripped Russia after the collapse of the USSR had a negative impact on the economy of Omsk and the region as a whole. There was a significant decline in industrial production, construction volumes fell, and unemployment rose. A lot of organizations of the defense complex, research institutes, and design bureaus found themselves in a deep crisis without the state defense order.

The share of mechanical engineering and metalworking, light industry, and, to a lesser extent, chemical and petrochemical, forestry and woodworking industries decreased. At the same time, the share of the fuel industry, energy, and construction materials industry began to grow.

In the 2000s, Omsk again became one of the most important economic centers of Western Siberia with a developing mechanical engineering, petrochemical industry, various branches of the woodworking, construction industry, and a highly productive agro-industrial complex. In recent years, Omsk has also acquired the features of one of the largest Siberian centers of entrepreneurship and banking/financial activities.

Architecture of Omsk

On the street in Omsk

On the street in Omsk

Author: Tim Brown

Yak-9 fighter aircraft in front of the aerospace engineering company Polyot in Omsk

Yak-9 fighter aircraft in front of the aerospace engineering company Polyot in Omsk

The Omsk Cadet Corps

The Omsk Cadet Corps

Author: Stanislav Katsko

Omsk - Features

Omsk is located in the south of the West Siberian Plain at the confluence of the Om River into the Irtysh, about 150 km from the border of Russia with Kazakhstan. About 60% of all residents of Omsk Oblast live in Omsk. The City Day of Omsk is celebrated on the first Saturday of August.

The city’s coat of arms is very similar to the first coat of arms of Omsk approved by Empress Catherine II in 1785. It depicts a part of the brick fortifications, which symbolizes the reason for its foundation as a fortress and the center of the Siberian defensive line.

Omsk belongs to the temperate climatic zone with a continental climate of the forest-steppe of the West Siberian belt. It is distinguished by an abundance of sunlight. The average air temperature in January is minus 16.3 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 19.6 degrees Celsius. The highest wind speeds are observed in winter and spring, which is the reason for frequent snow and dust storms.

In the past, the ecological situation in Omsk was very unfavorable. Since 2011, the city’s environmental development rating has increased significantly. This was the result of large-scale modernization of many large industries (including the Omsk oil refinery). Today, road transport is the main source of air pollution in the city.

The level of pollution of the Omsk rivers - Irtysh and Om - remains consistently high. Swimming in them is prohibited. While industrial effluents are becoming more environmentally friendly, sewers are releasing waste products including diesel fuel and petroleum products into the rivers. Dust raised by dust storms is also a serious problem for the city as it contains a lot of harmful substances including lead.

The city’s industry is based on oil refining, petrochemistry, chemical industry, mechanical engineering (production of aerospace equipment, armored vehicles, agricultural equipment). Omsk is a major transport junction - the Trans-Siberian Railway runs through the city from west to east, and the navigable Irtysh River crosses it from south to north. Omsk Airport offers regular flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Tyumen, Surgut, Yekaterinburg, Krasnoyarsk, Salekhard, Kazan, Krasnodar, Sochi.

The unfinished subway of Omsk has become famous in Russia thanks to its only one fully built station. Its construction began back in 1992. However, due to funding problems, the completion of the first line was postponed numerous times. In 2019, it was finally decided to permanently stop construction. For local residents, because of the long wait for the completion of the construction, the Omsk metro symbolizes unrealizable hopes, they talk about it with irony.

In Omsk, there are practically no buildings higher than 50 meters, according to this parameter it is one of the lowest cities with a population of over one million. 130 architectural monuments are concentrated in the central part of the city, almost half of the total number.

Main Attractions of Omsk

Dormition Cathedral - the largest church in Omsk located in the very center of the city. The original church was built in 1891-1898. In 1935, it was completely destroyed. In 2005-2007, an exact copy of the building was restored in its original place. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Omsk. At night, the building is illuminated and looks especially majestic. Tarskaya Street, 7.

Irtysh Embankment - the main walking street of Omsk with a picturesque view of the Irtysh River. Built in the middle of the 20th century, the embankment was reconstructed in the 2000s. You can walk along the alley on foot, ride rollerblades or a bike.

