Pacsafe Instasafe Z500 Anti-Theft Daypack, Charcoal

In case you're not familiar with Pacsafe, they state that "the heart of every Pacsafe® product is one clear purpose - to keep travellers one step ahead of the game by keeping their gear secure from opportunistic thieves." Pacsafe's Intasafe Z500 is, I believe, one of their more recent models (as of September 2014), and it incorporates perhaps more of Pacsafe's anti-theft features than any other single bag that I can recall from them. Of course, there's the eXomesh Slashguard (metal mesh in the fabric to keep your stuff in the bag if it's slashed); Carrysafe Slashguard Straps (straps with two internal runs of cut-resistant stainless steel wire); Interlocking Zip Pullers (magnetic zipper pulls that interlock to help confound pickpockets); Slashguard Anchor Strap (hides away when not in use, and allows you to secure the bag to a fixture, and is also lined with two runs of stainless steel wire); Roobar Anti-Theft Anchor Lock (provides an anchor point for locks and to secure the main zippers); Smart Zipper Security (where the zipper pull goes under and through a Hypalon tab to deter pickpockets); and an RFIDsafe RFID-blocking pocket. The layout of the bag is very nice, though I do wish it was a bit larger. It'll hold my MacBook Air 13, iPad Air, and iPhone in dedicated compartments. There are plenty of organizational pockets and zippered compartments. When you have it fully loaded, the main compartment can get a little tight. I think for most people, it'll be perfectly fine, but I tend to carry more than the average person. Still, despite the fact that I wish it was roomier (and that I'd buy a larger version of this pack in a heartbeat), I still use the Intasafe Z500 even when I'm not traveling abroad. It's an excellent everyday backpack. The fabric feels tough, and is designed to take on the patina of an older-looking canvas over time--it's a great-looking canvas fabric (it's poly canvas, but looks like cotton). Things I wish for, in addition to more room inside? I wish it had a sternum strap--I think any travel backpack larger than tiny should definitely have a sternum strap. I'd like a D-ring on each backpack strap, just to clip things to, like keys. I wish the RFID-blocking pocket was larger--actually, I wish they'd simply made that whole divider section RFID-blocking. Though the construction quality looks and feels excellent, the first one I received had a backpack strap (one of the two) that seemed to be sewed improperly, which prevented that strap from sliding to re-size properly. The straps on the replacement work great. I want to also mention that the replacement would suggest to me that the first one was NOT brand new. The first one did not have the manual or little information cards that the second one came with. The second one also had the plastic tie loops holding the literature, where the first had no plastic tie at all. The first one also did not look as clean as the second one. No matter, though, as it was only a minor inconvenience, and I'm happy now.

It's a pretty nice back pack with great build quality and the shoulder straps are among the most comfortable ones I've ever used. Putting things inside the backpack is a little awkward because you tend to constantly hit the electronic organizer. So what you have to do is actually turn the front part of the bag inside out to not hit that little section, plus the zipper is really rough and scratches you up when you reach inside unless you turn it inside out like I previously noted. And one last thing is the magnets on their zipper seem to have lost some of their magnetic pull within the first two weeks of me having the bag but they still attach just fine. Other than that it's a great backpack, I personally feel I should have waited for the second generation if I was going to pay the price tag for a premium back pack so I know I wouldn't have any issues. (I've attached photos where i turn the bag inside out so you cans see what I'm referring to)

I bought this backpack because of the security features mentioned. Namely the Roobar and zipper protection. The good: As a backpack, it is decent. It has two outside accessible compartments, and the inside compartment is well organized, with space for a laptop charger, iPod (which I use as a backup for two factor authentication if my phone is dead), phone, and other stuff. It is well made, and I would guess somewhat weather resistant. Edited on 1 June 2016 -- been using the backpack for a few weeks now on a day to day basis. Even though I really wish the Roobar were made out of metal so it could withstand a twist or snap action, the added strap for securing it down, and the fact that it fits what I need to go from home to office has won out. Giving it five stars, even at its price tag. The bad: For a 15" MBP with a case on it (nothing too thick, just a basic snap-on plastic case), it almost won't fit. Hopefully it will loosen up over time. For other stuff like the charger, iPod, phone, paper, and so on, those go in without issue. The ugly: Maybe it was an oversight on my part, but there are two things I dislike about the Roobar (which the zipper locks to). The first is that it is made out of plastic. It appears that it will resist a quick tug, but a deliberate twist likely will crack it open. I really wish the Roobar were made out of aluminum, just so that a would-be thief would have to actually use some force or pull out a hand tool. I am not expecting this backpack to be the ultimate in physical security, but with the price premium the security features give, it would be nice to have something that would at least force a would-be thief to have to use some type of tool to "liberate" it. The second issue is that the Roobar only allows for a tiny lock. It would be nice if it would allow for a common locker padlock to fit, but the opening is about 3mm in diameter, which means only a luggage lock or something small will fit. This appears to be mitigated by the fact that the two zippers have an opening good enough for a standard padlock, but makes the Roobar pretty much pointless to have. The third is that the front zipper only has some basic tug protection. It would be nice if it came with a D-ring near the top, so that zipper could be padlocked shut. If this were a backpack for $50, or even $100, I'd give this five stars. For twice that price, with the security features being disappointing, I'm knocking off a star. It would be nice to have it sturdy enough so I could use a steel cable, lock it to a part of my car while I am gone. I'm not looking for Fort Knox, but just something to deter a smash-and-grab. At the minimum, the Roobar needs to at least be made out of metal, and should accept a locker lock.

