This $25 anti-theft backpack is one of my all-time favorite Amazon finds and I take it with me on every trip

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My love for backpacks goes back to my high school and college days, when I lugged around tons of books, beauty products, and outfit changes. These days, I love carrying a backpack when I travel, since the style holds so much, keeps my hands free, and distributes weight evenly across my back. However, I always worry that items will be stolen out of it without my knowledge, since I can't see what's happening with the zippers behind me. Thankfully, I discovered a backpack that protects them all with ease — and it only costs 25 bucks.

I was initially interested in the Pincnel Anti-Theft Backpack because of its super-cute yet functional design that seemed large enough to use as a personal item bag on flights. It only further intrigued me once I discovered that it's built to withstand any potential thefts, too. And the fact that it's under $30? Cut to me immediately adding it to my shopping cart and bringing it along on every single vacation since.

Design and specs

The Pincnel Anti-Theft Backpack has a small but mighty design that's packed with impressive features. My favorite is the zipper closures, which are designed to lay flat against your back instead of outside the bag, ensuring no one can easily unzip it and make off with your precious items. I really appreciate that the zippers aren't even visible once the bag is on your back. The zipper pulls are crafted from durable metal.

The backpack is crafted in soft, shiny, water-resistant nylon. I've tested it in spring and summer rainstorms, and it adequately protected my items and remained looking brand new. The two shoulder straps — a combination of webbed nylon and luxe faux leather — are fully adjustable and work well for my shorter five-foot frame. The backpack gets a fashionable look, too, thanks to a faux leather strip running down the center front.

Even though the backpack looks small, it's surprisingly mighty when it comes to holding travel essentials. The back compartment unzips to reveal a large pocket and two additional patch pockets. I like to use the patch pockets for items like my phone, lip balm, headphones, card case, and keys. In the larger pocket, I store a sweatshirt, phone charger, my iPad, cables, sunglasses case, and a pouch with beauty products. I've even fit an extra pair of shoes in it for a long day at Disneyland.

I also love that the exterior includes four additional pockets. Each side has one pouch pocket and one zippered welt pocket, which are large enough to hold a water bottle, phone, sunscreen, wallet, mints, and earbuds.

What it's like to use

I bought this backpack two years ago, and it's come with me on so many adventures since. I've flown with it to visit family in Boston, used it for a day trip to Catalina Island, and carried it around Disneyland. In every instance, I've found it to be durable, comfortable, and most of all, functional. Not to mention it's designed so well that it still looks brand new.

I especially love the zippers, because they give me such peace of mind while I'm walking around a crowded theme park or through a busy airport. I don't worry about whether someone can make off with my phone or travel documents, since it's impossible to get to the zippers underneath the bag.

It really is a workhorse of a backpack, with much more space than you would expect by looking at it. For example, my trip to Catalina was on a day with a 40-degree difference between the high and the low temperature, so I needed to carry a sweater — and it fit in the backpack perfectly without feeling heavy or crowding out other items.

I also appreciate the multiple pockets and pouches on the Pincnel backpack's exterior, so I can easily reach a water bottle even if the bag is sitting underneath my plane seat. Two of the pockets zip close, which offers more protection, too.

What makes it stand out?

More than anything, the main zippered pouch gives this backpack an A-plus in my mind. I've never used another backpack with zippers underneath the bag, and it completely changed the game for me on how I want to travel.

I also love how durable the fabric is, especially through wind and rain. I can't believe I've owned it for so long and it looks like I just bought it yesterday. I own it in black, but I love that it comes in 13 additional colors, like burgundy, charcoal gray, and dark brown.

Cons to consider

As much as I love this backpack, I have to admit there are a couple of features I'd like to change. Unfortunately, the main compartment isn't quite large enough for my 14-inch laptop, so if I need to bring that with me on a trip, this isn't the most ideal choice.

The backpack also has an extra strap and comes with a furry keyring. While those style details may appeal to some, I personally don't see the point. I removed the keyring because it looked too childish for my taste. I also usually leave the additional strap behind, since it's too short to use as a crossbody bag and is really too short for a shoulder bag, too.

What are your alternatives?

While I typically carry the Pincnel backpack with me on shorter trips or amusement park days, there are a few others I like and am interested in using, too. I appreciate the slim yet functional design of the Caraa Stratus Medium Backpack, which can even fit a pair of sneakers. The North Face Jester Backpack is an ideal choice for more rugged adventures. And on trips when I need to carry my laptop, I reach for my buttery black leather Hammitt Olivier Zip Tote, which is designed in a slouchy silhouette with gunmetal stud details and a top zipper closure.

For more options, check out our guides to the best weekenders, best backpacks, and best carry-on bags.

The bottom line

If you're shopping for a versatile, stylish, and secure backpack, you really can't go wrong with the Pincnel Anti-Theft Backpack. It's available in 14 gorgeous colors, has multiple pockets and compartments, and is lightweight and comfortable to carry around for hours on end. It also comes in a slightly larger size. I take mine with me on almost every vacation — truth be told, now I want to travel again just so I can carry this backpack with me.