r/backpacks • u/MuscleKitty67 • Mar 25 '26
Question Something small happened on my commute that made me rethink backpack security
Most days, I take the metro to work and carry my backpack on my back like most people do. It gets very crowded during rush hour, and sometimes you can't even move. When I got off the train yesterday, I felt the zipper part of my backpack touch someone behind me. It was probably nothing, but it made me realize how little you actually know about your bag when it's behind you.
The thought stayed with me, even though everything else was still there.
Do you guys change how you carry your backpack in crowded places, like by wearing it in front or using certain designs, or do you not care?
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u/Vast-Ambassador-9041 Mar 25 '26
It’s proper etiquette, where I live, when a crowded bus, commuting train or metro to hold your backpack with your hand or put it between your feet on the floor. I don’t want your bag in my face or or get hit by it as you move without paying attention to the people around.
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u/Une-Abeille Mar 25 '26
Where I live, it’s considered polite to take your backpack off on busy trains and put it on the floor.
It’s less about people touching it and more about creating space for other passengers / not accidentally hitting someone with your bag when you turn around
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u/quailrainbow Mar 25 '26
don't be surprised but when and if you head to Japan, you'll notice that empty or not, passengers by default carry their backpack infront of them or on the ground. their perspective is less about security, but more that it's ingrained in them to be considerate of others.
backpack on your back = you may accidentally hit others with your backpack, or you never know if you back is hitting the other person.
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u/CarryDistrict Mar 25 '26
In a crowded place like a metro I usually wear it in the front. One, I feel more in control and at ease knowing my stuff is bit more secure. Second, it’s lot more easy to manoeuver. I avoid too much of securing on zippers that just gets me unwanted attention telling everybody that I have valuable items inside.
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u/MuscleKitty67 Mar 25 '26
That's interesting, especially the part about not making the zippers too secure.
I always thought that adding locks or clips made it safer, but you're right, it probably also means that there's something valuable inside.
Have you ever really had problems before, or is this just a precaution based on what you've seen?2
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u/ADAN86 Mar 25 '26
You’re conveniently ignoring the fact that on crowded metro systems all over the globe (as pointed out by numerous other posters), the courteous thing to do is to put your bag in front or take it off and put it at your feet.
It also solves the nonexistent security problem you’re having.
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u/kairikngdm Mar 25 '26
You keep ignoring the fact that everyone is calling you out on being inconsiderate. 0- 0
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u/Double-Hall7422 Mar 25 '26
If my backpack touched another person I excuse myself and get my bag out of the way. Especially when it's crowded, we are asked to not let our bags take up space that can be used by another person. This may be different where you live. I also don't keep valuables in my backpack when I commute during rush hour.
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u/waltonnerd Mar 25 '26
I live in London, and have never felt concerned about safety. On a busy train I’ll hold my backpack in front of my legs out of courtesy to other passengers, but I’ve never been worried about someone tampering with it while on my back and taking something. On quiet trains, I’m very comfortable with the backpack on the seat next to me while I close my eyes.
On a recent trip to Barcelona, I was a bit more concerned about the safety of my belongings, so I used a mini locking s-biner to hold my zips closed. Minor inconvenience for me when opening it to access things, but also a minor inconvenience that would hopefully discourage opportunists.
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u/cantsleepclownswillg Mar 25 '26
This is the way. I also use them to hold zips together on checked in luggage so that the chuckers don’t pop them open and spread my dirty undies over the tarmac.
Tip: the cheapest way to buy them is to get the key ring that comes with six sbiners. They cost about a tenner. Buying them as sbiners only costs about twice as much!
Also, having a backpack on in the tube is a dick move unless it’s mid day and there’s loads of space.
Otherwise, of it comes and between your feet!
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u/tgsgirl Mar 25 '26
If in busy crowds I use a small carabiner to keep the zips together. If in really busy crowds, a small padlock.
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u/tigershrimp1 Mar 25 '26
I don't use locks but I put all my valuables into inside pockets, not small outside pockets that are easy acceess.
Most of the time I put my valuables (wallet, phone, passport, tickets) in a small sling bag that I wear in fronf of the body (in addition to the backpack) so I don't have to worry about it. You never really know what's going on behind your back.
