Are they necessary? I plan on using A Carry-on. We will be taking Trains between cities. We may also, at times, leave our bags at Baggage Storage areas.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
For baggage? You'll get varying opinions, but IMO they're useless. It's very easy for a thief to bypass them using just a ballpoint pen...check you youtube for videos. In 20+ trips I' never had anything stolen out of my bag. Doesn't mean it will never happen, so I just don't bring along anything I can't afford to be stolen.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I carry-on too.
I pack a backpack lock (looks a little like a caribiner with a dial combination on it) and a light cable about 2' long (that came with a different lock).
On a train, I'll lock my carry-on to the rack so I don't have to worry about someone grabbing it and running with it. Is this necessary? Maybe not, I haven't had a problem and I haven't witnessed anyone actually doing a grab and run. This is probably in the better safe than sorry category.
In a hostel, the backpack lock works well for the provided lockers. This is absolutely necessary. I have witnessed many hostelers wondering what they were going to do now that all their money, credit cards, camera, etc. is gone? I like hostels but they seem to be a magnet for petty theft. You should never leave any valuable out of sight if it isn't locked up.
In baggage storage areas, the lockers come with their own locks so you won't need your own lock there.
I never use luggage locks or other methods of locking the zippers on my bag because everything of real value is in my money belt (or tiny camera around my neck and tucked in a shirt pocket).
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
Personally, I have small travel combination locks on all openings for my day back pack, PacSafe Stash Safe 200 and my Roll Aboard. If the Roll Aboard is checked I use the TSA locks. I also carry extras.
On trains we use the luggage storage at the end of the car and use a cable lock.