Crowded train stations, busy markets, and packed sidewalks all share one quiet problem. Your attention stays locked on the bag hanging from your shoulders instead of the place you came to see. Travelon built the Anti-Theft Active Packable Backpack, priced at $24.07 (was $60.50), specifically to fix that.
This backpack begins life as a compact flat rectangle around the size of a small laptop sleeve. When packed, it is 10.5 inches wide, 6 inches high, and only 1 inch thick, allowing it to fit neatly into any luggage without taking up too much space. Unzip its storage compartment, and this same piece of fabric magically expands into a decent all-day pack measuring 10.5 by 17 by 6 inches, with more than enough room for a water bottle, a light jacket, a guidebook, a few snacks, and any small purchases you may make without feeling like a weighty burden.
Its weight remains constant at a modest three-quarters of a pound, which is a major advantage. The padded mesh straps are meant to distribute weight evenly over your shoulders, so they don’t dig in. The back panel keeps them securely in place, so you can’t quickly take the bag and depart in one action. Two stretchy side mesh pockets can carry a bottle or umbrella right where you need them, there’s a front zipped pocket for often used items, and the main compartment has a rather deep inside pocket that can easily swallow your passport or phone.
This design prioritizes security, as both the main compartment and the front pocket feature locking zipper hardware. A small hinged clip seals the pulls together, preventing an opportunistic hand from yanking them open while you’re standing in line at the airport or simply hanging out at a café. Slash-resistant panels are built into the front and bottom of the bag to provide extra protection against blade cuts, and the straps are lined with the same material to keep things safe. Tucked away inside the main compartment is an RFID-blocking pocket with a Velcro closure to protect your credit cards and passport from electronic skimming.
The material choice is also wise; water-resistant polyester and 420D nylon can withstand light rain and ordinary grime, and when you’re done for the day, the cloth folds back up into its own little bag, which you can simply tuck away in a larger suitcase. The breathable straps prevent the heated, sticky feeling that comes with wearing a pack on a lengthy walk in the sun.