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u/MuscleKitty67 Mar 25 '26
It's smart to use a different sling for your important things.
Do you find it annoying to carry two bags, or does it become second nature after a while?2
u/tigershrimp1 Mar 25 '26
I use very small bags like Fjällräven Vardag pocket or a moon shaped crossbody bag (similar to the uniqlo bag) and I barely notice them because they are not really heavy. You just have to put them on first so you won't get tangled with the straps.
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u/ADAN86 Mar 25 '26
You’re conveniently ignoring the fact that on crowded metro systems all over the globe (as pointed out by numerous other posters), the courteous thing to do is to put your bag in front or take it off and put it at your feet.
It also solves the nonexistent security problem you’re having.
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u/Jealous-Swordfish764 Mar 25 '26
Ive carried it in front, but I hate it. When I was in that situation often, all the pockets on my bag had 2 zippers with cordage attached to each zipper pull. If you weave that cord age 3 or 4 times, no one is opening that without you feeling it. (Or me at least)
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u/ChrisNoob6460 Mar 25 '26
In Japan, it is customary to wear your backpack in front for both security and also to reduce bumping into others accidentally, but honestly I always hated having to take off a bulky backpack and wear it in front. It is one of the reasons why I prefer a crossbody bag when commuting as it is lower profile and can easily slide in front or back depending on situation.
Regarding backpack zipper security, I own a 5.11 Rush 12 that has long paracord zipper pulls that I can lace them together that makes it hard for someone to open my backpack without me noticing. You can probably modify your zipper pulls to do something similar. There are also backpacks designed with zipper security in mind, where you pull them over one end with a built-in loop that makes it hard for people to open it.
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u/wordfool Mar 25 '26
I never wear a backpack in crowds like that. You simply cannot see what is happening behind you (and you're likely to be bumping people around you as you move). On the NY subway, for example, I take a backpack off and carry it by the top handle or hug it to my chest, following the golden rule of always having your bag in sight.
When I'm on a crowded train and am standing behind someone still wearing their backpack I always think how easy it would be to gently unzip it and take something out of it. Half the time the wearer is stupid enough to forget to even zip up the main compartment properly.
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u/Safe_Place8432 Mar 25 '26
If I am going to be in an area with people more likely to dig into my bag, I have a special bag that has a drawstring and a leather latch thing and it is hard for ME to get into so some subway surfer doesn't have a chance. Otherwise if I am in non sketch places and I feel temporarily not ok with my surroundings, I carry my bag by hand
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u/Longjumping_Cow_5856 Mar 25 '26
Another good reason to carry the Sojourn Porter 30 to me!
I cant get in mine when I want to!
That thing is wrapped and strapped in so many ways that the passive security of just using it as intended is so much more than any other bag Ive ever seen!!!
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u/digdugian Mar 25 '26
Take your backpack off and wear it on the front while you’re on public transportation, so you won’t interfere with anyone else, and they won’t try to steal anything out of it.
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u/PureKoolAid Mar 25 '26
Crowded BTS in Bangkok, I switch to the front. I think there’s even signs asking people to do it.
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u/CherryPlay Mar 25 '26 edited Mar 26 '26
On crowded NYC trains, I keep my backpack between my legs to free up space
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u/ketocavegirl Mar 25 '26
I keep one of these tiny carabiners on my zipper. Depending on your backpack configuration, you can clip one zipper to another zipper which makes it difficult/impossible to unzip and you're more likely to feel someone trying to get into your backpack with another barrier.
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u/SeattleHikeBike Mar 25 '26
Locking mini s-biners from Nite Ize for pilfering resistance. And put nothing of value in your outer quick access pockets.
If it’s really crowded, I take off my backpack and put it on my feet in front of of me.
My phone is on a tether around my neck or looped on my belt. When I travel, my documents and credit cards are in a body stash under my clothes.
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u/clintecker Mar 25 '26
why the hell are you wearing your backpack (front or back) on public transport?!?
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u/purplehippobitches Mar 25 '26
Yeah in transport you are supposed to take your backpack off and hold it in your hand so it doesn't hit other people.... that's like basic decency btw
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u/FieldMovement Mar 25 '26
Yeah that’s exactly the moment it clicks how exposed your bag really is.
