Backpack theft, PacSafe, recommendations

In article , Sean McBride
writes
Hello,

I'll be backbacking in Chile/Argentina/Uruguay starting next week, and
have read conflicting recommandations about keeping one's backpack safe.

Do you recommend those PacSafe/chickenwire things? A simple cable lock?
Nothing at all? PacSafe seems nice, but its heavy and I'd like to think
its not needed, I hope.


Well, use it if you are forgetful and are prone to leave it behind. But
best keep your valuables on yourself and your backpack within your view
horizon. The most dangerous areas are bus- and train-stations.

Is backpack theft common down there?

It is opportunistic, if you leave it unattended. I sometimes see
tourists who wear daypacks at the front and I wonder...

I have, of course, had my backpack stolen in Oruro, Bolivia, in a story
that has been told and retold in this ng and is now on my site.

--
JohnM
Author of Brazil: Life, Blood, Soul
http://www.scroll.demon.co.uk/spaver.htm

Can recommend a simply lightweight carabina-type snap lock though the zips
on your daysack - makes it a lot harder to simply unzip and fish stuff out
while your back's turned...so to speak!

M.
"JohnM" wrote in message
...
In article , Sean McBride
writes
Hello,

I'll be backbacking in Chile/Argentina/Uruguay starting next week, and
have read conflicting recommandations about keeping one's backpack safe.

Do you recommend those PacSafe/chickenwire things? A simple cable lock?
Nothing at all? PacSafe seems nice, but its heavy and I'd like to think
its not needed, I hope.


Well, use it if you are forgetful and are prone to leave it behind. But
best keep your valuables on yourself and your backpack within your view
horizon. The most dangerous areas are bus- and train-stations.

Is backpack theft common down there?

It is opportunistic, if you leave it unattended. I sometimes see
tourists who wear daypacks at the front and I wonder...

I have, of course, had my backpack stolen in Oruro, Bolivia, in a story
that has been told and retold in this ng and is now on my site.

--
JohnM
Author of Brazil: Life, Blood, Soul
http://www.scroll.demon.co.uk/spaver.htm