Keeping Backpack etc. safe

[Missing Mike]

I am used to traveling to hostels in Europe where each bunk had a place or locker to keep your stuff safe (you provide the lock). I traveled alone and never had any problems. How does that work on the Camino? I would like to be able to put my pack down somewhere safe and maybe check out the town that I am in or something.

Please advise and thank you!!

 

[Kanga]

Most of us have a system for carrying our essential valuables (passport, wallet, smartphone) and keep them on our person at all times - a security belt or neck pouch or zipped pockets. I don't worry about anything else.
I had my bra and nickers stolen off a clothes line in the camping ground at Santiago de Compostela. The loss of the bra was annoying because my size is hard to find. But otherwise, it is just stuff.

 

[whariwharangi]

Some places had lockers.

Most places did not. Your only protection comes from controlled access (usually non-existent) of the albergue.

So don't leave anything of value. So what then if someone steals your grotty socks.

 

[Spinningwoman]

Do people usually mark backpacks etc with their name?

 

[Anniesantiago]

Do people usually mark backpacks etc with their name?

No. But I paint mine up so it looks so ridiculous nobody would want it.

Just keep anything you can't afford to lose on your body (passport, money, cards, electronics) and don't worry about the rest.
Never leave anything you can't replace in your pack. Then go have fun.
Thought stealing is becoming more of a problem with more people walking, it doesn't happen enough to worry about it.

 

[Seabird]

Do people usually mark backpacks etc with their name?

I've sewed patches all over mine. Plus painted a nice stripe on the tip of my boots with nail polish. Just in case....

 

[alipilgrim]

No, backpacks are just left on the floor by the bed to which you are either assigned or have chosen. 99% of your bunk mates in the Albergue are fellow pilgrims and often familiar faces, and really aren't very interested in your stuff! Theft is therefore rare on the Camino, but don't tempt fate and carry your valuables with you at all times, even to the shower!

 

[HikeTall]

I always keep an osprey ultra light stuff daypack in my larger pack. If I can safely leave my main backpack in the place I'm staying, it's nice to have something to carry my valuables around in. If stop in a cafe, I won't leave my backpack outside where I can't see it. But if I do enter a cafe with my backpack, I'll always take it off, so I don't knock anybody over when I turn around. Some people I know bring a small chain and lock with them and lock their backpack to their bed or pipe as a deterrent. I think most Alburgues are safe tho. Use your best judgement.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Only in the cities be vigilant as hole packs were taken. They were primarily after the electronics.

 

[november_moon]

Not only will you end up leaving your pack unattended in alberques, you will undoubtedly leave it unattended outside of churches, bars, etc. Before long, you'll be scanning the line of packs outside bars and in albergues to see who is around Leaving your pack is only really a risk in cities, as mentioned. You'll always want to take your valuables with you though.

 

[magpye]

I carried a few plastic zap straps to secure my pack to a chair, table or bed. But you must then carry a knife so YOU can remove them! I only used these once, but VERY lightweight security. If leaving my pack outside I attach to a walking partners pack with my pack chest clips. Nobody is going to walk away with two packs. My valuables are in my waist kit. Not my pack, so that's not an issue.

 

[HikeTall]

I carried a few plastic zap straps to secure my pack to a chair, table or bed. But you must then carry a knife so YOU can remove them! I only used these once, but VERY lightweight security. If leaving my pack outside I attach to a walking partners pack with my pack chest clips. Nobody is going to walk away with two packs. My valuables are in my waist kit. Not my pack, so that's not an issue.

I wouldn't leave my backpack unattended, but those are good suggestions.