Good Shoulder Backpack for Rome, Paris, & Barcelona?

Your question is, helpfully, quite specific:

you're asking what is the "safest thing to do"

and you're specifying that you want to take a backpack.

3 quick points:

1) Many people use backpacks in Europe.

2) And yes, many of the stories you'll read here involve theft from backpacks.

3) But overall, most people who use backpacks don't have things taken from them--but some do.

The problem is that your stuff is behind you, and the pick-pockets apparently prefer getting into things that are behind you, where you can't see what's going on.

You mention the strap system being diagonal, but that doesn't matter from a security point of view, because they're not going to rip the backpack off of you.

It's been surmised here that pick-pockets:

1)look for Americans (not because they're anti-American but because they know we have the goodies)

and

2) look for Americans with backpacks.

So if you're an American with a backpack, it probably makes you more of a target, in places like Rome and Paris especially.

Bottom line: many experienced travelers, to places like Rome and Paris (where pick-pockets are), have adopted the following strategies:

either don't carry a backpack,

or if you do, don't put anything in the backpack that you can't easily replace.

Definitely don't put ATM cards, credit cards, passports, or your deep stash of euros in the backpack (the things that cause really big problems if they're stolen).

Many experienced travelers also don't put cameras in the backpack--they can replace the camera but can't replace the photos they've already taken on the trip that are on the memory card of the camera that has, unexpectedly, gone missing.

What some experienced travelers do--if they carry a backpack at all--is limit items in the backpack to lunch, maps, tour books, replaceable clothing item (jacket, whatever)--those kinds of easily replaced items.

What about having the shoulder backpack or sling bag in front of you on your chest side... as opposed to the back or side? Would that make any difference?

When you say "a backpack that slings over the shoulder diagonally," do you mean a messenger bag?

I guess it would be more or less a messenger bag.

Messenger bags are a different animal from backpacks. They are popular in Europe. Just make sure it has a zippered closure with a large flap over that which can be secured by some kind of clasp or buckle. The kind with only a flap over the main opening are not secure.

As for pick-pocketed backpacks: If you look closely on a Google Maps street view of a street near the Duomo in Florence, you will find a young woman talking on a cell phone, her back in view, and her daypack is hanging open as though a pickpocket got into it and she was totally unaware.

So a good Messenger Bag with all Zippered closures and a front flap that locks down with a clasp... and slung over my shoulder towards the front should be secure enough to not worry?

If you really don't want to worry, check out the Pacsafe Metrosafe series. If used correctly they are virtually theft free.

Eagle Creek also makes a couple of good ones with some anti-theft features.

Steve,

All of the cities you mentioned are fairly "active" with Pickpockets, so don't forget the first precaution to take - wear a Money Belt! Be especially vigilant in very crowded locations such as on the Metro.

As someone else suggested, PacSafe manufactures an excellent line of theft-resistant products. You could also have a look at Eagle Creek or the products in Rick's travel store (click the tab at the top of this page).

Happy travels!

I picked up the Pacsafe Metro 200 over at Sports Chalet. It got good reviews and seems very safe.

I do however have one other question about carrying a camera. Is it safe to hold a point and shoot style one in your hand at all times? It would be in my hand with a wrist strap too. Didn't want to keep it in the backpack... as I might miss some great shots.

Hi Steve,

I used the Pac Safe 200 on my most recent trip to Italy and Loved it! You'll be happy you picked this one.

As for carrying your camera, I would say as long as you are holding it in your hand you should be ok. However if you are letting it dangle from your wrist you could be more at risk. If you're not using it I think it's ok to put in your bag. Especially since you have the Pac safe. I would recommend using the hook on the strap and connecting to the zipper opening so no one can open it.

Have a great trip!

I am sure it is safe to hold the camera in your hand at all times. Probably a bit inconvenient though.

We have had this backpack discussion from time to time. I take a slightly different position that has worked well for us over the years. I think how you handle the bag in crowded situations is far more important than the type of bag. I don't think a bag should ever be worn -- front or back, especially back when standing in very crowded train, bus, subway car, etc. At that level hands can very easily gain access to your bag. People have reported thefts even when wearing a bag in front. When it is real crowded I almost drag my bag along the ground especially when entering subways and buses. If I have to stand, the bag goes to the floor in front of me with one foot on one shoulder strap and the other hand holding the other shoulder strap. You have going to have to be real short in order to get your hand on my bag. I use an old and well worn book bag and have never had any problems or any attempt at theft (to the best of my knowledge).

Excellent point Frank. Its the management of the bag, not the bag itself. Keep it in sight at all times in crowded spaces. The best theft guards like locks or wire reinforcement only buy you a little time.