Pacsafe bags

I think they cost a little more than I'd like to pay but for the security factor...I consider it to be an "investment" piece.

If I could only buy one Pacsafe item it would probably be the Pacsafe Camera Strap.

I bought two of these bags...one for my daughter and one for me. I loved my bag. I found it NOT to be heavier than any other travel bag. I loved the locking zipper feature.

I find no "cons" to these bags at all, and I feel they are just what we need for travel. I used the locking zipper everytime I opened and closed this bag. I felt a lot more secure in crowds on the Metro in Rome with my camera and money inside.

As with security for any reason...it's mostly about how aware you are of your surroundings, not the bag you carry. I watched for movement in crowds, and kept to the walls of the metro, or found a seat. I always keep my bag in front of me, with one hand on the bag, and the shoulder strap slung across my body, not on one shoulder.

I used the MetroSafe 200. My Sony H5 camera fit perfectly, I had a side pocket to hold a water bottle, and accessory pockets just under the locking flap. My daughter used the SlingSafe 100. Kept her larger 35MM camera, and accessories.

I have a couple of them. They are great. In addition to knowing that your stuff is safe, they are just good bags. I don't think they are any heavier than any other backpack and they go through security just fine. I just got a smaller one, the Daysafe I think it is. It is a more feminine backpack. I think they are worth the money for peace of mind.

I asked for a pacsafe purse for Christmas this year and I love it. I had originally just intended to use it for travel, but liked it so well that I've been using it daily. It is lightweight, and I love the locking zipper. It doesn't hurt my shoulder like many bags do. It isn't the latest trendy style, but I've always cared more about functionality than style anyway.

I highly recommend PacSafe products! Would not travel without the StashSafe 200 or the day back pack.

http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=12

New products 2008:

http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?fuseaction=postreply&topicID=11845

My pacsafe bag has been with me on two trips to Europe and one trip to NYC. I have never had more faith in a purse to keep my stuff safe. I have never had anything taken from me, although there was one (very unsuccesful) attempt by a pickpocket.

My mother, sister, and 90-year-old grandmother also used the bags during our holidays. None of us have ever had a problem. (Even my grandmother who has a bad habit of leaving her purse wide open!)

The only con I can think of is that the metal cords in the straps can dig a little when you put too much in the bags - you probably won't put as much in there as I did, I usually had my heavy camera, wallet, water bottle, food, notebook, and souvenirs crammed into one little bag!

I would say that they are the best travel investment i've ever made.

I like my pacsafe alot - but only when I am carrying my DSLR camera - the added peace of mind for when I am carrying lots of $$$$ worth of equipment is nice.

The downside is that it is very plain (I like nice bags) - but if you regularly carry a leather handbag it's no heavier (and actually lighter than the leather tote I carry every day which is why I use it when travelling to pickpocket havens)

As a side note - I love that people use the pacsafe in my hometown - NYC! I've been known to run out to buy lunch with just my wallet in my hand! It just goes to show your always more comfortable in familiar surroundings :)

I had the pacsafe backpack in China (yeah, yeah, I know, not Europe). I felt incredibly secure anywhere I went. The train stations in the big cities were absolutely crawling with pickpockets and it wasn't a big deal. My bag was nice and secure and I got it at a lower price on campmor.com or Sierra Trading Post (I don't remember which!). It may weight a tiny bit more (my dad said it weight too much, but he doesn't use a backpack often), but for the security, I wouldn't trade it for anything. You might want to replace the key locks that come with the bag with combination locks because the keys are kind of dinky and I was terrified I'd lose mine.