It seems like sling bags are all the rage, especially for smaller day bags. Does anyone have any thought as to how safe these are from theft? CAn they easily be swung to the front when in a subway or busy market? Thanks!
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I've traveled with one in many places and find them easier to put in front of you than a backpack which I think are equally as popular. Pam
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
This is a FRAUGHT subject on this board! :D I always carry a slling bag, small, with a zippered compartment in which I keep my money and credit cards. While walking, perambulating museums, sitting in a pub or restaurant or cafe, I always keep it ON (never on the back of a chair or on the seat beside me - gah!) and keep my hand on it. So yes, they can be easily swung in front, and IMHO should never be swung to the back! I did this for years in New York City and was never once mugged or ripped off.... well, a guy tried once, but he grabbed the bag at a run and tried to pull it off me - dragged me down onto the pavement on my back and hauled me along a few feet before he realized I was NOT giving it up, so he cut his losses and disappeared down an allery - without my bag. And now you will hear from the money belt advocates, who will use my story as proof that one MUST wear a money belt. How about a compromise? Wear a money belt - but also wear a cute sling purse for that "day-to-day" money that you can't keep in a money belt?
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL, USA
37 posts
The combo money belt + cute day bag is what I was thinking as well. Thanks!
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
While my wife an I are not concerned about what is currently the "rage", but are much more concerned about usefulness and safety, we both use a RS day bag that we keep draped over our shoulder onto our chests. When we encounter a crowd, especially during transportation, we move our bags around in front and stand face to face. It has worked for the last 10 years of yearly travels thru Europe. Good luck.
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3108 posts
A sling bag is basically a one-shoulder backpack, so it is still a backpack. Yes, you can swing it to the front if concerned about security, but they still have the objectional qualities of a backpack, which to me means they are too thick and bulky. They get in the way in shops, crowded areas, etc. Plus, most are triangular shaped so would not work well for your ipad (saw your other post). I much prefer a trim, slender cross-body bag, or a shoulder bag that can be clenched under the arm, like this one: http://www.baggallini.com/product2.asp?product='TTC473'&Fabric='Crinkle' I would secure the zipper with a locking device if you are going to carry the ipad around in it. Note that the back side has a sleeve for slipping over the handle of your roller bag, for getting through airports or wherever you might wheel your roller bag.