For the past year, I’ve been dragging a giant, hard-shelled suitcase across Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia. It’s seen more airports than most people’s passports. Inside? Way too many clothes I didn’t wear, three padlocks, and a false sense of control.
And honestly, I loved that case. It clicked shut with satisfying finality, had three chunky locks, and was so massive no one was casually wheeling it out of a hostel or quietly unzipping it to have a rummage. It was my portable fortress.
But this time, I’m switching it up.
I’m heading to Mexico (I’ve written a post about planning the trip here), and instead of my beloved beast of a suitcase, I’m taking a backpack. A small one. Cabin-sized, with a matching personal item that hooks over the top and slides under the seat. It’s smart, it’s compact, and it’s going to save me a fortune in baggage fees. Also, let’s be honest, I wear the same three outfits on repeat anyway, just like everyone else.
The only problem? Backpacks feel exposed. Vulnerable. Soft. They’ve got zips you can reach in seconds and seams you could slice through if you were determined. I’ve gone from Fort Knox on wheels to a wearable envelope. And as a solo traveller, that feels risky.
So I’ve done a deep dive into backpack security for solo travellers, and here’s what I’ve found.
1. Those wire mesh cage things: secure but intense
The classic option is the Pacsafe-style wire mesh net, which wraps around your whole backpack like a bag of onions and locks to a fixed object. It’s basically body armour for your rucksack.
Pros:
- Very secure
- Hard to slash or open
- Can deter theft in hostels or shared spaces
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bulky and awkward to pack
- Heavy
- Overkill if you’re mostly in private rooms or flying carry-on
I’m still considering it, but I don’t love the idea of carrying something that looks like a camping crab trap.
2. Zip locks, wires and tiny padlocks
You can thread a small wire through your backpack zips and lock them together. This won’t stop a determined thief, but it will stop a casual unzipping or someone slipping their hand in while your bag’s on your back.
There are zip lock wires like the TSA-friendly retractable cables that double as a lock and a deterrent. You can also use mini carabiners or combination locks.
Tips:
- Lock the two main zips together
- Use a tamper-evident seal if you’re feeling fancy
- Don’t lock it so tight you can’t get into your own bag at security
3. Use your rain cover as a sneaky security cover
You know that waterproof cover that lives in the bottom of most backpacks? It’s also a great visual barrier.
If you’re nervous in busy places, just pull it over. It hides zips, makes everything harder to reach, and doesn’t scream “I’m guarding valuables.”
Bonus: it doesn’t cost anything and weighs nothing.
4. Get creative with strap placement
Tuck the zips under a buckle or loop a strap across the opening. It’s not exactly Fort Knox, but it does create friction, which is often enough to put someone off. Many thefts happen because something is easy, not because someone is desperate.
If your bag has a top flap or roll-down opening, use that to your advantage. Tangle things up. Make access annoying.
5. Split and stash valuables
When you travel solo, you don’t have someone to watch your bag while you swim or grab a coffee. That means you need to be strategic.
Ideas:
- Use a neck wallet or money belt for passports and cards
- Keep some valuables on you, and others in a small lockable pouch hidden in your room
- Leave a decoy wallet with a few notes and an expired card
- Don’t put everything in one place
6. Pack light = less to steal
Here’s the truth. The less you bring, the less there is to worry about. That’s one of the biggest perks of switching to a backpack. I used to overpack because I could. Now I’m learning to streamline, and with fewer things comes fewer theft fears.
Plus, if you can carry everything with you when you nip to the loo or check into a place, you’re already ahead of the game.
7. The bigger fear: when you’re not with your backpack
Let’s be honest. The real anxiety isn’t when the bag’s on your back, it’s when you have to leave it behind. Whether it’s in a hotel room, a guesthouse, or even a “secure” private room, there’s always that voice in your head asking, what if someone just unzips it?
You don’t want to carry your iPad, e-reader, laptop, camera and phone with you all the time. That’s its own kind of risk. But leaving everything behind feels even worse.
Here’s what exists to help with that:
- Wire mesh bag protectors: Pacsafe make a steel mesh net that wraps around your whole backpack and locks to something fixed in the room. It’s secure, but it’s also heavy, bulky, and not exactly subtle.
- Retractable cable locks: Light and easy to use. You loop one through your zips, then anchor it to a bedframe, radiator or pipe. It won’t stop a determined thief, but it will put off anyone hoping for a quick unzip-and-go.
- Portable safe bags: If you’re more worried about your valuables than your socks, you can get a small, slash-resistant pouch (like the Pacsafe Travelsafe) that fits your passport, cash, tablet and locks to something solid. Bonus, some fit inside your backpack itself.
- Visual deterrents: Even something like a rain cover or buckling the bag closed can make things slightly less tempting. It’s not secure, but it slows people down, and sometimes that’s enough.
And then, of course, there’s the DIY method. Split your valuables across a few bags, hide your electronics in your socks, and pretend you’re not carrying anything worth stealing. Not foolproof, but it’s served me well so far.
Whatever you use, the point is to reduce temptation and increase effort. Opportunistic theft thrives on ease. Make it harder, make it annoying, and most people will walk on by.
Final thoughts
Backpack security for solo travellers isn’t about buying the most expensive anti-theft gear on the market. It’s about knowing your travel style, understanding your risks, and choosing the hacks that fit how you move through the world.
I’m still a bit nervous about the switch, but I’m also excited. This setup will save me money, stress and space, and I’ll get better at it as I go. If nothing else, it’s one more reason to travel with less, pack smarter, and trust that your instincts (and your zip locks) will take you far.
Before You Go…
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Need a place to stay? I’ve got some handy links for Booking.com and Expedia to make planning a bit easier. If you book through them.
Looking for more travel options? Consider using platforms like eSky International for flight and hotel packages, or Enjoy Travel if you are looking to rent a car for your adventure.
And if you want real time action, follow me on Instagram, TikToK or join the Sisterhood of Solo Travellers on Facebook for tips, stories, and the occasional travel mishap.
Not sure weather to take a backpack or suitcase? Read my thoughts here.
If you’re planning a solo trip, don’t miss my guide on, How to Meet People When Solo Travelling.
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