How to Make a Secret Pocket in a Backpack

A backpack consists of pockets and zippered pouches designed to hold items of various sizes and shapes. You can add a secret pocket to your backpack that can conceal an object, such as a wallet or key, from casual inspection. Add a hidden pocket without cutting the backpack or otherwise damaging it.

Open a zippered pouch on the backpack that's the least accessible. Measure the interior dimensions (length and width) of the pouch with a tape measure. Write this measurement down. Purchase a piece of cloth that's the same color as the interior of the pouch, twice the length and the same width as the measurements that were written down.

Place the cloth horizontally on a table. Measure in 1 inch from the left side of the cloth. Cut vertically through the cloth at the 1-inch mark with a straightedge and scissors.

Measure across the width of the cloth from one end to the other. Cut vertically through the cloth at the halfway mark with a straightedge and scissors. Dispose of the excess cloth.

Place newspaper on the table. Place one of the two pieces of cloth on the newspaper vertically. Apply bonding glue to both sides of the cloth. Apply bonding glue to the end of the cloth nearest you.

Line up the other piece of cloth with the one that's on the newspaper. Press the two pieces together to form a pocket. Let the bonding glue set overnight.

Measure the length and width of the pocket you have made. Cut a hooking pad strip to the same length as that of the pocket with a scissors. Cut another hooking pad strip to this length. Remove the adhesive backing from each hooking pad strip that you cut. Place the adhesive side of each strip against one side of the pocket. Press down on the strip to adhere it to the pocket.

Cut a hooking pad strip to the same width as that of the pocket. Remove the adhesive backing from the hooking pad strip that you just cut. Place the adhesive side of the strip against the end of the pocket closet to you. Press down on the strip to adhere it to the pocket.

Cut a latching pad strip to the same length as that of the measurement taken down earlier for the interior of the pouch. Cut another latching pad strip to this length.

Remove the adhesive backing from each latching pad strip that you cut. Place the adhesive side of each strip against the inside edges of the pouch. Press down on the strips to adhere it to the inside of the pouch.

Cut a latching pad strip to the same width as that of the pouch. Remove the adhesive backing from the latching pad strip. Place the adhesive side of the strip against the inside bottom of the pouch. Press down on the strip to adhere it to the bottom of the pouch. Leave the backpack and cloth alone until the next day.

Place the cloth that is now a secret pocket inside the pouch. Line up the hooking pad strips on the cloth with the latching pad strips inside the pouch. Press the two together. Close the pouch’s zipper.