On another thread, Christinagpa noted that she had just returned from Rome, where she saw many people wearing their backpacks in front. We saw a lot of this, too---but only in Rome, not Paris or London. At first it looked as if everyone doing that had a baby in a Snugli!

Is this a security measure, or is it a new fad?

I guess it would help to position my fingers on the correct keys---sorry, of course I meant "Europeans!"

I didn't notice this when I was in Rome recently but I would guess it is to protect the backpack from pickpockets.

It isn't new and it isn't particular to Rome. I saw this same thing in Amsterdam in July. Probably for security purposes I suspect.

If you wear a backpack on your back another person can:
1. Carefully open the flap and take the contents.
2. Take a knife or razor and cut the bottom of the pack. The contents can be removed or let to fall on the ground.

This is acceptable only if the hat is also worn backwards, and the wallet is carried in the front pocket.

I have seen this in NYC .. I would rahter have a baby in a Snugli though

I think security would be the reason. When my nephew started out on his first around the world trip several years ago, he smartened up real fast. He had never been abroad, his first stop was London, and he was wearing a back pack like a lot of young people do, and didn't even make it out of the airport before his passport and money was stolen out of his backpack. Welcome to the world?!!!! Anyway, like he say, he got a lot smarter real fast.

two reasons I've been told. One is security. The second is that if it is cold, one can still wear a jacket and have the backpack in the front which keeps your chest warm.

Come to think of it, I did see people wearing jackets with them--that makes sense! We thought it was probably a security issue, only it looked so weird that I wondered if it was also fashion. Some of those wearing their backpacks as frontpacks did not look as though they would have much to steal---although money is money, and "large" amount is relative--and I.D. is important to everyone.

ps Scarlett--whenever I see a young mom with a baby in a snugli I am carried back over the years in a violent rush of longing that lasts just a few seconds... I guess one of the reasons I have so enjoyed traveling with Skip this year is that he's the last one. (My friend had a theory about three kids: your first is the "training" child. You have no idea what you're doing and completely screw everything up, resulting in years of therapy. Your second is much better adjusted to family and world, fits in, plays well with others and amuses self because you're still entertaining #1. Practically raises self because you're suddenly a frazzled mom of three. Last one seems angelic because oldest becomes malevolent teen, middle still on autopilot, and you realize how fun it can be if you just relax and DO, with last.)

While in Paris my sister wore her small backpack on her back. I tried to convince her to wear it in front, particularly on the metro. Sure enough someone tried to get into her backpack! I foiled them. In "people packed areas" I would definitely bring the backpack to the front. It may not be pretty but sure is a lot safer.