Good morning, I’m your host, traveling Chuck, and this is the very first post on this wonderful site that I built by hand – if you couldn’t tell.
I’ve been skipping around continents for close to a decade now, and I know just how important it is to keep those precious possessions of yours safe while on the road.
Luckily for you, there are these new nifty things called anti-theft backpacks.
They are excellent for travel, commuting, school and to use as a carry-on bag.
Let’s start this review off with a bang; here’s a video of my top KOPACK backpack pick:
This bad boy is known as the KOPACK Waterproof Anti Theft Laptop Backpack.
It has everything I look for in an anti-theft backpack:
- Hidden zippers with no front zippers
- Shockproof laptop compartment
- Lightweight
- Slash-resistant materials
- Tight-fitting elastic bands to connect to rolling luggage (I’m in love with this feature)
- Rain Cover
- External USB Port for charging a mobile phone or any other USB device
- Sleek design
- Hidden back pocket for passport and other valuables or travel documents
- Big enough for a full weekend or more of travel (I could fit everything I need in it since I’m savvy)
- TSA-friendly, lay-flat design; if you get lucky the agents won’t make you pull out your laptop
And that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
I’m so in love with this thing that I wish I could get one shipped to me in the jungle as I write this.
I paid more than double the price for my travel backpack a couple of years ago, and I need to use security locks to keep everything safe.
I’m also really digging the grey color.
What’s the verdict on the Kopack City Commuter KP 626 Bag?
Now for the most important part.
Let’s figure out if this bag is for you.
- Likely to receive compliments
- Durable and lightweight
- Awesome motorcycle bag
- Can fit a 15″ laptop
- 4 hidden pockets
- Worked great for a week-long trip to Italy
- Perfect carry-on bag
- Great shoulder support
- Very well-padded laptop compartment
- Sturdy zippers
- Too long for someone who is 5’2″
- USB port can break
- The side pockets might not be your cup of tea
- Not enough room for everyone
Size specifications to take into consideration:
Dimensions: 11.8 x 17.7 x 5.5″ (width x height x depth)
Weight: 1.94 lbs
Laptop Compartment Size: Can hold up to a 15″ laptop
My Kopack KP 626 Review
Whenever I search for an anti-theft backpack that I can use as a carry-on bag, there are certain features I look for.
I personally use a rolling suitcase because carrying a mammoth backpack on my back at all times doesn’t appeal to my lower back that can easily become aggravated – old man problems.
The Kopack bag has a sturdy elastic band that will make sure it stays tight against my rolling suitcase (you can click here #ad to see the exact rolling suitcase I use that’s treated me well for years at Amazon).
I’m a digital nomad, and this Kopack bag features a padded compartment that will definitely keep my beloved laptop safe.
The fact that I don’t have to open it to charge my cell phone while in the airport is another plus.
I can sometimes get chatty at the bar, but don’t we all.
My favorite color in backpacks is black and grey.
A lot of times when I travel, I run into rain between the airport and wherever I am staying, especially around Asia.
The rain cover that comes with this bag kills those worries I get about my laptop or other electronic devices getting wet.
I’d feel very comfortable using public transportation with this bag.
Sometimes, I find myself peeking back to make sure no one is trying to get into my bag.
And last but not least, quality zippers.
I need those good zippers when I’m traveling, or my mind just doesn’t feel right.
If you are about to travel and looking at your old bag thinking meh, don’t hesitate to buy this bag now.
Take it from me, I’ve been traveling for years, and the worst thing you can do is settle on using old worn-down luggage.
More Anti Theft Travel Backpack Options by KOPACK
I’ll add a couple more options by KOPACK.
Check out the KOPACK Slim Commuter Backpack KP510.
How cool is the water-resistant capability of this bag? I love it.
One of the differences that jump out to me between this bag and the first bag is that the zippers are more accessible.
You may want to add a lock to the main zippers if you’re on a long trip.
Click here #ad to check out the lock I use.
What I like about that lock is that I can connect four zippers bunched together.
Note: This bag comes in two sizes; one to fit up to a 15″ laptop, and the other can fit up to a 17″ laptop for those genius designer folks.
Let’s check out the pros and cons of the KOPACK Slim Commuter:
- Large, secure laptop compartment
- Water resistant
- Anti-theft dual layer zipper
- Internal organizer
- Sunglasses hook (groovy)
- Good for students and travelers
- Lightweight
- External USB
- Labels on pockets for their uses
- Super comfortable
- Not durable enough for some people
- Water resistant not waterproof
- Could be too small depending on your needs
- Small side pockets for water bottles
Dimensions: 17.7 x 11.8 x 7.1″ (height x width x depth)
Weight: 1.94 lbs
My KP 510 Review
Compared to the KP 626, I think the 510 is less made for travel and more suitable for city commuters or students.
When I look for the best anti-theft travel backpack, I want all the zippers hidden because the main benefit I’m looking for is peace of mind knowing that no one can get in my bag while my back is turned.
However, a cheap lock will get the job done.
Overall, this bag does offer all the essential features and is carry-on friendly.
If you’re a fan of the lay-flat feature that can potentially allow you to avoid taking your laptop out of your bag at the airport security checkpoint, this bag doesn’t offer that like the 626.
It’s important to keep in mind that a lot of security agents will ask you to take the laptop out of your bag anyway.
KOPACK Lightweight Anti-Theft Backpack KP595 Review
I’ll finish off this post with the KP595 backpack that is another reliable anti-theft travel backpack.
This backpack brings back the checkpoint-friendly feature that allows you to lay the bag flat at the security checkpoint in most airports.
As you can see, it has a lot of the same features as the first backpack on the list with a slightly different design.
The main difference besides the design is the size of this pack.
It’s dimensions are: 18.9 x 5.5 x 14.2″ (height x depth x width)
Weight: 1.94 lbs
Maximum laptop size: 17 inches
It weighs the same as the first bag, but it can hold a larger laptop and is slightly larger overall.
There is also a smaller option for 15″ laptops.
What’s the verdict?
- Best study abroad backpack
- Frequent flyers love it
- Breathable and lightweight
- Awesome customer service
- Great everyday backpack
- Protects laptop well
- Not resistant to sharp blades
- Too long for shorter people
Bottom Line
If you are on the hunt for a reliable anti-theft backpack that you can use as a carry-on, you can’t go wrong with any bag on this list.
Numbers 1 and 3 are your best antitheft travel bags while number 2 is better for students and commuters.
What I love most about these KOPACK bags is that they all sell for budget prices.
The thing about all travel backpacks (even the super expensive ones) is they don’t last forever.
Spending hundreds of dollars on a travel backpack is cool until the backpack inevitably gets worn down.
I’d rather not have to worry about caring for my expensive bag like an eggshell baby in grade school while knowing that my possessions are safe inside.
I’ve spent more than double for a carry-on backpack in the past, and these KOPACK bags are actually better.
Bag technology is constantly upgrading; I’d rather pay less and stay up to date if you know what I mean.