pacsafe backpack necessary ?

linda,

I don't believe a PacSafe Backpack is "necessary" for theft protection. I've used a "normal" Backpack for years (both Eagle Creek and Osprey), and haven't had any theft problems (so far). It sounds like you're planning to just use the Backpack as a carry-on bag?

I'd suggest having a good look at various pack manufacturers before making a purchase decision.

Happy travels!

I don't feel a Pacsafe is necessary. I use only a regular backpack for luggage and have never had a problem. Just be aware of where you are. In heavy crowds, I sometimes carry the backpack in front of me.

@ Linda,

I just started traveling in 2012 and i purchased an Ospray Porter 45. I like it since i can carry it as a bag or pull out the straps and carry/use it as a back pack. I also choose it since its fits the smaller size constraints of the air carriers. I also like it since the main compartment isnt clogged with dividers/partitions and such. There are 2 side pockets and the main flap has a pocket on the inside and outside, but other than that, its open to pack as i see fit.

so far no one has tried to slice my bag, but i walk real fast and so if they wanted to, they would have to keep up with me and it would be sort of obvious that im being followed. But who knows. Also, i dont keep anything valuable in there so all that could get is some clothes or my toiletries.

if having something more secure gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling, go for it.

happy trails.

I've always used an L.L. Bean school-type backpack in addition to a carryon-size suitcase. It doesn't really matter what kind of backpack you use; the rule to remember is never put anything valuable in it. That way, even if someone goes through it, they won't find anything.

Thanks everyone. It is nice to have people to run ideas by .

We've never felt like we needed an armored backpack. My husband has used zip ties to secure the zippers on his. However, if you do that, you need to be sure to have a little pair of scissors or nail clippers outside the pack to cut them. I have used split key rings. They are a royal pain to open up, but that's the point. Our daughter's cross body "secure" bag started fraying very soon after she started using it, and the little metal threads poking out were uncomfortable to say the least.

That helps me decide. I am using the backpack to carry things I want to get to quickly on the plane, my medication
travel blanket glasses etc. I will leave this in the hotel room. Just need to have a place for these things en
route and from hotel to hotel on the train.

I think how you handle the backpack, especially in crowded situations, is more important than design or materials. I am referring more to day bags and not a full size backpacks. With a book bag size or so in a crowded bus or subway I would have the bag on one shoulder so that it can quickly be moved from side to side or in front. If sitting down, then bag goes behind my feet or legs when sitting. If standing, we will face each other drop the bag to the floor with one hand on a strap and a foot on the other strap. It may get a little dirty but no one is going to get to the bag on the floor. I have seen many tourists wearing a day bag on their back. Hitting other people with the bag when turning around and, of course, the bag is easily accessible to anyone standing behind you. Wearing it in front is just as bad as it is at a level where eager hands can get to it.

PS Still sounds like you are taking two carry on size bags which for most of us, is one bag too many.

What Frank said is good advice.

I am one that would rather carry a decent sized messenger bag, worn cross body than a back pack. They hold the same amount of stuff.

It is a huge pain in the neck to take that back pack off every single time you want something out of it, then you have to set it down, get out the item, put the back pack on, and then a short time later do the whole darn thing over again to either put your item back in the pack or get something else out. Think water bottle, camera, guide book, map, i-pad. Do that about 100 times a day, and you may rethink what a good idea a back pack is. Having gone sight seeing with people who wear back packs, by the end of the day I was astonished by how many times they have taken this off and on during the day. This slows them down too.

In a messenger bag, your items are always close at hand and you don't have to take it off and you don't have to worry about hitting anyone with it. You can sit down on a train or bus without taking it off, and your items are safer than wearing them on your back, even without any kind of steel cables, etc. sold at extra cost to you.

When I fly, I like having the rolling carry on and then my messenger bag. My messenger bag zips closed at the top and then has a flap that comes down and over the entire thing. I can fasten this at the bottom if desired. This is what I carry 365 days a year in Europe.

When out and about during the day, I have used a small day pack for many years and it works very well for me. Each should find what works best for them.

I do exactly the same thing as Jo does. I find backpacks, even for an underseat bag, to be a pain as Jo described. My messenger bag, a Sherpani, also attaches to the rolling bag because I hate to schlep when I have an alternative. However, it's all a matter of preference. I do have a pacsafe bag with which I sometimes travel; however, I like it for it's organization more than for it's armor.

