Hi there, I'm deciding between colors on a new travel backpack...one is yellow - not garish at all, actually somewhat dull - but definitely will stand out in crowds. The other is a deep, boring blue. I like the yellow color better but am afraid the it will make me an easier target for crime - and I will likely be traveling in places known for their targeting of tourists. I intend it to be a carry-on, so I'm not worried about it needing to stand out on a carousel. Am I being too paranoid about the crime possibility? Thanks.
Posted by
Pearland, Texas, USA
441 posts
Everyone is different but I prefer dark colors, they show dirt less. They'll know you're a tourist no matter which color backpack you get. In general, travel packs are dark colors and hiking packs are bright colors but whatever color you like will be fine, just be aware of your surroundings. Happy travels.
Posted by
TX
515 posts
I also would choose a darker color, for both cleanliness and crime factors.
Posted by
Vicenza, Italy
319 posts
Europeans carry very bright colored backpacks, but they only carry them for school for the most part. I would choose a bright bag because I want to stand out. I tend to get seperated from my travel companions and in a busy city square they can find me by my bright teal messanger bag, or teal rain coat or red umbrella. I've never felt more or less at risk of being pick pocketed based on what I was wearing.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I do black. It's hard to stain a black pack.
The lighter you go, the more likely it is to look old quickly (but that may not be a bad thing).
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
The likelihood of becoming a crime statistic has little, if anything, to do with the color of one’s travel bag. Go with the color you like, and do a little research on personal safety & security for tourists with an eye toward the places you’re planning on visiting. My backpack and messenger bag are both brightly colored…I’ve never considered them to somehow make me more of a target anywhere. Happy bag shopping!