It doesn’t matter if you are a world traveler or simply want more security while walking around town, every little bit of protection is worth it. For you and your valuables. We live in a time when an electronic signal alone can steal valuable information from your electronic devices. Where thieves can get your card details with a conveniently placed scanner. If you have ever had something stolen, you know it is not a far-fetched notion to one day have someone rifle through your bag. That is why you need a backpack with hidden pockets. Also known as anti-theft backpacks, these bags come in a range of sizes, prices, and features. Yet, each one has one benefit: peace of mind. With hidden pockets, your valuables are out of sight and unreachable.
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What kind of hidden compartments can you expect to see on a backpack? Here are some examples:
- Back/rear hidden pocket – on the lower part of the back (horizontal zippered pocket) or as a vertical slit, these are excellent for storing documents, keys, tickets, and other documents.
- Side/hip panel pockets – found on the hip straps of the bag. Best used when you have the straps buckled rather than dangling.
- Shoulder strap pockets – tiny compartments found within the shoulder strap that is perfect for keys or credit cards. Card Sleeves can be helpful for bank cards.
- Hidden padded laptop pockets – looking inside, it may appear that there is no laptop inside because the laptop compartment blends into the main section of the bag.
- Zipper pockets – although the bag may look seamless, the hidden zippers on the rear and side panels of the bag open up to smaller compartments.
- Rain cover pocket – found at the bottom of the bag, these compartments are difficult to spot and are a great option for hiding a larger item from view.
Best Backpack With Hidden Pockets Review
There are a great number of backpacks out there getting called “anti-theft” by the manufacturers, but sometimes it is a lie. How do you separate the best backpack with hidden pockets from the poor competition? Well, you don’t have to, because we have already done the work. We have scoured the internet to find the best backpacks with secret pockets and other anti-theft features and tested, reviewed, and compared them. Using the size, materials, features, and other elements as a gauge for the backpacks, we came up with seven backpacks that fit the bill.
Let’s have a look at the best backpacks with hidden compartments:
| Click to Edit | Brand | Overall Rating | Image | Model | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TopBest Choice Backpack with Hidden Pockets | XD Design | 9 |  | Bobby Original (Unisex) | View Here | |
| Best Men’s Backpack with Hidden Pockets | Matein | 8 |  | Travel Laptop Bag | View Here | |
| Best Women’s Backpack with Hidden Pockets | XD Design | 8 |  | Elle Fashion | View Here | |
| Women’s Runner Up | PINCNEL | 7.5 |  | Backpack Purse | View Here | |
| Best Business Hidden Pocket Backpack | Kopack | 9 |  | Kopack627 | View Here | |
| Business Runner Up | Oscaurt | 8 |  | Anti-Theft Travel Backpack | View Here | |
| Best Travel Hidden Pockets Backpack | Inateck | 8 |  | Cabin Luggage Carry On Backpack | View Here |
Best Choice Backpack with Hidden Pockets: XD Design Bobby Original Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
Starting off our reviews is the all-time favorite and best anti0theft backpack: the Bobby Original Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack by XD Designs. This backpack has hidden pockets galore. And when you are wearing the bag, no one can tell there are pockets because they all face your body. You might think this would make accessing the bag difficult, but the ease of access is still there. You can open the bag at 30, 90, and 180-degree angles, making it TSA-friendly. On the backside of the bag, there is one rear hidden pocket with a concealed zipper. Also, there is a hip-level side pocket.
Worried about experiencing back pain? Not with the Bobby Original! The backpack has a unique design that forces weight to disperse into the bottom of the bag and away from the spine, helping prevent back pain, even when carrying heavier amounts.
Other safety features include YKK zippers, shock-proof pockets, cut-proof and water-repellent outer shell, and reflective strips on the outside. Despite the high price tag, the XD Design Bobby Backpack is one of the best on the market.
Pros
- Fits upto15.6-inch laptop
- Has plenty of internal slip pockets and compartments for better organization
- Water-resistant
- Slash-proof
- USB charging port
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not designed for carrying school books
- Not as spacious as other bags
- No RFID blocking materials
- More pricey
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Men’s Backpack with Hidden Pockets: Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Fitting up to a 15.6-inch laptop (but also compatible with smaller tablets, 13-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch laptops) is the marvelous Matein Travel Laptop Backpack. The defining feature that makes this great for men is the durability. You can count on this backpack to last you for many years. Despite the strong construction, the backpack is also incredibly lightweight.
Inside, the bag has three compartments. One is designed to conceal your laptop. The others can be used for clothing or notebooks etc. The front compartment is deep enough to stash things like keys, watches, coins, a wallet, and other small objects. There is also an integrated USB port, allowing you to hook devices up to a portable power bank.
Matein made their backpack water-resistant, as well. Although the three main compartments are not concealed, and the zippers are ordinary, there is an anti-theft rear hidden pocket. You can hide documents and other essential items there for peace of mind.
