The best anti theft backpacks for travel used to force a choice between real security and a bag you actually want to carry. Our team compared eight security-focused packs across crowded metro rides, airport terminals, and long coffee shop work sessions to find options that deliver both. The right pick depends on where you are headed and how much gear you haul.
Yes, anti-theft backpacks really work when they pair the right hardware with smart habits. The bags in this guide use lockable zippers, slash-resistant fabric, cut-proof straps, and RFID-blocking pockets to defeat the two theft methods travelers actually encounter: the quiet unzip in a crowd and the grab-and-run strap cut.
Pickpocketing remains the top travel crime in tourist-heavy cities, and thieves target distracted visitors in packed train stations and famous squares. During our testing, the gap between a standard daypack and a security backpack came down to seconds. A blade gives up on steel mesh, and a locked zipper turns a quick grab into a failed one.
We compared eight packs from five brands: Pacsafe, Travelon, Baggallini, BANGE, and MATEIN. Every rating and review count below comes from verified buyer data, and every observation comes from real handling rather than spec sheets. Forum regulars on r/onebag and r/travel consistently name the same brands, which matches what we found.
This guide breaks down each bag’s security system, comfort, capacity, and honest drawbacks. The buying guide at the end explains which anti-theft features actually matter and which ones are just marketing.
Who benefits most? Travelers headed to Europe’s pickpocket capitals, digital nomads working from cafes, solo travelers who want peace of mind, and daily commuters carrying laptops through transit hubs.
Top 3 Picks for Best Anti Theft Backpacks October
If you want the short version before the deep dive, here are our three favorites. The Pacsafe Citysafe CX took our Editor’s Choice spot because it packs a complete security system into a comfortable 17-liter daypack that fits a 16-inch laptop. The Travelon Heritage earns Best Value with genuine canvas construction and proven anti-theft hardware at a mid-range price. The MATEIN Business Travel Backpack is our Budget Pick, delivering a hidden back pocket, lifetime guarantee, and 113,000-plus reviews at a price that leaves room in your travel fund.
Pacsafe Citysafe CX 17L
- Interlocking lockable zippers
- Steel mesh slashproof panels
- RFID blocking pockets
- Lockable to fixtures
Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage
- Lockable front zippers
- RFID blocking organizer
- Slash-resistant straps
- 15.6 inch laptop sleeve
MATEIN Business Travel Backpack
- Hidden back pocket
- Lockable metal zippers
- USB charging port
- Lifetime guarantee
Best Anti Theft Backpacks for Travel in 2026
Here is the full lineup side by side. Every bag in the table gets a complete review below, including the security details that matter most when you are moving through unfamiliar cities.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pacsafe Citysafe CX 17L |
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 Pacsafe Metrosafe X 20L |
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 Pacsafe EXP45 Carry-On Pack |
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| Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage |
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 Travelon Classic Convertible Sling |
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 Baggallini Securtex Windsor |
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 BANGE Anti Theft TSA Lock Backpack |
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| MATEIN Business Travel Backpack |
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1. Pacsafe Citysafe CX 17L – Best Overall Anti Theft Backpack
PacSafe Women’s Citysafe CX 17L Anti Theft Backpack-Fits 16 inch Laptop, Black, One Size
17L capacity
Fits 16 inch laptop
1.55 lbs
9 pockets
Water resistant
5-year warranty
Pros
- Interlocking zippers defeat pickpockets
- Steel mesh panels stop slash attacks
- RFID pockets block card skimming
- Locks to tables and fixtures
- 4 card slots cut wallet clutter
Cons
- Straps can be tricky to adjust quickly
- Back panel runs warm in summer
I carried the Citysafe CX through two packed European cities, and it handled everything a nervous first-time traveler worries about. On a rush-hour metro ride I wore it in front, and the interlocked zipper pulls gave a would-be pickpocket nothing to work with. The zippers take about ten seconds to open once you learn the motion, and that friction is exactly what keeps hands out.
The 17-liter capacity hits a sweet spot for daily carry. It swallowed a 16-inch MacBook Pro, a light jacket, a water bottle in the expandable side pocket, and a guidebook without bulging. Nine pockets and eight compartments sound like overkill until you stop digging for your passport at airport security.
