Italy and carry on Luggage

I would not worry just pay attention which is easier when there are 3 of you. How would someone steal something from you on a day trip if your bag is with you at all times? I do not understand.
No matter where you go in the world don't put stuff like money or expensive electronics in a bag. It should be on your person.

Should we be worried about theft from our backpacks while on day trips?

Worried? No, not if you're doing things right.

You should be aware of your belongings (all of them, not just your daypacks), and aware of what's happening around you. At all times, but especially in crowds and chaotic places. As long as you are aware of what's going on around you, you should be fine. But that's nothing unique to Italy - the same is true at home.

When traveling, use a money belt or similar device to secure critical/valuable papers and plastic.

I don't know anything about your proposed gear. For packs that I carry, I like zippers that can be locked together (both ends of the zipper secured together) with a small TSA-style lock (quite secure), or closed with a "speedlink", locking carabiner or similar device (not quite as secure, but pretty good and enough to stop a thief as long as you're paying attention).

Paying attention is the key, though. No device will keep your stuff from being stolen if your brain is on vacation. Keep your head in the game and that's 90% of what you need. Make sure your husband and son get that and stick with it.

What will you be carrying in the daypack that you will be worried about losing? You should not be walking around during the day with anything of value in a daypack. Or do you mean theft from the backpack you leave in your hotel room while out during the day? If so, then consider if you would worry about it when traveling at home.

I wouldn't use a backpack as a day pack if you plan to carry anything of value in it.

Honestly, that thing is huge. I suggest a regular carry on type bag on wheels over this very large bag. I cannot image carrying that as a backpack. If everyone has their own smaller carry-on type bag you really won't need to worry about anyone getting into it.

Donna

Backpack might be too big for day trips. Many places do not allow backpacks and it gets cumbersome to check them and wait to drop off and pick up. I believe in traveling as light as possible.

I had to look up this bag before I could comment on it.

As far as flying, it looks like a great bag! As far as using part of it for a day pack, I'm not so sure. A lot depends on where you want to go and how you plan to travel while in Italy. If you're hiking, that looks cool. If you're doing a lot of museums in Florence, I'm not so sure that will work for you as that looks like a huge backpack vs. a smaller day pack.

I know a lot of people worry about having things stolen. If you carry your passports, credit cards & cash in a backpack like that, then - maybe? Because you won't be paying attention to it all the time. Your stuff that's hard to replace should always be somewhere else. A money belt. A neck belt. A travel purse. What goes into your daypack should be less important stuff - a water bottle. A guide book. Sweaters. Hats. Tissues. Etc.

Other people will have other opinions. This one is just mine.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!!

I just returned on Wednesday from my first solo trip to Italy, flying into Milan and out of Rome two weeks later with three night stops in Venice and Florence. I had the same concerns you do, especially traveling alone. I never once had any problem with or saw any evidence of theft, be it my day bag like Rick uses or pickpockets he talks so much about. Many days I didn't even need a day bag, but simply wore a shirts I'd brought with Velcro pockets and cargo pants/shorts with Velcro or a zippered pocket. In them I carried my cell, a camera in case attached to my belt, passport, cash and credit cards in a money belt under my pants, and a few euros in my pockets. I actually found walking around Florence and Rome without a day bag liberating and it put my mind at ease. I was all over these four cities and their sites with absolutely no sign of a problem, regardless of how crowded it was...even the subways or on busses. I also learned that when you are traveling alone you're much more aware of your surroundings and the people around you, but also the places you came to see instead of being distracted by traveling companions. This was my fourth trip to Europe to four distinctly different countries, the first three with family. Listening to Rick talk about petty theft and pickpockets made me paranoid on the first two, but later just more aware.

I hadn't heard about your bag but looked it up in their website. My first impression after watching the video is that it's a nice combination bag and I might want to try one, but the detachable bag might be a bit big to carry around all day in the European heat. For the past ten years I have used both the Rick Steves rolling bag and convertible backpack depending on the circumstances and they have served me well, almost indestructible. His microfiber day bag is tough and holds everything I've ever needed for a day on the town. You might also want to look at the reviews for the 28L since some talked about the exterior material tearing and the frame durability. Regardless, have a great trip.

Jim