Rachel Bloom Anti-Theft Bags for Family Travel – I Tried Them To See If They’re Worth it

I’ve traveled to over 65 countries, and although I’ve been lucky enough to avoid getting pickpocketed in most of them, I had one very sad experience getting pickpocketed in Berlin in a crowd. I was blown away by how quickly it happened, and it made me realize that in crowded markets, on public transportation, or anytime I’m juggling luggage, a passport, and a small child who has suddenly decided he needs to be carried, it can happen all too easily.

I’ve always liked the idea of anti-theft bags, but the problem is that a lot of them look like anti-theft bags. They’re practical, sure, but not necessarily something I’d want to carry to dinner or around a beautiful hotel.

That’s what interested me about Rachel Bloom. The brand makes leather purses and backpacks with built-in fingerprint locks, GPS tracking, and slash-resistant materials. They look more like designer bags than the typical travel security accessories.

But do they work as advertised? I’ve had one for several months now, and here are my honest thoughts:

TL;DR: YES they work and I will always use them in Europe where pickpockets are rampant. Get one here and use code PA15 for a discount!

*Some links in this post are affiliate links that support us at no extra cost to you when you purchase through them. This post is brought to you in collaboration with Rachel Bloom. We only recommend products we love and use ourselves. 

What Makes Rachel Bloom Bags Different?

Most anti-theft bags I’ve come across rely on things like hidden zippers, locking clips, or straps that are harder to cut. Rachel Bloom takes things a step further.

The bags have a fingerprint-operated locking mechanism, so someone can’t simply unzip your purse while you’re distracted. They also connect to an app that lets you track your bag and receive alerts if it moves too far away.

These are my fave features:

• Fingerprint lock: The zipper locks into place and can be released using your registered fingerprint.
• GPS tracking: You can check the bag’s location through the Rachel Bloom app.
• Distance alerts: Your phone can notify you when the bag moves beyond a set proximity.
• Slash-resistant construction: The bags have a cut-resistant layer designed to make slash-and-grab theft more difficult.
• Leather exterior: Rather than the usual nylon travel bag, these are made with full-grain pebbled leather.
• Alarm capability: Sound an alarm from your app if theft does occur

The fingerprint lock is particularly interesting because pickpocketing is usually about opportunity. Someone sees an accessible zipper, you’re distracted for a moment, and suddenly your wallet is gone. Theives want a quick getaway, and if they can’t open the bag, there’s no point!

If someone did take the entire bag, the alarm and GPS come into play. They’re more likely to ditch a bag they can’t open, and an alarming bag makes that even more likely.

Rachel Bloom Smart Crossbody Purse Review

The Smart Crossbody is the smaller of the two bags, and probably the one that makes the most sense for sightseeing.

When I’m exploring a city, I generally don’t want to carry much more than my phone, wallet, passport, and a few other essentials. Especially now that I’m traveling with a child, having my hands free is nonnegotiable.

The purse has a structured leather design that looks more like an everyday handbag than a travel security bag. That’s a big part of the appeal for me. I don’t necessarily want to bring one bag for sightseeing and another for going out to dinner.

The fingerprint lock

But does it work?

You can load multiple fingerprints onto the same bag if you’re sharing with your family, or want to be able to use both a thumb and an index finger.

The app scans your thumbprint several times (I recommend rotating your finger as you go so it gets all the angles), kind of like smart phones use to do.

It might take more than once to open the bag from time to time, but I usually can get into my bag without issue.

Rachel Bloom Smart Backpack Review

The backpack is the one I’d look at for flights, longer sightseeing days, and trips where I need my laptop along with my everyday essentials. It’s also a much nicer-looking alternative to a traditional travel backpack.

I’ve spent a lot of time working from airports, hotels, and just about anywhere else with Wi-Fi over the years. Having a backpack that can carry my electronics without looking like that’s what it’s doing is appealing.

The full-size Smart Backpack has an 18-liter capacity and accommodates a laptop up to 15 inches. That’s enough room for considerably more than the crossbody, and makes for a great airline personal item.

Rachel Bloom Purse vs. Backpack: Which Would I Choose?

The crossbody makes more sense for sightseeing. It’s smaller, easier to keep close, and suitable for the things I really don’t want to lose, like my phone, wallet, and passport.

The backpack makes more sense for flights and work travel. It has room for a laptop and more of the things I need during a travel day, while offering better security than a conventional backpack.

Honestly, I will take both next time I head to Europe!

Are Rachel Bloom Anti-Theft Bags Worth the Money?

The Rachel Bloom Smart Crossbody starts at $295, while the full-size Smart Backpack starts at $395, but you can get them on discount here using code PA15.

That’s a significant investment, particularly when plenty of conventional anti-theft bags cost much less.

But I think the main selling point is that you aren’t choosing between an attractive leather bag and a bag designed for travel security. Rachel Bloom combines both.

I’d be most inclined to recommend these to someone who regularly travels internationally, spends time in crowded cities, and wants a bag that also looks appropriate at nice restaurants and hotels.

If you mostly need something for occasional trips, a regular crossbody with secure zippers might be all you need.

My verdict: I like the concept of a more stylish anti-theft travel bag, and Rachel Bloom has combined some genuinely useful security features with designs that don’t scream tourist. When I travel in Europe, I’m definitely taking mine, since my prior theft cost me a lot more than the bag investment!