Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag

Well-made. Lots of security options. Not the most stylish option, but definitely the most sturdy and secure. Plenty of storage compartments and places to keep your travel items. Highly recommend for travelers who need that extra sense of security.

Sleek and good looking, seems secure and strong so far. Narrow and deep, but that’s good since it’s harder to pickpocket. Light and easy to carry. Water bottle holders seem quite small at first, but they actually unzip to fit two small bottles. This clever design keeps the purse slim and nice looking. Seems like it could be waterproof and easy to spot clean too. Very pleased, may get in more colors for additional travelers!

Love this bag ! I’ve been using a ScotteVest for travel but it gets too bulky under a coat. This bag holds everything that vest does plus some ! I can get my headphones, phone, eye mask, passport, cards, 💷, books (2 medium sized ones at least), notebook, pen, battery block, charging cord, adapter, lipstick etc in it and then a water bottle and umbrella in the side pockets. That’s more than the ScottEvest holds ! And wearing it cross body along with the anti theft details make me confident I won’t leave anything behind nor will be prone to theft or pickpockets. I’ve used this on 2 trips through 3 countries and couldn’t be happier 😃 Some people have had issues about the mesh side pockets tearing when zipping but I’ve found if you make sure the mesh is folded up into itself, it doesn’t get caught in the zipper. I haven’t had a problem and I’ve used the side pockets a lot.

This is an ideal bag for traveling, particularly in locations where pickpocketing and theft is a concern. It is well made and quite sturdy. The bag has three sections: One section has space for credit cards and bills and is large enough to handle a small coin purse. The middle section is surprisingly spacious- more than sufficient to handle travel documents. I have also fit 2 collapsible umbrellas and a water bottle in it at one time. A third section provides additional space for glasses, maps, etc. Each section has a zipper that can be latched onto a small ring, making it even more secure. There are two zipper pockets, one on each side of the bag, that are designed to hold water bottles. I found this a tight fit, although a 16 oz bottle of water can be squeezed in with some effort, as could a small collapsible umbrella. I found the spaces more handy for sunglasses and hand sanitizer and dropped the water bottle/umbrella into the middle section. In addition to RFID protection, the adjustable strap is reinforced, making it virtually impossible to be cut. While some reviewers have complained about comfort of the strap, I did not find it anymore uncomfortable than any other crossbody strap. It's all a matter of how much you are stuff into it. Even stuffed full, it is still remains a nice size when sightseeing. It's size also makes it easy to drop into a tote, backpack or other personal item when required to "consolidate" personal items when boarding a plane. It's not going to win any prizes for style, but in terms of size, functionality and security, the bag is one of the best I have come across for travel. Mine has now made two trips to Europe and one to South America and the Caribbean and it still looks brand new.

Love this purse. At first I thought it was too small, but like a TARDIS it is bigger on the inside. There are two side bottle pockets and at first I thought they were too small, but they fit my Owala bottle perfectly with a snug and secure fit. All of the zippers have a little clip for a loop that keeps closed zippers securely closed. The material is thick and sturdy, while still being lightweight. It fits everything I need for walking around all day. Sits comfortably on my shoulder or as a crossbody.

In preparation for an upcoming business trip to Europe, I purchased both this bag and the Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag because I couldn't decide between the two based on reviews and descriptions. After receiving both, examining all the pockets, slots, straps, and functionality, I returned this bag in favor of the Classic Essential Messenger Bag. I'll post a full review of that bag after my trip. For this bag, I appreciated the adjustable, slash-proof strap. As a larger woman, this strap adjusted more than enough to carry crossbody very comfortably. It also wasn't very heavy despite the anti-theft reinforcements. "Locking zippers" means that there are small eye-hooks stitched into seams that after sliding the zipper closed, you loop the end of the zipper into the eye-hook. They aren't easy or quick to UN-hook, but you don't have to use them when you don't feel it would be necessary but are reassuring to have for when you're waiting in long lines or at airports or are just going to be wandering around for a while and not be in and out of your bag that much. The fabric is just that, nylon fabric, but doesn't look as rugged as I was worried it would (at least not for the black version). It looks appropriately professional to carry to business meetings as well as touring around the sites. What really made me return this bag was the pocket configuration and interior space. There are four exterior pockets. Two are expandable side pockets for either water bottles or an umbrella (when expanded) or even a smaller cell phone or sunglasses when zipped to the smallest size. These are open pockets, so no zippers or fastenings at the opening. There is a smaller zippered pocket on the back. It's a narrower shallow pocket perfect for a cell phone or smaller items. The fourth pocket on the front has a locking zipper and also a flap that covers the zipper and stays closed with a small magnet. This pocket has a small mesh zippered pocket as well as credit-card slots. I've never found credit card slots useful in travel bags as I always carry a separate wallet, and in this case, the pocket doesn't open wide enough to make it comfortable to access cards if I did use them. Finally, the large interior pocket is much smaller than expected and much harder to access. Because of the configuration of the bag, the opening actually curves up on each side as it merges into the straps. This makes the functional opening about 2 inches narrower than the full width. The interior space itself only has four pockets, two on each side. At least two of those are RFID blocking, but they aren't very big - not big enough for sunglasses or even a passport. There is a strap with a small pocket light attached (that you could remove and use for your keys) that seems fine, but that's it for the inside. It's also unexpectedly narrow inside. To best illustrate how small it was, it was just the right size to fit an iPad 3 in a slim case, but that was it - you couldn't put anything else in with the iPad or use the pockets. It might be because of the exterior side pockets, but it was just too tight inside and awkward to get items in and out. In contrast, the Classic Essential Messenger main interior pocket has 2 pen slots, a sunglasses pocket, a zippered mesh pocket, the penlight on a clip, and two other slat pockets (one that is RFID blocking). I was able to fill all the pockets, drop in my iPad 3 as well as a small cosmetic pouch, manicure set, and a 3-oz. bottle of contact lens solution. And it was all easy to get in and out without difficulty. My larger passport and documents wallet fit in the front zippered pocket and my cell phone (iPhone 5 in an otterbox-like case) fits in the back zippered pocket. There's no place for water bottles or an umbrella, but it holds much more and is easier to access all items. Overall, it's an OK bag for everyday use, hence the three stars, but I think it's not as useful for more a multi-purpose bag while traveling.

