How big are lockers in hostels

Well it has been a little while since I've stayed in a hostel, but I doubt things have changed a lot. In my experience, there's no consistency. I've seen lockers of various sizes, and most have been "school locker" size or slightly larger. I do not recall ever seeing one that a roll-aboard suitcase would fit inside. You might find one that could accommodate that, but I would certainly not count on finding one like that wherever you go.

We HAVE stayed in many hostels over the last few years and the lockers do vary a great deal. Some are rather narrow, and might have trouble fitting any hard-shell luggage inside. But soft-sided should be ok. It is becoming common for many rooms to have lockers within the room the size of a mini-refridgerator, in which case, almost any piece of luggage would fit - which is the intention, of course. No guarantees, though. Be prepared to keep valuables like electronics on you at all times if necessary, so that in the event you don't have satisfactory lockers, only your clothing is left exposed to prying eyes.

Tom, My experience is similar to the others. Hostel Lockers tend to vary depending on the property. Some are a bit larger and could easily accommodate a "typical roll-aboard suitcase", while others are "half size" and would only have room for smaller luggage. Whether your luggage will fit may depend on whether it's hard-sided luggage or soft-sided. One other point to mention is that Hostel guests must usually provide their own Padlock. I would highly recommend NOT using the small TSA Luggage Locks for Lockers, as they are simply NOT strong enough. I use a Padlock slightly larger than a TSA model, which has "heel & toe" locking. While no Lock is going to prevent theft, I believe it's important to have a fairly robust Lock for Hostels. Happy travels!

They do vary. The normal size seems to be similar to the gym lockers I had in high school about 3 feet high and probably a foot wide. A gym lock is the perfect lock. Make sure you use the lockers for anything you don't want to lose; petty theft is common in hostels.

Great replies, one and all! I really appreciate it! And I knew I'd need my own lock but I didn't know the TSA one is NOT the way to go!

Tom, One more point regarding Locks and Hostel Lockers. Although the construction and locking mechanisms on Hostel Lockers are not always that robust, I still believe it's important to use a good quality Padlock. I used to work as a Locksmith, so perhaps that's one reason I only look for good quality products that aren't easily compromised. I prefer to use a keyed Padlock, but make sure to pack along two keys. I've seen some people use the Dudley school combination Locks, but I don't have a great deal of confidence in those. In choosing a Padlock to use with Hostel Lockers, it's important to make sure that the Shackle is not too large, or it may not fit the locking mechanism (Hasp). Cheers!

Tom, I'm assuming the roll-aboard has some sort of locking mechanism? Since you'll have all valuables with you, just lock the bag. If you're really concerned, you could lock it to your Bunk with a small Cable and Padlock similar to This Model (but don't use the TSA Lock). I've never had any "theft problems" in Hostels. Many of the other guests seem to just leave their bags open. It's doubtful that thieves would be interested in stealing someone's clothing or Toothbrush. Cheers!

I wouldn't expect anything bigger than your gym locker size (not the big one you hang your cloth, more like the smaller one). I think it's ok to use the lock they provide when you use the shower, or being away for a short time, but you should always carry your valuables with you, no matter what lock you use, i.e. i have my credit card and passport in my money belt when I sleep, or going out for the day.

Thx again. This helps me plan. But it also raises a question: If I happen to have a roll aboard suitcase and a day pack, and I want to go out and about for the day, with the day pack, but I want to leave the suitcase in the hostel, and it won't fit in a locker, what are my options to keep it secure? (Take it for granted I'll have all the valuable stuff with me 24/7.)

I can't recall ever being given a lock at a hostel. I may have been offered one and just don't recall because I always bring my own. I prefer a combination lock mainly because you don't have to worry about losing a key.

Ken, thx. Actually, right now my roll-aboard's lock is busted but that's a different subject! I looked at the lock you suggested. It seems to me that it's a "TSA lock" with a cable. So I'm a bit confused when you say "similar to this but not the TSA lock". Sorry but I'm a literalist when it comes to language! Can you help me out here please?

Tom, I think Ken is suggesting you use the cable and a regular bag padlock but not the TSA lock.

you can leave your suit case in the hostel. i think people usually assume you have nothing valuable in it, so you don't really need to secure it. i usually carry a large bag and a day bag, so I always have my camera and stuff with me in the day bag. I leave the large bag in the hostel and never lost anything in it - mostly it's just cheap cloth anyways. Suggest you not have a good looking suitcase to start with.

Tom, Darcy's reply was correct. If you wanted to lock your Roll-Aboard to the Hostel bunk (or whatever), use the Cable shown in the link but not the cheap TSA Lock. The Lock is simply not strong enough to provide even minimal security. If you want suggestions on Padlocks, post another note and I'll provide a few links of "Locksmith approved" products. Cheers!

Gotcha! Thx. I guess my confusion stems from my being a literalist when it comes to language. When I go shopping and I pick up a box of Cherrios in the store, and I see where it says "Open Here", I think: "I don't want to open it here! I want to wait till I get home!"