Pacsafe?

[house]

Did a search and got nothin...

Im goin to Florence this summer for "school" and will possibly bring my pack. I've never traveled with it (by air anyway) and want to know what anyone's got to say about travelling with a backpacking pack, and whether it's useful to use a Pacsafe packcover. The pack's an arcteryx bora 80, so if you know anything about sizes that would help too. thanks

[bossass]

I don't know what a pacsafe is, but if it's one of those metal mesh locking covers I would not do that. You can't have anything locked on the airlines anyway. I traveled in Europe a few years back with no problems with people getting into my pack on trains, etc. You just have to keep on top of it.

As far as throwing your pack on the plane, or under a bus or something like that--I got this great Dana Designs pack cover, that was basically a thin, really big, duffle bag for your pack to go in for travel. I just went to Africa and carryed my pack in this thing more than on my back. It's pretty discreet too, and doesn't scream that something expensive might be in it. And when your not using it, it packs down into it's own little built in pouch about the size of a big burrito and has loops for lashing it to a compression strap on your pack.

http://www.danadesign.com/packs/adve...avelduffel.asp

*This looks like the one I got 5 years ago, doesn't say it packs down into it's own pouch, but sure looks like the one I have.

[Mulletizer]

IMO Those Pacsafes are like a big sign that says "I've got an ipod, camcorder, mP3 player and loads of cash in this bag, please rob me."

[Spats]

By a Pacsafe, do you mean the mesh things that let you lock up the pack?

If so, you don't want to put them on when you check your backpack at the airport, as the TSA looks inside every bag and will just cut them open.

I haven't traveled with one, though, so I don't know the advantages or disadvantages. My strategy is to never leave anything irreplaceable (passport, wallet, money, other documentation) in the pack, to not go hostelling with expensive stuff like Arcteryx, and to leave stuff checked behind the counter, or at least out of sight, whenever possible. Maybe someday I'll get my stuff ganked, but not yet.

[bossass]

I looked on Pacsafe's sight and they do sell a lock that is certified by the TSA (who check your dirty underwear at the airport) and they have a special key to unlock it.

Is it just me, or does that mesh thing look like it would be an easy victim to a decent set of wire cutters?

[tywhy]

I travelled with one in Australia for 5 months and it came in handy.

Mostly just to lock the pack up in the hostel during the day while you're out and about. Never flew with it, or expected it to protect valuables...keep them with you obviously. Of course if someone's really determined they can get your shit, but I think it was worth it.

[bossass]

Forgot to mention that alot of trainstations over there have large lockers that will fit a large pack.

They're pretty reasonably priced if I recall correctly.

[bklyn]

I have a similar travel duffle made by lowepro. Thwart TSA and put your dirty drawers at the top of your pack. Pacsafe just screams "rob me please", although I can see how it would help out in a hostel.