Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack Review (3 Weeks of Use)

[@gmt5664]

I use my citysafe CX for my 13" work laptop with rugged case everyday. It's peace of mind to leave the bag in a little room at the courthouse when I can secure it to a chair and lock it shut. And it's so easy to slip my coffee hydroflask into a pocket even when I'm wearing it. However, it gets a little uncomfortable when it's heavy so it could use just a minimal hip belt. The straps also slip thru the buckles over time and I keep having to readjust. If I need to close the bag, I wear it on my front like I'd wear it on my back. Makes it much easier to close if I don't have a flat surface. But I LOVE this backpack. I just wouldn't travel with it because it get rather uncomfortable if it's full.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for that insight! The security features do pack a punch 👊 -Eric

[@gmt5664]

update, it's been a couple years and I'm still using it everyday for work, but the padding in the straps have gone completely flat. But it's still the best security bag with a professional look.

[@franceshampton8767]

Great and thorough review. I purchased my bag for a trip to Europe in 2019 and loved the security and organizing features. LOVE this backpack for travel!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing, Frances! -Eric

[@CB-vg1wq]

I really like this bag. Two features I wish it had. 1. A key lanyard with clip inside the outside pocket would have been nice, 2. I wish it had a 8" x 6" zippered pocket on the exterior "back facing" side of the bag. That would be super. I REALLY like this bag. I put 2 small packable cubes and put 4 tees, 4 underwear, 1 sweater, 1 very light packable rain jacket and 1 knitcap. I go everywhere with this bag. I use it for 1 week travel trips and add a small roller for longer 3-4 week trips. It qualifies as a carry on. I have slid it underseats, hooked it onto chairs. Durable and functional. I felt like this reviewer did not really like this bag. She probably uses more traditional 30L - 45L backpacks for travel.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing! 😃 -Eric

[@PainterLady]

I love this bag too. I agree with those two features you wish it had because I'd like those as well. The only thing I really didn't care for was the way the zipper to close the main compartment hangs over and it takes two hands to get it closed. I find myself grabbing the top handles and leaving a store etc with the bag unzippered .... Then if I'm going to wear it as a pack pack I have to get it zippered

[@juri991]

out of all the backpacks that i have researched, this is the one i am leaning towards buying, however, i heard it 2x already about the strap not being able to adjust further especially for those who are on the shorter spectrum esp. if i put my normal heavy stuff inside. i just want a backpack that is snug and will stay tight on my upper back so i am still thinking about hitting that place order button.

[@vee9133]

how did the shoulder straps hold up a few years later with that ripe it had? how you recommend this bag still? considering it for a everyday bag. thanks

[@lovelysky1551]

Been eyeing this backpack to take when I travel to Asia. It just gives an added security and peace of mind. Thank u for the review. 😍

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching and the comment! 😃 -Eric

[@dowtube1]

Very nice review, thank you. Is it for females only? Does it have a feminine look or feel??

[@aphraelk6214]

I like this bag for its anti-theft features but the thinly padded shoulder straps are a big concern for me. With a 13" laptop, water bottle and other stuff, a fully loaded bag is quite heavy, and I've experienced that thinly padded straps cause pain to my (lower) back, especially during travelling when I have to carry the backpack the whole day, and I switched to a backpack with thickly padded straps which makes all the difference (unfortunately that is not anti-theft), and I need a really good anti-theft bag for travelling. Given the not-cheap price, Pacsafe could have used thicker padding in the straps. Also, yes this Pacsafe bag has the wire mesh, but I'd think an attempted slash will cut the surface material which will also ruin the bag for subsequent use.... so I'm still on the lookout for a good anti-theft backpack that will suit my needs....

[@ivanahtannica]

I think you can buy one of those padded strap accessories that you can attach to any backpack straps to address the comfort concern.

[@cwk1203]

Try padded backpack like Easy Peasy Day 18L from Gregory

[@GGAS325]

Good review but without an actual slash test we have no idea if the wires actually do the job

[@TinnekeVDE]

Don’t you think the company tested it enough

[@Alment11]

​@@TinnekeVDEstill need a live test 😅

[@sonyavs455]

Thank you for finally reviewing this bag. I bought mine 2 years ago, before the pandemic, with the intent to use it as an under seater personal carry on bag. Still haven’t had the chance to put it into action though, because of no travel. Good review. Certainly some features or a lack of them, might be annoying, but I’m hoping the security features will outweigh them, as that’s important to me.

[@PackHacker2]

Hope you get a chance to use it soon, Sonya! - Austin

[@myz4303]

Can I ask you , if you had to take 1 backpack with you overseas of a similar size? Which would it be? Your answer will save me hours of research :)

[@CB-vg1wq]

Hi Mayaz- I saw your question and since I am researching the same question- I thought I would share my research with you. I really like this Pacsafe bag. Why? Well, it has three features I REALLY wanted. 1. A pass through for a luggage handle on the back 2. An outside pocket that is a good size. 3. Anti theft zip closures. The antitheft features started playing a bigger role for me when I realized I was going on some international flights alone and I wanted peace of mind. I did not want someone to unzip the bag on me or take a knife and cut the straps or puncture the bag. These made a difference. The size is great. I bought packs from Northface and Patagonia compared them and tried them out at home. I packed them up and walked around the house. I ended up returning the Northface and Patagonia. I just did not think they worked as well.

[@jeeeeev]

is this exclusively for women only?

[@sandrachow7024]

does the bottle holder hold a 36 oz bottle?

[@smaao]

I think I like the bag but i feel like itll get annoying due to the many safety mechanisms. Any suggestions for same size but there's a larger handle so I can put on my shoulder?

[@PackHacker2]

Safety mechanisms are great when you want them but can be awkward to navigate when you don’t. If you look on our site, we have full reviews of tons of bags; we’re sure there’s one that meets your needs! packhacker.com/travel-gear/ -Eric

[@PainterLady]

One feature that I do wish it had was a magnetic chest strap I wear a jacket that's slippery nylon and the straps seem to want to slip off my shoulders

[@noodles.dumplings.kimchi2878]

Thanks so much!!! This is review I have been waiting for!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for checking it out, Lorraine! -Eric

[@snapdragon2441]

A rip after 3 weeks is a bit of a worry

[@krayzedpinay82]

Will this Citysafe backpack sit well on someone who is on the shorter side like 5’2?

[@heatherwilson682]

Yes it does. I have the same bag. Love it! And I’m 5’2”.

[@suchadat4574]

Thanks for good review!

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for watching! -Eric

[@Cath789]

I like everything about this bag except the zipper on the front part doesn't seem to be that secure. You can still slip the zipper pull with one hand. I'm sure experienced pick pockets can do this easily. I wish there was a double zipper so at least you could lock it better if needed. Wouldn't trust my valuables in that front section and there isn't a way to secure it more. I thought about a mini lock but they could easily break/cut that little loop which is only thing to attach it to.

[@PackHacker2]

Thanks for sharing your insights, Catharine! -Eric

[@historical_lisa315]

You could put a tiny padlock on the zipper pull once it is through the loop. Then, it would be secure.

[@Cath789]

@@historical_lisa315 Yes I could for sure but since it is only a small material loop it can be cut or torn off easily. I'm sure a mini lock would ward off most pickpockets though.