Best Secure Day-trip-Bag: Backpak or Messenger Bag?

I too have an expensive camera and was concerned with carrying around while traveling. I have heard stories about some people who use a backpack who when on the metro or going on an escalator, some theifs will take a very sharpe knife and just slice the bottom of the bag allowing everything to fall out. Whether this story is true i'm not sure, but some of these people are professionals and can often steal from you and get away before you even realise. I use a messenger bag just because if i'm in a place such as the metro in rome, where your more prone to be targeted by theifs, you can move your messenger bag and carry it in front of you.

Overall I think its personal preference, which ever bag you decide just make sure it has thick enough straps that someone would have a difficult time to cut them. Also a small luggage lock on the zippers deters many theifs.

Hello Tom. That is a good question. And I have a good reply to you. I recommend the "Sunwashed Canvass Shoulder Bag" from L.L.Bean. (A picture of it is at their internet website). Not the "Messenger Bag". The Shoulder bag is smaller. I think a DSLR camera can be contained in that bag. They also have a beautiful leather version of that bag. I carry my Sunwashed Canvas Shoulder Bag cross shoulder (the bag is at my right side, the strap is placed around my neck). When I travelled in the METRO train from the Rome ITALY train station, the bag was in front of my torso, with my right forearm under the bag, and my right hand clasping the left side of the bag. The bag's wide shoulder strap was around my neck. My shoulder bag is a dull dark green color.(No word or logo on the bag). I wore a dull dark brown colored canvass travel jacket (Made by Ex-Officio in the 1990s), and a dull dark green colored hat (round brim)made by Filsen. The Gypsy thieves in Rome knew I am not a dummy. No theft.

You could carry your camera on the "down low" by finding a good, neutral coloured diaper bag. Does Pac-safe make one? Mine is all black and made by Samsonite. It's well padded inside with lots of pockets. I added extra padding at the strap by my neck. I had a tailor sew in a hidden cable on the strap so it's harder to be cut off. It only cost like $10 bucks.
I guess the diaper bag idea is a little more passable for a woman than a man but still it's one idea.

I don't have kids but I even go so far as to hang kiddy things off of it and use a kids travel water bottle in the pocket. It looks well used, too. I also put duct tape over the brand name of my camera.

You can use key rings on the zippers instead of a lock for those times when a lock might not be convenient. But do carry a combo lock plus a spare.

Greetings

Both backpacks and messenger bags are common over here - just depends on whether you are in a more studenty area.

I think it's really personal preference - I've switched back to a backpack from a messenger back because carrying weight on one shoulder was making my back sore. But I'd avoid fanny-packs - they really are a tourist only thing in Europe.

It's probably more important that the bag closes securely, doesn't scream "expensive items in me" and you can carry it comfortably so you aren't drawing attention by constantly having shift it around.

Frankly, whether or not your are pickpocketed probably has as much to do with luck and the people around you as anything you do beyond reasonable precautions.

I feel much better in Manhattan and elsewhere with a messenger bag. Wear it "backwards" (so that the flap is against your body), keep a hand on it in crowded areas, and there's essentially no chance of someone stealing from you.

Backpacks can be more comfortable, but less secure and IMO look a bit strange around a city, even if you are student-age.

I took a messenger bag on my last trip to Europe and will never, ever again use a backpack! It easily swings from front to back when you want to get something out (don't have to take it off and set it on something to rummage around), when you're sitting on a train or a bus, when you want to be extra secure, or if you're working your way through a crowd or a museum and don't want to whack people with your "wide load." You put it on, bandolier-style, in the morning and you don't need to take it off till you're in for the eve.

Look for one with a waterproof lining and both Velcro and clips to secure the flap. I assure you, NO ONE will be able to pick pocket you when that baby is shut! Also, my bag had a light-colored interior that made it so much easier to find stuff. Some brands have very thick, heavy straps that would be difficult to cut. I carried a plain black Timbuk2 that I'd borrowed from a friend. When I got home, I promptly went out and bought my own!

Bon voyage!

I put my dslr in my pacsafe bag I got just for the trip. They make all kinds of bags. You just have to find the style that fits you. I never had any problems and most of the time the camera was attached to my face. LOL The problem with backpacks is that you can't see who's trying to get into it from behind. Their bags aren't as bad as you think. I really like mine and I have the citysafe200. They have a metrosafe bag that is more like a messenger bag that may fit what you are looking for. Also might try kits camera or wolf camera they are both online and might have something as well.

For cameras,and other stuff, I alays preferred, not necessarily a messenger bag, but a cloth type briefcase. lots of pockets, plus i like to be able to move it from front to back easily

I think you should use the most comfortable thing you already own. Maybe even the camera bag you already have. Security for your property is in YOUR hands. Think and act smart and you won't lose anything. Everyone makes it sound like around every corner is a person ready to pick your pocket or steal from you. YOU AND ONLY YOU will prevent a theft from happening, not some over priced camera security bag. Simply use your head and none of this will happen. It's that simple.
Sorry if I offended anyone

If you're wanting to look more like a local, then a messenger bag is definitely the way to go, at least in Italy. It also won't get your back all sweaty. :-)

Linda, the voice of reason - well said!

Tom, if you're looking for Messenger Bags or small Backpacks that are somewhat discreet, Rick has some on his website at reasonable cost.

Regardless of what type of bag/pack one uses, the locals (and especially the thieves) can easily spot tourists. I often carry my Camera gear either in an Eagle Creek Daypack (somewhat of a generic appearance) or in a Photo Vest while day touring around cities. However, I usually carry the Camera "in the open" so that it's readily available for quick shots.

So far I haven't had any problems with that approach, but I try to be constantly aware of those around me, and keep a firm grip on the Camera and the strap! Be especially vigilant if any "distractions" occur near you.

Happy travels!

Thanks everyone for all you comments/ideas. I agree we all need to be mindful (but not paranoid) and aware of the busy surroundings. It sounds like its a 50/50 camp with personal preference/habits/comfort etc, with pros/cons for each - so perhaps I will end up using my old trusty day pack again (and a firm grip on the cam when its out!) I like the size of the pack - but a side bag that small seems for me a bit too much like a "purse" - while a decent messenger bag a bit too much for what I think i need (unless there is a laptop too!) I appreciate everyones input - so thanks again. Im always looking to fine-tune the travel experience and this board helps a lot!