Purse??

[clappy]

I have a daypack that is basically a small backpack. What I was wondering is during the day I will be using this sightseeing but at night while going out for dinner or to a pub I don't really want to bring the backpack...so should I also bring a purse for these times?
Another quick question, the small locks that can be put on the backpack come with keys..do people recommend this? It seems as though it would be a huge problem if the keys were lost!

[me]

lost keys is a reason i like combination locks. one can keep the combo in more than one place. but, combination locks are less secure. . .

clappy said:

Another quick question, the small locks that can be put on the backpack come with keys..do people recommend this? It seems as though it would be a huge problem if the keys were lost!

[madamtrashheap]

A big yes to the combination locks - that way you can make it something you'll remember and don't have to deal with lost keys.

As for the purse, I'd look at taking one and see if you can't find one that will either go over your shoulder or has a wrist strap, that way you can't accidentally leave it on a table, chair, etc. I'd still have my documents in a moneybelt though.

[me]

as an alternative to a purse, which could easily be lost, i'd suggest a waist pouch, one that straps about your middle. many call them "fanny-packs," but if i were to use one, i'd wear it in front - for security. [my dad did that, yet had his rifled through on a bus in Lisbon - he didn't realize it until it was too late.]

so, a pickpocket could still get into it on a crowded bus/subway, madam'suggestion of using a moneybelt is most appropriate. i *always* use one when i travel out of the country. [dad had nothing of value stolen, fortunately]

[Eagle]

A few more comments to add.....

Padlocks for Backpacks -- the combination locks work well, and these certainly eliminate the problem of lost keys. In addition, many of the small travel locks feature user-changeable combinations, so the combination can be changed if this becomes "compromised" or whatever. However, the construction of these is not generally very robust nor do most use "heel & toe" locking so the level of security provided is not that great. The four-number locks provide slightly better security from manipulation than the three-number models (in terms of the number of possible combinations).

If the Locks will be used to secure a Backpack during air travel, then it's important that "TSA approved models" be used, otherwise there is a risk the lock could be cut-off with bolt cutters if the security staff decided to inspect the pack (one note though - the TSA models are less secure than other models IMO, as these provide an alternate method for opening via the "master key" - also, having a TSA model with the small "flag" that indicates whether this was opened, is a good idea).

I use several small Combination Locks during travel, but given the inherent weaknesses of Backpacks I'm well aware these don't provide too much security so I don't leave anything valuable in my Backpack when I'm out touring. I DON'T use these for securing Hostel Lockers, as they simply do NOT provide adequate security. If I'm going to leave my Passport or other essential items, I want them properly secured so use a keyed high security Padlock. I usually carry at least three keys, with one kept in the Money Belt at all times.

[my dad did that, yet had his rifled through on a bus in Lisbon - he didn't realize it until it was too late.] so, a pickpocket could still get into it on a crowded bus/subway

David, has your Dad got a birthday coming up soon? You might have a look at this Hip / Waist Pack from PacSafe.

www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=19

(NOTE TO OUR MEMBERS -- DON'T call these a "Fanny Pack", especially in the U.K.!!!) I don't use these during travels as they're a bit cumbersome and I prefer the convenience of my Tilley Vest along with a Money Belt. However, I use a Waist Pack around home and happened to find this model in one of the local travel shops. It was the only one on the shelf that appealed to me so I bought it. I don't normally use the "high security" features around home, but they're certainly available if needed.

If the PacSafe Hip Pack is "locked down", good luck to pickpockets (including gypsies) in getting anything out of it!!! However, even if I did use one of these for travel, I'd still keep the most valuable items in a Money Belt.

Cheers & happy travels all!!!

[clappy]

Thanks for the help guys!
I'm definitely using my money belt so really the only thing of great value to me that would be in my daypack or purse is my camera. I had bought a combination lock for the hostel lockers but after Eagle's advice I'm going to get a padlock. Is it really important to lock your backpack for air travel? I hadn't really considered this.