Security runs on Pacsafe’s proven formula. Lightweight steel mesh inside the fabric turns a razor blade attack into a wasted effort, the main compartment locks to chairs and fixtures with a built-in cable, and two RFID pockets shield credit cards from wireless skimming. The five-year warranty tells you they stand behind the hardware.
The downsides are small but real. The shoulder straps use a buckle system that feels stubborn during quick adjustments, and the back panel could breathe better on humid days. Neither issue outweighed the confidence the bag provided in crowded areas.
Who should buy the Pacsafe Citysafe CX
This is the bag for travelers who want a complete security system without the tactical look. It suits city breaks, transit commutes, and anyone who sets their bag down at cafes, since the lock-to-fixture feature shines on restaurant patios and at airport gates.
It also works well for professionals carrying laptops daily. The padded sleeve and organized card slots replace a wallet and briefcase in one slim profile.
Who should skip it
Travelers needing more than a day’s worth of gear will find 17 liters limiting. If you pack clothes, camera gear, and tech, look at the larger EXP45 below.
Anyone wanting one-handed instant access may find the interlocking zippers annoying at first. Only you can decide which side of that tradeoff you land on.
2. Pacsafe Metrosafe X 20L – Best Eco-Friendly Security Backpack
Pacsafe Metrosafe X Anti Theft 20L Backpack-with Padded 16″ Laptop Sleeve, Slate, 20 Liter
20L capacity
Fits 16 inch laptop
1.87 lbs
Recycled polyester
Hidden back pocket
5-year warranty
Pros
- Recycled polyester build
- Lockable main compartment
- Separate tablet sleeve
- Hidden pocket against your back
- Key clip saves morning searches
Cons
- 20L fills fast on longer days
- Only two main compartments
The Metrosafe X feels like the Citysafe’s slightly larger, more environmentally conscious sibling. The entire shell uses recycled polyester, and Pacsafe managed that without giving up the steel mesh and interlocking zippers that make their bags worth buying. I used it as a daily driver for cafe work sessions, and it handles the laptop-plus-lunch load with room to spare.
The layout is straightforward. One lockable main compartment with a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, an 11-inch tablet sleeve for a second screen, and a hidden pocket that sits against your back where no one can reach it. That rear pocket became my default spot for cash and backup cards.
What separates the Metrosafe from the budget options in this guide is attention to detail. The lockable main compartment uses the same interlocking zipper design as the Citysafe, and the steel mesh panels run through the high-risk areas. Smaller touches, like the key clip and a dedicated umbrella sleeve, show someone thought about rainy commutes.
The honest criticism is capacity. Twenty liters is fine for a workday or a city stroll, but it strains when you add a layer of clothes for changing weather. The two-compartment design also means fewer organizational dividers than the Citysafe offers.
Who should buy the Pacsafe Metrosafe X
Eco-conscious travelers get a security backpack that matches their values without compromise on protection. Digital nomads will appreciate the laptop-plus-tablet dual sleeve setup for remote work days.
It is also a strong choice if you found the Citysafe slightly small. The extra three liters and taller profile make a genuine difference for documents and a packable jacket.
Who should skip it
If you want maximum organization with dozens of pockets, this layout will feel sparse. The BANGE below does the many-compartment approach better.
Travelers focused on low weight should note the Metrosafe runs about a third of a pound heavier than the Citysafe despite similar dimensions.
3. Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack – Best for One-Bag Travel
Pacsafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Pack, Black
45L capacity
Fits 16 inch laptop
3.97 lbs
Puncture resistant zippers
Convertible carry
5-year warranty
Pros
- Carry-on legal at 45 liters
- Puncture resistant zippers
- Steel mesh straps
- Removable anchor strap
- Converts to duffle or suitcase
Cons
- Heavy at nearly 4 pounds empty
- Premium price point
The EXP45 answers a question we get constantly: can one bag handle a full international trip while keeping your gear secure? At 45 liters it fits most airline carry-on requirements, and the security hardware matches what Pacsafe puts in their city bags. I used it as a sole bag for a five-day trip, and it eliminated checked bag fees and carousel waiting.
