pacsafe backpack "cage"

[mikey]

Any opinions on purchasing this "chickenwire" for my pack?

www.pac-safe.com/product.aspx?pId=642

I wouldnt plan on using it while walking around, but im wondering if it would good to have in the hostels or on trains??

[Eagle]

mikey, first of all, welcome to the Board!

With regard to the PacSafe, I've seen many posts on these on various travel message boards. I think it's safe to say that the majority wouldn't bother with these, for a variety of reasons:

> with the PacSafe applied, it tends to draw attention to the Pack and the fact that one might have something valuable there.
> although 1.3 lbs. isn't a lot of weight, it's an extra bit of kit that one has to haul around.
> it's only a deterrent at best. If someone wants to get into the Pack, a pair of heavy duty wire cutters will take care of the PacSafe.

It's your choice, but in my own case I usually just store the Pack in a Hostel Locker (if one is available) using my own good quality Padlock, or lock the zippers. That tends to "keep the honest people out". Most of my valuables are usually with me, so there's only clothing and toiletries left in the Pack. I try to travel with only a few valuables (PDA, Camera, Cell Phone) so it's not too hard to carry these either in a Daypack, pockets or in my Tilley Vest.

Some of the other residents of my Dorm rooms just left their Packs wide open next to their bunks, and I don't believe any thefts occurred?

Hope this helps. Cheers!!!