Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack Review

The Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack is an incredible pack that combines carry-on compatibility with robust anti-theft technology and boasts an impressive 45-liter capacity while maintaining carry-on compliance, which is not always easy to do. It is nicely sized for use as a solo travel option or for use as a complementary bag, providing smart organization and compression straps that allow it to be easily attached to or used with additional gear.

The spacious main compartment, combined with a functional and intuitive organization panel, provides a nice degree of flexibility to pack and customize the space to suit your specific needs. Thanks to its luggage pass-through and stowable backpack straps, it can be conveniently attached to a roller suitcase. The bag also features reinforced handles that make storage and handling intuitive.

External Components

The Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack is made from eco-friendly materials, using rPET equivalent to about 60 recycled plastic bottles with its 750D recycled polyester materials. The materials also feature a PFC-free water-repellent coating that does an excellent job repelling water while still maintaining a comfortable feel. For security, the pack utilizes eXomesh slash guard technology, which is a built-in stainless steel wire mesh incorporated throughout the fabric that makes the bag cut and slash-resistant.

It also uses extra chunky, large double zippers to further increase its overall security features by allowing the zippers to lock together, adding extra security like puncture-resistant ToughZip technology. These zippers can be interlocked for additional security and include a PopNLock security clip that allows the entire backpack to be secured to fixed objects for extra security. For versatility in carrying capacity, the bag includes two compression straps on each side that help compress excess space and can also be used as attachment points for additional gear.

As with many of Pacsafe’s products, the Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack features Carrysafe slash guard reinforced straps with Dyneema and double stainless steel wires for enhanced security. The shoulder straps can be disconnected and conveniently stowed for easy strap management, effectively converting the backpack into a duffle bag. It also includes their PopNLock security clip, allowing you to secure the pack to fixed objects for extra security.

The pack has four grab handles strategically placed around it for an extra level of convenience. On top are two overlapping handles. One is made of a seatbelt-like nylon webbing, and another with a bit more surface area and material for added reinforcement, though pretty minimal padding. The larger handle provides a substantially higher level of comfort in use. A side handle utilizes the same design as the larger top handle, offering a more comfortable side-carry option. The front handle, while useful for maneuvering, has a slight drawback as the shoulder and hip straps can dangle and drag when carried in this orientation. Despite this minor inconvenience, the multiple carry options make this pack particularly versatile for travel situations, especially when dealing with overhead compartments and trolleys.

A convenient luggage pass-through provides a reliable attachment point for roller luggage while doubling as storage for the shoulder straps and the hip belt. The pack includes an adjustable, padded hip belt that, while not removable, can be tucked away when not needed. The hip belt features a plastic buckle with minimal padding and incorporates the same reinforced Carrysafe slashguard technology in the straps. An adjustable sternum strap (non-removable) adds another level of comfort when the pack is fully loaded on extended trips.

Fit Notes

The Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack is available in two color options: an all-black and a slate gray with darker black accents. Both colorways maintain a neutral, professional appearance with a simple aesthetic that does not draw unnecessary attention. The overall design features a distinctive turtle shell-like appearance with minimal accents. While the pack’s larger size and support features like the hip belt and sternum strap give it more of a travel or hiking appearance, one minor drawback is that these non-removable straps can become cumbersome when not in use and sometimes get in the way.

While the pack’s larger size and support features like the hip belt and sternum strap give it more of a travel or hiking appearance and additional support, one minor drawback is that these non-removable straps can become cumbersome when not properly stored and tend to dangle when carried as a duffle. The hip belt can be hidden and stored in its dedicated sleeve, but the sternum strap can only be stored when the entire shoulder strap is stored.

Inside The Pack

The Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack has a streamlined approach to secondary compartments, with just one water bottle pocket and a front compartment. The water bottle or umbrella pocket on the side has a good amount of stretch, allowing for larger water bottles like a 1 L Nalgene or a 32 oz. Owala. When not in use, it sits up against the pack without hanging loosely.

The front and main compartments are covered by a secure flap that not only adds an extra layer of security to the pack but also hides their unique Roobar deluxe locking system, allowing you to lock down zippers and cables. A simple plastic buckle provides additional security by covering and concealing the zippers and locking mechanism while incorporating a discreet built-in pocket for an address tag.

The front compartment features a laptop sleeve that accommodates most 16-inch laptops, though it only offers minimal padding and lacks a protective or felt lining to prevent scratches. This particular pocket can also be a great place to store flatter items like magazines, books, tablets, and other flat items. For extra security, there’s an RFID-safe blocking pocket with a hook-and-loop closure to keep the contents secure. The compartment includes several organizational features: medium and small slip pockets, two pen loops for pens or styluses, and a zippered mesh pocket with a convenient key leash and a plastic carabiner anchored to the top. The remaining space serves as a great place to dump additional gear, with gussets on both sides to prevent items from falling out.

The main compartment features a clamshell-style opening, which requires disconnecting all the various buckles and attachments but ultimately makes packing straightforward and convenient. While somewhat cumbersome at first, the compression straps act as another safety precaution to prevent tampering. A large mesh zippered pocket provides excellent organization for smaller items like underwear and socks that might otherwise get lost in the main space. The compartment includes a plastic buckle to secure items, which proves particularly useful for organizing smaller gear. The remaining space serves as an open area for general storage, and the rigid back panel provides a helpful structure that makes the pack easy to load and organize.

With a capacity of 45 liters, this backpack provides plenty of storage space. While it may seem large and almost unwieldy at first glance, the compression straps offer excellent versatility and allow you to reduce its form factor when not fully loaded. The pack shares many similarities with Peak Design’s Travel Backpack but takes a more straightforward approach to storage and more anti-theft tech. Throughout testing, it proved ideal for weekend trips, especially for those who tend to overpack. For more minimalistic travelers, you could potentially use this pack for trips lasting up to a week with the right gear and packing layout.

The Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack stands out from other travel backpacks thanks to Pacsafe’s intense security features and clever design. While it may be overkill for casual travelers, those concerned about theft or frequently visiting high-risk areas will definitely appreciate the extensive anti-theft technology built into the backpack. The combination of slash-resistant materials, secure locking systems, and RFID protection makes this pack a solid choice for security-conscious travelers.

Despite some minor drawbacks, like non-removable straps and minimal laptop padding, the pack’s versatility, ample storage, and multiple carry options make it a practical choice for weekend getaways and extended trips. Its versatility also makes it ideal for one bag travelers and those looking for a complimentary bag that can sit atop roller luggage. The eco-friendly materials and water-repellent coating add value to an already feature-rich package. For travelers prioritizing security without sacrificing functionality, the EXP45 delivers a compelling solution that justifies its premium position in the market.