Question about backpack type bags

What you are missing are the small locks you will need to buy to secure the zippers on the bag.

Kx,

Yes, that's true. The RS Packs have several zippers and these would have to be secured in some fashion to prevent "opportunistic theft". Coincidentally, Rick also sells small Cable Locks in the Travel Store that could be used to secure the zippers.

Various manufacturers have different methods of securing their packs. The Eagle Creek Thrive series have a single locking point to secure the packs, and also a compartment that fits against the back (making it somewhat inaccessible when the Pack is being worn). In "high hazard" areas, one can also deploy the built-in Rain Jacket to cover the zippers.

I've seen videos of thieves accessing Backpacks while the user is wearing them, so I know that type of theft is possible.

Cheers!

When we travel every opening is locked on our day back pack, fanny pack and luggage.

True. I have seen kid thieves caught on tape in Italy stealing from backpacks as their victims walk down the street!!! Check out Pacsafe products at www.pacsafe.com. They have good products to defeat those kinds of thieves.

The issue is how you handle the bag. We used two of the older style bags for over ten years and have never had a problem. HOWEVER, and this is a big HOWEVER, never wear the bags on your back in a crowded bus or subway car. When we are in a crowed situation we wear the bag on one shoulder, which is easy to do, and swing them off and drop to our feet if we have to stand on a bus or subway. Get them to a place when it is difficult for someone to get to. If sitting down, behind our legs. Point is, the bags are light and easy to handle not like some external frame backpack.

I have never locked my bag, I do what Frank does. When I have the bag on my back I am usually in motion, and if I am standing for awhile I take the bag off and will keep it by my feet in front of me. Just be aware of your surroundings.

I have never had my backpacks slashed so I don't worry too much about it. I never put valuables in the outer pockets so someone would have to do some serious slashing to get to my purse. I always put my purse/phone right in the centre of the inner compartment. Whenever I stop at a crossing etc I just slip one strap off and pull the bag around to the front of my body. I grew up in a city so am used to always being aware of what is going on around me. I am always aware of people behind me in crowded situations. Some people do get easily distracted though so if you are one of them you need to be more careful or choose a different type of bag.

Yes thanks, I know about pacsafe and other "security" bags and devices. I was just puzzled as to why someone as security-minded as RS would promote and sell bags that had no built-in safety features while being made to be used in such an "exposed" way.

For those who use these backpacks instead of roller bags, why? It seems to me that having to hoist it on and off as the situation warrants would be less convenient than simply having something you could roll (or pick up and carry by hand) that would stay on or near the ground.

Rollers add weight.

I don't generally lock my bag (an ebags weekender similar to Rick's classic convertible bag).

On a train, I'll use a small cable and backpack lock (like a carabiner with a combination) to lock it to the overhead rack.

If I have it on a crowded bus or subway, I take it off and put it on the floor directly in front of me (not quite between my legs but along those lines).

If I were carrying it in a crowd, I'd probably carry it in front of me so I could keep my eye on it.

If you want to lock the zippers on your bags, you can do it with small locks, plastic zip ties, or even safety pins to make it harder for someone to get into.

Roller bags are heavier (by a pound or two) and have less internal space because of the handle tracks---they make two large ridges along the bottom of the pack. You can pack small things (like sox) between them, but larger flat things (like a packing envelope) has to go on top. You lose about 1.5 inches of depth because of those tracks.

Roller bags are also tough on stairs and cobblestones---you have to pick it up and carry it---and that is when you'll notice the excess weight. (But I'll admit I use a roller anyway.)

While we use rolling bags in the US we do not use them in Europe for several reasons in addition to those stated above. In addition to the bag being heavier to start with, you will over packed because you don't have to carry it. Someone posted earlier to a similar question, that they were unhappy with their rolling bag because they carried it more than they could rolled it. The steel in Pacsafe just adds more unneeded weight. Weight is your enemy when traveling.

In crowded situations pulling a bag is a hazard for other walking people. They fall over it, run it, etc. Second, if you want to move quickly one direction or another, you cannot because you dragging a trailer. If you pick it up to carry, you got one less free hand. There are times when we have to take a rolling bag to Europe and I hate it because it is so awkward to deal with. But these are only our personal experience, so take what you think will work best for you. You can always do something different the next time.

I do what Frank does to keep my bag safe and the climb up to the 4th floor without an elevator will convince you of the value of the rucksack.

I think the OP's worry about the missing "security features" of backpacks that are used in such an "exposed" way is making a big issue out of a small concern.

