I got back from a two-week vacation last week, but I am still using my Pacsafe anti-theft bag because it is so conveniently laid out that I am in no rush to switch out of it. Okay, as others have noted, it's not at all a cute or fashionable purse (and, as a gal who has a collection of designer purses, I would not opt for this bag if I wanted to go the fashionable route or in my everyday professional life). But it is top notch as what it needs and purports to be: a compact, easy-to-carry bag that keeps your belongings SAFE and organized. This is also definitely a unisex BAG and not a purse. My 8 year old son carried it for me as we boarded planes (I adjusted the strap and he could wear it cross-body . . . and he is an average-size kid for his age). And when my husband held it for me (also cross-body, after adjusting the strap again), it looked like it was his travel bag. As others say, it is reminiscent in style to a camera bag, though not (in my view) in shape or size.
Prior to this summer, I traveled with my various Baggalini purses. Baggalini had been my top pick for travel bags because they are lightweight, have organizing pockets/areas so I don't need to carry a bulky wallet when traveling, and give me the cross-body option to keep my hands free, which is necessary since I have two young kids and we do a lot of activities when traveling. But I became increasingly more concerned that those purses could be slashed easily--that wearing a bag in the cross-body position is less and less a deterrent to theft, since straps off you and bottoms of bags can be cut to dump your belongings out. So I went on a hunt for an anti-theft option that also offered the same features I love abut my Baggalinis.
I came across the Metrosafe. Now, I'm not tall (I am 5'3"), so I didn't want something that would be HUGE on me, as some unisex bags can be. But the dimensions of this bag are close to that of a couple of my Baggalini cross-body bags, so I figured this would work. I also got a Metrosafe for my mom (who is 5'1"). We both fell in LOVE with this bag on our vacation! It is roomier than it looks. Here's what I carried in mine:
OUTER/FRON SECTION UNDER FLAP: I have my sunglasses, pens, a Sharpie (I like to have one when I travel), several packs of gum (mine and my kids' packs), two rolled-up envirosax (reusable bags), and a set of house keys plus car keys (clipped there until I could secure them in various accommodations). In the netted, zippered compartment of this section, I fit eye drops, extra contacts, three lipsticks, a mini lotion tube, Carmex, sunscreen lip balm, and a Vicks menthol decongestant tube. With all that, there isn't even bulging in this section! It isn't even stuffed. I like that the zippers for this section are under a flap that has a velcro closure and that you can also secure the zippers via a clip hidden at the top under the flap.
MAIN COMPARTMENT: I fit my son's double Epi Pen case (it's a zippered case that also holds a thermometer), a small first aid kit, a bag of lozenges, and my slim travel billfold/wallet (only holds paper money; similar to a slim checkbook case/cover). In the compartment where you can fit an iPad mini (easily!), I kept our travel documents organized. In the RFID blocking pocket, I fit a credit card case (I also put my chipped cards in RFID blocking sleeves, since I wanted them protected even when out of the bag. I ordered these from Amazon:
16 RFID Blocking Sleeves (12 Credit Card Holders & 4 Passport Protectors) Ultimate Premium Identity Theft Protection Sleeve Set for Men & Women. Smart Slim Design perfectly fits Wallet / Purse.
I love that the bag has an attached coin purse, too, and utilize it. With all of that in the main compartment, I still have room, if I need to carry more. To secure the zippers of this main compartment, you need to slide them over to a clip that is a bit trickier to operate . . . but, after a few rounds of doing/undoing the clip, I became pretty adept at it and can now manage easily. Plus, hey, I like that it is tricky so no one can snake into my bag easily!
BACK ZIPPERED SECTION (which lies against your body; the only zipper you can't lock down--but since it is against your body, it is by location more secure) & SIDE POCKETS: I keep my smartphone there and, often 1-2 power banks and charging cables. The two side pockets fold and button closed when you don't need them--but I find them useful when I want to carry a bottle of water (the 16.9 oz standard size) versus tote my Hydroflask. I can also fit my smaller tub of Target antibacterial wipes in a pocket. (I clip a hand sanitizer to the closure of the strap. Make sure that you set the strap closure to LOCKED to secure it). Also, I like the handle/strap at the top of the bag so I can hold it and not just rely on the cross-body strap when we in bustling areas.