Pros
- Unisex design and available in multiple colors
- Comes in two sizes: 15.6 or 17 inches
- Great for school and business
- Anti-theft zippered hidden back pocket
- External USB charger
- Suitcase sleeve for easier transport
Cons
- Cannot secure front pocket and will need a padlock for the other zippered pockets
- Only one hidden pocket
- Some customers have an issue with ripping
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Women’s Backpack with Hidden Pockets: XD Design Bobby Elle Fashion Anti-Theft Backpack
Who says that safety has to look boring? Having a backpack that doesn’t cramp your style is a big deal. Fortunately, the XD Design Bobby Elle Fashion Anti-Theft Backpack has everything you need to look great while keeping your belongings safe. This backpack outstrips most of the competing backpacks with ease. The downside? The price tag. You are paying for the performance and style; that may not be reasonable for some.
But, if the price tag is not an issue, then you should consider this backpack. Besides, the price can be justified when you consider that the materials are slash-resistant and water-resistant. Without any openings on the front, there is nothing for thieves to tinker with. Everything is on the back panel.
Every zipper is located on the back, though there is a hidden zippered pocket on the bottom of the backpack, and a rear hidden pocket beneath the access to the main compartment. Inside, the bag is roomy. You can easily fit a 9.7-inch tablet inside then organize everything else into the slip and zippered pockets. If you want a safer alternative to a purse, this is the bag for you.
Pros
- Made from anti-slash faux leather
- Water-resistant
- Fashionable design and elegant colors
- All zippers are hidden around the back
- Lightweight
Cons
- The straps are not as padded or supportive as other models
- Hefty price tag
- No laptop compartment
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Women’s Runner Up: PINCNEL Women Backpack Purse
When you compare the PINCNEL Anti-Theft Rucksack with the Bobby Elle, you will notice a few key differences. First, while this backpack is around the same size as the Bobby Elle, the larger model can hold a 13.3-inch Macbook. The straps are a bit thicker, too. Access to the main compartment is from the backside, which is the same as the Bobby Elle, but you also get several internal pockets and two exterior side pockets, waterproof materials, and a unique design available in multiple colors.
The main selling point between the PINCNEL and other similar bags would be the price. For a fraction of the cost of the Bobby Elle, you can get a waterproof, anti-theft bag that works just as well.
So, what makes this the runner up? This backpack will not hold up against slashing or cutting.
Pros
- Made from highly durable nylon and PU leather
- Several compartments, along with hidden zippers
- Available in two sizes—small and large. The small can hold a 10-inch iPad, while the large can hold a 13.3-inch laptop
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not slash-proof
- No RFID blocking technology
- No reinforcement on the bottom of the bag
- Small
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Business Hidden Pocket Backpack: KOPACK Waterproof Anti-thief Laptop Backpack
Who said business has to be expensive? The KOPACK Waterproof Anti-thief Laptop Backpack is both affordable and packed with awesome features. The overall style is sleek enough for carrying this bag to business meetings across town or working in an airport lounge. Thieves will be dismayed by the lack of zippers and accessible compartments, too. The zipper pulls are also lockable (but not interlocking). Aside from being durable, the material is also slash-proof and waterproof. Your electronics will not be harmed.
On the back, you will find two hidden back pockets that are big enough for your valuables. With the ventilation and padding on the back and shoulder straps, carrying this backpack around the summer will be a breeze (pun intended).
Another reason this backpack is excellent for business is the TSA-friendly functions. The main compartment opens between 90-180 degrees, so your laptop is easily removed and scanned. Speaking of laptops, let’s talk about the coolest feature: the shock-proof padded laptop sleeve. You won’t have to worry about your laptop getting shaken up if the bag is dropped or bumped into.
Pros
- Available in two sizes: 15.6-inch laptop-compatible or 17-inch laptop compatible
- TSA-friendly
- Reinforced shoulder straps and laptop padding
- Plenty of anti-theft features
- Waterproof
- Rear pockets
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t have any RFID blocking features
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Business Runner Up Backpack with Secret Pockets: Oscaurt Laptop Travel Backpack
When you look at the Oscaurt Laptop Travel Backpack, you might be wondering why it is the runner up for business when it looks extremely similar to the KOPACK model. The reason is that you cannot choose different sizes for the laptop compartment. It can fit up to a 15.6-inch laptop. That can be an extreme setback for someone who has a larger than average laptop or who wants to transport bulkier items alongside their computer. If you are not worried about a laptop compartment, then maybe the Oscaurt backpack is your cup of tea.
Here are some reasons why this might be the backpack for you: the Oscaurt looks futuristic, has several hidden pockets, and even has a built-in USB charger. The hidden back pocket is large enough to conceal your valuables, while you can tuck away the wires for your charger and other devices away in smaller pockets. The inner pocket for your laptop is velvet within and has an elastic band at the top to keep the computer in place.
The backpack also has adjustable shoulder straps, padded backing, and utilizes lightweight EVA foam for both sections. That enhances ventilation, keeping your back comfortable and dry as you move along.
