Lock for the Bag?

[Camino Ben]

Hey all,

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on a small lock for the bag? I usually travel with a small luggage lock which I place on my zippers at night when staying at hostels or albergues. Are such measures needed on the Camino?

Ben

 

[trecile]

I never saw anyone use a lock on a backpack, and indeed, such a lock could indicate to opportunistic thieves that there is something valuable inside. It also wouldn't deter anyone with a pocket knife, which could easily cut the backpack fabric. The best advice is to have anything of value - money, phone, passport - with you at all times.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

If someone wants to steal your stuff, that will not discourage them from doing so. It may paint a target on your bag, though, suggesting that -- because of the lock -- you've got some expensive stuff that makes it worthwhile to risk stealing it.

Thievery happens on Camino, but it is doubtful a lock will help. So, keep the valuable stuff you carry to a minimum so that you can keep them with you at all times, even in the shower. Money, ID, travel documents, etc. keep in some sort of pouch that you can wear as needed.

 

[lissie45]

I need to use a lock like that on my bag - when I'm walking - otherwise sometimes the zips will open up themselves! I also use it on flights obviously - but Ican't really see me using in a hostel

 

[Barry777]

I need to use a lock like that on my bag - when I'm walking - otherwise sometimes the zips will open up themselves! I also use it on flights obviously - but Ican't really see me using in a hostel

I use safety pins to keep a couple of my zippers closed

 

[Hiawatha]

A zip tie when transporting the bag to stop the fasteners from opening is useful . I took a lock and found it invaluable for fastening my Merril Moabs together . It was frightening to see so many almost identical shoes ranked row on row in some Albergues , I'm not one for fluro laces or daisy designs . Invariably I would find my shoes either moved or inverted each morning despite them being placed in a less than convenient place . At least the lock made it obvious that this pair was someone else's .