The security package here is the most complete in this guide. Puncture-resistant interlocking zippers resist pens and blades, the straps hide steel mesh that survives cut attempts, an RFID pocket guards your passport and cards, and a removable anchor strap locks the whole bag to bed frames or luggage racks in hostels and hotel rooms.
What makes the EXP45 special is carry flexibility. It converts from a backpack to a duffle to a suitcase-style carry in under a minute. The padded hip belt transfers weight properly when full, and the height-adjustable sternum strap adapts to different torso lengths.
Two things hold it back from a perfect score. It weighs almost four pounds empty, so every ounce of packing counts on weight-restricted airlines. And it is the most expensive bag in this lineup, though the five-year warranty and build quality justify the cost for frequent travelers.
Who should buy the Pacsafe EXP45
One-bag travelers and minimalists who want to skip checked luggage entirely. The 45-liter capacity swallows a week of clothes plus tech, and the anchor strap brings security to places backpacks usually cannot go.
Adventure travelers moving between trains, buses, and hostels benefit most. The conversion options and serious padding handle rough treatment better than any other bag we tested.
Who should skip it
Day-trippers and city walkers who do not need overnight capacity should save money and weight with a smaller option. This is a lot of bag for a walking tour.
Budget-conscious buyers can find adequate security in bags that cost far less. The EXP45 rewards frequent use, so skip it if you travel once or twice a year.
4. Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack – Best Value Security Backpack
Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack
22L capacity
Fits 15.6 inch laptop
2.9 lbs
Cotton canvas
RFID organizer
Machine washable
Pros
- Lockable front pockets
- RFID blocking organizer
- Straps secured against back panel
- Genuine canvas construction
- Key clip tethers keys
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Heavier than nylon rivals
- Locking hoop placement is awkward
The Heritage is the bag for people who want anti-theft features without the techy look of a security backpack. The cotton canvas and suede build reads like a classic bookbag, but underneath it runs Travelon’s full anti-theft system. I brought it to a weekend market and appreciated how ordinary it looked while still resisting tampering.
Travelon’s approach to strap security is smart. The padded straps attach at the back panel rather than the sides, so a knife slash cannot drop the bag off your shoulder. Combined with slash-resistant body panels and lockable front pockets, it covers the theft vectors that matter.
The 22-liter main compartment handles a 15.6-inch laptop in a padded sleeve, and the zippered organizer includes an RFID-blocking pocket plus a tethered key clip. The rear luggage trolley strap slides over suitcase handles for airport connections, and a mesh expansion pocket takes a water bottle without eating interior space.
The honest downsides: canvas is not water resistant, so rain demands a cover or quick shelter. At 2.9 pounds it is the heaviest daypack here, and the locking hoop sits near the water bottle pouch where it occasionally snags.
Who should buy the Travelon Heritage
Travelers who want security features hidden inside a bag that looks like everyday fashion. It suits students, museum-goers, and anyone who dislikes the sporty aesthetic of most anti-theft gear.
Owners report years of use thanks to the durable canvas, and it is machine washable, which no other bag in this guide can claim.
Who should skip it
If you travel in rainy climates or during monsoon season, the lack of water resistance is a dealbreaker. Synthetic alternatives handle weather far better.
Ultralight packers will find 2.9 pounds excessive for a daypack. The Travelon Classic Sling below delivers similar protection at less than half the weight.
5. Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Convertible Sling – Best Lightweight Sling
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Convertible Sling Backpack
8L capacity
1.1 lbs
5-point anti-theft
Convertible strap
Fits 11 inch tablet
RFID slots
Pros
- 5-point anti-theft protection
- Converts between sling and backpack
- Dual cut-resistant strap cables
- Featherweight at 1.1 pounds
- RFID slots plus drop pockets
Cons
- 8L capacity limits carry
- Not water resistant
- Conversion instructions are unclear
Sometimes you do not want a backpack at all. The Classic Convertible Sling carries your phone, wallet, passport, and tablet in a compact package that swings to your chest the second you enter a crowd. At 1.1 pounds, it is the lightest security bag we tested by a wide margin.
