PacSafe Metrosafe LS250 Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag with RFID Blocking Neck Pouch

I spent far too much time shopping for some kind of 'day pack' option for a recent trip because I suffer a lot from 'buyer's remorse' with so-so purchases. I wanted something that was NOT a backpack with two shoulder straps as I've never worn a backpack in this way (makes me look stupid, IMO). And, I like the 'messenger' bag approach of slinging it over my head cross-body on one shoulder. I am a bigger guy--big men's 3XL size, so I wanted something that could fit a water repellent wind breaker in my size and still have room for things like a sunglasses and eye glasses case, sunscreen, wallet, keys, cables and a battery. Ideally also room for a water bottle and a compact umbrella. I mention the windbreaker because I went to Toronto in early spring and there were going to be many days when it was cool or rainy enough for some parts of the day--but as I easily get hot at that time of year wearing such a garment, wanted to NOT wear it when I didn't need it. Well, this bag had room for all of that. It was a little snug with my larger sized jacket (two 'normal' sized human beings could fit both their windbreakers in it, likely) in the main pocket to include much else (could fit a bigger sunglasses case and some smaller items, however, when folder the jacket tightly). I really liked that the exterior side pockets are collapsible back to being flush with the bag but using the snaps to fold the flap/pocket closed so it didn't look bulky. These side pockets fit both the typical 12oz plastic water bottles and the small collapsible umbrellas. So, on some days I had a water bottle on one side and the umbrella on the other, or a water bottle on each side, and even once--our rainy day--an umbrella on each side. But I think what really needs discussing is the quality of the product. The material, zippers, security features, overall construction, handle at top, etc, etc. It does feel quite 'spendy' given how many bags are out there for much cheaper, but I think if you want something that is very well made, well thought out, and has some interesting security features, it is in fact, worth the price. Some reviews I've seen describe the security zippers or latches being difficult to use or taking more time to manipulate, but you do not have to use them that way, and that's also kind of the point. There are videos that explain how to use them quite easily with even a few minutes experience, and the materials they send with the bag also explain it if you just take a few minutes to read them. I wish the pad on the strap would get a little more attention. Maybe a bit wider pad, and/or have a way to keep it from sliding on the strap--this was manageable, but would be a nice improvement. That said the length was fine for me (6'3") and it is adjustable. Overall, and given all the bags I've had over the years that were single strap, this is the best designed one that I've had. I should also mention because I see this come up--yes, I am able to fit my MacBook Pro 14" from 2021 in this bag, so I can use it as a laptop bag locally. Highly recommend this bag.

Perfect bag. Not so big and not so small.

This bag is perfect for short trips or for carrying around where you might worry about pickpockets and/or slash-and-run thefts. I was able to squeeze a 12.5" Surface Book and a Fire HD 8 tablet into this for air travel as a personal item, then in Europe use this as a daypack with identification and basic credit cards, etc in the back pocket and camera, extra batteries, phone chargers, accessories, packable rainjacket, and items purchased while out shopping or souvenirs, etc. The zipper on that pocket can be clipped into the clip for the shoulder strap which has a locking mechanism. It is designed so that it doesn't need to be secured since it is the side closest to your body, but I felt more secure with that clipped in. The only thing that is not secure is, of course, the water bottles you put in the side pockets. When we were going to attractions that may frown upon that, we were able to bury the bottles inside the main pocket.While we doubted the utility of purchasing something that would essentially really only be worthwhile for travel, we ended up realizing its full potential and it was well worth it. My wife also had a Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Tour Bag Medium, Black, One Size that was smaller but managed to be utilized in lieu of her purse. I preferred this bag and she preferred that one. Matter of choice and what you are trying to fit inside as this is slimmer but taller and my Surface Book would not fit in the Travelon bag (though to be fair both companies make a variety of styles and sizes). It is worth noting that with the Surface Book and tablet, it was at its limit and not a whole lot more could fit in the main pocket--which was fine for my purposes. When using it as a daypack, I didn't need the Surface Book and could fit a lot more. The wide area of the Surface Book makes the bag stretch, not uncomfortably, but just enough to not squeeze much else in there.I was hesitant with the Travelon as a few reviewers had noted the straps seem to come undone as threads tear over time. No issues on either bag so far but they are relatively new and only survived a short 14 day trip to Europe. I will update if anything changes over time.