Hi all,

What's the general consensus on locking your backpack while travelling?

(1) Should I lock it before I check it through on the plane? If they need to search the bag, won't they just break the lock?

(2) While travelling around once you're reached your destination, do you generally keep the bags locked to avoid pickpockets?

(3) In the above 4 items I'm referring to the small locks that connect the 2 zippers for each compartment. What about using a cable-type lock to lock the bag to something when unattended? Do most of you use something like that?

Thanks

I've never locked my pack on the plane. I figure if they really want in they'll slash the pack anyways. I don't keep anything of value in the pack when I put it on the plane - all my valuables stay with me (except maybe a pocket knife post 9/11)so I don't have to worry about people rifling through and taking stuff.
as for safety of valuables in your hotel locks are good. I always lock my pack if I leave it a hotel. I brought along a coil bike lock - maybe overkill, but it gave me peace of mind. as for pickpocketing, locked zippers are handy, but not invincible and it doesn't stop slashing.
I've heard recently about this gadget called a Pac-safe which is a wire mesh that locks around your bag - prevents slashing. Has anybody out there used one? would you recommend it? why/why no

Looks to me like a big "Steal ME!!!" sign.

The advice given is quite good, IMHO. I keep all the really important stuff on me.

Cash, passport, etc. stay in interior pockets sewn into my pants.

Camera, portable hard drive, etc. stay in an across the body shoulder bag that I don't take off outside the room (I don't do beaches).

If you want some extra 'in the room' security Pac-safe makes small cut resistant locking bags. Lock to the plumbing or leave with in the hotel lockup.

www.pac-save.com

bob
www.pbase.com\bobtrips
Photos from Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand

i always lock my bag up when travelling, never had a prob. (although now ive probably jinxed my self) but anyway i wouldn't worry anyway. as the above says just keep all your valuables with you and then there shouldn't be a prob.

i dont use the pac-safe, though it does look handy but it might be a pain-in-the-ass to get to any of your belongings if you need them quickly. you can just buy locks for the zips and then a chain lock to lock ur bag to something if you need be in ur room.

[This message was edited by surferinsanee on February 02, 2003 at 03:18 AM.]