Merchant Batyushkin’s Mansion (1902). This architectural monument is located on the Irtysh Embankment. It is also known as the Kolchak’s House because Alexander Kolchak, the Supreme Ruler of Russia, lived in this building in 1919. One part of the building is occupied by the registry office of the Central District of Omsk. The Center for the Study of the History of the Russian Civil War is also open here. Irtyshskaya Naberezhnaya Street, 9.

Omsk State Museum of History and Local Lore - one of the oldest museums in Siberia and Russia founded in 1878. In total, this museum has over 200 thousand various objects of cultural, historical and artistic value. The museum is especially proud of such exhibits as the cast-iron figures of the Chinese lions Shi-Tzu, presented to the museum from China in 1895, as well as the skeleton of a woolly mammoth almost 3 meters high. Lenina Street, 23?.

Omsk Regional Museum of Fine Arts named after M.A. Vrubel - one of the largest museums of fine arts in Siberia. It has collections of foreign and Russian art from antiquity to the present day. In total, there are over 22 thousand works by painters, graphic artists and sculptors, as well as more than 1.5 thousand rare folios.

Walking through the exhibition halls, you can admire the canvases of Shishkin, Aivazovsky, Surikov, Repin, Serov, Vereshchagin. The exhibition of rare icons dating from the 17th-20th centuries is of constant interest among visitors, as well as a unique collection of jewelry made of precious metals found in the Scythian and Sarmatian burial mounds. Two buildings of the museum are located at Lenina Street 3 and 23.

In November 2019, a new exhibition was opened in a historical building at Muzeynaya Street, 4 - the exhibition of art of the 20th-21st centuries. The Hermitage-Siberia Center is located here too - the first representation of The State Hermitage Museum (the second-largest art museum in the world) beyond the Urals.

Chokana Valikhanova Street - a pedestrian street located in the historic part of Omsk. The street is decorated with abstract architectural forms, flower beds, wrought-iron lanterns. The walking area ends with an observation deck with a picturesque view of the Irtysh River.

Museum of Kondraty Belov . The museum of this landscape painter born in Omsk can be found in a picturesque wooden house, which is considered one of the most interesting architectural monuments of Omsk. The exposition tells about the life and work of Kondraty Belov, as well as about the history of the building itself.

In total, this museum has about 700 exhibits. The permanent exhibition also includes works by Kondraty Belov’s son Stanislav and paintings by some other local artists. In addition, temporary exhibitions of contemporary Omsk artists are regularly held here. Chokana Valikhanova Street, 10.

Plumber Stepanych Monument - an unusual sculpture located in the center of Omsk, which you can literally stumble upon while walking along Lenin Street between the houses #12 and #14. Leaning out of the hatch, the plumber is depicted as realistic and life-size as possible. It is among the most photographed monuments in Omsk. There is a similar sculpture in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Lyuba Monument . This sculpture, located on the opposite side of Lenin Street from the monument to the plumber Stepanych, is especially loved by Omsk residents and tourists, who love to be photographed against its background.

This beauty in a lace dress with a neckline and a crinoline sitting on an openwork bench and reading a novel had a real prototype - Lyubov (diminutively Lyuba or Lyubasha) Gasford, the wife of the Governor-General of Siberia, who lived in Omsk in the 19th century and died at a young age due to illness. One of the streets of Omsk and the park are named in her memory. She is a local symbol of femininity and beauty.

Omsk Fire Tower - a picturesque architectural monument built at the beginning of the 20th century. Inside the tower there are museum expositions dedicated to the local fire brigade and the history of tower construction. Internatsionalnaya Street, 41?.

Park of Culture and Rest named after the 30th anniversary of the Komsomol - a popular place for walks, recreation and entertainment of Omsk residents and tourists, which has retained “the spirit of the Soviet era” in its name. Today, on an area of 73 hectares, several zones have been organized, various types of recreation are presented. There are walking alleys, ponds, water activities, for example, riding on hydro-scooters.

The ice town is open in winter, the Return of the Dinosaurs exhibition - in summer. The “House Upside Down” exposition is also popular with tourists. This park is a place for mass festivities, city celebrations and events. Maslenitsa, Christmas, City Day, and other holidays are celebrated here. Maslennikova Street, 136.

