3.11.2020

I put this purchase solidly in the pandemic shopping column. During Prime Days I was wishfully thinking of a time when international travel will be available again and I will be all over the globe with my trusty PacSafe Citysafe CX 17L Backpack. Until then? I will just dream of that luxury.Last year, I went on a two week trip around Europe and had one of those super light travel backpacks designed to fold up into it's own inner pouch. It's really more like a giant pouch with straps. There is no real ergonomic anything to it and certainly no safety features of any kind. It's not waterproof and a thief could easily slash it open or just rip it off my shoulder. While it served my needs,it also had limitations. I became a little paranoid about pickpockets etc. so I stopped putting my wallet in the little outer pouch of the backpack and instead started either hiding it in the main compartment, or, when my clothing allowed, kept it close to my skin in an inner jacket pocket etc. After that experience, I put "get a better travel backpack" on my to-do list before my next trip.I know someone who has a PacSafe sling bag and he said he was so happy with the performance of it during his trip to Ireland, England, and Scotland he bought it again. The reviews for this backpack were mostly positive but what was important was how honest some reviewers are about certain features. Those reviews are what made me feel it was worth taking advantage of the Prime Day deal. To be honest, I was okay paying less than $80 but I was not going to purchase at $130. Besides, friggin' COVID is doing a mighty fine job of keeping a lot of us grounded so now it's my "car backpack".I recently purchased a new SUV and the storage situation in it is very different from my last vehicle. As in, it's quite limited which I guess is a thing in luxury vehicles? I don't know, so I found myself keeping certain items in a small re-useable grocery tote. As practical as it is, it's also a little janky and I found myself in need of using that tote for its intended purpose a few times; so, now I put some items in the backpack which I have behind the front passenger seat.As for travel? I can see how some users say the top zipper design is limiting to access if you're unwilling to remove the entire backpack while walking etc. There were times, for example when I was in Romania, I felt more comfortable wearing my backpack across my chest (there were some areas where shop / restaurant owners told us pickpockets / thieves are bad so be extra cautious) as we walked through crowds so I'm accustomed to wearing things oddly if need be. Ultimately, I'm not too worried about convenience. Even if I were, by the time COVID is under control and I can travel, I won't be able to return this anyway. It doesn't hurt it's a somewhat stylish pack so at least I have something cuter than a grocery tote holding my stuff.All in all, I think I made a good investment - again at Prime Day Deal price - and I appreciate all the safety features like RFID blocking and the solid construction. I'm confident I will find ways to use it until I can get on an international flight again.

14.10.2019

I bought this bag for an upcoming trip to Europe. I wanted something small and stylish but with lots of features, which is very hard to find in a backpack. I bought this bag as well as one from Timbuk2, I am going to compare them and decide which to keep. I will update my review with my final verdict!Here are my initial thoughts:PROS:-beautiful bag and just the right size. Big enough to have all the features I was looking for and plenty of space, but small enough to not overwhelm my small frame.-holy safety features. They weren't kidding. You would need to be a very persistent thief to steal from this bag. It's a veritable fortress. Of course they could theoretically pull the whole bag off your back.

23.3.2020

After considering various options on line, I chose this backpack for a recent trip to Europe. I was looking for a backpack to avoid the neck strain of a tote or large handbag. Wanted something that would be secure on public transportation and tourist areas. Also important for me were comfort (this is padded) and capacity (this bag held a packable raincoat, packable Patagonia down jacket, sweater, scarf, water bottle, umbrella, and various miscellaneous items).I was initially put off by the reviews of too-long straps for petite women (which could result in back strain and make it easier to be pulled off), but decided to give it a shot since it seemed to meet all my other requirements. Glad I did.

24.5.2019

This Pacsafe backpack has a lot of great features ( the anti-theft touches, the wide mouth opening, incredibly roomy).But two drawbacks just keep irritating me:1. The zippers are difficult to close. With the wide mouth of the main compartment, you can only open it if the zippers are fully unzipped - but it requires two hands usually to re-zip the bag shut. This isn't ideal when in a packed space or traveling. I often have to set the bag down to open or close it.This design might be purposeful but it's really just super irritating.2. The straps are too long!The straps just don't have enough adjustment. I'm average height and even fully tightened (which they never stay tightened when being used),

22.8.2018

This bag has excellent anti-theft features and looks really sleek—my family has complimented it so many times! I've been using this as my primary bag for work and will continue to do so until it breaks. Overall, I recommend it.However, there are a few downsides that you should know about...- If you are planning to use this as your primary bag, know that the stitching that connects the straps to the bag are weak. Within a couple days of use (I had about 7 lbs in the bag), the stitches began to stretch out. It got steadily worse over the past month, while I used this as my primary carrying bag on an overseas trip. It's held up, but I can see that they will break very soon and I'll need to take this to a luggage repair shop.- It is not waterproof.

2.4.2019

Purchased for a trip to Spain and Portugal. It is sleek enough for me to have worn it out in the evening as well around the cities during the day. The two system protection at the zipper to the main compartment works like a charm. At first I was a bit annoyed by the fact that the opening was stiff and requires the entire length of the zipper to be open in order to access the bag, but after a walk through the busy city streets I was glad for it. I had closed the bag up and engaged the zipper clasp and the slide lock and walked back to the hotel. When I got to my room I noticed that the zippers had been unlocked and the clip had been undone, but the zipper was not all the way open.