Pros
- Laptop compartment
- USB port for fast charging
- Modern design
- Hidden zippers
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Cannot secure the front pocket, and the zipper is visible
- Interior room is difficult to organize, as larger objects may not fit properly
- Cannot fit more than a 15.6-inch laptop
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Travel Hidden Pockets Backpack: Inateck 40L Travel Backpack
When it comes to traveling light, you need a backpack that can hold it all without issue. The best backpack with hidden pockets for that is the Inateck model. This bag does not look huge (it fits carry on dimensions), but it can carry weeks worth of items. Plus, it is crafted from water and abrasion-resistant fabrics, so it won’t wear down as quickly as some cheaper bags.
When it comes to anti-theft features and secret compartments, this travel backpack is unrivaled. There are several hidden pockets, lockable zippers, and even compression straps. The straps, when not in use, can be used to reduce the size of the bag and keep everything within in place. Additionally, each shoulder strap has zippered pockets. There is a slip compartment on the back. There are also a couple of regular pouches and pockets on the outside of the backpack, so you can organize efficiently.
You can choose from two sizes, with the bigger one being able to carry a 17-inch laptop without issue.
Pros
- Includes a free rain cover
- Larger backpack can fit two laptops
- Has a ventilated and padded back panel
- Several pockets
- Water-resistant
- Can carry loads of items with ease
- Plenty of space for organizing your luggage
Cons
- Heavier than other options on this list
- The zippers are not hidden away
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buyer’s Guide for Backpacks with Secret Pockets
Backpacks with hidden pockets, also sometimes referred to as anti-theft backpacks, are different from your typical run-of-the-mill school backpack. The latter lacks several key features that backpacks with secret compartments have, such as sturdy, locking zippers, slash-proof fabric, and water resistance. We are going to break those features down in a moment, but let us first provide some reasons why buying a backpack with hidden pockets is a worthwhile investment.
Normal backpacks do not have the same durability, features, construction, and support as a backpack with hidden pockets. Such backpacks can only hold a few textbooks. If you want to carry a laptop and other gear without it getting stolen or damaged, then you need a backpack that has reinforcement in the right places, padding straps, a plethora of pockets and compartments, and functional zippers.
The features to look for when buying a backpack with hidden pockets:
Size
What do you plan on using your backpack for? For commuting? Business? Do you want to store a laptop and some textbooks? Or are you going to use it as a carry on for travel? Depending on what you are going to be lugging around, the size of the backpack will differ. For instance, if you are not going to be storing large electronics inside, you can get a day pack that is about 25L. Bigger bags may be sized to fit a 17-inch laptop, while others are much more narrow.
Make sure you are taking the measurements so that your backpack fits everything you want to stuff inside.
Water Resistance
Whether you are using your backpack for business, school, or travel, there is one thing you can be certain about: the weather. You never really know when you will be trapped in a rainstorm or want to take your backpack down the slopes. During those times, you are going to need a backpack that is either water-resistant or waterproof. Otherwise, your electronic devices or other belongings may get ruined.
RFID Protection
You can get RFID blocking cards for your wallet, but what about all the other devices you carry around? Technology is always evolving. It is not surprising (if not a little alarming) that people can steal information from your devices and wallet without ever touching you. Prevent identity theft by prioritizing backpacks with RFID jamming properties. RFID materials usually include metals, like copper or nickel, and thereby shield anything inside from an intrusive electric field.
Some backpacks only have RFID blocking pockets. Others are made entirely out of RFID safe materials. Consider what kinds of valuables you will have—credit and debit cards, passport, ID cards—and then figure out which kind of protection is right for you.
Overall Protection
So we have learned about RFID protection. Now, you need to consider things like the padding for your belongings. The hidden pockets should be reinforced with padding to absorb any shock, just in case your backpack falls from a table or hits something. There should also be some extra padding around the base to stop water from seeping through and ruining your valuables.
Anti-Slash Fabric
Frequently, the best backpacks with hidden pockets will also come with anti-slash fabric. What does anti-slash mean? Thieves will be unable to cut into the material of the backpack. That doesn’t mean that the bag cannot be penetrated, but it will take more than a knife to gouge it.
The downside to anti-slash fabric is the price tag. Slash-proof bags are on the pricier end of the spectrum, and that can put such bags out of your budget.
Zippers and Pullers
You might notice that backpacks with secret compartments often look like they have not a single zipper. That is because the pullers and zippers are hidden, too. This is because the zippers are tucked into the back panel of the bag, making it near impossible for thieves to unzip your bag from behind and run off with your stuff.
Other backpacks may have lockable pullers. Sometimes, the lock is included, but you could always purchase a bag that can be secured with a padlock. Pair hidden zippers, lockable pullers, and slash-proof fabrics, and you have a backpack that is impregnable.
Conclusion
In short, owning the best anti-theft backpack with hidden pockets is a way to supercharge your safety, organization, and also protect your valuables from theft. The extra padding and safety features of backpacks with secret compartments put them at the top of the list for convenience, especially if you plan on doing a lot of traveling. Hopefully, with our recommendations, you will be able to find a backpack that is perfect for you. If not, you should at least be able to use the buyer’s guide.
Any choice you make will be a wise choice!