Natural Park “Bird Harbor” - a specially protected area located on the path of bird migration in the central part of Omsk. During autumn flights, up to 3 thousand birds stop here for rest. It is a great place to enjoy nature, walk along the eco-trail, and observe the life of birds. The park is situated in the floodplain on the left bank of the Irtysh River next to the Victory Park on Yeniseyskaya Street.

Omsk city of Russia photos

Pictures of omsk.

Omsk tram

Bogdan Khmelnitsky Monument in Omsk

Lenin Monument in Omsk

Lenin Monument in Omsk

Churches of Omsk

Chapel of St. George in Omsk

Chapel of St. George in Omsk

Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Omsk

Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Omsk

Cathedral of the Nativity in Omsk

Cathedral of the Nativity in Omsk

Sights of Omsk

Fountain with frogs in the park next to the main building of the Agricultural Academy in Omsk

Fountain with frogs in the park next to the main building of the Agricultural Academy in Omsk

Author: Alexey Pavlov

Church of St. Nicholas in Omsk

Church of St. Nicholas in Omsk

Exaltation of the Holy Cross Cathedral in Omsk

Exaltation of the Holy Cross Cathedral in Omsk

Author: Stanislav Vosinsky

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Omsk: Western Siberia's hidden gem

A city view of Omsk. Source: Dmitry Feoktistov

A city view of Omsk. Source: Dmitry Feoktistov

Omsk was founded in 1716 when a wooden fort was constructed to house a Cossack unit in the area to protect the expanding Russian frontier from Central Asian nomadic incursions. It served various administrative functions throughout the 1800s and became infamous as a place of exile and incarceration. The city was rundown when selected as a hub for the Trans-Siberian railway in the 1890s. Many international trade companies and foreign consulates relocated here and the remnants of their offices can still be found in the city today.

The mystery of Kolchak’s gold

Omsk became the headquarters of the anti-Bolshevik white army led by Admiral Aleksandr Kolchak in 1918. In late 1918 there was a revolt in the city initiated by a leftist faction (Socialist Revolutionary Party or SPs) with 500 rebel deaths at the hands of Cossacks and Czechoslovak soldiers, a major factor in convincing the SPs to join the Bolsheviks. There is a large Soviet-era monument to the uprising at the corner of Lenina street and Broz Tito street.  

Kolchak was entrusted with a large portion of the Tsarist’s gold reserves, yet amazingly lost much of it. Supposedly 250 million rubles were lost (about $8 million at the time). Legend has it that they were buried near the village of Taiga, yet numerous excavations have turned up nothing. The area still attracts the occasional fortune seeker.

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Kolchak’s headquarters are located at what is today the  Omsk Regional Archives  at Broz Tito St., 3. Nothing shows how much times have changed as the imposing Kolchak statue that was unveiled in 2012 around the corner. The statue guards  Kolchak restaurant , a four-story culinary complex featuring a steak house, an Irish pub, a Central Asian café and an Italian eatery.  For more details on where and how to dig Kolchak's gold, see  Top Ten Mysterious Lost Treasures of Russia

Dostoevsky and the Tsar

At 1.15 million people Omsk dwarfs the region’s second largest city, Tara (population 28,000). The city is split by the River Irtysh into two sections (all places of interest are on the right bank) with downtown emanating from the River Om.

Most foreigners have heard of Omsk via writer Fyodor Dostoevsky who spent four years here as a prisoner (1849-1853). He spent most of his time in Omsk in squalor and chains and with no books besides the Bible, however, it left an indelible mark on his memory and influenced his future literary output. There is a statue of the writer in chains grasping a Bible at the corner of Partizanskaya and Spartakovskaya streets, where Dostoevsky undoubtedly stepped many times. A  museum dedicated to the author's time in Omsk  is located nearby at Dostoevskogo St. 1. The local university is also named for him.

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A view of the Assumption Cathedral, Omsk. Source: Lori/Legion-Media

Tarskaya Street is one of the city’s oldest thoroughfares. It features a monument to victims of Stalinist repressions and the Tara gates, originally built in 1792 as one of the four entrances to the Omsk fort. Nearby stands the Assumption Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Siberia. Future Tsar Nicholas II laid the first stone here in 1891 when making his way back to St. Petersburg after his Eastern journey.

