Advice about packs

ddranetz · Mar 1st, 2008, 10:27

I'll be going to India for the first time this Fall. I plan to stay at least a year, perhaps less or much longer.

I've never backpacked abroad before, though I've done some extended hiking trips through the mountains here in America.

I have a great pack that I love to take trekking, however its got lots and lots and lots of external zippers that make for easy access to everywhere in the pack.

Since I'll be travelling all over India, should I look for a pack that would be a little more hard for pickpockets to get into without my realizing it, or is this an overbloan fear?

I'll have to keep a good eye on my pack no matter what right? So my question really is: is it really worth it to spend the money for a new pack with less zippers/easy access?

asicola · Mar 1st, 2008, 21:54

If you know your pack and like your pack, it seems ridiculous to buy a new one. Just buy locks for the external zippers (for your own peace of mind.) A rain cover doesn't hurt either, and makes it tougher for pickpockets on railway platforms or on the street.

You probably are not going to be walking around with your backpack most of the time anyway. I wouldn't worry about it.

the opoponax · Mar 1st, 2008, 22:03

I wouldn't worry too much about pickpockets, especially if you're going for a year (which implies that you will be staying longer in one place, or even settling in to do a course or something). The only time my pack leaves my guesthouse is when I'm in transit, and anything of real value is in my day bag anyway.

When I have to be out and about with my pack, I'm pretty vigilant and there's no way I wouldn't notice someone messing around back there. And, again, if they want to relieve me of some dirty underwear or snatch my 20 rupee toothbrush, they're welcome to it!

As long as your pack is the right size for your trip and has the features you want, go with it.

ddranetz · Mar 2nd, 2008, 00:35

That's very helpful, thanks.

crvlvr · Mar 4th, 2008, 00:38

you won't have to worry about pickpockets as much as the whole pack going missing.

manali4now · Mar 4th, 2008, 03:44

My pack is old with lots of velcro. Don't think that secure pockets would deter a pocket knife.
1) Pack your clothes and toiletries in your large pack.

2) Carry your money, passport in a money belt that lies flat against your body. NOT A BUM BAG or FANNY PACK that sticks out. Easy prey.

3) A small pack should be for electronic items and prescriptions. This and your money belt are the two items to keep close.

All this aside, I have always traveled wisely and never have been ripped off in India.

machadinha · May 23rd, 2008, 18:07

Like Asicola said, those zippers you can usually lock with a small padlock right? Can be just a flimsy thing that you can buy in India for a few Rupees, it's just to stop snatch-and-run action. (It's handy to lock up your pack on flights too, though.)

In case they can't be locked, friends of mine thread a light chain through them, then lock that up. It's true that backpacks are stupidly accessible though, handy for your own access, less so in view of others'. Anyway, this is how those friends solve it.

Mar 1st, 2008, 10:27	#1
ddranetz Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The Deva Realm Posts: 8	Advice about packs I'll be going to India for the first time this Fall. I plan to stay at least a year, perhaps less or much longer. I've never backpacked abroad before, though I've done some extended hiking trips through the mountains here in America. I have a great pack that I love to take trekking, however its got lots and lots and lots of external zippers that make for easy access to everywhere in the pack. Since I'll be travelling all over India, should I look for a pack that would be a little more hard for pickpockets to get into without my realizing it, or is this an overbloan fear? I'll have to keep a good eye on my pack no matter what right? So my question really is: is it really worth it to spend the money for a new pack with less zippers/easy access?

Mar 1st, 2008, 21:54	#2
asicola Vagabond Alchemist Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Catskills, NY Posts: 30	If you know your pack and like your pack, it seems ridiculous to buy a new one. Just buy locks for the external zippers (for your own peace of mind.) A rain cover doesn't hurt either, and makes it tougher for pickpockets on railway platforms or on the street. You probably are not going to be walking around with your backpack most of the time anyway. I wouldn't worry about it. __________________ We are vagabonds, we travel without seatbelts on.

May 23rd, 2008, 18:07	#7
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 11,141	Like Asicola said, those zippers you can usually lock with a small padlock right? Can be just a flimsy thing that you can buy in India for a few Rupees, it's just to stop snatch-and-run action. (It's handy to lock up your pack on flights too, though.) In case they can't be locked, friends of mine thread a light chain through them, then lock that up. It's true that backpacks are stupidly accessible though, handy for your own access, less so in view of others'. Anyway, this is how those friends solve it. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

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Mar 1st, 2008, 22:03	#3
the opoponax Maha Guru Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brooklyn, via New Orleans Posts: 1,052	I wouldn't worry too much about pickpockets, especially if you're going for a year (which implies that you will be staying longer in one place, or even settling in to do a course or something). The only time my pack leaves my guesthouse is when I'm in transit, and anything of real value is in my day bag anyway. When I have to be out and about with my pack, I'm pretty vigilant and there's no way I wouldn't notice someone messing around back there. And, again, if they want to relieve me of some dirty underwear or snatch my 20 rupee toothbrush, they're welcome to it! As long as your pack is the right size for your trip and has the features you want, go with it.

Mar 2nd, 2008, 00:35	#4
ddranetz Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The Deva Realm Posts: 8	That's very helpful, thanks.

Mar 4th, 2008, 00:38	#5
crvlvr Guru Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Hollywood Posts: 4,510	you won't have to worry about pickpockets as much as the whole pack going missing.

Mar 4th, 2008, 03:44	#6
manali4now Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Posts: 71	My pack is old with lots of velcro. Don't think that secure pockets would deter a pocket knife. 1) Pack your clothes and toiletries in your large pack. 2) Carry your money, passport in a money belt that lies flat against your body. NOT A BUM BAG or FANNY PACK that sticks out. Easy prey. 3) A small pack should be for electronic items and prescriptions. This and your money belt are the two items to keep close. All this aside, I have always traveled wisely and never have been ripped off in India.

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