Are anti-theft crossbody bags better than backpacks for travel?

It depends on use. Crossbody and sling bags keep valuables in front of your body and are favored for dense, pickpocket-prone city streets, which is why the high-volume Travelon crossbodies score well here. Backpacks like the Pacsafe models carry more (including laptops) but are harder to keep in view; several are designed with hidden zippers that face your back when worn.