Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Micro Crossbody Review

The Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Micro Crossbody sling is a crossbody style sling designed to free up your pockets and secure everything in a super safe and solid package. It is perfect for storing all your daily essentials. One of its unique selling points is its dedication to security. This micro-crossbody sling has a plethora of security features, including cut-resistant materials, an anchor strap to secure around a fixed object, and RFID-blocking pockets for sensitive materials.

The bag’s vertical orientation is ideal for storing a smartphone of almost any size. With a total capacity of about 1.5 liters, we find it can definitely store all the essentials and more. Whether it’s a quick trip to the store, an international getaway, or a crowded festival, this bag provides reassurance by housing all your essentials in a super secure package.

External Components

The Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Micro Crossbody sling is made with post-consumer recycled polyester (rPET) with a PFC-free water-repellent shell fabric, equivalent to about five recycled plastic bottles. Its primary external material is made of 600D recycled polyester, which provides a fair amount of protection from the elements. It is pretty rigid and retains its structure even when empty. It’s hard to say whether or not it is an intentional design choice, but it obscures its contents, which can be an excellent benefit while traveling. However, its rigidity means it’s not easily compressed, so if traveling with it, keeping this as a somewhat concealed personal bag might be more advantageous. After all, its RFID protection makes it ideal for carrying sensitive documents like a passport or bank cards.

It is available in four different colorways, each with unique accents to stand out and provide visibility. The “Coastal Blue” option is pretty low-key and looks fantastic with its yellow accents. The exterior materials feel sturdy yet comfortable to the touch, almost like a tarp but softer. It includes a main compartment and a front pocket, with no additional external compression or attachment points. There’s also a small, minimal grab handle on the top made from nylon webbing. While it provides a basic grip, it’s not the most comfortable.

You can wear the sling over one shoulder or crossbody style; both are reasonably comfortable. Unlike other slings, there is no mechanism to unfasten the strap, so you must put it over your head. The strap is made from Pacsafe’s proprietary Carrysafe® slashguard strap with Dyneema®, which is reinforced with wire to be cut-resistant. You can use it to anchor the bag to a fixed object, providing additional security and peace of mind. One thing to note is that due to the materials the strap is made from, the strap can be somewhat stiff, and while that is not a huge issue, it is something to note, especially when compared to other slings.

One standout feature of this sling is its secure zipper functionality. It employs a secure Dock Lock system to help keep your valuables safe. Although it requires a bit of adjustment and understanding at first, it’s relatively easy to use once you are familiar with it. It’s worth noting that the zippers can be closed without being secured in the Dock Lock, allowing for quicker access without compromising its utility. As for branding, it is pretty minimal, with just a Pacsafe logo on the front of the sling.

Fit Notes

The aesthetic of the sling can vary depending on the color option you choose. Coastal Blue and Jet Black don’t stand out excessively, which can be beneficial, especially in unfamiliar environments. The other color options (Fresh Mint and Rose) may draw more attention due to their brighter aesthetic. The overall look and feel of the sling is relatively casual. While you can use it in a professional or formal setting (especially the Jet Black colorway), it seems slightly more suitable for casual environments.

As we noted, the shoulder or crossbody strap is relatively rigid and firmly made, likely due to the reinforced wire inside. However, this doesn’t significantly impact the ease of wearing the sling; it just makes it more solid than a traditional strap. It’s important to note that the strap’s material can feel somewhat rough, particularly when sliding against bare skin. We did not experience significant issues while wearing it, but extended use or sliding might result in minor irritation. Your experience might vary.

Inside The Sling

The interior lining of the Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Micro Crossbody sling is made from 150D recycled polyester and has a water resistance of up to one meter. However, the zippers do not seem to be weather- or water-resistant, so you shouldn’t take it swimming. The interior of this version has a subtle gray camouflage-colored aesthetic that adds a unique bit of interest to the inside and helps with visibility.

Due to its width and vertical orientation, in combination with the secure Dock Lock system, the sling does not include dual zippers for any of the compartments. However, this is not a significant issue given the bag’s reasonably small and thin shape. It is easy to get in and out of it while on, especially when it’s on your front. The front compartment has enough capacity for smaller essential items like gum, hand sanitizer, and lip balm, providing quick access to these usually smaller items. Aside from that, it basically just functions as a storage space for your essentials and gear.

The main compartment, which has its zipper positioned on the top of the sling, has a bit more organization. It includes a small key clip attached to the top of the compartment, keeping them in a convenient position for easy access without rummaging around the bag. This clip is a pretty basic plastic clip that works fairly well with one hand. We find it reasonably easy to move the sling closer to the door and use the keys while still attached to the key clip. It’s also easy to remove the keys from the key clip altogether; however, we have to use two hands to get the keys reattached.

If you store your phone inside the main compartment, the hanging or floating keys can have a tendency to bump up against the phone, which could lead to minor scratches. Thus, we tried to avoid that particular setup.

Somewhat hidden towards the back of the main compartment is what appears to be a hidden pocket that is RFID-protected. Secured by a patch of hook-and-loop fastener, this pocket is super easy to use. Thanks to the design of this pocket, it’s easy to overlook unless you know it’s there. Once inside, it spans the entire length of the main compartment. Aside from that, the rest of this area is a standard storage space for your daily essentials.

The Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Micro Crossbody sling is a solid choice for those prioritizing security and convenience in a compact package. Its multiple security features, durable construction, and casual aesthetic make it a versatile option for various situations. Whether commuting, traveling, going to a concert or festival, or simply heading out for a day in the city, this sling provides peace of mind by keeping your essentials secure and accessible. However, keep in mind the rigidity of the strap and the potential for minor discomfort with prolonged use. Overall, it’s a product that delivers on its promises, offering a balance of safety, style, and functionality.