12.3.2018

This backpack is very pretty and well made. The hardware is really beautiful and gives the purse a more sophisticated look and feel. The pink on the inside [of the black color] is very pretty also. The locking mechanism on the main compartment is very well thought out: No one is getting in here without you feeling/knowing about. It is a backpack type of purse: It is bigger than a backpack purse but smaller than a traditional size backpack. Other comments said the padding was not sufficient for the laptop; I disagree - I think it is fine. And if I did want more padding I would put my laptop in a padded sleeve. The laptop/iPad pocket fits both my MacBook 12" and my MacBook 13" (both with or without padding)

24.7.2019

Just received this beautiful backack. The Merlot color is gorgeous. I like that it is a muted, rich burgundy. The fabric is smooth, more like a purse than a backpack. The stitching is straight and well done. I like that there are the handles to carry it by for those times when you are going only a short distance and don't want to put it on your back. The new roobar system is interesting and not difficult to use but would be a deterrent to pickpockets. There was a tag on the lock explaining how to use it. I know some reviews stated that they had to look on y-tube to find out how to use it, but I did not have that problem. There is plenty of room for whatever you need to carry,

15.8.2019

Such a mixed review. This is the best bag EVER, except the zipper. Big loading top opening, holds my small-ish laptop (full size would not fit), two water bottles, a lunch, and it has secure zippers and straps that lock. Also a luggage sleeve so it fits on top of your carry on. It also sits on it's bottom and doesn't tip over, which is nice for putting at my feet for business meetings. And, it's stylish! Woot!But, the zipper. Lordy did this thing make me crazy. It's enough to make you not want to open the bag. It's a garbage zipper, grabs and breaks and sometimes you can't get the darn thing open at all. The zipper lasted one year and then it broke, I can only zip it from one side, and only halfway.

13.12.2019

This bag is fantastic. It has all of the safety features I’ve come to love about Pacsafe products. I’ve had my crossbody for over 10 years and it has traveled with me everywhere. Ive gotten much mom, sister and friends hooked on them as well. For an upcoming trip, I will be taking camera gear. I’ve never traveled with my professional gear. As a photographer, I was looking for something to keep my gear safe, protected and out of harms way. I already use a bag that opens up top as my camera bag, however, this one is not suitable for traveling as it doesn’t have any security features. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that pacsafe had a backpack that opens up top, like a “doctor” bag.

30.1.2019

I am beyond thrilled with this purchase. My main purpose for this backpack is our upcoming trip to Europe. I wanted something that was both functional and stylish as it would replace my purse... this backpack fit the bill beautifully!!Some of my favorite features-I love the double top handles that give the option to comfortably carry the bag in your hand instead of on your back.The security features give me peace of mind that all of my personal belongings are safe.The quality of the materials is top notch!! Looks and feels very high quality and I’m very picky with my clothing brands.There is lots of space inside this bag to carry all of your travel needs.Things I don’t love so much-It’s not the easiest to undo the safety features,

13.1.2019

Now that most airlines are charging for a "carry on" and only allowing a free "personal item", this backpack is the correct size to pass as a "personal item". While small, it packs an amazing amount of stuff and has handy pockets to hold even more. The top of the backpack opens nice and wide being held firmly open with some sort of stiff insert, making packing/unpacking or trying to find something easier. The material has a nice feel to it and the backpack straps are comfortable. The interlocking pulls take a little getting used to but work well and should foil most nabbers or at least delay them enough for you to notice they're trying to rifle you bag.

12.3.2018

Love this bag. I watched so many reviews, and waited by the mailbox for it to arrive. I really enjoy all the qualities about it and have no complaints about pacsafe. Been a returning customer, with suitcase and purses, and hope to continue to be so. However, when I received this bag I saw that there is a small black marker dot on the inside pink interior pocket. Normally I would not care about a small little stain but considering I spent so much money, I just want what I ordered. Is there anyway I can remove this little spot? And if not can I exchange it? Please help! Would love to start using this bag as soon as possible, just hate that this black dot is the first thing I see.

20.8.2019

I bought this backpack for a trip to Africa. I'm really happy with it--it's not too big, it's chic (get so many compliments on it), it seems safe (no one tried to rob me, so don't know for sure), and it's reasonably comfortable. It's got a laptop pouch that fit my Mac Powerbook.As others wrote, it's difficult to open and shut without putting it down and using 2 hands. When I tighten the straps so it doesn't flop, the buckles tend to dig into my armpits--not the most comfortable when sleeveless. However, given how cute it is, how functional, and how safe, I'm happy with my purchase. I've also found that the ease of the backpack means I've stopped using my briefcase!

19.12.2019

I LOVE this Pacsafe Citysafe Anti Theft backpack! I purchased black (my sister purchased the eggplant color) for travel, however I use mine daily. The colors are beautiful with gold accents and looks expensive. It took a few using a couple of times to feel comfortable with the security features, however now I consciously make sure I use all of the security features (makes me more security conscious), and there is a band on the back, so that you can slip the backpack over your luggage handle. For travel, I can take my iPad, headphone (with case), crossbody purse, makeup case (medium), all of this on inside. I believe this will fit up airline seat.

PacSafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack (20420) - Reviews

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