Which is Better, Pacsafe or Travelon?

Pacsafe is the stronger choice for serious travelers who want hardware-grade security — slash-proof stainless steel mesh, lockable zippers, and a 5-year warranty — while Travelon delivers solid everyday anti-theft protection at roughly half the price. Both brands beat ordinary bags, but they're built for different buyers and different trips.

Pacsafe vs. Travelon: The Core Difference in 30 Seconds

Pacsafe constructs its bags around an eXomesh skeleton — a stainless steel wire mesh sewn into the fabric panels and straps — that physically resists slashing. Travelon uses slash-resistant fabric panels and lockable zipper loops, which deter opportunistic theft but don't offer the same structural resistance. That single engineering difference explains most of the price gap between the two brands.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Here's how the two brands stack up across the features that matter most for anti-theft travel bags. We carry both brands and handle customer returns and repairs in-store, so this table reflects real-world performance, not spec sheets alone.

Is Pacsafe Worth the Extra Cost?

Pacsafe bags cost more because the eXomesh construction is genuinely more expensive to manufacture — you're paying for cut-resistant stainless steel woven into every panel, not just a marketing claim. For travelers heading to high-risk destinations like Barcelona, Rome, or Southeast Asian markets, that structural protection is worth the premium. For a day trip in Toronto or a low-risk domestic flight, Travelon's protection level is likely sufficient.

• Choose Pacsafe if you're visiting pickpocket-dense destinations in Europe or South America
• Choose Pacsafe if you carry expensive electronics, a passport, and foreign currency daily
• Choose Travelon if you want solid anti-theft basics at a lighter weight and lower price
• Choose Travelon if style variety matters — they produce more fashion-forward silhouettes
• Choose Travelon if you're buying a gift and want more size and colour options under $100 CAD

Honestly, the customers who come back to us most satisfied with Pacsafe are the ones who've already been burned — had a bag slashed or a zipper popped in a crowded market. The ones who are happy with Travelon are typically city travelers who want RFID protection and lockable zippers without carrying a heavier bag all day.

Are Crossbody Bags Good for Avoiding Pickpockets?

Crossbody bags worn across the chest — not dangling at the hip — reduce pickpocket risk significantly compared to shoulder bags or open totes, because the bag stays in your sightline and requires two hands to open. Both Pacsafe and Travelon design their crossbody models with this carry position in mind, using front-facing pockets with lockable zips and RFID-safe card slots closest to the body.

A question we get weekly at our Woodbridge and Vaughan locations: "Is the anti-theft stuff actually useful or just marketing?" The lockable zippers are real deterrents — a thief looking for a quick grab will move on to an easier target. The slash-resistant panels matter most in crowded transit situations where someone could slice a strap or panel from behind. Both brands genuinely deliver on those two fronts; Pacsafe just takes it further with structural steel.

What to Know Before You Buy

Anti-theft bags aren't a substitute for situational awareness — they reduce risk, they don't eliminate it. A few things buyers often overlook before choosing between these two brands:

• Weight adds up: Pacsafe's eXomesh makes bags noticeably heavier; factor that in for all-day walking trips
• Travelon's lifetime warranty is limited — it covers manufacturing defects, not wear and tear or strap damage from heavy use
• RFID blocking is standard on both brands, but the pocket placement varies by model — check that your specific cards fit the blocked slots
• Bag size matters for airlines: most anti-theft crossbody bags from both brands are personal-item sized, not carry-on replacements — pair with a dedicated carry-on bag for longer trips
• Steel cable anchors are useful in cafés and transit — loop through a chair leg or fixed fixture; both brands include this on most crossbody models

We also see customers mix brands: a Pacsafe crossbody for the city day bag, paired with a Samsonite or Briggs & Riley hardshell for the actual luggage. That combination covers both security layers. Browse our full range of travel accessories if you're building out a complete travel kit.

One more thing: fit matters more than brand loyalty. Travelon bags tend to run slimmer and lighter, which some travelers prefer for all-day wear. Pacsafe bags feel more structured. If you're in the GTA, stop into our Woodbridge or Vaughan Promenade stores to try both on — the weight difference is immediately obvious in person, and that often makes the decision for people.

We carry both Pacsafe and a curated selection of anti-theft travel bags at Luggage City, and our staff can walk you through the specific models that fit your trip type and carry style. Stop in, or browse the full catalog online — either way, you'll find the right bag without guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Travelon anti-theft bags any good?

Travelon anti-theft bags are genuinely effective for everyday travel security. They include lockable zipper loops, slash-resistant fabric panels, RFID-blocking pockets, and anchor straps. They won't match Pacsafe's stainless steel mesh construction, but for most travelers visiting moderate-risk destinations, Travelon provides reliable protection at a lower price point.

Which type of bag is best for travel?

A crossbody bag worn across the chest is the most practical choice for city travel — it keeps your essentials accessible, stays in your sightline, and is harder for pickpockets to access than a shoulder bag or backpack. Anti-theft crossbody bags from Pacsafe or Travelon add lockable zippers and RFID blocking on top of that carry advantage.

Why are Pacsafe bags so expensive?

Pacsafe bags cost more because of the eXomesh construction — stainless steel wire mesh physically woven into fabric panels and shoulder straps. That material is expensive to source and manufacture. Add in lockable zipper hardware, a 5-year warranty, and RFID-blocking panels, and the price reflects real engineering, not just branding.

Are crossbody bags good for avoiding pickpockets?

Yes, crossbody bags worn across the chest are significantly harder to snatch or open undetected than shoulder bags or totes. When combined with lockable zippers and slash-resistant straps — features standard on Pacsafe and Travelon models — they're among the most practical anti-theft carry options for international travel.

(common question we hear) Is Pacsafe a good brand for everyday use, not just travel?

Pacsafe bags work well for everyday carry, but the eXomesh construction adds weight that some people find tiring over a full day. If you're using the bag for a daily commute in a low-risk city environment, Travelon's lighter build may be more comfortable. Pacsafe earns its weight on international trips where the extra security is worth carrying.