BackPack

I have just bought a new backpack and I can't decide if I should take it back or not. The reason I bought it was because it opened from the bottom as well as the top and has pockets at the side. I thought this would mean less "looking for things in it" nightmares. Then now, after reading about loads of scams and pickpockets and stuff in India, I am thinking this bag is not such a good idea. What do you all think?

See if you can get small padlocks to secure the zips together, the thieves can use a razor to cut a hole in your backpack, or worse, steal your backpack, it is unlikely though.

When you are on a train or bus do not keep anything in any unlocked pocket on your backpack, if you are in a very crowded place, hold your backpack in front of you.

Be carefull in big train/bus stations and never leave anything of value in your backpack.

Just remember PMT.

Passport, Money, Tickets.

Anything else can be replaced easily.

Also if you buy a allweather cover for your backpack, it will not make it too obvious.

I have just noticed that I can't padlock the top of this crappy backpack...its just got a kind of drawstring then a flap at the top...I wish i didn't hate shopping so much...do you think its worth taking it back and getting another one?

If you can take it back without penalty, I'd think about it. After much experimentation, I find the 'travel pack' concept by far the best. This type has a few features that are good for travellers.

1. the main compartment has a full zipper around three sides -- it opens completely in effect like a suitcase so you can open it and pack things properly and find them easily. This compartment should have a zipper which a small lock can secure.

2. it should have a zip-off daypack which you can use independently i.e. carry on a bus/plane or in town if you wish to leave the main bag at a 'left luggage' at the station or in your room. (the left luggage facilities at stations require that your bag be locked)

3. it will have a panel which can be zipped covering the shoulder and waist straps, making the bag more streamlined for airport carousels, luggage compartments and the like.

These type packs come in various sizes -- I have one which meets airline 'carry-on' specs (after the back pack is separated) and is around 55 litres capacity, and another larger one of around 75 litres that I use when I need more space. The carry-on feature is less useful that formerly as with new security measures, there are too many dangerous looking things in my pack to actually carry it on board now . When trying out a pack in a shop, be sure see how it feels with a 'dummy load' of 10kg or so, and have the clerk assist you in setting up the straps properly.

I'll see if I can find a link to a picture of what I'm talking about and add it later. Also, not familiar with what kind of recreational equipment places you have near-by as you might not find something like this in a regular sporting goods shop.


edit: the link is to Eagle Creek and there are several different kinds of travel packs on the page. Their stuff is high quality and a bit expensive, but there should be somewhat equivalent packs available in GB if any of them are of interest.

http://www.eaglecreek.com/adventure_travel_packs.html

if you're paranoid about bag slashing, highly recommended is a Pacsafe, a kind of steel mesh bag that goes over the backpack and can be attached to soemthing immovable with a steel cable. Its lightweight and easy to use after a few first traumatic minutes, adn can be left on the backpack when carrying. They were expensive to start with, but last year I found a lot of shops marking them down and got one for the camera bag for 5 quid instead for the retail price of 40.

find out at www.pac-safe.com

also note the 'travel safe' series on neon's link to pac-safe. I've used one of these for a few trips now and highly recommend it for peace of mind -- it is only big enough to secure your real important stuff and it is only a deterant, but is light and takes up little space.