Pack security.

[KiwiJohn]

Is it safe to leave one's pack in the Albergue when out and about in the town?

 

[Bradypus]

Do not leave anything valuable in it - money, bank cards, passport or valuable electronics. Keep those on you at all times. The rest of your gear is fairly unlikely to be stolen.

 

[Kgaynor]

Always carry your valuables wherever you go - bathroom, shower or about town. Some albergues provide a locker. I brought a small lock with me. Other Albergues ask for a small deposit for the key to a locker. Even when a locker was available, my valuables were on my person at all times.

 

[dougfitz]

No-one can guarantee the security of your pack in an albergue or other communal living environment like a hostel, so it is important not to leave anything of critical importance in it when it is unattended. This includes going to the shower or toilet, and even when sleeping, as well as when you go out to eat or roam around town. I carry a very light pack that I use to carry my phone, credencial, camera when I am going out, and it also serves as a shopping bag. The aim is to make the contents of the pack you have left in the albergue unattractive to an opportunistic thief.

Remember, also, that depending upon your routine, you will have removed items like your sleeping bag from the pack, the clothes you walked in will have been washed and are drying, and other things might be laid out on your bed ready for the evening. At this point, an opportunistic thief who might find a wallet, phone, camera or other high value item an attractive item if it is left unattended, shouldn't find those left on the bed or in your pack when you aren't there. Even when you are there, I think it is a good idea not to leave these on the bed in any case.

 

[Roland49]

All valuables did come with me, as I leave my pack behind.
There is always a chance that a bad person will search your pack for valuables. Many Albergues do have lockers to lock away your backpack.

 

[Former member 92300]

For the most part, yes, it is safe to leave your backpack at the albergue. But do NOT leave valuables in it. Always good to have a fanny pack/bum bag/waist pouch (or whatever you prefer to call it) and keep your phone, passport, credential, money and cards in it and with you at all times. Never leave your waist pouch unattended. Never leave your valuables with another pilgrim to watch unless you travelled from home with them. The vast majority are wonderful people who look out for each other, but you never know when you have been hanging around that 1 person who might want to raid your wallet.

 

[t2andreo]

The rule of thumb I learned over some 10 years of Camino related activity, is to keep with you anything that, the loss of theft of, would effectively end your Camino or make proceeding a real hassle. I include optional items like cameras, etc. for those who have expensive gear in this category.

Also, keep with you ALL identity documents, credit cards and money, small electronics, prescription medications (don't worry about nutritional supplements - you will survive until these can be replaced). Bottom line - if replacing an item would be impossible, very difficult, expensive, or time consuming, carry it with you at all times.

Everything else can be replaced in or near any large town or city. There are Decathlon sports super-stores, and many, many smaller local businesses, catering to the pilgrim's needs. Just ask around if you lose something along the way. You can also Google search for "sports supply store near me."

In a city, I usually Google "Decathlon near me." Most are just outside the city center in a light industrial or "big box store" area. You might have to take a bus or taxi. But, needs must. if this becomes the need, ask around for others to go with you and share the taxi costs.

Also, I leave my phone charger and cord in my backpack, but I keep a battery pack with me. In town, I use a small Sea-to-Summit sil-nylon, 16 liter, zip top shoulder bag worn crossbody, or a fanny pack worn the same way.

This is definitely a case where an ounce of prevention is worth several pounds of cure.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[SMOM Pilgrim]

Used a PacSafe chain to keep my pack attached to the bed and a day pack with valuables for exploring. Heading back for my 4th trip in 2 weeks. Really miss the Camino, a very special journey.

 

[trecile]

Also, keep with you ALL identity documents, credit cards and money,

This is important if you happen to find yourself in the hospital. Unfortunately, I speak from experience!

 

[Kgaynor]

I changed my locked screen on my phone to show: emergency contact info, travel insurance information, medications I’m on, as well as allergies in case I was unconscious.

 

[Former member 101413]

Is it safe to leave one's pack in the Albergue when out and about in the town?

Dear John, all over the World you should take care of your belongings. Do you think Alberrgues in NZL are safer?

 

[Former member 92300]

Used a PacSafe chain to keep my pack attached to the bed and a day pack with valuables for exploring. Heading back for my 4th trip in 2 weeks. Really miss the Camino, a very special journey.

I considered doing this. But wasn't worth the extra weight. And depending on the bag - I would imagine for most bags a thief could still remove the contents of the bag if they can't take the bag itself.

I had a PacSafe bag to put my valuables in on my first trip to Europe - I could place all contents of my waist pack in it and chain it to the bed. It had wire inside that made it difficult to cut open. But it was VERY heavy and never used it again.

 

[trecile]

I carry a small cross body bag that contains my valuables. Part of my sleep gear is a long tubular pillow case that's o that has a drawstring on each end. When I sleep, the crossbody bag goes inside with the drawstring securing it. Someone would have to wake me up to get into it.

 

[SMOM Pilgrim]

I considered doing this. But wasn't worth the extra weight. And depending on the bag - I would imagine for most bags a thief could still remove the contents of the bag if they can't take the bag itself.

I had a PacSafe bag to put my valuables in on my first trip to Europe - I could place all contents of my waist pack in it and chain it to the bed. It had wire inside that made it difficult to cut open. But it was VERY heavy and never used it again.

Passport, cash, anything important was with me in a day pack. Just wanted to make sure the Osprey pack did not finish the Camino without me. The chain was always attached to metal. Agree, extra weight indeed.

 

[henrythedog]

I changed my locked screen on my phone to show: emergency contact info, travel insurance information, medications I’m on, as well as allergies in case I was unconscious.

Good suggestion. Mine (on Camino) shows a photo of me, dressed as I usually am, holding a sign with my email address and Mrs HtD’s mobile number.