Swing purse or fanny pack

How about nothing? It is taken us a number of trips to go from a big purse, to fanny pack, to nothing. We take one small daybag that holds a few personal items of min value, rain gear, sweater,etc. that I carry and that is it. The fanny pack probably would be marginally safer.

I usually take both and alternate depending on the activity. Fanny pack for hikes/picnics/exploring places like Pompeii and Paestum. Purse for going to dinner, exploring a city...

Girls have to carry thier "stuff"!!!

Frank, thank you but that is so typical "man", when I go to the ladies restroom I need my own pack or purse with me, I don't want to be digging in my husbands backpack for personal items that everyone can see me pulling out, I just need to know which is safer. You guys are so funny!

Anna, I ALWAYS take a swing purse/satchel (by Eagle Creek) that I wear across my body--on 6 trips I have never had a problem with a possible thief. As you have indicated, I carry a map, tour book, suntan lotion/glasses, chapstick, reading glasses, power bars, etc (nothing of value). My husband has a backpack with the video camera, umbrella, and depending on the weather, jackets. We both wear money belts. I think the fanny pack is too attractive to pickpockets--an easy snatch because of the clip (how the belt attaches).

ok, fanny pack stays home, and what do they call it in England?

Anna, as several other posters have noted, and as I have...check out Pacsafe bags. They offer zippers that lock and knife proofing on the front panels. they are no heavier than other bags out there, but offer the security of these features.

I just bought 2 of them for my trip in November. One for me and one for my daughter. I got the Metro 200 - looks more like a guide style bag, long strap for wearing over the shoulder/across the body, has lots of pockets and big enough for my camera + stuff.

Daughter got CitySafe 100 - looks more like a handbag, fewer pockets, but large enough again for camera + stuff.

Check their products on their website at http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3 Or shop at REI.

I've used other bags, but am excited about these new ones for future trips.

I always take a purse too but tend to take one with short straps that I carry over my shoulder and wedge under my arm pit. Been doing this for years and have never had a problem. If you feel better carrying it across your body do that. Can't speak for the UK but here we call a fanny pack a "bum bag". The word fanny over here has a totally different meaning - refers to a ladies anatomy.

Ellen's reply says "pacsafe bags are knife proof", is this something we really have to worry about?? Is it really that bad out there?

It's not that bad out there. I'm only stating the features of the bag. (i.e. slash proof panels on Pacsafe bags)

I've heard rumors of thieves slashing bags to get the contents...RUMORS.

I bought these bags because the zippers are secure. I am traveling in Rome, and have seen a pickpocket in action on the metro. I care to take some precaution this trip.

I carry my camera in the bag...and some money for the day. I don't want my camera out in the open, unless I'm taking a photo. The size was an important selling feature for me, as were the zipper locks.

Personally, I'm not worried about getting a bag cut, only someone's nimble fingers getting into the zippered compartment.

All that being said...I always keep one hand on my bag, and a careful eye on everything around me. I don't care to have my holiday spoiled by loosing anything important to me!

I have heard and read reports of backpacks being cut but have never seen it. Nor have I known anyone who has had this happen. Do know a few who have lost stuff but nothing cut. It is possible but not highly probable. Unfortunately with these discussion sites is that the discussion is always on the worst things happening. And folk who have had problems tend to post more stories so it looks much worst that it is. We have traveled nearly 300 days over the past 15+ years and have never seen a picketpocket, never had anyone rub against, felt any hands in our pockets and haven't lost anything Have encountered a couple of what we perceived as questionable situations but nothing happened. And we been in some of the great pickpocket capitals of the world -- Rome, Madrid, Paris, etc.

No--it's not that bad out there. At least, not where I have been. I have never had a reason for a knife-proof bag in western Europe. Then again, I haven't been everywhere. When I was looking at the Pac-Safe products at our local sports store, I wondered the same thing--where in the world would you need a backpack that contains a metal mesh lining? Since they make these packs, there must be a need.

I agree with Denise and Frank I don't think it is that bad at all. I think people hear these rumours and as they are 'sensational' tend to repeat them. I travel to Europe once and year and NY once a year and have done for 6 years and have never had a problem. I do keep my wits about me and am sensible at night and only twice have felt threatened. Nothing happened in each instance.

They call it a bum bag in England - don't use the word fanny ever in any converstion unless you want to be caught in an awkward situation - it's slang for the female anatomy, i'll leave it at that. I was in Europe for 6 months and took my purse (with a zipper) with me everywhere, I just kept the important documents in a smaller zipped pocket on the inside and kept it tucked under my arm- same as you would in any big city. No special bags or packs or whatever are needed -just be aware of your surroundings.

I wear my fanny pack with the buckle under my untucked top. I usually have a sweater or button blouse of type and wear that around my waiste - over the untucked top AND the fanny pack with arms tied in front. I have my shoulder cover handy, and not wrinkled in case we see an open church to explore AND my fanny pack is safe.

I too have a pacsafe over the should bag. I don't like it because the bag itself is quite heavy. I use it - but I don't like it. I loved it before our trip. But I am really glad the fanny pack went too.