Travelon builds this with their 5-point anti-theft system: locking zippers, slash-resistant mesh body panels, dual cut-resistant strap cables, RFID-blocking slots, and a lockdown strap that secures the bag to a chair or cart. For a bag this small, the protection level is impressive.
The convertible strap is the signature trick. Wear it as a sling for quick access and front-carry security, then reconfigure it into a backpack when you want your shoulders free. The switch takes a minute once you figure it out, though the bag ships without clear instructions for the conversion.
Eight liters means this is an essentials-only bag. It fits an 11-inch tablet rather than a laptop, and there is no room for a jacket or souvenirs. It is also not water resistant, so plan around the forecast.
Who should buy the Travelon Convertible Sling
City travelers who carry only essentials and value speed of access. It is ideal for markets, festivals, transit days, and evenings out when a full backpack feels wrong.
It also makes an excellent secondary bag. Pair it with the EXP45 for one-bag travel, then use the sling for daily excursions at your destination.
Who should skip it
Anyone carrying a laptop larger than a tablet needs a different bag. The 8-liter limit is firm.
If you want set-and-forget simplicity, the convertible strap adds a step you may never use. A fixed sling or fixed backpack suits some travelers better.
6. Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Windsor Backpack – Best for Work and Travel
Baggallini Securtex Anti-Theft Windsor Backpack for Travel, Work & College, RFID & Locking Zipper, Up to 16″ Laptop
15.8L capacity
Fits 16 inch laptop
1 lb 12 oz
Locking zippers
RFID passport pocket
Water repellent
Pros
- Locking zippers plus RFID passport pocket
- Double cable cut-resistant strap
- Interior slash-resistant panels
- Trolley sleeve slides over luggage
- Water repellent nylon
Cons
- Premium price for the capacity
- Stock availability runs low
The Windsor is the bag we recommend when someone says they want security features in something that looks good at a business meeting. Baggallini’s design language is cleaner than most anti-theft bags, and the Portobello colorway reads professional rather than tourist. My partner used it for a week of mixed work meetings and sightseeing without feeling out of place in either setting.
Despite the refined exterior, the security hardware is genuine. Locking zippers secure the main spaces, a double cable inside the strap resists cutting, slash-resistant panels line the interior, and a dedicated RFID pocket protects your passport from skimming.
Organization is where the Windsor earns its keep for work travel. A padded pocket takes up to a 16-inch laptop, plus a privacy pocket, pen holder, key leash, and even a lipstick loop. Expandable side pockets hold a water bottle, and a luggage handle sleeve makes airport transitions smooth.
At 15.8 liters it is compact, which keeps the profile slim but limits packing room. The price sits at the higher end for this capacity, and stock runs low periodically, a sign of consistent demand.
Who should buy the Baggallini Windsor
Professionals who blend work and travel and want one bag for both. It handles a laptop, documents, and daily essentials while looking appropriate in an office.
Travelers who care about aesthetics will appreciate the thoughtful color options and hardware finishes. This is one of the few anti-theft bags that gets compliments.
Who should skip it
Value-focused buyers can get comparable security features for less. The premium here buys design, not extra protection.
Overpackers will fight the 15.8-liter capacity on longer trips. It is a daily-carry bag, not a weekend bag.
7. BANGE Anti Theft Backpack – Best TSA Lock Backpack
BANGE Anti Theft Backpack With TSA Lock,Waterproof Backpacks With YKK Zipper, High Tech Business Backpack For Men And Women, Laptop Backpack Fits For 17.3 Inch Notebook…
30L capacity
Fits 17.3 inch laptop
2.76 lbs
TSA combination lock
Waterproof YKK zippers
USB3.0 port
Pros
- Built-in TSA combination lock
- Waterproof YKK zippers
- Massive 17.3 inch laptop compartment
- 9 compartments organize everything
- USB3.0 fast charging port
Cons
- Heavy when fully loaded
- TSA lock skips laptop compartment
- Some wasted vertical space
The BANGE takes a different approach to security: instead of hidden mesh and locking zipper pulls, it uses a TSA-approved combination lock on a zinc alloy housing. For business travelers who leave bags in hotel rooms or conference halls, a combination lock often matters more than slash resistance. The lock brought real peace of mind when my bag sat unattended during a work event.
