photog17

Hello everyone. We are planning a trip to a city in Europe with many beautiful/interesting sites to photograph. Unfortunately, the city is also known for pickpockets. I'm looking for a camera bag that is compact, will hold an adequate amount of gear*, and is specifically designed to discourage thieves. Can you recommend a product that is reasonably priced (less than $100)?

* DSLR plus 24-120 and 16-35 lenses. Would love to include my 70-200 as well but don't know if it will fit. Definitely need space for essential accessories (filters, spare battery, memory card, etc.).

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

As an ex cop I can tell you the bag is not the deterrent. You are the deterrent by being aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Have a great trip.

Dennis

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

I would suggest that whatever you get, do not use a bag with the name or brand of the camera you are carrying emblazoned on the bag where it is easy to see by persons who might really want that same kind of equipment. Hope you enjoy your trip.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Use any bag, and put a Mary Kay Cosmetics tag on it.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Go with a diaper bag. Make sure it looks really well-used. Put it down in the driveway and drive over it a few times.

Judy795

Put a camera bag insert into the grungiest backpack you can find. Remember they can grab and run too.

alexstolis

I’ve been to Europe a number of times and that sounds like a lot of gear to take with you every day. I take two bodies and 2-3 lenses and pack them in one carry on bag. Once we get to our destination what body and lens I use depends on what we’re doing that day. Most of the time I use a wrist strap for the camera and carry it in an LL Bean ‘man-bag’. I leave the other body and lens in the hotel safe. My bag has also has plenty of room for extra battery, SD cards etc.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I don't think getting into a bag is a big threat but I would look more at getting carry straps and camera neck strap with metal reinforcement in them so someone can't come up behind you and cut the strap and leave with the entire bag. As said before, being aware of who is around you is your best defense.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Call or chat with a product specialist at B & H(They are closed today & tomorrow). I'm sure they will have many viable suggestions for you. I always wear a wrist band or wrap the neck strap around my wrist and hand hold the camera. I've been to Europe 3 times. Never had an issue with "theft" or pick - pockets. As a matter of fact, I accidently had my iPhone fall out of my pocket and it was inadvertently left it in a lavatory. It was found and given to me when I returned. I tend to think most people are honest and helpful, so I don't worry much about negative scenarios or the worst happening to me. Maybe I'm a bit unusual or "crazy"?

Enjoy your trip,
Mark

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

The first European city I thought about was Paris. Was I right?

Look up Locktote.com or maybe Loctote.com, (not sure about spelling or the sizes)

Above was the first time I heard to use a baby's diaper bag. That makes sence except most pickpockets I heard of are kids, not all but most.

The reason, (in Paris at least), is that underage kids will most likely not be prosecuted. Then they deliver the goods to an older person. Sort of like a pimp.

Have a good time and do like the cop sais above, be watchful.

Charles P Loc: Southern Central NY State

This is the one that I use, and I like it. It might work for you.
https://www.adorama.com/ps15650100.html?rfkref=productPage

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

I’m a bit confused by your remark about most pickpockets being kids in reference to my diaper bag suggestion. Why would a kid be more likely to steal a diaper bag rather than another type of bag? If I’m missing something obvious, please enlighten me and forgive me.

BTW, my husband and I have traveled to Europe several times over the last few years, and have never had any issues. We are both very situationally aware whenever we are out in public. Our bags are always carried in front of us - NOT on our backs. We began doing that when we realized that that’s what the locals did on the street as well as on public transportation. The same held true in Africa and South America. Antarctica was not a concern as the only things the penguins were after were rocks and stones for their nests.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

PacSafe and Travelon (not sure if I’ve got that exactly right!) are both good brands for that. I have a PacSafe cross body bag as well as PacSafe camera straps for travel.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Most kids don't care about the wording. If it has sharp angled protruding edges, as most camera bags would have, they go for it.

I've checked in on kids and the thievery and they that any and everything they can get. If their "pimp" doesn't want it, it might be given to and older kid who takes care of the really young kids or a baby.

Yes they do use babies in carrages also. That make them look harmless and the other kids can do their dirty deeds while you are distracted.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

We planned a trip to Barcelona, Spain. My wife was extremely fearful that my "baby" would be stolen. She put so much fear in me that I was super vigilant. (I think that is more prudent to be vigilant than buying a camera bag with a diamondback rattlesnake inside.). My regular camera bag is black cloth best up and has various patches on the outside. It doesn't have any logo on it what so ever. She didn't want me to use it. Needless to say she saw a bag and bought it for me unannounced. It is a PACSAFE Z14. This is a sling bag that hold a full frame body and lens plus three other lenses. On the outside it isn't enticing. But it has RFID pockets as well as wire mesh inside the pockets and straps. They also make a backpack model labeled Z16. It's not very hefty on the price tag. About $150 dollars.
I carried the camera bag on board without any problem from TSA. I have a photograph of my old bag and my new bag.

Wherever you are going make sure you know of a nearby camera store. If a lens gets damaged or you need an extra camera memory card you're covered. Also, have a safe flight!
Don't forget to post photos of your trip!

Happy Shooting!

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