Overall, both my mom and I love the organizing features, the many pockets, and how much you can fit into its compact size. Also, the bag is lighter weight than we expected. Unlike a Baggalini, and by nature of the materials used in its construction to make it anti-theft, the Pacsafe is a rigid bag with stiffer material, including the cross-body strap (I needed to make sure it didn't rub against my skin, but that just meant learning how to position this bag because I was accustomed to a different travel bag). Impressively, my Pacsafe survived some abuse. It was dropped, dragged/scraped, and stormed on (before I could get it under cover when hit by a sudden downpour). The bag resisted water (not sure it is marketed as such, but it was hit with water multiple times and my belongings inside were dry). Also, after being dragged/scraped and wiping off dirt, I was relieved that the material held up.
Since we are traveling again next month, I am considering simply using this bag all summer as my everyday bag and then transitioning back into an everyday purse. I am pleasantly surprised that I am enjoying the practicality and security of this bag so much that I would do so over my prettier purses, now that I am back home. But, above all, I am thrilled to have chosen this excellent bag for me and my mom.
Buy it with
- +
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
The Metrosafe LS200 anti-theft shoulder bag, available in three colors.
Providing Peace of Mind for Travelers for over 20 Years
Pacsafe Anti-Theft Advantage.
Founded by two Australian globetrotters in 1998. Their own experiences and those of other travelers convinced them of the need for no-nonsense travel security. Ever since, Pacsafe has been creating the world’s most secure anti-theft travel gear.
Safe travels!
Pacsafe Metrosafe LS200
Providing Peace of Mind for Travelers for over 20 Years
Stroll your favorite city or backroad with our Metrosafe LS200 having peace of mind knowing your items are secure. With everyday features: room for a 10-inch tablet in its own padded sleeve, a wallet, phone, notebook, headphones and more, Pacsafe Anti-Theft features include: protected with Lock-about smart zipper security, eXomesh slashguard technology, RFID Blocking pocket and more. Carry your essentials while feeling at ease. Safe Travels!
- Lock-a-bout Security Clip - Lock down point for zippers helps protect against pickpockets
- Smart Zipper Security - Zip pullers attach to discreet hooks to deter pickpockets
- Carrysafe Slashguard Straps - Wire-reinforced straps help prevent slash and run theft
- Turn & Lock Security Hooks - Attach the bag strap to a secure fixture to avoid snatch and run theft
- eXomesh Slashguards - Hidden stainless steel wire mesh helps protect against slash & run theft
- RFIDsafe Blocking Pocket - RFID blocking material (10MHz – 3GHz) helps prevent electronic identity theft
- Interior padded 10" tablet pocket, 2 external water bottle or umbrella pockets
Metrosafe LS200
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
Room for Your GearThe roomy main compartment includes a protective sleeve for a full-sized tablet and an RFID-protected pocket to help prevent hackers from stealing your personal information |
Quick Access Front PocketThe zippered front compartment provides organization for your glasses, phone, tickets, keys, and other small items. |
Comfortable, Adjustable StrapThe adjustable Carrysafe shoulder strap ensures a comfortable fit with a fit range of 13.4 to 29.5 inches. |
Added SecurityThe Carrysafe strap is also embedded with stainless steel wire to help prevent bag slashers from running off with your gear. |
RFIDsafe Blocking Pockets and Material
Pacsafe's award-winning RFIDsafe blocking material helps block out virtually all transmissions between 10 MHz to 3 GHz, which covers the radio frequency used in e-passports, credit cards, ID cards, and key cards.