This is also the only bag in the guide rated fully waterproof rather than just water resistant. The Oxford fabric shell and waterproof YKK zippers shrugged off a genuine downpour in testing, keeping a laptop and documents completely dry.
Capacity and organization are the BANGE’s strongest cards. Thirty liters spread across nine compartments and seven pockets, including a front section for shoes, a TSA-locked middle compartment, and a separate padded space that fits a 17.3-inch laptop, the largest in this guide. Owners report the bag looking new after two-plus years of daily use.
The flaws are worth knowing. Fully loaded with a laptop and accessories, it gets heavy fast. The TSA lock secures only the main compartment, not the laptop section, which is an odd gap, and some reviewers note wasted vertical space in the main cavity.
Who should buy the BANGE Anti Theft Backpack
Business travelers carrying large laptops who want lockable storage and weather protection. The USB3.0 charging port also keeps a phone alive during long transit days.
Commuters and students get a durable daily bag where the TSA lock doubles as everyday security in shared spaces.
Who should skip it
Travelers focused on pickpocket defense should lean toward Pacsafe or Travelon. The BANGE does not use interlocking zippers or steel mesh panels.
Ultralight travelers will notice the weight immediately. At 2.76 pounds empty, it is built for capacity, not minimalism.
8. MATEIN Business Travel Laptop Backpack – Best Budget Anti Theft Backpack
MATEIN Business Travel Laptop Backpack for Men, Anti Theft Slim Sturdy Bag
Fits 15.6 inch laptop
1.2 lbs
4 compartments
Hidden back pocket
USB port
Lifetime guarantee
Pros
- Hidden anti-theft pocket against your back
- 4 compartments with about 15 pockets
- USB charging port built in
- Featherlight 1.2 pound build
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Side pockets fit only small bottles
- USB port is USB-A not USB-C
- Fabric can wear after heavy years
With more than 113,000 reviews and a 4.7 rating, the MATEIN is the best-selling bag in this guide by an enormous margin. It earned our Budget Pick badge by delivering honest value: a hidden security pocket, solid metal zippers, and thoughtful organization at a price that undercuts everything else here. Forum threads repeatedly recommend it as the default affordable option.
The anti-theft approach is simpler than the premium bags. A hidden pocket sits against your back where pickpockets cannot reach it, and the main compartments use durable metal zippers you can secure with a small padlock. There is no steel mesh or RFID blocking, so think of it as smart design rather than a full security system.
What impressed us most is the weight-to-capacity ratio. At 1.2 pounds, it carries a 15.6-inch laptop, a change of clothes, and daily essentials without strain. The ventilated back panel and padded straps make long carry days comfortable, and the external USB port with built-in cable keeps devices charged on the move.
The tradeoffs are predictable at this price. Side pockets handle slim bottles only, the USB port is the older USB-A standard, and some long-term owners report fabric wear after years of hard daily use. The lifetime guarantee on defects softens that last point considerably.
Who should buy the MATEIN Travel Backpack
First-time travelers, students, and anyone who wants reliable everyday carry without a big spend. The luggage strap and lightweight build make it an easy carry-on companion.
It is also the bag we recommend for teens or college students heading to crowded campuses where opportunistic theft happens.
Who should skip it
Travelers visiting high-risk pickpocket areas like Barcelona, Rome, or Paris should spend more for steel mesh, locking zippers, and RFID blocking. The MATEIN deters opportunists, not professionals.
If USB-C charging matters to your gear setup, the older port here will need an adapter dongle.
How to Choose the Best Anti Theft Backpack?
Not every bag marketed as anti-theft earns the label. Some no-name listings add a decorative zipper pull and call it security. Here is what actually matters when you are comparing options, based on our testing and the features travelers on Reddit say make a real difference.
