I Put the Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Sling Pack to the Ultimate Test: Carnival in Brazil

Beautiful people, scantily clad and decked out in body glitter, pack the streets of São Paulo, Brazil. The crowd stretches in all directions, dancing, drinking beer and cooling themselves with paper fans.

I dance with them, carefree and unencumbered, my iPhone and wallet tucked safely in the Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Sling Pack I’m wearing across my chest. Despite being enveloped in a giant, throbbing throng of tipsy revelers — and the fact that every Uber driver warned me to look out for pickpockets during Carnival — I feel confident my valuables are safe in the thoughtfully designed anti-theft bag.

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What Is the Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Sling Pack?

The Pacsafe GO anti-theft sling is a crossbody bag designed with features to deter theft. The bag is decked out in sophisticated anti-theft features, including:

A wire-reinforced, dual-release buckle strap. The dual-release buckle prevents third parties from being able to casually unbuckle the bag, while the wire-reinforced strap prevents slash-and-run thefts.
Covered, attachable zipper. The bag’s zip opening can be covered by a cloth fold and the zipper heads can be attached to a hook.
Cut-proof material. The bag has a slash-resistant eXomesh barrier made from stainless steel wire mesh. The material is water-resistant, wipeable and made from recycled polyester.
RFID-blocking technology. This is a feature that may help shield your credit cards from unwanted scans. Note that there is some disagreement over the usefulness of RFID-blocking technology — but it certainly can’t hurt.

My Experience with the Pacsafe GO anti-theft sling pack

Posing with coconut in Brazil and Pacsafe Go Anti Theft Sling Pack

I discovered the Pacsafe GO anti-theft sling pack while researching anti-theft bags online ahead of an upcoming trip to Brazil. I’d decided to purchase an anti-theft bag after losing one too many iPhones while traveling. (If you are wondering how many iPhones too many is, it’s four: I had two iPhones snatched from my hands by passing motorcyclists and one plucked from my back pocket. One iPhone, I dropped in the ocean — though that one was on me.)

For my trip, I’d be visiting highly touristed destinations like Rio, São Paulo and Paraty during the country’s notoriously wild Carnival celebrations. I knew from experience always makes sense to play it safe in big crowds, and I was determined not to lose another phone (or credit card or passport).

When the Pacsafe arrived, I was pleased to discover the main compartment was surprisingly roomy. I could fit my iPhone 13, passport and wallet easily, with plenty of room left for a string bikini, travel-sized bug spray and sunscreen. The bag’s interior also has a zippered interior pouch that’s the perfect size for a credit card and hotel key.

For most of the two-week trip, I wore the sling across the front of my chest. I appreciated how this freed up my hands to take pictures and hold coconuts. I could use the bathroom without worrying about my phone and wallet falling into the toilet (which has happened more than I’d like to admit).

Luckily, I never had the bag’s slash-proof materials or theft-resistant zippers put to the test. I did appreciate the peace of mind knowing my valuables stashed safely against my chest as I hiked, beached and danced the night away.

Feeling safe made a big difference in my overall enjoyment of the trip. Usually while traveling, I compulsively feel for my phone and wallet in my pockets every other second. By keeping my belongings snuggled close to my heart, the Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Sling Pack let me be more present.

Final thoughts

Sturdy, functional and reasonably priced, the Pacsafe Anti-Theft Sling is a smart choice for anyone planning on carrying valuables in crowded places. It’s a good idea to stay vigilant about your belongings, no matter where you travel — think of Pacsafe as a tool that can help you do that.

What to Consider When Shopping for an Anti-Theft Travel Bag

I love my Pacsafe bag, but it isn’t the right choice for everyone. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for an anti-theft bag:

What Kind of Trip are You Taking?

Consider the type of trip you’re taking and assess your needs. For example, if you’re traveling via plane, you may want an anti-theft bag that can double as a carry-on. If you’ll be outdoors, you may want something water- and UV-resistant. If you’ll be lugging around a large load, look for ergonomic support.

What Kind of Anti-theft Protection Do You Need?

Different bags will have different anti-theft features. Here are a few essentials:

Lockable zippers. Look for designs with zip clips or full slide locks that accommodate padlocks.
Slash-resistant materials. Go for bags made from high-denier polyester, nylon, or canvas with reinforced stitching and padding on high-wear areas.
Secure straps. Try to find bags with sturdy, adjustable straps made from materials like seatbelt webbing. You might also look for designs that include locking features for securing the bag to a stationary object, like a chair or table.
Secret compartments. These can come in handy for credit cards and passports.

What Will You Carry?

Consider whether you’ll be carrying just the essentials, like a wallet and a phone, or whether you’ll be toting larger valuables, like a laptop.

Do You Like the Design?

This last one may seem frivolous, but take it from me: When you’re traveling, you can end up spending a lot of time with your anti-theft bag. You don’t want to explore the world with a bag you hate or that clashes with your outfit.

Where Can I Buy the Pacsafe GO anti-theft sling pack?

The Pacsafe® GO anti-theft sling pack is available at Amazon and Target. If you want more color options, including black, coastal blue, garnet red, stone, fresh mint or rose, you can purchase directly from Pacsafe. Additional Pacsafe bag styles can be found at REI.