Can This Stylish Anti-Theft Tote Outsmart Pickpockets? I Tried It to Find Out

I’ve been lucky, so far, to have traveled widely and frequently without ever being robbed—something all the more fortunate given how often I travel solo. It’s not something I’ve thought too deeply about, but then a colleague told me a story that jolted me into paying attention. She had just landed in Paris after a grueling long haul from Australia and, within minutes of leaving the airport, was stepping onto the train when a group of men surrounded her, boxing her in so tightly she couldn’t move. Before she could realize what was happening, her wallet was gone. And by the time she reached her hotel, $2,000 had been spent on her credit card. Most unsettlingly, it was almost impossible to prevent in the moment. What would I do in that situation, traveling alone? I’d be in real trouble.Fortunately, there are travel bags designed to help prevent this sort of thing—but many feel more functional than fashionable. Rachel Bloom is one of the few brands striking a convincing balance, offering chic leather handbags you can carry from the airport to dinner, all while concealing a number of clever security features. I put the brand's Smart Anti-Theft tote to the test on a couple of weekend trips to Paris and Milan over the past few months. Here’s how it fared.Rachel BloomThe Smart Anti-Theft totePros: More stylish than most anti-theft bags; available in multiple styles and two colorways; easy-to-use app; thoughtful, genuinely useful features Cons: Expensive; Bluetooth can disconnect quickly; needs regular charging for some features; not large enough to use as a gym bag; no luggage sleeveAestheticsAt first glance, this is a clean, fairly structured everyday tote in a classic black or tan colorway. It’s made from real leather that feels soft and supple (and smells as good as you’d hope). It’s roomy enough for daily essentials, with a main compartment, two card slots, a generous section for bulkier items like a sunglasses case, plus smaller pockets for your phone and bits and bobs. The Smart tote comfortably holds everything you’d need for a day out or a flight—though it’s worth noting there’s no dedicated laptop sleeve. The straps are wide enough to feel genuinely supportive, sitting just as comfortably on my shoulder at the end of a long day of walking as they did at the beginning.The fingerprint sensor works within seconds Safety featuresThe standout detail is the fingerprint locking system, which ensures the bag only opens when you want it to. A built-in sensor on the side unlocks it instantly with a light—no keys or codes needed. It’s easy to set up in the Rachel Bloom app and works well—just as quickly as your phone’s fingerprint sensor does. It’s easily the bag’s most compelling feature: When locked, it becomes completely impossible for pickpockets to dip into it, no matter how dexterous or well-organized they are. You can add up to 25 fingerprints to each bag, so the whole family (and some of your friends) can share.While researching this piece, I also sadly learned of “slash-and-run” theft—where a thief cuts into the bottom of a bag so valuables fall out, or slice through the straps so the whole thing can be snatched in seconds. I was blissfully unaware of this before, but I can now see the validity of the bag’s next important feature: a cut-resistant inner layer. This is hidden beneath the leather, adding extra protection without any visible bulk.For an additional $75, you can opt for GPS tracking, allowing you to locate your bag in real time via the app. It’s a reassuring extra, particularly for frequent travelers. However, if the price feels steep, a separate luggage tracker tucked inside does the same job nicely. There’s also an RFID-blocking card included, designed to protect against electronic pickpocketing by preventing unauthorized scans of your bank cards and passport data.The tan color is classic, although the bag sadly lacks a luggage sleeve Charley WardCommerce writer Charley Ward wearing the tote in Paris, France Charley WardThe appThe app is easy to use and adds a few extra functionality points. One of my favorite features is less about theft and more about everyday forgetfulness: an alarm that shows your bag’s last known location—ideal if, like me, you’re prone to leaving things behind or forgetting where you’ve left them. It’s pretty loud, so you’ll be able to hear it across the room. This therefore means that you’ll know that if you can’t hear it, you’ve left it elsewhere.You can also unlock the bag remotely and, if you’ve opted for GPS, it’s through the app that you’ll be able to track it directly. All the features on the app work seamlessly with no learning curve required.The verdictThis is a smart, well-designed tote that conceals some seriously useful tech. It’s at the pricier end of the spectrum, but for the added peace of mind—especially when traveling solo or in unfamiliar cities—it feels like a worthwhile investment. You’re also not sacrificing style for security, which makes it a win-win. For solo travelers especially, this feels like an important upgrade to your luggage lineup. Wherever I’m headed next, this will be coming with me.More anti-theft bagsRachel BloomThe Smart Anti-Theft backpackRachel BloomThe Smart Anti-Theft mini backpackRachel BloomThe Smart Anti-Theft crossbody bagRachel BloomThe Smart Anti-Theft belt bagA version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.