Anti-theft daypack and cable luggage locks - recommendations please.

First off you do not need anything that is slash proof or steel reinforced straps. That just adds needless weight. Second any type cable lock such as a bicycle or ski cable will work. I have a light weight retractable ski lock about the size of a deck of cards. As far as bags go, we use book bag size but just find a bag that will easily hold what you want to carry. The cheaper the better. Some carry more than others. Bags being cut off, slashed, etc., is often discussed but rarely happens. No one has ever reported an actual first hand experience with having a bag slash. The most important criteria for safety is how you handle yourself and your bags. Curious - what are the serious flaws with the 300?

Barb, I use the Rick Steves Civitas bag, now so worn and decrepit no one would want it. But, really, a daypack being for what you would carry walking around town - water bottle, guidebook, rain jacket, candy bar, etc., just don't walk around with anything valuable that you can't replace, and keep it close. No need to chain it to a train seat. If you mean to carry more than that during the day, I think there are options from Bagallini and Magellan that have security features.

Hi Barb. Here's my advice from a woman's point of view: I agree with the 2 guys who posted previously. I use a cross-body messenger-type bag from LeSportSac, which I like because it's roomy and light-weight. As Stan said, don't keep anything really valuable in it. I have a wallet with a day's worth of cash ( no more than 100 euros / pounds / whatever), my camera, a water bottle, a map, etc. Use a money belt for your real valuables: the rest of your cash, your passport, ATM/debit card, credit cards, etc. Keep a hand on your bag in crowds, more to prevent a pickpocket from getting into it than out of fear of someone cutting a strap. When you sit down in a public place for a break or to eat, keep the bag in your lap so you won't walk off without it. Don't sling it over the back of your chair, or put it on the floor unless it's between your feet.

There's no need to lock your day bag to anything. Have fun on your trip, use common sense, and take reasonable precautions.

I agree with the above posters. We have had a lot of information on the websites that could make people feel like they are going into a war zone, but really, you don't have to have slash-proof straps or any kind of special purse. I know the videos on the Pacsafe site sound like you have to be a Ninja to survive Europe. Remember, their goal is to make you feel insecure so you'll buy their product. As for a daypack, anything that can hold your stuff and you can hold onto will do. I had a $14 canvass bag from Target last year, sometimes I have a nifty little backpack I bought in Bruges a few years ago. This year I think I'm going to buy myself a Longchamp backpack in a nice color. If I'm in a city, I just move it under my arm or wear it in front. I'm more concerned with my bag being able to hold a guide book, or iPad, camera, a bottle of water, and an umbrella and maybe a sweater than with sliced straps. And I don't really wear a money thingie either, but I might give it a try after four decades of traveling without it. Normally, I stuff anything important into the bottom of the bag under the water bottle and umbrella and guidebook.

On the other hand, if you are traveling alone, a cable lock is a good idea, if for no other reason than to give you peace of mind when you want to leave your seat to go to the toilet or cafe car.

Thank you everyone. Normally, I don't carry anything of great value. This trip is different for me. My husband bought me a mini iPad and we want to use it for the RS audio tours. I also saw in a different RS forum category about Rome being "bad" for pick-pockets. My husband and I have experienced problems with criminals using our cc # on more than one occasion. I am grateful that banks have developed more sophisticated methods of shutting down cc theft. We will be using Rome public transportation and trains and buses between cities in Italy. Any tips from Italy travelers on safety is appreciated. grazie Mille.

The advantage of Pacsafe products is that they usually have more inner secured pockets and ways to make it difficult for pickpockets to get to your valuables inside. Often though you still need to lock external zippers with a travel lock. The slash-proof elements don't add that much extra security but do add weight (slashing bags does happen but is more rare than just plain old pocket/bag picking).

If you don't want Pacsafe bags, look for ones that have good inner pockets that would be hard to access with stealth. And buy a travel lock for the external zipper so someone can't open the bag.

If you use this method, and are the type not to be careless with your bag, then you can keep pretty much everything in it. Many people still feel more comfortable keeping their passports and back-up cards in a waist money belt or neck pouch.

What exactly would you be cable-locking your bag to? You should never leave your day bag alone, locked or not.

What exactly would you be cable-locking your bag to?

When ever we sit down, almost anywhere and especially in casual places, sidewalk cafes, etc, always cable lock our two day bags to the back of the chair. There have been reports of people losing bags between their feet and we are not interested in sitting there with our bag in our lap. If it is secured to the chair then we know no one is going to grab it with a distractions.

Hi everybody,
I found a couple of cable locks In the bike section of Walmart. I want to tether my daypack during breaks/meals. I bought a cheap 4ft. Combo. Cable my husband can use to tether his suitcase to a train rack. (He stubbornly refuses to use a carry-on bag and insists on packing some extras.). We will also lock the suitcase zipper. I realize a professional thief can pop open the zipper and reach inside his bag. But, I want to make it harder. My husband only packs toiletries and clothes anyway. This way, no one can just stroll-off with his case.

For myself, I will use zipper locks and a kryptonite brand cable lock to tether any bags.
I think the locks will give me a bit more peace. I just don"t want the stress of getting robbed.

I feel that if thieves may be able to take a bag from between or underneath someone's legs without them noticing, it is likely that they can get into the bag and take things without them noticing. So although I can understand it may comfort someone more to lock their bag to their chair when they sit down, it doesn't make you invincible. Not being critical of anyone who does lock their bag to their chair, but just want to note that you must still keep an eye of course on your belongings. I've never locked mine, I just keep a close eye on it.

I appreciated Bets comment about "war zone". So many of the Q&As seem to paint Italy, or at least its big cities as places with thieves and pickpockets at every street corner. Folks should head for the small towns and villages rather than be continuously fearful. I spent 10 days in Asiago, Italy and felt as safe there as my small Oregon town.

Thanks Edgar. I was thinking about it today because we're leaving for Italy and even I was getting spooked despite having lived in France on and off for forty years. Then I realized that for every one post we have of a warning, there must be many thousands of people with nothing to report. But what do we remember, the one post. A few months ago a young woman from New York City was asking about her safety in Paris and Rome. We told her it was just like New York or even safer, but she was freaked out until she actually got there. So Barb, I hope you do whatever makes you comfortable. After a credit fraud, I don't blame you for being vigilant. I just hope you'll come back and tell us how wonderful it was and how relaxed you were. Bon voyage (oops, wrong language, Zoe or Roberto help me with the Italian).

It's buon viaggio, Bets!

Thanks to all. Bets, I actually know more French than Italian. So to you I say, "Merci beau coup. Viva la difference!" I'll be fine. I have traveled other places. I now have all that I need. Thanks to all of you - you saved me some money. I decided the day pack I already have is fine and didn't buy another. The vino and gelato in Italy will ensure a lovely trip. Arrivederci! Au revoir Bets!
With that, I am closing this thread.