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I'm a travel nut, and this $28 anti-theft backpack is my forever trip companion
Even flight attendants approve of the Pincnel Anti-Theft Backpack, which sneakily opens from the other side — take that, pickpockets!
When you're on vacation, the last thing you should be doing is worrying about your valuables and personal items getting stolen. The whole point of booking a getaway is to de-stress, right? That said, tourists are often seen as easy targets, so it's always smart to travel with caution. For me, that means bringing a super secure bag along — and my favorite? This highly affordable and rather chic-looking Pincnel Anti-Theft Backpack, which first impressed me on a multi-week trip to Europe. Keep scrolling to see why I, like thousands of Amazon shoppers and pro travelers, think it's worthy of a five-star review.
I'm in good company — over 15,000 Amazon shoppers approve of this backpack, including flight attendants.
- Zipper is against your back for protection...
- Has two side pockets...
- Roomy interior...
- Can be worn as a shoulder bag...
- ...which takes more effort for you to open
- ...but they're not expandable
- ...but is short on compartments
- ...but contents are less protected that way
Thieves, you've met your match
Upon first glance, it might seem like an ordinary backpack. But look a little more closely, and you'll realize its main compartment opens from the side that goes against your back, making it all but impossible for a thief to gain access while you're wearing it. Now I'm starting to wonder why all bags aren't designed with this zipper placement. I mean, sure, it takes a little more effort to retrieve something from inside, but I'll take a slight inconvenience over being robbed any day!
Taking it abroad
I went to Italy for my honeymoon a few years ago, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I didn't leave the hotel without my Pincnel Anti-Theft Backpack even once. In fact, aside from my suitcase, it was the only bag I brought with me. It comes in eight styles/colors and several sizes — I opted for the classic black pebbled faux leather version because I figured it would look great with shorts and jeans during the day and breezy skirts and dresses at night. (I didn't have anything super fancy planned, though I did bring it to an impromptu dinner at Gucci in Florence and no one there seemed to mind!)
I also knew that we'd be doing a ton of walking — I'm talking tens of thousands of steps per day — so I appreciated the fact that the weight of what I was carrying would be equally distributed. No switching a heavy tote bag from one arm to the next every 10 minutes. However, it does come with a removable strap, should you prefer to wear it over your shoulder. Oh, and did I mention it's water-resistant, just in case the weather isn't on your side? It downright poured on one day of our trip, but the Pincnel was completely unfazed and kept everything dry inside.
The verdict
In short, this backpack delivered on all of its promises and more. I always felt at ease knowing its contents were securely protected against my back, and that I'd have to take the backpack off in order to access them. I was also pleasantly surprised to discover it fit a ton. Its roomy main compartment held my wallet, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, snacks, bug spray and umbrella, with plenty of room to spare for stashing souvenirs along the way. Plus, it has not one, but two built-in water bottle holders on its sides — a lifesaver when trekking up countless stairs on the Amalfi Coast in August! As far as packing is concerned, it's easy to press down flat to fit in your luggage.
What reviewers are saying
Seeing as the Pincnel Anti-Theft Backpack has racked up over 15,000 perfect five-star ratings, I'm far from its only fan. Here's what some Amazon jetsetters think.
One happy reviewer, who took it on a trip to London and Paris, wrote, "This was the only bag I used all week for travel. It was perfect. I could always fit everything I needed ... I loved that the only way into the main area was covered when it was on my back, so it felt very safe. But the side zippered pouches up front were super convenient for things like wipes, tissues, lip balm, etc. Very spacious. Loved the design and comfort."
"I’ve always been a fan of bags that resemble backpacks because it is better for the back, creating symmetry and balance," wrote a comfort-conscious customer. "When looking for a stylish bag, I came across this beauty and knew I had to have it. It’s the perfect bag — gorgeous, lightweight, safe, with pockets on the side big enough for a water bottle. I can fit so much in here and I couldn’t be happier!"
One satisfied shopper also noted that it was "perfect as a personal bag on planes." Oh, and who better to ask about travel products than flight attendants? This one called it "perfect for travel!" adding, "I love using dressy backpacks for travel (love having my hands free), but always worry about the easy access for scammers. This relieves all my fears. I’m a flight attendant, so fashion and security are both equally important for me."
While I can absolutely vouch for this bag, some buyers shared this qualm: "My only complaint is that the water bottle pockets aren’t a little larger (or at least expand)," said a generally content reviewer. "My metal water bottles don’t fit, although I can put them inside just fine."
Another wrote, "I really like this, I use it as a purse. I just wish it had more internal pockets or dividers."
This sleek travel essential comes in eight colors/prints and two sizes — whichever you choose, you'll be jetting off in style.
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
