As urban travel surges in 2025, so do concerns about petty theft. For city-bound explorers, the question is simple: which carry option keeps your valuables safer—backpacks or sling bags?
You're in a busy train station. A quick nudge, a bump on your shoulder, and suddenly your bag feels a little too light. If you've ever traveled through a crowded city, that sinking feeling isn't unfamiliar.
With theft tactics evolving in high-traffic areas, city travelers are rethinking their go-to bags. Traditional backpacks and crossbody sling bags both offer convenience, but when it comes to security, the right design could mean the difference between losing your passport and arriving with peace of mind.
Security experts point to four main risk factors in urban theft:
Travel-specific sling bags now feature lockable zippers, slash-resistant straps reinforced with steel cables, hidden compartments, and RFID-blocking technology. Models like Concept Global's CG1 and Pacsafe's sling bag are effective deterrents against pickpockets and bag slashers in urban areas.
Backpacks have also evolved. Anti-theft options from brands like Travelon and Baggallini now include slash-proof bodies, interior lockable compartments, and RFID protection (Reader's Digest 2024 lab test). These features make backpacks a solid choice for theft-prone zones—especially when carrying heavier loads.
While backpacks offer more room, sling bags are often praised for their agility and ease in tight urban settings. Accio's 2025 market trend analysis confirms this shift: search volume for sling bags rose over 57% this year (slightly outpacing backpacks), indicating a growing preference for smaller, more secure options among city travelers.
Lab tests confirm that anti-slash mesh and RFID-blocking linings significantly reduce theft risks. Reader's Digest reports that Travelon's messenger backpack successfully withstood box cutter slashes in controlled tests, while sling bags scored high for practical urban use—especially when equipped with quick-locking straps that can secure the bag to a stationary object in cafés or airports.
For travelers who value mobility, discretion, and ease of access in crowded spaces, sling bags deliver impressive theft deterrence in a compact form. They're especially appealing for digital nomads and day-trippers navigating unfamiliar cities.
Backpacks still hold their own when it comes to longer outings and heavier carry needs, particularly when upgraded with modern anti-theft features.
As with most travel gear choices, the best option comes down to personal habits, load requirements, and how much security you want within reach.
Helsinki-based travel gear specialists at Concept Global note that one often-overlooked benefit of sling bags is psychological: the ability to keep your belongings in sight and within arm's reach at all times. "That visibility alone can deter opportunistic theft," they share.
Their security-focused sling bag designs incorporate steel-reinforced straps, RFID protection, and compact compartments to reduce theft risks without drawing attention.
The right travel bag doesn't just hold your stuff—it protects your peace of mind. If your daily route or upcoming trip includes crowded transport, busy tourist areas, or a lot of walking, it may be time to reconsider what's slung over your shoulder.
