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A backpack is a convenient day bag or personal item for travel. We can stay hands free and have enough space to store everything we need on the go. However, the biggest hesitation for most travelers is safety – aren’t backpacks easy to break into? What if you don’t want to travel with a backpack and prefer a purse?
The solution: a backpack that is both packable AND anti theft, too. Mary Chong from Calculated Traveller Magazine reviews a popular pick: the Active Travelon Packable Backpack. Find out what she had to say!
Travelon Packable Backpack
by Mary Chong
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
When it comes to packable backpacks, there are many on the market. Some are flimsy and don’t stand up to wear and tear of a trip, and some are so sturdy that they aren’t genuinely packable, plus they come with a high price tag.
As I travel frequently, I was on the hunt for a travel backpack that was well priced and a bit more substantial than the norm. I was thrilled when I stumbled upon the Active Travelon Packable Backpack with security features built right in.
Basics
Style: Active Travelon Packable Backpack Style #43207
Dimensions: Closed – 11 x 6 x 1 inches | Open – 10.5 x 17 x 6 inches
Material: Water-resistant polyester and 420 D nylon
Weight: 11.7 oz
Color: Black
Capacity: 18.5 Liters
Opening Type: Top loading
Features: A zippered compartment that includes one interior pocket with velcro closure, one deep exterior pocket, two side mesh pockets to hold a water bottle or umbrella
Security: The interior pocket has RFID blocking protection, and the straps, bottom and lower front areas of the backpack are slash-resistant, and both the main compartment and the exterior pocket have locking hardware by way of a hinged clip
Travel Type: Perfect for carry-on, vacation, business, and city break travelers
Travelon Anti-theft Packable Backpack
Durability
The Travelon Active Backpack is well made with reinforced stitching and bound seams throughout. I like that the built-in zipper case turns into the base of the pack.
It acts as a support system in case you put anything substantial on the bottom of the bag — no need to worry about anything bulging out of the bottom.
Comfort and Mobility
In a hot weather environment, the black color isn’t ideal as it attracts the heat but the mesh adjustable shoulder straps help keep you cool.
The backpack itself is lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods of time, but it entirely depends on what you put inside it.
Spaciousness
It’s also quite roomy inside and holds a lot. I use the backpack as my “personal item” when flying carry-on only as it easily holds my wallet, camera, tablet, toiletries, and extra clothes. You can also use it for sightseeing, day hikes, or quick overnight stops within a trip.
There are no compartments inside, so I recommend using packing cubes or zippered bags to corral loose items.
When I first opened the backpack, I expected the interior RFID pocket to be passport size, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it is 6-inches deep and spans the entire width of the backpack.
The exterior pocket is also large (11-inches deep) and again spans the entire width of the bag. Perfect for paperwork and electronics so that you don’t have to access the main compartment.
The mesh side pockets with elastic edging are about 7-inches deep and hold taller water bottles securely with no worries that they will fall out while you are on the go.
Style
This is a unisex anti theft backpack with a simple, utilitarian style. It’s not pretty or flashy, and is subtle enough to blend into any environment.
The logos are a subtle grey (reflective), and the zippers are also black — nothing stands out to attract attention, which is what you want in a bag.
Pros
The features that stand out for me with the packable backpack are the security features as that was the main reason I got this bag. The bonus is that it holds a lot, is collapsible/packable, and the built-in zippered case creates a flat firm base to give the bottom of the backpack shape and structure.
Watch 30 Minutes into this video for tips on avoiding backpack theft
Cons
When compared to other lightweight, packable backpacks, this bag is a bit bulkier in size when collapsed and more substantial in weight due to the slash-resistant mesh panels and locking hardware on the zippers.
One thing to note about the locking hardware is that the zippers don’t lock with a lock. While the zippers have hinged clips that you clip together and lock down to rings sewn into the fabric, you can’t physically put a combination or key lock onto them.
I do wish that the backpack came in more colors, such as beige or light grey, so that there is a summer/hot weather option. The backpack is water-resistant but isn’t entirely waterproof, so depending on the amount of rain, your belongings may get wet.
Final Verdict
I feel that this Active Travelon Packable Backpack is an excellent choice for anyone in need of an extra bag or a daypack with security features whether you are traveling for business or pleasure in an urban setting.
It’s easy to zip up into its own compartment to throw into your suitcase, and it’s easy to open up when needed. You can even use it for shopping or to bring back additional items you purchased on your trip.
Additional Tips
For additional information on how to choose the best travel backpack, read this guide and watch the video below!
What’s your feedback on the Travelon packable backpack? Share in the comments!
For more anti-theft travel tips, please read:
- Money Belts and Anti-theft Accessories
- Best Anti-theft Bags for Women
- 6 Tools to Protect You From Pickpockets
- How To Keep Your Passport Safe While Traveling
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Author Bio: Mary Chong is a Canadian travel writer, food reviewer, and carry-on only traveler. Mary shares travel advice, helpful tips, honest reviews, and travel inspiration for destinations throughout the world on her website Calculated Traveller Magazine.
