Discussing our travel plans, hubby is onboard with packing light, not checking bags and convertible non-wheeled bags. His one concern goes back to the time he spent in Naples over 4 months on job assignment - pickpockets/thieves. Locking the zippers closed is a no-brainer, but has anyone seen/heard of having a bag sliced open?
I'm thinking either the RS convertible or the eBag weekender, based on recommendations found on threads here. Hubby recommended checking out some of the bags at REI - the only one that appears to be a good candidate is the Osprey Porter46 (http://www.rei.com/product/748432). They have other convertible/travelpacks, but most are too big for carryone, or their price tag is waaay too high, or they weigh too much - or any combination of those problems.
We will be mixing train/drive along with walking; Naples/Rome, France & UK. Suggestions/thoughts/experience?
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Here's discussions of the Osprey and others:click1click2About 90% of posters on this board agree that they would not put their passport, credit cards, big money stash and other "trip is seriously disrupted if the pickpockets get this" items in any backpack worn behind them; they would keep these items in a moneybelt or similar device worn under their clothing.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
I use the e-bags convertible. It's been through a lot of trips and still looks new. There is a good discussion on www.onebag.com that talks about materials to look for in your bag.
I attach my bag with a small masterlock and cable when I'm on a train. I use a backpacking lock for lockers in hostels. I haven't been targeted for theft in my trips. Not sure whether it's because I'm a hard target or just overly cautious.
I keep the really important stuff in my money belt throughout the trip. I don't lock my bag zippers because I only carry clothes and light toiletries in it.
I also pack a Civita day pack to carry around during the day. It carries my rain shell, picnic food, pen, plastic fork, lip balm, etc. The small stuff is never worth more than about $10. If I lost it, it could be replaced easily and inexpensively.
My only jewelry is my wedding ring and I wear it all the time. My small camera is on a neckstrap and tucked inside my shirt or jacket.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
The stories are always around about bags being sliced opened. Have never seen or know of any first hand experience. I think the possibility is there IF you wear the bag on your back in very crowd situations -- bus, rail cars, etc. If you are packed in a car with the bag on your back -- sure it could happen and probably has. But in a crowd situation like that we get the bag off our back on to the floor, carried beside us. In order words, get the bag under your control when you can see. If we are packed into a subway car, we face each other and put our bags between us on the floor. Only someone on their knees can get to it and I think I would notice that.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
When I'm standing on a crowded bus or subway, I do the same basic thing. I put my carry-on bag between my legs on the floor and straddle it. If I've only got my daypack, I'll use just one strap, move it around toward my front and rest an arm on it. I never keep track of both. If I have my carry on, my daypack is packed inside it.
Posted by
Freedonia
16409 posts
Another little trick when carrying your packs. Until you get eyes on the back of your head, you need to know what's going on around you. When standing still in a crowded situation, your bag should be in front of you. (Think about doing this as well when window shopping.)
If you are on the move, and get the feeling someone may be following you or trying to get into your bag on your back. Stop, turn around, and walk about half a block in the direction you just came. If someone had been following you, it would be too obvious if they did the same. Once you're sure it's safe, proceed to your original destination.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19284 posts
To me, the two most important criteria of a carryon bag are:
Is it light, and
Does it efficiently utilize the max carryon dimensions?
These two criteria mean that I can carry-on the max amount of stuff.
The eBag Weekender, at 3# 10oz is way too heavy.
The Osprey is also too heavy (3# 2oz) and, from the picture, doesn't appear to efficiently use the allowable dimensions.
The ideal carryon bag would be essentially a rectangular solid within the max dimensions, and should weigh as little as possible consistant with durability. The RS bag (@2-1/2#) fits these criteria better than the others mentioned. Even better in this respect is the Outdoor Products Essential Carryon (1# 12oz). I used an Essential Carryon for two weeks in Germany last year, and it was great.