Post: #1

What do you guys think of this?

It's pretty damn pricey considering it's just a bunch of wire with a lock on it. Do you think this would be pretty effective?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVIOIi8Yz...re=related

Post: #2

Ah eff' it...I just ordered one. Better safe® than sorry, especially carrying a laptop, ipod and camera.

Post: #3

If I were a thief I would definitely attempt to steal from a bag with the Pacsafe covering it because its advertising that you are carrying some valuable items. If you were going to attach is to something like a bed as shown in the video I would just lift up the bed and take your entire bag. And as a professional hostel thief I would have bolt cutters.

I have been backpacking with my laptop and other valuables for the past 2+ months and have never locked up anything.

Post: #4

(03-04-2009 10:44 PM)jmb Wrote:  If I were a thief I would definitely attempt to steal from a bag with the Pacsafe covering it because its advertising that you are carrying some valuable items.

Why is that? You can be assured that most the bags in that room have something of value in them. These days, who doesn't travel with an ipod, digital camera and maybe even a laptop or cell phone? You can be guaranteed these items are in just about everyone's bag. If I were a thief, my goal would be to get in and out of the room in as quick a time as possible. What will get you in and out quicker? Just grabbing someone's unsecured bag and walking out with it or having to saw or cut through some bag with a wire mesh around it? And I don't think most people are walking around with wire-cutters in their pockets.

Like having the club on your car steering wheel, it's not going to stop a serious thief who has been watching you and is absolutely determined to get in your bag, but if it's just a crime of opportunity they may move on to easier targets, especially since thieves need to get in and out quickly.

Quote:If you were going to attach is to something like a bed as shown in the video I would just lift up the bed and take your entire bag.

I would attach in a more secure way than that. I probably wouldn't even use it in all situations. If I'm in a place where I'm feeling like security is sketchy, I might opt to use it. Of if you were on an overnight train and afraid to fall asleep because someone might grab your bag and walk off the train(or even someone just grabbing your bag by mistaken identity)

Quote:I have been backpacking with my laptop and other valuables for the past 2+ months and have never locked up anything.

I've never had any problems either. But the thought of coming back from a long day of activities to find my bag gone spooks me. Not all hostels have lockers. We're placing a lot of trust in nobody to mess with your stuff. If I really wanted to ruin a bunch of people's trips, I could easily walk into any local hostel in my town and walk out with a couple backpacks during the middle of the day.

Post: #5

Just carry your valuables with you at all times.. That's what I did in Colombia.

Post: #6

I bought this with the same idea as you (camera, laptop, etc.). Problem is I never used it in south america. not once. I trashed it about four months in.

Even for hostels that don't have lockers, you can give your valuables to the owner and he will hold on to it. But there is a safe at least 70% of the time.

Craig from travelvice.com is very big on security. He travels with an assortment of locks.

Post: #7

Anything new in this area? I suspect hotel safes get broken into in some countries, especially if the hotel staff is corrupt. Anyone been using Pacsafe for a long time with success?

Post: #8

I have their CoverSafe 75 for carrying around valuables. Large enough for passport, cell phone as well, and with steel wire inside the strap. I don't like the silly tourist look walking around with it around my neck, but the strap is actually long enough that I can have it secured around my waist instead and the wallet itself on the inside of my pants/shorts if need be.

Haven't really felt a need for using it during city vacations here in Europe though, but I'm bringing it along on my upcoming Thailand trip.

I've also looked at their portable "safe" - http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Travelsafe...B00E8BK6LU
Might consider it for future trips, although on most trips I take I've stayed in decent hotels or use AirBnB and never really feel security is an issue.

This 32L backpack also looks quite interesting - http://www.pacsafe.com/ultimatesafe-32l-...ack-3.html (edit: Seems to be getting rather mixed reviews).
Though I think I've given up on my backpacking plans (for trips longer than a few days anyway) after trying to pack what I want for my six weeks Thailand trip into a 35 L backpack, not satisfied with the result and opting to bring along a carry-on suitcase and a foldable daypack instead.

Post: #9

I had the mesh for backback, even used it sometimes during my trip to South America. It's a pain in the ass to use, not because of the design, but because you have to lift the backpack and put this thing around it, then lock and unlock every time you need to take something in or out.

The portable safe, though, is awesome. http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Travelsafe...B00E8BK6LU
I used it many times and it saved me a couple of times when the stuff I didn't lock got stolen.

Post: #10

Lol, someone resurrected one of my first posts I made in 2009. Well for record, that trip that I took in South America, I used the pac safe a total of two times in two months. I just didn't feel like bothering with it. Nothing was ever taken from my bag.

Post: #11

I think one will look like a dork with this. I also agree with the idea of advertising that you have valuable items, if you buy this, you probably have something you don't want stolen, and people will get bolt cutters.

Waste of time / money IMO.