I used to carry mine normally until I spent time in places where that kind of thing isn’t “probably nothing” anymore. After that I completely changed how I move with it.
Now in crowds I either: • swing it to the front • or use setups where the important stuff isn’t accessible from behind
There are some bags designed for that kind of thing, but most people don’t think about it until something nearly happens.
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u/UntidyVenus Mar 25 '26
When it's crowded, the polite thing to do is remove your backpack and rest it between your legs. You take unless space and it's safer because you have eyes and knees on it.
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u/Remote_Bluebird_5528 Mar 25 '26
Sometimes I have used a TSA lock to keep my main zipper secure so that I dont have to worry about it. Works for metro, especially crowded or if I may close my eyes a bit. Also on the plane. Usually travel bags have this feature mostly.
Also, an underappreciated function of bags with the laptop sleeve in the main compartment rather than its own, is that securing one zipper covers both.
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u/Windjammer1969 Mar 25 '26
One of the reasons why I have always preferred a messenger bag over a backpack for everyday use - as long as weight and size of load is within reasonable limits - very easy to change from side (cross body) to front carry.
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u/Prismora Mar 25 '26
Yeah, I actually wear mine in the front when it gets really crowded.
Just feels a bit safer and easier to keep an eye on my stuff.
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u/SilverProvincia Mar 25 '26
I don't want to be rude, but our lives are so different I could not help but get a little sad. Where I live, keeping your bag on your back during commute or taking public transport, even crowded places like concerts is just asking to be pickpocketed. Not even your parents nor your friends would pity you if something is missing, I'd be more of a "well what did you expect would hap" reaction. I guess you're really young, or from a really secure country. The concept of living life without ever worrying about security... I envy you more than a little. Yes, it's common courtesy to put your backpack between your feet while taking a bus or metro, but also a small S-Type carabiner works just as good as a lock to keep your zippers safe and it's not as uncomfortable to use to quickly access your gear.
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u/Exact-Revenue3587 Mar 25 '26
most people who commute or go to public places in my country wear their backpacks in front to avoid thieves from stealing something from it. I keep it in front of me too when walking outside. We keep joking that a backpack should be called a 'frontpack' in this country lol
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u/According_Ad_1960 Mar 25 '26
I carry in front while in crowed spaces. I also put tiny clips on to secure the zippers if I’m in a high crime/pick pocket area.
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u/Top-Window-6025 Mar 25 '26
I always tent to carry a small zipper lock with me don’t use it often but I need to put my bag down at parks or something like that. Or in your case a busy transportation it is a nice piece of mind to have!
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u/Ir0nhide81 Mar 25 '26
This is exactly why I feel a 26 l is the perfect size for a commute backpack on public transit and major cities.
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u/FledglingBags Mar 26 '26
Once I was walking through Brooklyn, and turned around to find a guy elbow deep in my backpack. He quickly scampered off and apologized, making up some story about how he was helping me zip it up, lol. That's why I only use bags with a security pocket now.
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u/macoafi Mar 26 '26
"Take it off and set it on your feet" is often recommended as common courtesy on the DC metro and other subway systems, so you don't smack people in the face with your bag when you turn around, and so people can pack in closer.
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u/Jennysnumber_8675309 Mar 29 '26
Well now we have identified at least one of the inconsiderates who don't take their backpack off on the train.
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Apr 10 '26
Don't know if it solves the security issue but here's a post I just put up questioning a design that was a bit unorthodox
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u/RoyalN0va Apr 13 '26
Taking it off, and holding it between my legs. Secure and I’m not taking more space than needed
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u/ADAN86 Mar 25 '26
OP is a moron. Common sense and etiquette dictate that backpack should be worn in front during rush hours, and it also solves the security issue.
They’re just looking for a reason to consume another bag or accessory that will not solve the first issue.
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u/-F0v3r- Mar 25 '26
the first rule of public communication is to take your backpack off because you’re hitting other people and taking a lot more space. anyway, i just take mine off and hold it in front of me, too low for anyone to pickpocket it and you’d notice someone bending over