During travel, there are very high chances of theft and snatching. People are always worried about their luggage and valuables whether on the road, on the bus, or on the train. Most people don’t know how to protect their items while traveling, which results in the loss of their valuables.
However, bag manufacturer companies have introduced several types of bags that can protect your valuable items during traveling. They have different security features that make them antitheft travel bags.
You should always check the security features of the bag before buying. Here are some of the most important security features of antitheft travel bags:
RFID Blocking Technology
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) blocking technology enhances the security of the bags. It is incorporated into modern bags to secure the information in the cards, passports, cell phones, and other such items in your bag. This technology blocks the scanning frequencies transmitted from the scanners.
Special metallic fabrics are incorporated into some of the bags’ pockets. They block the radiation and shield the information stored in your cards and chips. People use this technology for the following purposes:
- They don’t want to show their identity even in places like airports.
- They want protection against electronic pickpocketing.
- People want peace of mind while traveling. So, they use bags enhanced with RFID-blocking technology to secure not only their precious items but also crucial information.
Hidden Pockets
There are hidden pockets in most of the new backpacks. These are present mainly on the back of the bag or on the shoulder straps. These concealed pockets have enough size to carry sensitive items and documents. Sometimes, people want to hide their weapons in these hidden pockets. Here are some of the key features of concealed pockets:
- These are usually located in the inside lining, back panels, and behind other zipper compartments. In this way, they are not visible from the outside.
- These can be closed with simple, smooth, and sturdy zippers, velcro, and snaps with the magnet.
- The hidden pockets are available in the bags of different sizes. You can easily keep your cards, keys, cash, wallets, cell phones, tablets, and even a gun.
Nowadays, you can find a number of travel bags with these hidden pockets. People also call them anti-theft pockets.
Lockable Zippers
Lockable zippers are very common in travel bags. In this feature, the main zippers are locked to provide an extra layer of protection. In this way, only the person with the keys or password can open the lock. These can be present in the form of built-in or integrated locks.
There are mainly three types of lockable zippers:
- Padlock
- Combination locks
- Integrated key locks
These lockable zippers have dual zippers. These zippers are brought close to each other. The sliders of both zippers are put in the lock, and the lock is closed. In this way, everything in the bag will be secured, as no one can open your bag without your permission.
In some cases, people break the zipper sliders and can open the bag. But this is a very rare case. 1
Slash-proof Material
There is a unique material used for anti-theft travel bags called slash-proof material. This material is strong enough to prevent the cuts. Bags with this type of material are strong enough that sharp knives or pairs of scissors can’t cut them. The most commonly used slash-proof materials are the following:
- A sturdy synthetic fiber named Kevlar.
- Polyethylene with ultra-high weight.
- Heavy-duty ballistic nylon that is durable and highly resistant.
Moreover, some slash-proof materials are present in the form of multiple layers. They have sturdy fibers or thin steel mesh in them. Due to this, they become cut-resistant. These bags are not only secure but have several other benefits, such as the following:
- These materials make the bags long-lasting and durable.
- Bags with slash-proof materials become water and weather-resistant.
- Thieves, even with knives, can’t steal anything from your bags.
Slash-proof bags are a little more expensive than others but can prove beneficial in the long run.
Strong and Flexible Straps
The straps or handles of the bag should be both strong and flexible. They don’t play a direct role in the bag’s security but protect your valuables in different ways, such as the following:
- No one can snatch your bag due to the strong, anti-slash straps.
- Sturdy straps play a major role in the durability of the bag.
- Some straps are lockable. They protect your bag even when you are sleeping while traveling.
These straps are made strong and flexible in the following ways:
- Using sturdy and anti-slash materials, such as leather, ballistic nylon, and polyester.
- Reinforcing them through multiple layers of stitching.
- Incorporating rivets and bar tracks in the straps to protect them from tearing.
- Sometimes, steel cables are embedded in the straps to make them tear and cut-resistant.
In this way, shoulder straps also play a role in protection.
Anti-theft Wearing Styles
Along with the features mentioned above, you should wear travel bags in a specific style for antitheft purposes. Some of the most common antitheft-wearing styles are the following:
- If you have a single-strap travel bag, you can wear it over your crossbody. For further protection, you can keep the bag on your chest. It will remain in your front, and snatching will become nearly impossible.
- However, in the case of backpacks, you should use the chest strap that can be buckled. In this way, it will become difficult to snatch.
- Moreover, if you have a waist bag, it is recommended to keep it on the front.
These security features can be present in travel handbags, travel backpacks, sling bags, and waist bags. Whichever bag you buy, you have to confirm the above-mentioned features.
Conclusion
The antitheft travel bags will be more expensive than regular travel bags. But this small investment cannot only protect your valuables but also give you peace of mind. You will travel safely without worrying about your luggage.
However, it is recommended to research properly about the security features and learn how to use them during traveling.
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Article Sources
Bagsbucks provides reliable information with good-quality references to support the facts.
- Acta Polytechnica Hungarica – Volume 7, Issue No. 2 (2010.) – ↩︎