Lockable zippers
Lockable zippers are the single most useful anti-theft feature because pickpockets overwhelmingly work by quietly opening bags in crowds. Look for interlocking zipper pulls that secure together, like Pacsafe’s design, or zippers with dedicated lock holes. The slight delay in your own access is the entire point.
Slash-resistant fabric and straps
Steel or Dyneema mesh embedded in the fabric stops the classic bottom-slash in crowded markets. Equally important are cut-resistant straps, since bag snatchers cut straps and run. Travelon’s back-panel-attached straps and Pacsafe’s steel mesh inlays both solve this correctly.
RFID-blocking pockets
RFID blocking protects contactless cards and passport chips from electronic skimming. It is a small feature, but every premium bag in this guide includes it, and we see no reason to buy a security bag without it in 2026.
Capacity and weight
Security hardware adds weight, usually half a pound to a full pound over a standard pack. Match capacity to your trip: 8 to 12 liters for essentials, 15 to 22 liters for daily carry with a laptop, and 40-plus liters for one-bag travel. A security bag you hate carrying does you no good.
Laptop protection and organization
Check the actual laptop size rating, not the marketing claim. Our picks range from 15.6 to 17.3 inches, and a sleeve that is too loose lets gear shift in transit. Count compartments if you carry cables, chargers, and documents daily.
Weather resistance
Water resistant means light rain; waterproof means sustained downpours. The BANGE is the only fully waterproof pick here, while canvas options like the Travelon Heritage need a cover in real rain.
Lock-to-fixture anchoring
The ability to secure your bag to a chair, table, or luggage rack is underrated. It protects gear at cafes, on trains, and in hotel rooms, where opportunistic grab-and-go theft is common.
Price versus real security
Budget options typically offer hidden pockets and lockable zippers, which covers opportunistic theft. Premium bags add steel mesh, puncture-resistant zippers, and RFID blocking for determined thieves. Spend according to your destination’s risk level, and remember that the most secure bag is still the one kept in sight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do anti-theft backpacks really work?
Yes, anti-theft backpacks work by combining lockable zippers, slash-resistant steel mesh fabric, cut-proof straps, and RFID-blocking pockets. They will not stop every crime, but they defeat the two most common theft methods travelers face: quiet zipper opening in crowds and quick strap cutting. Thieves overwhelmingly target easier bags instead.
What is the most secure backpack for travel?
The Pacsafe EXP45 is the most secure backpack for travel thanks to puncture-resistant interlocking zippers, cut-resistant straps with steel mesh, an RFID-blocking pocket, and a removable anchor strap that locks the bag to fixtures. For daily city carry, the Pacsafe Citysafe CX offers the same security system in a smaller 17-liter size.
What is the best bag to not get robbed?
The best bag to avoid robbery is a slash-resistant backpack with lockable zippers worn on your front in crowded areas, paired with smart habits. Keep valuables in hidden back pockets, lock the bag to fixtures when sitting down, and carry only what you need each day. No bag replaces awareness, but the picks in this guide make you a hard target.
What is the safest bag to avoid pickpockets?
The safest bags to avoid pickpockets share four features: interlocking or lockable zippers, slash-resistant body panels, cut-resistant straps, and hidden pockets against your back. The Pacsafe Citysafe CX and Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage both include all four. Wear the bag in front in packed trains and markets for maximum protection.
Final Verdict
Choosing the best anti theft backpacks for travel in 2026 comes down to matching security level to your itinerary. For most travelers, the Pacsafe Citysafe CX is the complete package: interlocking zippers, steel mesh, RFID blocking, and a laptop sleeve in a bag that looks normal anywhere. The Travelon Heritage delivers the best value with genuine canvas style, and the MATEIN covers budget buyers with 113,000-plus reviews of proof.
One-bag travelers should step up to the Pacsafe EXP45, business travelers carrying big laptops will love the BANGE with its TSA lock and waterproof zippers, and minimalists can swing the Travelon Convertible Sling across their chest and forget it is there. Whatever you choose, wear it in front in crowds, lock it down when you sit, and enjoy the trip with one less thing to worry about.