One Month to go, question about backpack and security
 

I am getting that feeling like do we really want to go for three weeks. I am sure I will get over that once we land in Paris.<BR><BR>We are only taking a SLR camera, leaving the video behind. We will take two back packs, one area on both will allow a lock to go through the zippers. I am hoping this will prevent a pick pocket person from getting into where the camera is. I am a little heavy in the middle section, so a money belt would look funny. I like to wear shorts so a leg belt is out.<BR><BR>Any other ideas?<BR><BR>Michael

Is this a troll? Nothing prevents a pick pocket from getting into backpack. If it is locked, they just slice their way thru. But SLR camera is not the first thing they are after. They are primarily after the cash, then CC, then perhaps the passport.

This is not a troll, and I understand they will get in if they want. I am leaving for the first time in 17 years, and don't want to ruin my vacation.<BR><BR>Any ideas are greatly appreicated.<BR><BR>Michael

Michael,<BR><BR>I have carried backpacks and napsacks around Europe many times. I would suggest the following:<BR><BR>1. Keep your passport, cash, credit cards and traveler's checks in a small zipper pouch that hangs around your neck and conveniently tucks inside your shirt over your chest. These are available in many good travel stores. They're made of cloth, so they don't feel sticky or uncomfortable. The zipper allows quick access. I've used 'em for years. They protect your most important stuff because few if any pickpocket is going to try to go in through the top of your shirt. And even if they cut the cord beneath your collar, the pouch will simply fall lower on your torso.<BR><BR>2. Take a relatively cheap SLR camera if you're going to be backpacking around a lot -- one that you won't miss too much if it's stolen or lost. The Kodak APS (Advanced Photo System) line provides great picture quality, including panoramic or normal shots, at a very reasonable price. Also, I'd bury your camera deep inside your backpack when not in use.<BR><BR>3. Don't trust anyone you don't know extremely well to "watch" your backpack as you go to the bathroom, take a shower, etc. Take turns if you're traveling with another person.<BR><BR>4. Pack light and buy what you need over there instead of bringing a lot of stuff with you.<BR><BR>5. Write your name in permanent ink on the backpack in at least five places, including the outside in BIG letters.<BR><BR>6. Use your common sense and you'll be fine!<BR><BR>Enjoy!

Even if you are a troll, you asked an answerable question:<BR><BR>Pickpockets want cash, credit cards and maybe the passport. Don't put anything in your back pocket; put a **small** wallet with your ATM, credit cards and a day's worth of walkin' around money in a front pocket that buttons or zips or has a velcro closing (first two are better). Bury the passport on an inside pocket (against your back) of your backpack.<BR><BR>Alternatively, you could get a shoulder holster-style or neck wallet for your cards and money.

Agree with other posters about keeping money on your person. The problem with a backpack is that they can always take the whole thing or cut through it. <BR><BR>That said, my friend came up with a great idea for keeping people from just unzipping her bag and lifting things like a camera while in a crowd. Try clipping the two zippers together with a safety pin. It will slow them down enough for you to notice what's going on, but not be as inconvenient as a lock.

Michael, Michael, Michael,<BR>Don't overthink too much. The other posters have given good advice. The main thing is never have anything in the backpack which if taken will end your trip. Use the neck style pouch suggested for your Passport etc. And be aware. Know it might happen, but probably won't if you're aware of your surroundings.