What Do You Think? Reputable Luggage Store Says I Should Stick With My PacSafe Backpack

I think your question is basically - backpack vs messenger/shoulder bag. Correct?

The main concern about backpacks is if you wear them on your back, it's harder to know if someone is trying to get into it. Now, I have used mostly backpacks as 'daybags' but I usually wear them on one shoulder only...like I've worn my purses for approximately 276 years. For me, they get too hot on my back, plus as you've stated it's a pain to have to constantly take it off to access it.

If you stay aware of your surroundings and your personal space, a backpack on your back should be fine, especially if you're traveling with someone else; the two of you serve as lookouts for each other. Just don't wear it in metro cars or buses, in lines, or in any other type of crowd where people can press up against you without you being aware that they're in your backpack. Besides, it's just not polite to repeatedly bash into someone with your bag ;-)

Backpacks limit your options. There are places that won't let you in with one but will let you in with a messenger/shoulder bag, which is what we're talking about here. (They're not gender specific.) Backpacks will make your back sweaty and it's harder to keep an eye on the contents.

I used a Metrosafe shoulder bag for my five weeks in Italy this past spring and never had to worry about any of the backpack problems.

Backpacks can be carried under your arm, over one shoulder, in front, or in one hand, besides on your back, depending on the situation. I wouldn't buy a new bag just for fear of Italian pickpockets. What of value will you have in there? Besides, the selling point of all Pacsafe products is their theft deterence.

The PacSafe is marketing overkill. You really don't need steel mesh and cables. Just adds weigh and dollars to the bag. Backpack is somewhat of a generic terms that could mean a book bag with a couple of straps to an external frame full backpack. So what are you talking about size wise. Just how much stuff do you plan to carry in your bag? I have used a scruffy old small book bag as a day bag for years with no problems all over Europe. Personally I don't think the risk of pickpockets in Italy is any higher (or lower) than any other major city in Europe - Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, London, etc. All have some risk.

IMO, as other have stated, it is how you handy the bag in crowded situation is far important than what the bag is. When I am on crowded subways, buses, heavy crowds, I carry the bag fairly low and when standing still it is between my ankles on the floor. In a crowded buses or subway car a pack on the back or in the front is about the same risk. Save your money get something cheap from Goodwill.

I agree about the steel mesh and steel cable being overkill in Italy. The locking zippers, though, are pretty great.

Also, there are many places in Italy that absolutely will not let you in with a backpack, regardless of how you're carrying it. A shoulder bag of the same or even larger size, however, is often allowed. Often the rule has to do with how clueless some backpack wearers can be, accidentally knocking things over or knocking into another person when they turn.

Personally I go with the Murse. When it is at. Y side in crowded situations I can keep my hand on it.

I have used the Rick Steves Civita bag that he carries in his TV shows and have never had a problem. It holds everything I need during a day on whatever town I'm in and is very lightweight. When I'm in a crowded place I simply reverse it on my shoulders and it simply becomes a "chestpack" with my arms securely wrapped around it. When out and about in small towns or less crowded places I throw it over one shoulder as someone suggested. In some places museums will require you to check a backpack but not a messenger type bag. In those situations I leave it in my room or car and just rely on my money belt to take care of my valuables.