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Backpack security

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General security
17 years ago, March 1st 2007 No: 1 Msg: #11264  
I'm going backpacking later on in the year for the first time, is it advisable to padlock my backpack for example when leaving it in hostel or handing it in at airports etc? Reply to this

17 years ago, March 1st 2007 No: 2 Msg: #11267  
It is a good idea, although I don't! (Do as I say, not as I do!)

Seriously, don't leave anything valuable in your main backpack even if you do lock it. At airports my camera (which is the only thing I own of any value) goes with me on the aircraft in my day pack. I also don't leave my camera in my backpack in hostels. The only other thing I own of any value is my credit card and passport - again I never put these in my main backpack or day pack or any other bag. I have several money belts - I always ware them. I even sleep with my money belt on when I stay in hostels! (I am more worried about being robbed by other travelers than locals). Reply to this

17 years ago, March 4th 2007 No: 3 Msg: #11344  
Good advise Stuart:0)..........is it worth using deposit boxes or just keeping stuff on you? Reply to this

17 years ago, March 5th 2007 No: 4 Msg: #11362  
Deposit boxes can be dodgy - credit cards been known to go missing... It depends on the country. For instance it is quite common for credit cards to go on a shopping trip in Thailand whilst the owners are visiting Hill tribes from Chang Mai or Chang Rai. I found my credit card blocked in Thailand and had to make an expensive international call to unblock it. My card hadn't gone on a shopping trip without my knowledge, but because it happens to so many cards in Thailand I found it blocked after I had bought a new camera.

I personally don't tend to trust deposit boxes. The only times when I have parted with my credit cards is when I am swimming or white water rafting. Reply to this

17 years ago, March 5th 2007 No: 5 Msg: #11441  
god spammers..........Maharaja take a swift walk of a short pier Reply to this

17 years ago, March 11th 2007 No: 6 Msg: #11777  
N Posts: 6
dan,

have a look further up this forum - a while after your post i happened to post some tips for general backpacker security (5 cheap ways to safeguard travel gear)
hope they help

happy travels

ubertramp Reply to this

17 years ago, March 12th 2007 No: 7 Msg: #11825  
Hi

If you have a bag you can lock, then yes lock it at all times! It makes it harder for people to just grab something out of your bag as it happened to me and other travellers. People just open the top of your backbag and take random items as dirty clothes. hairbrushes etc. It is also a good idea to lock or tie your bag to something as thieves can´t grab it and run. However, don´t be paranoid and do not take anything you are not prepared to loose...
Cheers Michaela Reply to this

17 years ago, March 13th 2007 No: 8 Msg: #11843  
B Posts: 138
If you're worried like me, invest in a travel backpack that has zippers that lock together rather than a toploading hiking-specific backpack that uses drawstrings.

If you're worried about credit cards, just carry them on you in a moneybelt thats shoved in your pants or leg moneybelt. I've never had any problems... yet.

Look into a local hardware store and buy a chain that you can use to lock up your stuff. It only costs a few dollars and its good for keeping honest people honest.

-another thing to keep in mind is that some hostels make you give back your room key each time you leave and its placed in a visible location at the reception. It seems pretty easy for someone to swipe a key and access your stuff.

This could just be my paranoia talking...
Reply to this

16 years ago, April 6th 2007 No: 9 Msg: #12576  
A friend of my posed a thought on the zipper thing laurlee and it was that if you put padlocks on your zippers, they could just cut into your bag and if your bag is the only one with locks...they will think you have something worth stealing,,,,,,,,but its just a thought😊 Reply to this

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