When it comes to travel accessories, you want something that’s reliable, durable, and secure. That’s probably why you’re considering the Wander Plus Anti-Theft Bag, a product that claims to have all the bells and whistles you’d expect in a travel companion.
It’s available through several e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon and eBay, but given the experience I’ve had and the feedback from others, I’d recommend exercising caution before you make this purchase.
Now, let’s talk about why this bag may not live up to its hype and whether you should consider alternative options.
My Experience With Wander Plus Anti-Theft Bag
When I first got the Wander Plus Anti-Theft Bag, I was excited. It looked sleek, lightweight, and packed with features that seemed ideal for travel.
The multiple compartments made it easy to organize my essentials like my phone, passport, and wallet.
Plus, the promise of being waterproof gave me a sense of security for unexpected weather changes.
However, my excitement quickly faded after using it for a short trip.
After just a few days of regular use, I noticed the strap beginning to fray.
It wasn’t like I was carrying heavy items—just my phone, some cash, and a small portable charger—but it still started to fall apart. The stitching where the strap connected to the bag was hanging by a thread, quite literally.
By the end of the trip, I was worried it wouldn’t hold up, which is a nightmare when you’re relying on it for security.
Another letdown was the actual storage space. Despite the “large capacity” claim, I struggled to fit even a small wallet. The compartments felt cramped, making it hard to store items comfortably without overstuffing.
Overall, while the concept of the Wander Plus bag is great, the execution left me disappointed. Between the fraying strap and limited storage, it simply didn’t meet my expectations.
If you’re looking for a reliable anti-theft travel bag, I’d recommend exploring other options before settling on this one.
Pros of The Wander Plus Bag
Before we delve into why this bag might not be the best option, let’s look at the positives, because it’s not entirely bad.
- Lightweight and Compact: The Wander Plus bag is lightweight and compact, making it convenient to carry for long periods. If you’re on a day trip or traveling light, this bag won’t weigh you down.
- Ample Storage for Essentials: With multiple compartments, including dedicated slots for smartphones, keys, passports, and even headphones, it’s easy to keep your items organized and accessible.
- Waterproof Material: One of the bag’s biggest selling points is that it’s waterproof. The Oxford textile material is designed to keep your belongings safe from unexpected rain or spills, which can be a lifesaver when you’re caught in bad weather.
- Ergonomic Design: The bag’s ergonomic design allows for even weight distribution, making it easy to carry. It rests comfortably on your body without putting undue stress on your shoulders or back, even when fully loaded.
Cons of The Wander Plus Bag
Unfortunately, the drawbacks overshadow these positives, making it difficult to recommend this bag to anyone looking for a durable and reliable travel companion.
- Poor Durability: The major issue I’ve experienced, and many other users have pointed out, is the poor quality of the stitching and material, especially around the straps. In one instance, after just a 10-day trip to Europe, the strap began fraying where it meets the bag. It was alarming because it was hanging on by a thread, quite literally. This kind of fraying makes it clear that the bag isn’t built to last, which is a serious flaw when you’re expecting long-term use.
- Limited Capacity: Despite the advertised “large capacity,” many users have found the bag too small for practical use. A common complaint is that even a small wallet struggles to fit, which is frustrating when you’re trying to use it as an all-in-one travel bag. If you plan on carrying more than just your phone and a few small items, you may find yourself disappointed.
- Flimsy Construction: Several reviewers have reported defects like missing snaps or ripped linings after just a few weeks of use. I had a similar issue with one of the zippered compartments—after a few uses, the lining inside ripped, rendering the pocket useless. This kind of poor construction isn’t something you should expect from a bag that’s marketed as being suitable for travel.
- Disappointing Strap Quality: Even though the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to wear, the strap itself is prone to tearing. For me, the strap ripped at the stitching, leaving the bag hanging precariously. I’ve read other reviews with similar experiences, which indicates that this isn’t an isolated issue but a significant flaw in the overall design.
How To Extend The Life of Your Wander Plus Bag?
If you’ve already purchased the Wander Plus bag or are thinking about giving it a try despite its flaws, here are a few maintenance tips that may help prolong its lifespan.
- Lighten the Load: Since the straps are prone to fraying, avoid overloading the bag with heavy items. Stick to carrying essentials like your phone, wallet, and passport. Anything more than that could add unnecessary strain on the weak points.
- Regularly Check for Wear and Tear: Inspect the bag regularly for any signs of fraying or stitching issues, especially around the straps. If you catch these problems early, you might be able to reinforce them with stronger stitching before they become a bigger problem.
- Avoid Harsh Conditions: Even though the bag is waterproof, I wouldn’t recommend exposing it to extremely harsh conditions, like a torrential downpour. The material may hold up, but the weak construction in other areas might cause issues under duress.
- Consider Professional Repairs: If the lining or zippers start to break, you might consider taking the bag to a professional for repairs. This could help extend the life of the bag, but given the overall quality issues, it’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth the additional cost.
Comparing The Wander Plus Bag To Other Brands
If you’re reconsidering the Wander Plus bag, you’re not alone. Several brands offer more reliable and durable alternatives. Let’s compare Wander Plus with a few popular anti-theft travel bags on the market.
- Pacsafe Venturesafe X Anti-Theft Sling Bag
Pacsafe is well-known for its high-quality anti-theft bags, and the Venturesafe X model stands out for its durability.
Unlike the Wander Plus bag, Pacsafe’s bags are reinforced with slash-proof material, locking zippers, and RFID-blocking compartments. While it’s a bit more expensive, it offers peace of mind with stronger construction and a larger capacity.
- Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
The Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag is another great alternative. Like Pacsafe, Travelon prioritizes security with slash-resistant straps and RFID-blocking compartments.
Travelon’s bags are also more spacious and better constructed than Wander Plus, so you can carry more without worrying about the bag falling apart.
- Baggallini Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack
For those who prefer versatility, the Baggallini Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack might be the best option. It easily converts from a backpack to a crossbody, giving you more flexibility for different travel needs.
In terms of durability, it surpasses Wander Plus with better construction and more secure features.
Also Read: Is Wander Plus Travel Pillow Any Good?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Wander+ is a legitimate company, but customer reviews have raised concerns about the quality and durability of their products, particularly the anti-theft travel bag. The bag may not be as reliable as advertised, based on multiple reports of fraying straps and defective compartments.
If you’re a frequent traveler or someone who commutes through busy areas, an anti-theft bag can be a smart investment. It offers extra security features like locking zippers, slash-proof materials, and RFID-blocking compartments, which can help protect your valuables from pickpockets.
Bags from reputable brands like Pacsafe and Travelon are generally regarded as the best anti-theft options. They offer more advanced security features, including slash-resistant straps and locking compartments, compared to the Wander Plus bag.
The safest type of purse to travel with is one that has slash-proof straps, lockable zippers, and RFID-blocking technology. Crossbody bags that stay close to your body, like those from Pacsafe or Travelon, are often considered the most secure options for travelers.
Conclusion: Should You Buy The Wander Plus Bag?
In short, the Wander Plus Anti-Theft Bag has its appealing features but ultimately falls short in terms of durability and reliability.
The poor quality of the straps and seams make it a risky choice for anyone planning to rely on it during their travels. There are far more durable and secure options available, like those from Pacsafe, Travelon, and Baggallini, which offer better value for your money.
While the idea of a waterproof, ergonomic, and compact travel bag sounds great on paper, the Wander Plus bag doesn’t live up to its promises. It’s best to consider other options before investing in a bag that could leave you disappointed after just a few uses.