In Omsk you are never more than a few steps from the village, made clear when one exits the center to the north, where most houses are wooden and roads unpaved. Stroll along Bulatova and Rabinovicha streets, a well-preserved ensemble of wooden architecture.

Omsk’s cultural heritage 

The Pushkin State Library is worth a look with busts of Russian literary figures adorning the front side of the building. At the corner under the big “M” is one of several stations of the never completed Omsk metro. Construction began in 1992, but as of 2014 the project is again dormant due to financing problems.

One of Omsk’s most famous sons is Symbolist painter Mikhail Vrubel (1856-1910). Vrubel ignored contemporary trends and focused on themes from fairy tales, demons and religious subjects and also designed a majolica frieze for the Metropol Hotel in Moscow. Omsk’s Fine Arts Museum is named for him and features a number of  his works .

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Milhail Vrubel's painting 'Demon Seated in a Garden' (1890)

Over the years a number of tourists have tripped over the monument to Stepanych. This bust of a plumber rising from a sewer was the idea of Omsk’s former mayor after a trip to Slovakia in the 1990s. Stepanych has become one of the symbols of the city.

Omsk is a hockey town, with one of the major teams,  Avangard , in the KHL, Russia’s premiere professional league. Russian champions on several occasions, check out a match at Omsk Arena. But if you can’t catch a game there’s a large kiosk featuring the team’s merchandise at the airport.

Siberian   punk, jazz and the classics

While Omsk may not be on everyone’s radar musically, it does host a  musical theater  built just after the war. The building on 10 Let Oktyabrya Street is in the form of an enormous sloping grand piano.

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A monument to Stepanych, Lenina Street, Omsk. Photo credit: RIA Novosti/Pavel Lisitsyn 

Perhaps Russia’s most famous punk band,  Grazhdanskaya oborona  (Civil Defence), was formed here in 1982. The band was active until 2008 when lead singer Yegor Letov died of heart failure at age 43. Letov is buried at the Staro-Vostochnoe cemetery. A sprawling graveyard with thousands of graves, fans should stop at the administration for help in locating his grave.

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In Russia, Omsk is known among the younger, tech-savvy generation primarily because of the “Omsk bird,” also known as Winged Doom. The origin of what became one of Russia’s most ubiquitous memes comes from a painting by German artist Heiko  Müller. One day in 2009 an Internet user posted this painting with the line, “Welcome to Omsk,” at the top. Additional versions menace viewers stating, “Don't try to leave Omsk,” and “Omsk is closer than you think.” Like many popular memes on the Internet, this one went viral and has become something like an unofficial symbol of the city.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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  • Travel Products
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Travelers Are Already Raving About This New $13 Fanny Pack That Solves This One Annoying Airport Problem

It's quickly been dubbed the “best belt bag out there.”

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Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

Want in on a little secret? Some of the best-selling weekenders, packing cubes , and travel organizers on Amazon are from one brand in particular. Bagsmart is known for its many genius travel finds, like the TikTok-famous hanging toiletry bag or the spacious weekender that fits under the airplane seat. Newest to the scene are the brand’s fanny packs which haven’t gone quite as viral yet, but that might change with the Bagsmart Belt Bag that’s earning extra points for practicality. 

Reviewers are calling it the “ best belt bag out there ” thanks to a nifty bungee cord on the front that you can slip your water bottle into — so you can finally go fully hands-free at the airport. The waist pack is currently on sale for $13 (when you use the 20 percent off on-site coupon), which is the lowest price we’ve seen since it debuted earlier this year.

Bagsmart Fanny Pack With Bungee Cord

Bagsmart’s new fanny pack is made for the traveler who struggles to fit all their stuff into one purse. It has a larger carrying capacity, with two main mesh-lined pockets, plus the bag’s star feature: a bungee cord on the front.

“Everything is so useful with this fanny pack,” wrote one reviewer . “The elastics on the front are great for a water bottle or a scarf or what have you.” Others say the bungee cords are especially helpful when you want to be hands-free, whether rushing through an airport or dancing at a concert .

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If you’re interested in browsing more versatile belt bags, we rounded up even more of our favorites, most of which are on sale for under $30.

More Belt Bags to Shop:

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