Do you need a pack lock?

[cabigred]

So trying to reduce pack weight. Is there really a need for a pack lock? I bought a pacsaf lock to fix my backpack to my bunk so it doesn't go walkabout when I am out of the auburgue. If I lose my stuff, it will be difficult to find replacement clothes for a 6ft woman in Spain....

 

[domigee]

In my humble opinion, for what it's worth....no you don't. Anyone could put a knife to your backpack and steal your clothes. And whatever else is in it.
Just take all your valuables with you ALWAYS , and by valuables I mean passport, credit card, phone... If you carry extras like expensive cameras or ipads then so be it, take them with you even to the loo or the shower.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

There is not point tying an object made of cloth to a bed hoping its contents will not be stolen. This being said, more and more albergues have little lockers for you to stash your bag in as you tour the town. So might as well put them to good use and bring of one those tiny, tiny travel locks.

 

[domigee]

But the lockers..lock so you don't need an extra lock?

 

[Anemone del Camino]

But the lockers..lock so you don't need an extra lock?

Very few albergues use a magnetic card to lock and unlock lockers. The rest of them are just like you highschool locker: the two bits come together, you secure them together with the lock you bring with you.

 

[domigee]

Oh I stand corrected, all I remember is having to put one euro in the slot...
Admittedly it wasn!t often, Roncesvalles comes to mind and then probably another one I forget.
I still stand with my first advice: don't rely on any locks, just take with you AT ALL TIMES what you couldn't do without.

 

[Rajy62]

Agree with @domigee , keep the valuables with you at all times.

 

[sempervivum]

No, there is no need to lock your backpack. Do not be afraid of this kind of thieves in the albergues. Still, always take or have with you all your valuable things, as domigee said, at shower, when walking around, when you sleep. On the road, however, don not let any of your belongings unattended.

 

[petitewalker]

While I would not leave my pack laying around in a strange place, I don't think you need to worry about anyone taking it from your Albergue. Remember, we pilgrims are all carrying around our own heavy packs, and really don't want or need anybody elses pack. That being said, keep valuables with you always.