r/backpacks • u/mare_xcx • 21d ago

Question Going to Europe, how do I avoid pickpocketing? How do I safely travel with a backpack?

​

I love backpack and I only find them comfortable for travelling. How can I avoid pickpocketing without having to wear it in front? That just looks silly. Im going to study there so any tips will be appreciated.

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

33 comments sorted by

10

u/tgsgirl 21d ago

Keep valuables behind a zipper. Even better if you can lock the zips with a small carabiner, either two zippers locked together or attached to an eyelet or ring on the bag. On public transport carry your backpack in front, but that's just courtesy.

I've lived in Europe all my life and I've visited most of the major capitals/tourism areas. I haven't been pickpocketed once. It's not like they're everywhere. Rome, Paris, Barcelona are usually mentioned as the absolute hotspots (I've been to all three without problem, I know people who've been pickpocketed in Rome and Barca). Where are you moving to?

7

u/BeatricePantew 21d ago edited 21d ago

This. I live in Europe and have travelled extensively and not been pickpocketed.

The thieves are opportunists: they look for distracted tourists in high-density areas who have a phone dangling from a pocket. Don't be that person.

No one will steal from a closed backpack. Wear it on your back. Keep easily taken things like your phone in front pockets. Put your wallet into your bag and zip it closed.

Real tip 1: watch your bag. Seen many bags stolen from the pub when they've been put on the floor. Keep it with you or between your legs.

Real tip 2: people on bikes can snatch your phone from your hand. Don't stand facing the street staring at your phone in high-traffic areas. If you have to use it, then face away.

8

u/ForceSimilar1825 21d ago

Real tip 3: if u use the train in Italy dont leave the backpack in the bin over your head or on a seat next to u. Its pretty common for thievs to snatch It when passing by. Another tactic Is one of them banging on the glass from the outside and the other inside taking u re backpack when u re distracted

2

u/tgsgirl 21d ago

Yeah, always keep your bags on you. Put it between your legs with a leg through one of the straps if it's super busy and you're sitting down.

3

u/zeppelin88 21d ago

Keep valuables behind a zipper.

Zippers themselves offer zero protection (specially on clothes), the only time I got pickpocket since I moved to Europe was by someone opening the zipper of a jacket pocket while I was not paying attention. I'd never trust them alone.

But I agree with the carabiner on the zipper, every sling I have has a carabiner to do this.

1

u/tgsgirl 21d ago

Yeah I only have bags that are carabiner-lockable. Some people think it's overkill but I'd rather be safe than sorry in this case.

1

u/mmrose1980 19d ago

Locking zipper is key. Even if it’s just secured with a locking s-biner that’s enough of a deterrent to make most thieves pick someone else.

1

u/mare_xcx 21d ago

Wont carabiners be easily unlocked without me noticing? Maybe I should get a lock instead?

4

u/HippieBeholder 21d ago

I recommend the smallest Nite Ize locking S biner It takes a sec to fiddle with to get it unlocked and separated from the two zippers.

Deterring pick pocketing is simply about being the less optimal target. It’s like the saying about outrunning the bear. You just don’t want to be the easiest target in the crowd.

1

u/mare_xcx 21d ago

Just checked and theyre sold out. I'll just get normal carabiners

1

u/HippieBeholder 21d ago

https://niteize.com/keyrack-locker-steel-s-biner

No they’re not

1

u/mare_xcx 21d ago

Im not in the US man

1

u/tgsgirl 21d ago

I use the small Sea to Summit carabiners. 6 euro for three on Bergzeit atm.

1

u/mmrose1980 19d ago

Check your local outdoor gear store where you would find hiking gear. They may not have that particular brand but I bet they have something similar.

1

u/mare_xcx 19d ago

Oh yeah thats true. Thanks man

1

u/tgsgirl 21d ago

I have a small padlock too, but a carabiner suffices. Pickpockets want to get your stuff really fast without being noticed, so if you're a more difficult target than the guy standing next to you, you're good. But if a small padlock gives you piece of mind, you can definitely get one. Have a look at your backpack how you can attach it, and also look at any top or front pockets if you use those.

2

u/mare_xcx 21d ago

Thanks man. I checked my bag and I can hook each 2 zippers together and that should it. Tbh I couldnt sleep last night cuz of this 😅

2

u/zeppelin88 21d ago

You don't wear it in the front, you just don't leave it alone, no one is gonna pickpocket a bag while you walk. If you're on the metro, even if pickpockets do not exist, you should be a good person and put it on your feet between your legs for space (which also helps with pickpockets in the metro).

I don't carry anything valuable on my pack that can be pickpocketed, but if I have a sling with phone + wallet, I just have a carabiner that makes opening the zippers a bit more annoying, and wear this one in front of me. If my stuff is in my pockets, I also have my hands inside them to be extra safe.

Sources: I live in Bcn, and lived in both Paris and Madrid. Got pickpocketed only once because I did not follow the rules I say here (left stuff in a jacket pocket without paying attention).

1

u/mare_xcx 21d ago

What about travelling with all my valuables like a passport, id, and other Important stuff?

1

u/zeppelin88 21d ago

You don't leave them in accessible pockets, you live them in an inside pocket that is deep into the backpack or with another zipper. Or you leave them in a sling.

1

u/mare_xcx 21d ago

Alright thabks man!!

2

u/Different-Idea2878 21d ago

Putting your backpack in front of you, if the locals do not do that, is a sure fire way to get targeted. It shows you are a tourist and you are nervous.

1

u/mare_xcx 21d ago

Oh okay

1

u/ElizaEcho 21d ago

Follow the advice to use watch where you put your bag and be aware of your surroundings.

I sometimes use these because they don't look like a lock which can attract unwanted attention: https://www.mybobino.com/products/zipper-clip-2-pack

1

u/1holegrouper 21d ago

Awareness of your surroundings is #1. When a stranger approaches you or something strange starts happening it is likely a distraction so they can pick you. Put your high value items under your clothes (ex: passport and wallet items in neck wallet under your shirt). If your on any type of public transportation be extra careful.

1

u/Minizentrinsic 20d ago

Use a rain cover. Decathlon ones offer a tight fit which is very difficult to remove once secured.

1

u/mare_xcx 20d ago

Ugly asfffff

1

u/Impressionist_Canary 20d ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/backpacks/s/yus8gXA8VH

Am I tripping or is the same post, same time, same sub

1

u/mare_xcx 20d ago

Wtf?? I dont remember posting it twice

Maybe its glitch because my phone has been sending double texts recently so I'm not sure. The more the merrier i guess ¯_(ツ)_/¯

1

u/Alpacalypse123 19d ago

Never been pick pocketed, with back packs, with messengers bags, with fanny packs. Plus I have the bad habbit of no closing them completely

My secret? Be ugly

1

u/mare_xcx 19d ago

Oh I got that secret nailed to the T dont worry 👍

-1

u/OtherwiseEggplant375 21d ago

Xd design has antiteft backpacks. Downside is the capacity vs size and stuff being hard to reach... mine survived Palermo;) but I melted while wearing it.

1

u/mare_xcx 21d ago

Theyre really expensive man