I tried the pacsafe backpack for a week or more but since we had been warned about pickpockets in some places on our European travels, I decided it would be safer to have something I didn't have to take off to use to pay, etc. I opted for this purse to wear across my body and absolutely loved it. I have to admit the side pouches are way too small for any kind of water bottle, but I used them for an umbrella and for my glasses. When we were at the Louvre in a crowd looking at the Mona Lisa, a pre-teen boy tried to stick his hand in my purse and tug at the zipper but the safety features of this purse made it impossible for him to get to my wallet. I would definitely recommend it.