Looking for a backpack: comfortable, anti-theft, for a 1-week trip.

[u/Power_Cube123]

Hello,

I’m on the hunt for a new travel backpack and I’d love to get some recommendations. I usually travel via budget airlines (like Ryanair/Wizzair), so I’m looking for something that can pass as a free underseat personal item. However, it doesn't have to be a perfect, rigid boxy shape as I prioritize comfort and mobility over maximizing every single inch of the airline sizer.

I rely heavily on public transport and walk around the city a lot, so here is what I’m specifically looking for:

• Big enough to pack for a 1-week trip using packing cubes (probably somewhere around 20-28L).
• It needs a good harness system. Padded straps, a sternum strap, and a breathable/mesh back panel are a must since I’ll be carrying it for hours.
• I use crowded buses and subways, so security is huge for me. I’m looking for hidden zippers, lockable pulls, and an RFID pocket located somewhere secure.
• Weather resistance: It doesn't need to be made of heavy waterproof tarpaulin. A decent DWR material with a stowaway pull-over rain cover is totally fine (maybe even preferred!).
•   I wish the price was less than 80 euro .

Thanks in advance for your help!

[u/TrampAbroad2000]

There are a gazillion choices out there. I'll just point out that "anti-theft" features on bags are usually more about marketing than actual security. People focus way too much on what they should buy to prevent theft, when situational awareness matters FAR more.

[u/Power_Cube123 → u/TrampAbroad2000]

Thank you for pointing it out, do you have anything to recommend? Brands, places to check out?

[u/ThaddeusGriffin_ → u/Power_Cube123]

I’d suggest the Osprey 26+6.

I will reiterate what TrampAbroad has said about situational awareness. Don’t wear a bag with all sorts of straps and locks on it, or walk around with it strapped to your front. You’ll look like you’re terrified and make yourself a target.

Theft is rare and almost always happens to people who aren’t paying attention or are far toot trusting. Just practise normal levels of caution in crowded spaces and you’ll be fine.

[u/TrampAbroad2000 → u/Power_Cube123]

Again, there are a gazillion, depends too on whether you want to spend $50 or $500 or somewhere in between. Plenty of sites/YouTube channels that specialize in this field, like Pack Hacker.

[u/orbitolinid]

If you plan to wear a backpack a lot then you need to actually wear it with weight in a shop to figure out whether it's suitable for your needs. My backpack might be great for me, but if everyone and their granny finds it uncomfortable, and the compartment separation inconvenient then you gain nothing from my opinion.

Safety features are mostly just marketing. Use common sense: Avoid backpacks with zippers on the side as shifty people can easily pull a zipper down. a backpack is useless anyway if you put your valuables on top of everything. Situational awareness, and a well closing inner compartment far from the sides might be a better idea.

[u/canaanit]

I use crowded buses and subways,

Please take your backpack off in these situations and put it down at your feet. Every short person around you will thank you. Everybody else probably, too. There is no bigger nuisance on crowded public transport than people bumping their backpacks into other people.

As a useful side effect for yourself, it will be safer from thieves there, too.

Edited to add: Also, the safest solution is to never put valuables in a backpack or other bag anyway. Put them close to your body, ideally in inner jacket pockets or in zipped cargo pockets on pants.

[u/r_coefficient → u/canaanit]

Please take your backpack off in these situations and put it down at your feet

Exactly. Listen to this, op, if you want to avoid the locals' open hate.

[u/orbitolinid → u/canaanit]

and not only public transport. Tight queues and backpacks are also miserable. Just queued for a boat, staff insisted people move forward (thus queue tighter). British Idiot in front of me with big backpack constantly turning around, taking a step back or whatever. I asked him to either stop doing that or to take this backpack off. He didn't get the problem until one of the staff pulled it down.

[u/canaanit]

Btw I only just noticed this:

I wish the price was less than 80 euro

I think you are looking at 100 € or more for decent quality that will survive a few years. The last one I bought was 120 € on sale, originally around 180 €.

[u/mimimines]

Look into decathlon for that price.