Securing zippers

I use split key rings similar to these -- http://www.michaels.com/10077625.html. I leave one on one zipper pull and hook it to the other pull when I feel the need. They pretty much work with any size pull hole. I've used them so long that I can hook them up or take them off quickly. I think any obvious gizmos will make a potential thief go on to a bag with no gizmos.

I use quilting pins or diaper pins. I tried carabiners, but I don't think I know how to use them. I lost them in a cab when trying to access my bag. And pins require two hands to undo, except for the extremely experienced quilter so they might befuddle a thief.

Frank, I have some of those cable wire chains. They work well. I also use them to attach a tiny LED flashlight to daypacks or jacket pulls. There are also luggage tags that come with wire chains like that.

Frank,
I don't own any RS bags, but I use this 'S-Biner' to "lock" the zippers of my small backpack (daybag) when I travel: http://www.niteize.com/product/S-Biner-SlideLock.asp

I really like the way they "lock" (by sliding the small plastic sliders), unlike a regular carabiner.

The ones I have are black (to match by backpack) & found them at REI.

They come in different sizes too, I got the #2.

Safe & happy travels!

There are various clips and luggage locks on the market. Good places to shop for these things are hardware stores ( I.e. Home Depot, lowe's) in the key/door knob area and near the ropes/cordage area. Also, Wal-Mart in the camping section where the peg board/survival gear stuff like matches, whistles, and compasses are. Hikers use clips to secure items to backpacks and clothing. These places are cheap and easy to access. Plus, you can see the item and verify size before purchase.

Thanks for those tips, everyone -- good ideas to add to the repertoire.
I use a mini-carabiner with a screw gate when it will fit and is at hand,
but the cheapie option is often good enough:
a bread-bag tie or a rubber band or a bent paper clip. Just be careful not to poke your finger.

My question is how do you mark or make your bag identifiable?
On RS trips there must be a lot of the same convertible carryons and rollers on the bus.
I'm worried that sewing patches on them would weaken the bags and give more chances for getting snagged.

I use a laser cut rubber luggage tag. It has my alma mater's mascot and name slightly raised and in my university colors. I can see it from a distance. By using this, it's doubtful I'll find someone else with the same bag, of the same color and with the same tag. And....I can move it when I change bags.

Identify your bag with a colorful ribbon on the handle, a luggage strap, a brightly colored baggage tag - any number of options.

You can personalize your bag many ways. You can attach a funny keychain to a handle; you can wrap bright colored paracord around a handle (available for cheap at hardware stores); you can get bright colored duct tape and slap a couple of pieces on or make an "x." Duct tape comes in multiple colors. Even the dollar store has a variety of duct tape options.

I don't own any RS bags, but I use this 'S-Biner' to "lock" the
zippers of my small backpack (daybag) when I travel:
http://www.niteize.com/product/S-Biner-SlideLock.asp

Pricilla, I use these too. They work really well securing the zippers. I have also sewn a key ring to the end of my crossbody or backpack so I can secure the S-Biner to the ring.

My question is how do you mark or make your bag identifiable?

Avirosemail, we use something similar to these luggage straps. You can spot your luggage right away.

There are a lot of similar bags on a RS tour, lol!! I use a hot pink luggage strap I picked up at KMart or Target...forget which, similar to Pilgrim's link.

I also am paranoid about a zipper getting snagged open and having things spill out on to the baggage carousel so I like the suggestions given here. I have been using a plain carabiner but I like the Cable wire key chains Frank linked to.

Nice suggestions on this thread!

I distinguish my bag from all the others by using a bright light blue baggage tag that wraps around the handle (also hides the RS logo as I hate any logos). I also tie a a piece of similar colored fabric or bandana to the other handle. That way it can not be missed when someone accidentally picks up my suitcase, and I can see them do it as well. To be nauseating, I also have a similar tie on my underseat bag or purse, which makes it easier to keep an eye on from a distance as I am getting the full security search...because Heathrow always puts me thru the wringer for some reason. :)

Also, to be really nauseating, I have the same blue diaper pins on my zippers. It makes my plum colored bag really obnoxious, but I don't care because it is extremely visible. Ironically, I RARELY wear colors, usually stick to neutrals in my life.

I use the stainless cable key chain when I feel I want extra security for my zippers. I identify my bag because it is one of the few Khaki bags around and has a custom made metal luggage tag (from Shutterfly) with my information on it attached to the handle with a bright colored electrical cable tie. Pretty hard to miss.

I also have used the locking S biners (gave two kinds: the slider lock and the one with the rotary lock) and have sewn an eye on my cross body bag. The biners are small and unobtrusive, so much that I don't believe they would draw attention, although they may slow a would-be thief. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BKVPTWW/ref=pd_aw_sim_469_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=414HmCdADWL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&psc=1&refRID=FVFSWWBHSHV1QSKMGAJ3

I mark my bag with bright yellow tape on the bottom side because bags always seem to come onto the carrousel upside down, looking completely different than right side up. I also made an obnoxious yarn creation that I've tied onto the handle - definitely one of a kind.

Another vote for the niteize s-biners. I got mine at amazon. They come in a variety of sizes. I like the micro ones for zippers.

I used these on my last trip and absolutely love them.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JS9RUBG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

One more vote for the NiteIze S-biners. I never leave home them.

Another vote for the niteize s-biners. I use the larger black ones on my backpack zipper pulls and the tiny ones on my purse. It definitely takes some manual dexterity to open the smaller s-biners so I feel my bags are more secure in crowds.

Another vote for the niteize s-biners. I use the larger black ones on
my backpack zipper pulls and the tiny ones on my purse. It definitely
takes some manual dexterity to open the smaller s-biners so I feel my
bags are more secure in crowds.

Carole, I do the same. I love those things! I like the ones with the Slide Locks for extra layer of security.

The way I judge if my backpack or purse is secure enough is based on the frustration level of my husband when he has to open the backpack or purse. If he gets too frustrated and gives up, then it's too secure and I try something else. If he gets frustrated, but still gets in - then I've found the perfect lock for pickpockets LOL. (Keep in mind he has 100% access to the backpack with his two hands where the pickpocketer has to do it on the sly).