Pickpocket proof backpack

[ForeignnessAlert]

I use a backpack as a handbag. It's a little too large for everyday use but practical when I have to throw a couple of water bottles/books in to entertain the DC. It is basically just one compartment with a drawstring and a flip over magnetic clip, which occasionally pops open.

My wallet has been stolen :( I need to replace my bag. I don't want it to look like a hiking backpack, I want a nice one. with a zip, that can be fastened somehow or at least with an internal zipped compartment large enough to take wallet/phone. Fortunately I had my phone in my coat pocket but if it had been summer, I'd have had my pone in my bag too.

I don’t really think there is such a thing, it’s more about awareness. If you look like the softest target and someone is ambitious enough they’ll do whatever they can, quite often hear of people slashing the straps with scissors or a knife and scarpering with the whole bag.

Make sure the bag is completely closed every single time, perhaps fit a bell type charm to the zipper so you’d hear if it was being tampered. Regularly move the position of your bag, wear it forward in more congested places etc.

There are two brands - Riutbag and Bobby backpacks which are designed with no zips on the outside. They are styled more like laptop bags rather than hiking backpacks, so may not be quite what you're looking for.

OP, check out Travelon backpacks, maybe like this: Travelon Women's Anti-Theft Boho Backpack, Summer Paisley, One Size www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XC1G8ZN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6civCbEZFB3HZ?tag=mumsnetforum-21

could you get a small padlock to lock the zip together?

I've had a few good ones over the years, all leather and all bought on market stalls. Look for ones that fold in the middle and the straps pull through a ring closing the zipper into the fold. I'll try to find a picture of one, but they are very hard to find on line. Like I say, I've only ever found them on market stalls.

Found it! Luckily I've kept an old one so could still make out the label.

Visconti backpack

Mine was slightly wider than the one in the pic and is black. All precious stuff goes in the main body of the pack and the zip is hidden whilst worn.

Riut do one where the fastenings are all towards your back so nobody can get into it

I use a pacsafe high security bsg

Here it is I have a black one has a very good clip which you can secure the main compartment with and reinforced straps/body etc - I work in Central London so it’s great for commuting

There’s a show called Caught Red Handed that had a case of a prolific pickpocket who specifically targeted victims wearing backpacks (especially lone women/women with kids). It was interesting as the victims were so unaware they didn’t even realise someone was behind them. It’s difficult to notice a thief tampering with your bag when wearing a backpack.

I don’t think you need something special, but just need to be more streetwise. Try not to be distracted eg walking and fixated on your phone/kids to the point that you’re not aware of others around you.

If you have a zip, try and close the zip at a different position than right at the top (like at the bottom corner).

Could you buy a card holder? As it’s a much smaller footprint, this would fit in your pockets, or even a zipped compartment within your bag. In fact as it’s so much smaller, it isn’t as easy for a pickpocket to grab as there’s a chance it’s at the bottom of your bag.

Even a tote bag may be more useful than your current bag, they fit loads in and there’s less chance of a pickpocket targeting you as the opening of the bag would be covered by your body.

I'm not a fan of backpacks for the same reason, I was pickpocketed in a foreign city and lost phone, passport, driving licence, and credit and debit cards. That was a saga. Now I put my dc in a pocket, and rarely take a bag anywhere. If i have to, i use a cross body bag.

Yes, I used to have a backpack that I could clip the tips together but the straps were really uncomfy.
I had one like you describe thenightsky but it can be either w shoulder bag or you unzip the strap to turn it int a backpack. Great except the teeth of the zip then rub on your shoulder!

My current bag doesn't have a zip at all. Doesn't even have a key holder! But it's practical for shoving a book, water bottle, toys etc in for DC. I have two DC, one with SN, so I need to have both hands free and to be able to run at short notice. Hence preferring a backpack.

The one I linked to does not have a zip on the straps themselves. Neither have any of the ones I have owned in that style. I have seen the zippy ones you mention, and rejected them as too scratchy.

My Rains one is big and has a big clip on the foldover and a pocket for keys or phone or whatever that's on the inside. There's nothing visible to undo without making a big scene of undoing the clip, which even took me a while to get used to.

The one I pictured is secure

When I carry a backpack I carry a small cross-body handbag as well. I know I look a bit silly but I like to have valuables to hand.

When DD was small I wore a bum bag when traveling, esp when wearing the baby harness. That's probably a step too far though...

I have a Pacsafe cross body bag. I'd say it's smart, being plain black, but it's not stylish. They do other configurations like backpacks and slingpacks. It has anti-slash lining and straps, along with clasps to hold the zips secure.

Don't rely on situational awareness to keep your belongings safe. I was queueing in a sandwich restaurant in Madrid once... the serving area was packed and was taking ages, so I put my purse away in my coat pocket with popper. I was aware of that location at all times. Friend eventually paid for food, sat down and ate. Only when we got up to leave I realised my purse was gone. In crowds, unless you can physically feel the item being pulled out, you are unaware of people tampering with your stuff in your personal space.