As for why someone would prefer a backpack over a rolling bag, which the OP also asked, I can think of a number of reasons. Roll a bag down enough cobblestone streets or unpaved paths and you'll quickly appreciate how wheels work better on smooth surfaces. Carry one by the handle up 3 or 4 flights of stairs and you'll understand why backpacks have a belt to put the weight on your hips. Try to dash between trains a few minutes apart rolling the bag behind you in the crowded passageways and walkways next to the tracks and you'll worry about getting on board in time. Travel with one legal-sized for an airline overhead bin and you'll miss the extra packing room taken up by the handle, wheels, and mechanism in the rolling backpack.

Mike, Excellent Summary. Copy it for the same question next week.

Pickpockets are looking for cash. I have never kept that in my backpack.

A luggage backpack is not a huge risk ... what are they going to make off with if they unzip it? Some guidebooks and dirty laundry? If your stuff is valuable, use a padlock. I think they would probably put my stuff back in the bag and zip it up :)

Backpacks leave your hands free ... easier when you are taking public transport, walking over cobblestones, or checking a map. Personally, I now prefer a roller bag but used to carry a backpack and it does have its advantages.

Europe is not a place where you are surrounded by thieves. Use caution when you are in crowded places. Normal common sense applies.

Kx, The only time I (usually) take my padlocked convertible backpack off my back is on a train (not subway unless it's really crowded) or once I've arrived in my hotel room. I've had to deal with lifting a friend's roller bag up stairs or up the bridge to Civita and vowed "never again"! I have never had problems with pickpockets and my convertible bag!

Ya, you do look a little dorky wearing on the front but I have seen it frequently done. And that doesn't completely solve the security issue that Kx has been asking. Whether you wear it front or back, the bag is at a level that other hands can reach it very easily. In a very crowded situation which is really the only time you are worried, you will have bodies pressed up against the front and side of the bag. Someone could easily be working the pockets and you would not know it even if looking forward. My advice has always been and what we do, is get the bag on the ground. At least it is harder to reach down there. As for routine carry, put it on your back. It is far more difficult to carry in front and awkward. And it blocks you forward view of the sidewalk. You are not gaining any significant increase in security by wearing it on the front if you are out in the open.

please feel free to see my post about this here...complete with a picture of how i plan to wear my backpack in barcelona this coming summer (and feel free to laugh at it--i realize how stupid i look, but it will be worth feeling more safe...)
http://elbodans.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/backpack-verdict/

Ya know ... I was told by more than one person that the boards here were cliquish and a lot of frequent posters had sort of a superior attitude. After reading some of these responses and responses by the same posters on other threads, I'm sorry to see that they were right. I asked an honest question out of essentially friendly idle curiosity and I have to say I'm a little surprised at the comeback. Some of you made all kinds of assumptions about how I pack, where I'm going, what my previous experience is, and answered based on that picture of me as an ignorant n00b who's never traveled out of state, and only then with multiple steamer trunks. I've visited -- and lived in -- far more exotic locations than Europe, with personal safety concerns some of you will never begin to experience.

So, yeah ... the next time some hapless first-time forum poster asks a similar question, please feel free to copy-and-paste this thread ... I'm sure it will make them feel as welcome as I do.

In the meantime ... I'll go back to my usual forum and leave y'all to your self-congratulatory tea party.

To those who DID post in a helpful, friendly manner ... thanks, I do appreciate it.

Kx~Personally, I think you look cute as can be! We need to each do what makes us comfortable so we can enjoy our trips. Enjoy every minute of the planning and of the trip!

EDIT: Whoops! Frank has brought to my attention that Tracy posted the pic...therefore, Tracy, you look cute as can be!!!
PS: In the Budapest train station husband & I were told we looked like mules; probably true but my hands were free & the weight of the bag didn't slow me down!!! Certainly gave us a good laugh at ourselves.

Well, I've noticed that the Helpline is pretty much dominated by a few guys with thousands of posts to their credit. One or two of them can be arrogant or even condescending. But . . . I don't see one bit of that in this discussion so I think your complaint is unwarranted.

Where are these "assumptions about how I pack, where I'm going, what my previous experience is, and answered based on that picture of me as an ignorant n00b who's never traveled out of state, and only then with multiple steamer trunks"???????

The only assumptions I see here are that you might be traveling on trains, and possibly subways, you might encounter cobblestones and stairways, and you are security-conscious. Maybe there is an implied assumption that you are traveling to Europe, but that is the focus of this whole board.

As for travel experience, your original question implies a certain amount of naivete about zipper locks, which you now admit is feigned.

So what am I missing?