Day packs and safety from pick pockets

1) Don't keep anything in an exterior pocket.

2) Don't keep anything valuable in the daybag, period. Pickpockets aren't going to be interested in snatching a waterbottle or kleenex.

3) Secure the zippers using a twist-tie or cable tie.

4)Wear the bag on your front (backwards) while in areas prone to pickpockets (i.e., on public transportation).

5) Use a shoulder bag instead of a backpack and keep it tucked under your arm.

6) Be aware of your surroundings and don't let people get too close. If travelling with others, watch each other's backs--literally!

That totally make sense. I am thinking of getting a lightweight shoulder bag that folds up into a small pouch. Between my money belt, and my small wallet hidden away, the only thing I would need a day pack for is for a sweater and a snack.

Sue, I always travel with a day pack backpack and have never had anything stolen out of it, even in busy areas in Italy which are the most notorious for pickpockets. Just put everything in a zippered compartment and if it makes you feel safer just use the twisty-tie technique. Also, don't keep anything you'd be lost without in that pack.

Mostly, the pickpockets are looking to put their hand in your unzippered pocket instead of a zippered day pack. If you're going to be in a congested area, just turn your daypack around and wear it on the front of you in that area. You should be fine. If you make it even slightly more difficult than an open, unattended, unzippered pocket then they'll just move past you to find someone else who is an easier target.

I travel shoulder season when the crowds and pick-pockets are thinner.

If I wear a daypack, the most it will hold is some picnic supplies, drinking water, light sweater or wind/rain jacket in the main pocket.

In the outside pocket, I have a swiss army knife, monocular, plastic fork, baby wipes, chapstick, small sewing kit and first aid packet.

In a worst case scenario nothing in the outer pocket is worth more than $20. If something was stolen, it wouldn't be the end of the world.

My small digital camera is around my neck and inside my shirt. Everything else of value is in my money belt.

I took this little Kipling organizer for my daypack.

http://www.ebags.com/kipling/eldorado_travel_organizer_small/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=16695

It worked great! I wore it as a sling (so it stayed in my front) & kept in it: a credit card, my debit card, my "daily" cash, a packet of tissues & it was even large enough for a travel-size umbrella and any of the brochures I picked up!!

No matter WHAT you're wearing, just use common sense. When you're on a train, keep it to the front of you with your hands on it. I was in a group, so I usually had people behind me while strolling through streets. However, if you're traveling alone, I recommend something like the Kipling pack so it'll stay to your front.

like many of the other posters, I put nothing of real value in my backpack. Water bottle, sweater, rain shell, maps, guidebooks, and some misc. personal items (chapstick, a few band-aids, etc). Nothing is that expensive or difficult to replace. I travel with a small pocket digital camera that I keep either in a zippered pocket or in a holder on my belt that has a sturdy velcro closure.

I always use a daypack - but make sure the zippers are always always all closed and zipped down to the lowest point - you can also use a key ring or small lock if youre in public areas. I also try to have the small strap acorss the chest if possible (I use a nice Northface day bag usually). If you have a camera keep it put away unless needed. But ultimatley its up to you which is more comfortable - a daypack vs another style. Also - keep it low key in colors. The neon ones are for the German-family tourists! :)

Sue,

I use some of the methods mentioned in the other Posts. If you're really worried, wear the Pack in front so you can keep an eye on it (however, this method is not foolproof, as in crowded Subways the pickpockets are adept enough to get zippers open anyway).

One of the most effective methods is simply to lock the zippers. Most of the YKK zippers fitted to travel packs have small eyelets for use with Padlocks. I find the small FlexiLocks sold in Rick's store work really well, as the extra length provided by the cable allows the Lock to be secured to fixed points on the Pack, so the zippers can't be moved back and forth.

However, the inherent weaknesses of Daypacks won't prevent a "slash attack". I haven't heard of that happening for awhile, but if you're really concerned about that sort of thing, check out the PacSafe line of Packs.

Happy travels!

I prefer a Messenger style bag over a backpack personally. I like that I can sling it across my body and keep my hands on it.

Plus I don't like carrying that much stuff it hurts my back,I have a small umbrella,disposable rainponcho, that is about the size of a pocket tissue pack, tissues, lipbalm,sunglass case, camera,spare cards and batteries.

I stopped a woman from going through someone's backpack on a train platform, he had on earbuds and she's just rifling through - he had no clue till I told him.

Most of that type crime is opportunity -snatch and grab not wrestle you for it.

I just purchased a new RS Civita Hemp Day Pack as it was on sale for $20. Great pack - more sturdy that the older blue/black RS day pack that I have used almost daily for 5 years. Good zippers with tabs with holes to install locks or rings. I have previously used his day pack when doing daily outtings when away from home. I keep it on my side or if it concerned about the location, move it up front. Never had a problem with his day packs in 5 months in Europe. I do however try to move up against a wall or corner when traveling in subways, etc. Good luck

I have worn out two Eddie Bauer Student Back Packs, and I am on number three. They have gone all over Europe, and never a problem. I hate money belts and things around my neck, so my wallet is in my front pocket, and anything else of value is buried to the bottom of the pack. I take it off on trains and busses and stand with it between my feet, or holding the top handle in front of me.

I figure if I can walk through the Tenderloin and Chinatown in San Francisco with it, I can do the same in Europe.

First get a backpack that's thick.I have one made High Sierra whcih is very tough.Second, get one that has double zippers so you can put a small lock on it.I usually place the lock somewhere on the bottom of the backpack so it doesn't stick out.
When you are in public transportation and it's crowed , DO NOT carry it on you back.Carry it in front of you, and don't leave it unattented.
I watch my back all the time anywhere I go not just in Europe, so if I notice something weird, I take it off my back and hold it in my hand.

I personally don't like money belts or anything around my neck. I find money belts very uncomfortble and neck thing is even worse.
I have a jean coat with deep inside pockets that I sewed some velcro on it. I put all my valuables in it.They've worked very well for me. I have everything close to me, money , passport, even camera, so I don't have to dig inside my backpack.I always carry a backpack with me, since I like going shopping. It's easier for me to carry everying in one bag.

This subject gets beat to death every other week or so but I guess I will add to the beating. I don't like some of the prior advice but it is mostly personal opinion and experience. I don't think the shape or size of the bag is terribly important but how you handle the bag is critical. First, lock it. Use the small combination locks. Twist ties, safety pins, etc., are better than nothing but easily defeated. In crowed situations, especially buses and packed subway cars, DON"T wear the damn thing - either front and especially not the back. Drop it to the floor, put it between your legs. If two of you are traveling together - face each other with bag on the floor between. If it is on the floor, the pickpocket cannot get to it unless he is on the floor. While moving through crowd areas, carry on one shoulder so you can quickly switch from one side to the other if necessary. Be a little unpredictable with your movements. Don't always board through the closest door.

In my opinion, PacSafe products are the only slashproof, tamperproof and snatchproof packs on the market.

http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=22

http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=54

http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=19

Magellan's also has packs like the PacSafe. Same features, a little less expensive ($90 vs $100 for the same size daypack). http://www.magellans.com/