[Eagle]

clappy, a few additional comments.......

Is it really important to lock your backpack for air travel?

I usually lock my Backpack during travel, as I've found on past occasions that the zippers sometimes have a way of opening "on their own", due to vibration or whatever. I've noticed this situation on my Daypack also, when I'm touring with it. If not for security, at least the Lock keeps the darn thing closed!

With regard to a Padlock for Hostel lockers, you might want to have a look at your local Locksmith shops (rather than hardware stores or "big box" retailers). They have more knowledge and expertise and should be able to recommend the best product in your price range. I posted a long description somewhere in the Boards here last year on what to look for in a good quality Padlock, but can't find the post. Therefore, I'll provide a short summary of the features to look for:

> First, look for a Padlock with a shackle that's not too large. Most Hostel Lockers only have a small hasp, so if the lock is too large, it won't fit! Have a look at Lockers in your local area (schools or other public institutions?) to get some idea on what size Padlock to buy.

> The shackle should be hardened steel, and should preferably use heel & toe locking, using hardened steel ball bearings rather than a "bar" (anyone that knows locks will know what this means).

> Preferably, the body of the Padlock should be hardened steel also, but solid brass or laminated steel (most often used on Master Padlocks) is satisfactory too.

> A Padlock which is rekeyable is very desirable, but not essential.

> One of the most important features is to try and find a medium or high-security Padlock that enforces strict key control, and one that has a somewhat "different" key so it can't be duplicated at the local hardware store AND is highly resistant to "picking" or manipulation (one of the most important features, IMHO).

I'd suggest using three Keys for travel. You'll have to decide where you're going to keep these so that they're readily accessible to you, but not to anyone else.

To provide some idea on the type of Padlock I prefer, have a look at www.abloy.ca/index.php?module=AxialBoutique&func=view_one_product&id=147&nav=54_56. Another brand to consider is Medeco, however I'm not as familiar with them so don't know if they have any Padlocks in the size that might fit lockers.

Happy travels!

[clappy]

Where can you find the small locks that go on all the zippers of the backpack? Are these combination locks or locks with keys??

[Eagle]

clappy, I couldn't tell from your Profile where you're located, so I have no idea what types of stores might be available for you to buy Padlocks?

To answer your question, small Padlocks that will fit Backpack zippers are available in both keyed and combination versions (keeping in mind the "lost key" scenario of you plan on buying keyed versions). In most cases, Backpack zippers have small "eyelets" for attaching the Padlocks (these aren't very robust however). Many Backpacks also have small nylon or plastic "loops" attached to the zippers and I sometimes use these for attaching the padlocks if I'm lazy or in a hurry.

You'll have to decide which type of lock you want, and in the case of combination locks whether you want a three number or four number code. If you plan on locking the Backpack zippers during air travel, a TSA-approved Padlock is essential (these are clearly marked as "TSA-approved" and have a small symbol on the case to denote this).

To get some idea of the various small Padlocks available in your area, check out Locksmith shops, Canadian Tire stores, or travel & Luggage stores. You can also check www.magellans.com or www.ricksteves.com if you wish to order via mail, or www.eaglecreek.com for a list of retailers in your area (I'm fortunate to have an awesome travel & luggage store in my community that has a great selection of not only all types of travel gear, including Eagle Creek, but also Tilley clothing). I've been using a couple of the small RS Cable Locks on the past few trips, and find they work quite well. One of the "hidden benefits" I've found with the cable locks used on my carry-on Pack, is that the locks can be snapped shut without locking them, which is great to keep the zippers closed while walking but also makes it easy to open them for going through airport security.

Hope this helps.

[me]

in Dallas, i've even seen them in hardware stores. but, good hardware stores are going away the big-box places like Lowe's & Home Depot have destroyed the market.

- d

clappy said:

Where can you find the small locks that go on all the zippers of the backpack? Are these combination locks or locks with keys??