We love gadgets, gear and anything else that makes travel easier and more organized. We’re happy to get advice on a product from Bobbie Hasselbring, founder and former editor of RealFoodTraveler.com. Here’s her expert take on the PacSafe CitySafe CS 100, what she says is the perfect travel purse.

This stylish purse made me look like I was ready to board this Alaskan cruise ship.

I admit it, I have a love-hate relationship with purses, especially when I travel. I want a large purse so I can carry everything I need, but then the purse feels too heavy and cumbersome. When I opt for a smaller purse that doesn’t feel so burdensome, it doesn’t hold all my essentials. When traveling, the purse dilemma gets even worse for me. I often chuck the big purse and sling one of those ugly fanny packs over my shoulder. It’s not a stylish or an especially practical solution for traveling.

Enter PacSafe’s CitySafe CS 100, a lightweight, good-looking bag that’s not overly large yet organized in such a way that I can carry everything I need and more. And PacSafe, the experts in anti-theft travel gear, have added a number of nifty anti-theft features that make carrying this bag safe no matter where you travel.

This is a bag that will go seamlessly from the trail to the dining room.

Photographer Anne Weaver and I first became aware of PacSafe products a number of years ago when we traveled to Spain. We’d heard about Barcelona’s Rambla area, a favorite of both tourists and pickpockets. Fearing we’d be the next Rambla victims, Anne and I loaded up on several PacSafe products and we didn’t worry about thieves.

Alaska Bound: Dry and Organized

On a recent trip to Alaska, I wanted a purse that would be neat, but not too heavy. I also needed a bag that would stand up to Alaska’s unpredictable and often wet weather. PacSafae CitySafe CS 100 proved the perfect choice.

One of the things I immediately noticed about the CitySafe 100 is that it’s lightweight. Unlike the large leather bag I often carry, the CitySafe is constructed of tough-as-nails 100D nylon and heavy twill yet it weighs less than a pound (.9 lb). The nylon enables the bag to shed water like a good raincoat, so it kept all my treasures snug and dry despite downpours in Ketchikan and Skagway.

I was worried that a bag the size of the CitySafe 100 wouldn’t hold all the goodies I like to take along on a trip. I needn’t have worried. PacSafe has thoughtfully organized the CitySafe into an efficient carrying case that allowed me to take along everything I needed with room to spare. There’s a zippered main compartment with organization for phone and other small items. I was able to stash not just one, but two wallets (one for money and most-used cards and the other for all those cards like Auto Club, insurance, etc.) I also had room for a hairbrush, lotion, sunscreen, various hygiene items, and even a water bottle.

The CitySafe 100 has a super-organized interior that will keep all your items neat and easy to reach.

Keeping You Safe

The CitySafe’s RFID technology prevented thieves from “reading” my credit cards long distance. I loved the outer zippered area where I could stash quick-access items like my phone. There’s also a key clip, a wallet ring, and even a padded sleeve for an iPad/tablet. What could be more perfect for travel? In fact, this super-organized bag holds up to five liters of stuff. Amazing!

The safety features of the CS 100 made me feel extra secure. The body of the purse is embedded with eXomesh Slashguard that prevents thieves from doing a slash and grab. The padded Slashguard shoulder strap is uber-comfortable. It adjusts from 16.5 inches to 29.5 inches, allowing me wear it on my shoulder or cross-body. Its special metal-impregnated strap prevents anyone from cutting if off my shoulder or body. Unique TurnNLock Security hooks and secured zip tabs prevent pickpockets from having access.

Best of all, the CitySafe 100 is neat and tidy and looks great. It kept me organized and made accessing everything from my phone to my wallet or my electronics a breeze. Is this the ultimate travel purse? I’d have to say yes.—Review by Bobbie Hasselbring, RFT Founder and Contributor

To learn more about PacSafe’s products, visit their website, PacSafe.com. 

Hungry for more? Here’s another travel product we love. And, hey, it will fit in your CitySafe 100 purse! 

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