2024 Update: The product reviewed here has made it through 4 festivals and two weeks of sailing and camping with no theft or damage.
Navigating the city confidently with the Pacsafe Vibe 150, an anti-theft sling bag, is what the company promises. It is a small sling bag that fits daily essentials and actually does a good job of keeping them secure.We’ve been using this crossbody-capable sling pack, traveling to some sketchy cities, going to concerts and in many other ways in which it was designed and intended.
We found that it has some really great features that we liked. Some unique security features that we really appreciated. One of our testers found these features made it great for security but compromised on convenience.
Read more the trade-offs are for this great, anti-theft sling bag.
Things we like:
-
Cut-resistant fabric
-
RFID-safe pocket for credit cards and IDs
-
Small enough to be unobtrusive
-
Comfortable to wear as either a crossbody or fanny pack
-
Great design for travel and everyday use
-
Durability from high-quality polyester
-
Water-resistant and easy to clean
Things we don't like:
-
Zippers aren’t for fast access
-
Need for an Additional Padlock to fully utilize anti-theft features
-
Compact Size Limitations
-
Might be too small for those who carry more items regularly
The Best Anti-Theft Sling Pack
We recently used the Pacsafe Vibe 150 during a few travel adventures, and it’s proven to be a reliable companion for keeping belongings secure. Its compact size offers just enough space for essentials like a wallet, phone, and passport. The safety features, like lockable zippers and a cut-resistant panel, add peace of mind.
The initial testing took place over several months and subsequent testing by a 22-year old has included 4 music festivals and two weeks of sailing and camping in primitive conditions.
As part of testing sling bags, we’ve had the Vibe in use in urban settings, at concerts, commuting in tightly packed buses and trains and cycling.
The lockable zips and the cut-resistant front panel are the most immediately evident anti-theft features of this sling pack. The bag also includes an RFID safe pocket on the inside, which gives extra peace of mind when storing credit cards and it’s the right size for a biometrically enhanced passport.
The sling can be worn in two ways—crossbody or as a fanny pack—and this versatility was a big plus. During our travels, we appreciated how lightweight and discreet it felt, even when loaded with essentials like a compact DSLR, phone, wallet, and keys.
In particular, it’s great when flying light. With only a carry-on and this pack, all documents and valuables are kept on your person. The locks can be closed to make it very difficult to open by someone else while sleeping too.
It’s versatile too, easily switching from a crossbody sling to a waist pack. The durable, water-resistant material is a big plus, keeping everything dry even during unexpected showers. The 750D recycled polyester provides impressively heavy-duty protection on a diminutive, two and a half liter pack.
One downside is that it might be too small for those needing to carry larger items or many things. Nonetheless, for a compact, day-to-day pack, the Vibe 150 will be right for those interested in a more streamlined pack.
Key Features
Lockable Zippers for Enhanced Security
One of the things we loved about the Vibe 150 is the lockable zippers. They can also be used with a padlock for extra protection, keeping your items secure while traveling.
Like all Pacsafe products, including the Pacsafe Go crossbody fanny pack, this feature gives us peace of mind knowing our belongings are safe from pickpockets.
Small, Specialized Pockets
The Vibe 150 offers small, specialized pockets for organization. These pockets are perfect for holding your credit cards and IDs securely. We found the RFID blocking pocket especially useful, as it stops anyone from remotely scanning our information. The interior pockets also help us keep things in place, so we don’t have to rummage around for items.
Cut-Resistant Front Panel
We noticed the cut-resistant front panel while using the Vibe 150. This feature makes it tough for anyone to slash through the bag and get inside. The steel mesh inlay is lightweight yet strong, adding another layer of safety for our valuables.
The quality and strength of the materials is akin to more premium backpacks. It feels robust with a rip-stop feel to it that contributes to the justified price tag.
Lightweight and Compact Design
At less than a pound, the Vibe 150 is easy to carry around all day. Its compact size, roughly the size of a 1.5L water bottle, means it doesn’t get in our way, making it an ideal choice for day trips or commuting. Despite its size, it has space for the essentials we needed.
Versatility in Wear
We can wear the Vibe 150 in two ways, either as a crossbody bag or a fanny pack. This versatility makes it adaptable for different activities or preferences. We liked being able to switch it up based on what we were doing.
Anti-Theft Peace of Mind
With its lockable zippers and a cut-resistant front panel, we felt at ease using the Vibe 150. The sturdy features like wire-reinforced straps and an RFID-blocking pocket added extra layers of security. As we walked through busy streets, the ability to lock the pack to a chair or table with the wire-reinforced strap was a handy feature. Though it takes a bit longer to access items inside, the peace of mind is worth it.
We found it compact and comfortable to wear as a crossbody sling, and its sleek design never looked bulky. It was reassuring to know our valuables were safe, especially in crowded places. This travel sling made our trips stress-free, letting us focus on enjoying our adventures instead of constantly worrying about potential theft.
Streamlined Sizing
This small sling pack offers a neat way to keep our essentials organized. The 2.5-liter capacity makes it easy to carry without feeling bulky, which we found perfect for short outings.
We appreciated the dedicated pockets for our travel cards, passport, and documents. Everything stayed in place and was easy to access. There’s just enough space for a small e-reader and a power bank, making it ideal for light travel.
Tested and Reviewed
We found the Vibe 150 to be a great choice for both travel and everyday use.
Its anti-theft features, like the slash-resistant material and locking zippers, offers peace of mind that we find really useful at festivals or in a crowded bar.
The sling pack’s lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for crowded spaces too.
On the downside, it may feel a bit small for those needing more storage space.
Despite that, we were impressed with its durability and functionality.
This pack is well-suited for anyone wanting a secure and convenient pack for valuables. It’s a well-designed bag with a specific intent that it achieves well. For that and for its durability and expected lifespan, it’s price range of around $100 is worth it.
Things we like:
-
Cut-resistant fabric
-
RFID-safe pocket for credit cards and IDs
-
Small enough to be unobtrusive
-
Comfortable to wear as either a crossbody or fanny pack
-
Great design for travel and everyday use
-
Durability from high-quality polyester
-
Water-resistant and easy to clean
Things we don't like:
-
Zippers aren’t for fast access
-
Need for an Additional Padlock to fully utilize anti-theft features
-
Compact Size Limitations
-
Might be too small for those who carry more items regularly
Comments
Would love to see a comparison review of the Vibe 150 against the Pacsafe Eco Waist Pack.