I recently purchased a Tom Bihn backpack for a walking tour in Ireland. To secure the bag I purchased several S-Biner-MicroLocks that are made by niteize. The company also makes the S-Biner SlideLock. I found them at a local store that sells camping, hiking, outdoor products. You can see one of them http://www.niteize.com/product/S-Biner-MicroLock.asp
I zip the backpack compartments so that the zippers are grouped together and use one of the locks on them. The s-biners aren't real locks but it takes a certain amount of manual dexterity to unlock the small lock and they are a deterrent that I'm hoping will be effective in public places.

Today I went and looked at messenger bags. I ended up finding a baggelinii cross body bag that is small. It is just the right size to carry a things as we are sightseeing. The backpack I had original found is more of a day bag. It can be carried as a sling bag or use the handle to carry. It seems it could be carried in front as well. The messenger bag
Was too overpowering to me. I am just a little thing unfortunately. I have time before I make my final selection.

I'm with Jo on this one too. Backpacks are awkward in crowds. Every time you turn, you bump somebody behind you. Outside of troubled, third-world destinations you do not need armour. Everywhere else the danger is pickpocket or snatch-and-grab. I wear a messenger bag (or computer bag) strapped across my chest and tight up under my armpit. It helped escape a pair of pickpockets in Paris last time. PS: The idea of a shield to protect the chip on your credit card is about as valid as dangling tinfoil off your car to beat a radar trap.

I bought a travel purse from Magellans, with the security wires etc in the strap. It fit flat against my body and had a long starp that I slung around my neck so it was always against my body. I really liked it and plan to use it again when we go to Spain/Portugal. It also had security clips anywhere there was a zipper so you had to clip the two bits together so no one could unzip it without you knowning. I highly recommend it. It was not too big so it wasn't heavy but large enough for my wallet, sun glasses, keys, tissues etc. just the right size.
Sandra

I like Jo's suggestion. Of course it isn't necessary to carry a PacSafe backback. However, if you feel uneasy about carrying around a backpack (not to mention the extra work to access its contents), go with a cross-body messenger bag. You can slide it to your side or around to your back, and if you need to access it or are in a thick crowd and feel like hanging on to it, just slide it around to the front of your body. I would say it is probably the most convenient kind of bag/purse to carry around while traveling.

I usually carry a Mountain equipment co-op sling bag which has convenient ,secure pockets for a phone and cash/credit cards,an internal hook for keys,a exterior pocket for water bottle etc. My most recent trip (past june) I used an oversized leather purse with lots of pockets instead. It was soft enough to squish into my carry-on and large enough to carry a towel and beach stuff when needed. The strap was extendable, so I could wear it cross-body when needed. I would be happy to use it again or use the sling bag.

PacSafe has done a great job of creating fear to increase profits. I have traveled to Europe at least annually for the past 10 years and have never seen the need to carry a safe. They weigh more and create this false sense of security IMHO.

Hi Linda
I have a pacsafe backpack. Its a "stylish" model, very cute. That said, I have never been jossled or threatened while in Europe so I don't really think I needed this expensive little backpack. It may give you a greater sense of security in a crowded situation but it is difficult for thieves to get in to it and ergo difficult for you to get in to it. My husband always has to open it for me while it is still on my back to get to whatever is inside. I am going to Europe again in the fall and this backpack will be replaced with a regular backpack that is designed more for my camera. Hope this helps

Here's a tip I read some time ago: Thin plastic cutting boards are basically sheets of tough plastic that are extremely light, can be shaped to fit in the sides or bottom of a backpack, and will defeat attempts to slash backpack fabric. I have never used them (for that matter I have done little European travel), but will put one in the bottom of my backpack when I finally take an extended European trip this summer. I am thinking only the bottom would be particularly vulnerable to slashing, since the sides are plainly visible, thus a riskier target. It's probably paranoid of me, but for a few bucks and an extra 3/4 oz. I can avoid that paranoia, so what the heck.

Sorry, I've lost track of the website for this idea. The sheets are probably in stores like Target, but I found mine on Amazon.

When we first traveled to Europe I obsessed about backpacks, money belts and locking my suitcases. Now I act like a normal person walking about any major U.S. city. I am careful, of course. I use a cross-body bag for ease as well as security, but I never wear a money belt any longer.(My husband will do so if we need to carry a thousand or so euros to pay for lodging.) I use a R.S. daypack frequently about town as well as to travel throughout the country. If you keep an eye on your surroundings and you and your partner watch out for each other, the PacSafe product is not necessary. Frank gave very good advice about handling transportation securely.

One last note: do not store your suitcases in the baggage areas at the end of the train cars. Store them between the seats or overhead. Friends of mine have had bags stolen from the baggage storage areas that cannot be seen from the seats.