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Backpack security - do I need locks and a mesh?

billbennettoz

Veteran Poster
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances 2013
Camino Portuguese 2014
Via di Francesco 2015
I'll be walking from SJPP in mid April. I've read on a couple of blogs that some pilgrims have secured their backpacks in their albergues using a Pacsafe mesh cover.

I'll be carrying my valuables with me whenever I leave the albergue to go for a walk etc, but is it necessary to use locks and a security device? (The most expensive thing I'll have in my backpack will be some merino and Gortex clothing.)
 
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Agreed.
 
wayfarer said:
Never had a problem Bill.
Click to expand...
Thank you WayFarer. Good to hear for a number of reasons - principally one of trust, but also these Pacsafe meshes weigh 500gms and cost over $100. Two big disincentives!
 
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No need at all. Don't leave valuables in plain sight (altough I did, through tiredness, and they were still there when I came back) and you'll be fine.

It's worth sewing a badge on your bag and marking your poles so it's instantly obvious they're yours. That's not because of theft but because, in a crowded room of people with similar kit, things can get mixed up.
 
Peronel said:
It's worth sewing a badge on your bag and marking your poles so it's instantly obvious they're yours. That's not because of theft but because, in a crowded room of people with similar kit, things can get mixed up.
Click to expand...
Good idea. Get a forum badge from Ivar and you may meet some pilgrims from the forum.
 
All that said, don´t be careless. Valuable things "vanish" with some frequency at albergues. Never bring anything with you that you cannot afford to lose.
 
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If your backpack has a zipper compartment, I'd recommend bringing along a small luggage lock for that. Then you can tuck in semi-valuable things when you need to and feel secure. But the mesh isn't necessary.
 
Think like a thief. A locked zipper says "valuables in here." It will take a thief little more than a Swiss Army knife to get into that pocket. Better security would be far inside the pack, say rolled in your sleeping bag or in a stuff sack of socks and underwear.

Pickpockets in stations position themselves near the sign that says "Beware of Pickpockets." They watch people pat their wallet in response to the sign, and go straight for that pocket.

Beyond the obvious protections, don't worry about it. A truly determined thief will succeed. Just avoid being the easiest target. Two men came upon a hungry tiger. The first said, "Stand your ground. We cannot outrun it." The second one said, "I only have to outrun you," and took off...
 
Good point, Falcon. A lock is only to stop the opportunist thief, not the professional. I lock my bag and turn the lock to the wall or bed so it's not readily visible to the opportunist. So far I've been un-robbed for seven Caminos (touch wood).
Nancy
 
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No, but carry your passport, money, cards & other valuables with you all the time.
 
Do many use the mesh?
 
Hi goatgirl, I've been walking Caminos since 2000 and have never seen the mesh. But I haven't been on the Frances for years now, mainly to avoid the crowds, and I'm not surprised to read that theft is increasing. More people + more fancy gadgets = more theft.

Though it's important to be vigilant, I agree with those who caution against overdoing it. I put all my valuables in a fanny pack, and the fanny pack is never out of my sight. At night, it is clicked around the post of the bunk and then placed between my pillow and the wall. Or I sometimes put it in the foot of my sleeping bag. I think meshes and locks just feed the fears and probably in the final analysis don't deter too much theft. Besides, they are just more things you have to pack up every day and pay attention to.

Buen camino, Laurie
 
Camino Preparation Guide
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
A mesh cover might only serve to announce IMPORTANT STUFF INSIDE; TAKE ME!!
Discretion and no bling might be surer protection. However, never leave unwatched what you can't afford to lose. Like Laurie and many other pilgrims I sleep with any valuables within my sleeping bag beneath my feet and NEVER tell anyone where and what they are!! A few years ago in Trinidad de Arre an actor from LA who was bunked next to me asked anxiously "Where do you have your money?" As if on cue I rolled my eyes and answered "Why in the bank! And you?"

For further advice read these recent Forum threads with useful tips on camino security
and here.


MM
 
I've read other streams that recommend using lightweight zap straps to secure your pack to the bed or other furniture to avoid it from being stolen. Is this necesary?
 
Camino Preparation Guide
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
What would you do with that lock? It's already been mentioned it doesn't take more then a pocket knife to slice open a backpack. You might come back to find the only thing left is your lock and the cut up backpack

Might be better to put a couple cat bells on the thing so it rings if anybody move it
 
 
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Locks help keep honest people honest. If a thief wants your backpack, he/she will take it, lock or no lock, and the results are the same, i.e. you are without your gear. A cable lock won't keep him/her from stealing it but it might slow him/her down, or make it less easy so he/she will move on to an unsecured backpack. I, for one, will be using a cable lock to secure my backpack to my bunk.
 
I can get into a zippered compartment even if it's locked.
And leave it looking as tho it's never been touched.
In under 30 seconds. Easy as pie.
Whilst I could remove whatever I so desired, I could also insert a package for you to carry across a border for me.
And so could any proficient thief or smuggler.
Always ensure you are vigilant with your luggage.

Regds
Gerard
 
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bchikergirl said:
I've read other streams that recommend using lightweight zap straps to secure your pack to the bed or other furniture to avoid it from being stolen. Is this necesary?
Click to expand...
No. The day I start to worry about someone stealing my backpack is the day I stop doing the camino.
 
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