The anti-theft bag that doesn’t look like one

Jennifer Yellin
October 14, 2026
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Table of Contents
  1. Stylish, lightweight, and practical
  2. Lots of security features
  3. Would I bring it on another trip?
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Sadly, pickpocketing is very much a thing in some destinations. I’m typically not a nervous traveler, but when it comes to walking around bigger cities, I always find myself clutching my purse closer to my body.

So on my recent trip to Europe, I wanted to be prepared. I wanted a secure bag large enough to hold all my stuff for the day, but also one that was aesthetically pleasing, without screaming “anti-theft.”

This led me to the Sherpani Mei, and it ended up being one of my new favorite travel products of the summer. It’s lightweight, stylish, and compact, but packed with features designed to keep your belongings secure. Most importantly, I felt safer carrying it around some of Europe’s busy cities.

Get the Sherpani Mei Small Anti-Theft Crossbody Purse at Amazon

Stylish, lightweight, and practical

Hands holding open a Sherpani Mei bag to show its blue lining

The Sherpani Mei looks like a regular purse rather than a travel-security bag — which is a big selling point. It can be worn as a crossbody or a traditional shoulder bag, and both straps are adjustable and removable.

Despite its relatively small size, it held everything I needed for a day of exploring, including my phone, wallet, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and passport. The interior is made up of three light-colored sections, which made it easy to keep everything organized without needing to dig around in the bottom of my purse.

The bag is made from recycled nylon and is constructed from the equivalent of 16 repurposed plastic water bottles. It’s also water-resistant, which is always a nice feature when you’re traveling and don’t know when you might get caught in a rain shower. And with a variety of color options, you can choose one that matches your travel vibe.

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Lots of security features

Tan Sherpani Mei crossbody with its anti-theft cable chair lock

The Sherpani Mei offers many anti-theft features, and I love how seamlessly they’re incorporated into the design. You’d never guess it from looking at it, but there are plenty of features working behind the scenes to help keep your belongings secure.

The exterior front pocket has a tunnel lock that makes it difficult for someone to simply unzip the pocket. Inside the pocket, there’s also a built-in leash where you can attach your keys.

The main compartment also has a more heavy-duty zipper lock, making it difficult for someone to sneak into the bag. But the standout feature is the cable chair lock, which secures the bag to a chair while you’re eating. This is another layer of protection against someone simply grabbing your purse and walking away.

The interior is also secure, with the middle section having its own zipper, RFID protection, and another interior zipper, making it a great place to keep a passport or other important documents.

Both the bottom of the bag and the straps are also reinforced with slash-resistant fabric.

And while all of these security features are great, I really like that they don’t interfere with the look of the bag, as the locks can be tucked inside when you aren’t using them.

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Would I bring it on another trip?

Absolutely!

The Sherpani Mei is the perfect size for a full day of walking around a city. It’s roomy enough for the essentials without being overly bulky.

After using it throughout my recent trip, I felt like it hit the sweet spot between security, style, and practicality.

And while no bag is completely theft-proof, the anti-theft features gave me some extra peace of mind in crowded areas.

I’ve even used it at home a few times, as it’s truly an ideal size and design.

At around $85 (although some colors are on sale at times), it isn’t the cheapest purse you’ll find, but for a travel purse that combines anti-theft features with a stylish design, I think it’s worth it — especially if you’re planning a trip to a busy city where pickpocketing is a concern.

Get the Sherpani Mei Small Anti-Theft Crossbody Purse at Amazon

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