I was trying to decide between this one and the Z400 messenger bag model. Went with this one because I walk a lot and messenger bags hurt me too much in the long-run. I will share things I love and then the things I didn't like or would love some improvement in. Take in mind that I come from a bigger backpack so this one is being a challenge to get used to but I still prefer this one over any other. Also, I bought this without looking at any review video, apparently no one has done one. I will be recording one for future buyers. The bag is awesome, it is lightweight, awesome quality and "looks" relatively small to what it can really hold in it. The locks work like a charm, as well as the locking cable. Waist belt hides nicely (the locking cable too). Inside it has many pockets and much space for anything you may need be it for day-to-day use or weekend travel. The zippers are strong, well built and they move quite easily. Side pockets are great, they are tight but not too tight that it is easy to put a water bottle in them...and then to take them out you need to use a bit of strength (something I love because I don't want anyone to take it out without me noticing). My 13.3" HP Spectre x360 fits nicely, tablet too, RFID pocket is roomy, as well as all the other zippered pockets inside. Waist belt is not as comfortable as others backpack because it is kind of thin. Shoulder straps are comfy but I wish they had much more bigger pads. Locking cable is quite smaller than I expected but I should've seen pictures better. Backpack get quite tight inside and requires someone with good skills are packing and organizing. I am very bad at it so it is not a problem with the bag but with myself. My BIGGEST complain is: ONE FREAKIN PEN HOLDER. I come from bags with 3-4 or more pen holders...but one? Come on! It's killing me! Overall, if you walk and travel a lot and need a secure backpack that is roomy and comfortable, this is your bag. If you don't care about security and need something extremely comfortable, look elsewhere. I love the backpack and will hopefully last years to come. Any question, ask me below and I will try my best to answer!

As a small tech bag, its okay. However, the bag itself it way too small. I couldn't fit my lenovo 15" at all. It was sticking outside of the bag. Next, The zipper lock is plastic, making it easy for someone to beak it. If this was made bigger and the lock was metal, then I'd gladly recommend this bag, but Its just too small to be piratical

This backpack is good but I returned it because the new Instasafe 20L backpack is better.

It came with one of the straps stuck and unable to adjust. I wasn't also impressed by the overall quality. I returned it for a refund.

This bag is incredible and worth the price point. The moment you take it out of the bag you can not only see the quality in it's look and construction, but you can physically feel it in the weight and structure of the material. The bag is very functional -- the pockets on the side expand enough to hold a half liter water bottle, the inside is well organized to hold a laptop (mine is a HP 15.5 inch, took a little jimmying the first time, but goes in pretty easily now), a tablet, cellphone, and other misc item. While traveling, I used it as one of my two carry-ons, it held: My laptop, tablet, cellphone, a pair of 3-inch-high wedge shoes, a light athletic jacket, a camera, my passport, credit cards, money, a paperback novel, a small brush, and a umbrella in the side pocket. Once I reached my destination, I used it as a daypack while traveling around Germany and Romania. The locking mechanism was easy to use and safe; it gave me a worry-free day while traveling around the streets of Munich during xmas-market season (very crowded, shoulder-to-shoulder). I also received A TON of compliments on the bag for it's sleek look --so many people in Germany asked me where I got the bag! When Europeans are complementing your style, you know you've done it right! The bag is so sleek, well designed, and stylish compared to the average day pack! And when not traveling, I just use it as my laptop / work bag. Thank you Pacsafe for an amazing, high quality product and thank you Amazon for speedy delivery and excellent customer service!

I already own other Pacsafe products, so I was already aware of their features. This product is a perfect replacement from my previous laptop bag, which had developed a tear. The internal padding appears sufficient and the computer does not appear to move when in the bag. The internal organisation is pretty good, with large pockets. I wish there were more computer-oriented pockets (like one of a mouse), but I can live with it as I have a Grid-It that would fit nicely. The exterior finish is nice and fairly discreet, and I guess will acquire a nice patina with age. The strap adjustment is a bit tricky, possibly because of the stiffness of the steel wires, but manageable. Well adjusted, it carries very well. Note that this is part of the "safe" line from Pacsafe, so there are steel wires pretty much everywhere. It looks like I may not have to carry my Travelsafe on business trips anymore... If the longevity of this bag matches the other Pacsafe products I have, I will be very happy.

This is a wonderful small rucksack — the best I ever owned: A carefully thought-out design, very robust materials — with a deliberate “not-rich” appearance (in order to not attract thieves!) — fits the human back well (and is adjustable) — though probably more suitable for work purposes (as an alternative to the traditional briefcase) than for hiking out in the wild. (For example, it contains two separate pockets for an iPad AND a laptop PC, respectively). Do also check out the manufacturers website for additional information. Kind regards, Nikolaj Lunöe, Kopenhagen, Dänemark. [email protected].

Seul petit bémol : il rend la vie d'éventuels pickpockets très compliquée et c'est aussi vrai pour son propriétaire (mais il faut savoir ce que l'on veut).

My new daily bag. Lots of room, security locks are solid, and I actually get a lot of compliments on it for its looks. I wish the outer pocket had a horizontal zipper instead of vertical; makes it awkward to access without putting it down first and it's very easy to forget to close that pocket so it's very easy to lose your stuff if you're not careful. I also wish the steel mesh system went through the entire bag and not just from the top seam down. As it's designed it would be very easy to slice through the top and help yourself to whatever's inside. Seems like a design oversight. But really the anti-theft features on ANY bag are mostly for peace-of-mind anyway. Otherwise highly recommend.

My husband claimed he didn't need a new backpack for his European work travel. I got this anyway. And it was perfect. A good size. Lots of pockets for travel organization. And secure.