I bought this for a trip to Europe where I was visiting a number of countries. Also, since I was flying with Ryanair at times, I needed a bag that fit their handbag/small purse requirements. This Travelon bag was almost the right size, cloth so it was 'squash able' if needed. It is a full year since I purchased the bag and I have used it continuously, much to my own surprise. I like: 1. the clips for keys... I got into the habit of clipping my keys to the bag and it has been wonderful. No searching for keys. Handy when parking, running to stores and back. The only downside is when one needs to move quietly. Then the keys need to go inside the bag. Other items could also be clipped to the bag. For instance, I clip my earbud container to the bag when on the road. 2. The zipped pocket at the back where credit cards can be stored. Plenty of room for cards, money and loose change. 3. Front flap pocket - great for carrying easily accessible extras. I am lactose intolerant and can carry digestive tablets there. I also carried my folded ticket printouts or passport there when traveling. 4. The main compartment has loads of room, handy pockets for phones, tissues etc. I even fit my iPad (2) in there when I need to. Also had plenty of room for passports, small snacks etc. when traveling. 5. The strap is long and easily adjustable. I find it comfortable. I usually wear it cross body. I used the inbuilt security feature whereby one can attach the bag to a chair (or other) when traveling, while sitting at street cafes and found that feature very useful. It is also long enough that I can keep on my shoulder and rest the bag in the trolley (seat) when shopping. 6. the expandable mesh sides: ok for a small water bottle when needed. And it does need to be a small (12oz) bottle. I rarely use it for that but do make use of the side pockets for other small items (sunglasses, tissues) I need to have handy. I usually keep the pockets zipped up. These side pockets are probably the feature I use least but they have potential. For instance, a small bottle of prescription meds or similar should fit there quite securely. All in all, it is a great bag. I had intended it only for travel but find it so practical that I am still using it daily. I had thought it may be too small for daily use but not so. The variety of pockets, clips and sturdy strap allow for various subtle expansion options and its inbuilt organizational capacity makes up for what might seem like a small size. You cannot fit a huge amount in there but I was never one for carrying a lot in my bags. iPad, phone (2 when in Europe), money, credit cards, protein bar, chewing gum, daily meds, tissues, passport and tickets all fit when I need. That is enough for me. The only downside is that it is perhaps not the most attractive bag. I used always have nice colored leather bags and a leather purse/money/card holder... that gives you an idea of my tastes. They have sat unused since I got this travelon bag. The black nylon cloth has held up well... it looks as good today as it did the day I bought it... and the organizational advantages to me of this bag far outweigh any minor discomfort I felt with its look. I recommend it highly. It really works for me.

I love this purse! It has great features, it's stylish and versatile. Wonderful value for your money. It has a pocket on each side that unzips to hold a water bottle on each side, it's mesh so take care what you put into it other than a water bottle, keys etc can rip the mesh. When we go on the motorcycle, its great to take with us quickly and easily. I didn't have to worry about the strap breaking because it has wire in the strap so won't easily break. There is a key clasp built in, it holds my aldi quarter holder so I always have a quarter within reach. Didn't get me started on all the other great security features like the slash resistance, water proof, thick material, locking compartments, RFID blocking on some pockets. I bought one of these purses at least 2 or 3 years ago, and I love it, it hasn't fell apart yet but I anticipate some day it might so I purchased this back up, I don't want to use any other purse after using this purse.