I have read about the wire mesh covers (i.e. "Packsafe") but I would like to find a large canvas bag I can put my backpack in and then sinch closed with a cable and lock. I cannot seem to find a product like this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Ryan
Reply to this Hello Ryan 😊
I havent seen such an item, but what you could do is keep valuable items such as laptop and camera in a smaller bag that you can take everywhere and only keep clothes and other things that are less expensive to replace in your backpack. And use a moneybelt to carry cash, credit cards, passport....
Mel
Reply to this Mel,
Thanks for the reply. That sound like a pretty good approach. I have a few more questions.
- Is there a specific type of smaller bag you have found to work well. I am picturing a small backpack but didn't know if the messenger style bags workout to be more convenient or are safer.
- I'm sure this happens but is the possibility of having your bag slashed while wearing it a realistic concern? I am planning to travel to India and am not sure how prevalent this problem is.
- I'm not sure how a money belt would fit a passport. That sounds like a great idea and I will look for a product like that.
Thanks again,
Ryan
Reply to this I travel very light, without camera, laptop.... but if I had those I would try to put them in the most inconspcious thing I could find to reduce the chance of giving the impression that there is something in this bag worth robbing. Most people would probably carry a daypack to put things like that in. Day packs are small enough to comfortably take to the bathroom or anyplace else you would need to go. But I would avoid carrying the daypack on your back while walking around. Put it on the front. Somebody could slash it with a knife at the back and steal something.
- I'm sure this happens but is the possibility of having your bag slashed while wearing it a realistic concern?
Yes, this is most certainly something to be concerned about. Also there are snatch thieves that ride by on motor bikes and will grab a bag you are not holding tightly. So, bags that you would drape over one shoulder are not advisable.
- I'm not sure how a money belt would fit a passport.
Many of them have a pouch that lies flat against your stomach under your clothes and are big enough to hold passport, tickets, money...
Reply to this PacSafe has bags that are supposed to be slash-proof. I have a very small one (a body bag) where i stash my valuables - money, cards, passport . My nephew also has something like a canvas bag with a lock and cable . They are a bit pricey , I'm told. Sorry, I do not know exactly how much as I got them mine as a gift.
Reply to this Mell and others - Thank you very much for the advice. I always appreciate learning something new (moneybelt, travel light, bags can be snatched by passing motorists, etc.). I feel like it really will improve my and others' trips.
Many thanks!!
Ryan
Reply to this Why would you need to bring a laptop in India? There is always a computer shop there where you can rent for a couple of cents.
Regarding the Bag, I advice you to carry a Beltbag, in this way, you can put this infront you without restricting your movements.
Reply to this This is a little bit of a long shot - The a Pacsafe "Travel Waist Wallet" looks interesting. I am picturing that if you put this under a shirt and around your waist, one could keep a Passport and Notes completely concealed.
I'm not sure if it would irritate one's skin as it would be directly against it and if it would hang down and end up tucking under one's pants. I'm not sure if that would be comfortable for weeks at a time.
http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=1
Reply to this I'm not sure if that would be comfortable for weeks at a time.
I usually even wear mine while sleeping when I travel. I like better when I can take it off, but it is not so uncomfortable if I cant. Wearing it all the time is a lot less uncomfortable than having passport, money and credit card stolen would be.
Reply to this I too wear my money belt when sleeping on a train, it is a usual fabric one and flat, so it is not uncomfortable. It easily fits my money (not coins), passport, cards and insurance info. Try to get one with a double compartment - it makes sorting things easier.
I have purchased a few Pac Safe products - the most basic one is the long wire that you attach to something solid and then attach it to your backpack - it stops something lifting your goods unless they slash it. The full mesh version is safer, but is quite weighty - also it is a bit of a pain to fit around your pack. In my opinion it is the safest option.
I prefer combination locks, for as long as you can remember the combination, it takes the issue out of potentially losing your keys. Pacsafe products give you one lock with each security cable/mesh. I'd always buy another lock, as it does come in handy to fit that mesh properly or to give your pack extra security.
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