Pacsafe Anti-Theft Advantage
20 Years of Innovation
At the heart of every innovative Pacsafe product is one clear purpose — to watch your back while you travel, so you can focus on having fun and doing more. Pacsafe helps keep you one step ahead of the game by keeping your gear secure from opportunistic thieves with a variety of anti-theft technologies integrated into its travel bags.
eXomesh Slashguards - Hidden stainless steel wire mesh helps protect against slash & run theft
Carrysafe Slashguard Straps - Wire-reinforced straps help prevent slash and run theft
Lock-a-bout Security Clip - Lock down point for zippers helps protect against pickpockets
Turn & Lock Security Hooks - Attach the bag strap to a secure fixture to avoid snatch and run theft
Light weight, Strong and Secured!
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Top reviews from other countries
FestiveLady
Good and varied storage. Lots of security (except one pocket). Some disadvantages.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 27, 2019Color: BlackVerified Purchase
FestiveLady
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 27, 2019
MAIN PROS: Great for everyday carry (EDC) as it has good and varied storage, with inner and outer pockets, and it has both fitted organisation and plain full-width pockets that are open or have a zip. Lots of security. Options to attach extra items.
MAIN CONS: The front flap is a nuisance as it opens towards you (far better would be away from you). The large nearside zipped pocket has no security except when you're wearing the Bag as your body protects it. The Bag doesn't sit upright on its own.
Details below (PROS, CONS, OTHER/TIPS, and SPECS NOT GIVEN BY THE SELLER). I own(ed) the other Pacsafe bags mentioned for comparison (one is stated as not owned).
PROS
1. Well-designed to provide a variety of shapes and sizes to try and suit everyone's needs. The storage includes two outer fast-access poppered pockets, a full-width zip pocket right up against the body, a self-contained front pocket comprising an interior mesh pocket so you can easily see what's in it and some fitted organisation in the front pocket, plus built-in loops/clip in the main and front pocket.
2. Slightly padded tablet pocket (main compartment) which takes up to a 10 inch tablet inside a hard case.
3. RFID-blocking pocket - full-width (unlike restricted width as in some Pacsafe bags), and I particularly like that it's in the main compartment i.e. closest to my body so it feels more secure, and also in the most easily undo-able section. Pacsafe says it blocks 10 MHz to 3 GHz, I believe it covers money cards, passports and car keys but do check that. The RFID-blocking pocket is labelled as such.
4. Good security features. And on all the pockets - this is why I didn't buy Pacsafe's Vibe 200 as its two outer pockets are open at the top, do not fasten shut, and have no security whatsoever (designed for waterbottle/umbrella). Other security features are ones that have been tried and tested by customers for years: zip-clips, TurnLock - see 6. below, ExoMesh Slashguard and slashsafe carry strap [see Y ouTube for a non-Pacsafe pretend slash-and-grab theft attempt - the fabric is damaged but the metal mesh framework stays intact] plus the more recent Roobar (equals lockable zip-clip).
5. You can fit a waterbottle or umbrella in the outer pockets i.e. large objects. I keep a torch in one and smaller items in the other, yet both pockets can be kept poppered shut. This makes the Bag look streamlined and security-wise keeps those items hidden.
6. Carry strap for shoulder or across body, plus a fixed handle - these deal with all the carry methods. I wear it across the body, for security and to keep both hands free. (Pacsafe Citysafe LS175 needs, but does not have, a fixed handle - when a handle's missing you notice its lack.) The detachable end has a security TurnLock, which means the half-detachable strap can be put around a stationary object.
7. You can attach items to zips, Roobar, carry strap's D-ring and the zip-clip just above the front pocket.
8. Should be robust. I bought this Bag in black recently but have owned it in tweed grey since June 2014 (which also means I've had years exploring and using its configuration, but my tweed grey version has a zip-clip instead of the Roobar) and as the tweed grey is still in use and in good condition I believe the black version should have the same robustness. (I bought it in black for winter, tweed grey for summer, contents swappable straight into the other.)
9. Detailed instruction booklet and a separate warning notice in the RFID-pocket explaining RFID.
CONS
A. The Bag does not sit upright on its own - it tips forward to an angle of 40 degrees.
B1. The front flap opens towards you. Pacsafe's Z5 and Z6 have flaps that open away from you, giving far better access
B2. The front flap is velcro-fastened: noise undoing it draws attention where you want quiet (theatre, lecture, sermon), so I don't keep my most frequently used items in the front pocket. Actually the velcro isn't strong; if you're going to have velcro at all it should be stronger but it would be louder. The not very strong velcro is a blessing (quieter than strong velcro) and a curse (not that secure). This is why it's importan that there's zip security underneath the flap, and why it's important to use it. The front flap does help the Bag look good but I find it very annoying (see also B1) - I'd prefer no flap and just the zips as on Pacsafe's Metrosafe LS250 and the (fewer features and not currently available) VentureSafe 200.
C. The nearside pocket (closest to your body) has a zip but no other security. There's not even a zip-tuck (piece of fabric that occurs in various forms on certain Pacsafe bags that stops it from being easily unzipped). Secure items to the zip, or put a cable padlock through the zip and around the Roobar, but for more convenient security than that I sewed in a lobster clasp inside this pocket (see also E. below).
D. The fitted organisation doesn't extend the full-width of the front pocket, which wastes space but only a bit. This might be due to recent Pacsafe shrinkflation.
E. As the Bag is tall, it could do with more built-in loops or clips. I've sewn in extra loops - if you want to do the same, the inner lining's easy for adding such sewn-in Extras.
OTHER / TIPS
(a) I've attached zip extenders to the zips, making them easier to use especially when wearing gloves.
(b) Pacsafe's security features, and how to undo them, are well-known to thieves by now, and Pacsafe bags are loot in themselves due to their quality which ironically includes the quality of their security. If leaving your Bag alone for a while it's probably essential nowadays to join zip pulls together with a padlock, and put one through the hole in the base of the Roobar which is designed for it.
(c) Despite weighing 2.607kg my very full Bag feels very manageable due to its size, shape and heft.
SPECS (several points not provided by the seller; most are edited from Pacsafe)
- Front pocket: 7.5cm (W) x 8cm (H) but there's an extra 1.7cm up inside above the zip track. Zips start 3cm up from the base. Pocket depth: can fit an object 2.794cm / 1.1 inch in diameter into the bottom. My measurements. When pockets are filled that last measurement reduces as items push against each other.
- Phone pocket dimensions: 4.75cm (W) x 4.53cm (H), can fit an object 1 cm thick.
- Empty weight: 1.23 lbs / 0.56 kg. When full my Bag weighs 2.607kg though I've been told I carry more things around than most.
- Main material: 210D Nylon Full Dull Hitra, PU2000mm; Lining: 75D Polyester Herringbone Dobby, PU1000mm.
- Interior lining: polyester, rip-stop nylon.
- Volume: 7 litres - take as a very rough guide; Pacsafe's LS140 and Z6 states 5 litres and 6 litres respectively, but I couldn't transfer all of my LS140 contents into the Z6, due to bag configurations and stiffness of exterior fabric.
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 11.42 x 9.25 x 2.76 in / 29 x 23.5 x 7 cm.
- Shoulder Strap Length: (min) 13.39 inches / 34 cm; (max): 29.53 inches / 75 cm; drop height 13.4 to 29.5 inches [I can't check these measurements accurately].
- Warranty: 5 years (limited; terms apply).
Images in this review
GG
Three Good Reasons to Buy This Excellent Bag!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 11, 2017Color: BlackVerified Purchase
Dr Kevin
Probably the best bag I have ever seen
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 28, 2019Color: BlackVerified Purchase
Clalley
Awesome Travel Partner
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 17, 2020Color: BlackVerified Purchase
Joshua Collis
I love this bag
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on August 9, 2018Color: BlackVerified Purchase