Travel Camera Bag Against Pick Pockets
Feb 25, 2016 16:01:57 #
RichieC
Loc: Adirondacks
Traveling to Rome soon, and was wondering how concerned I should be or special consideration to a cut proof strap/secure bag against theft. I'll have 8 g's in equipment at times... so it's no small deal for me. My daughter was pick pocketed within 15 minutes after arriving in Rome earlier this year in a group of fellow students all around her. Apparently that is a common occurrence from what the school she is attending told us and other stories from various people i have told the story to. However, none of them have the kit I do...
Never has this passed my mind before, no matter where I have been in the States- from NYC to San Francisco and many places in between. Kinda got me freaked out- would prefer to keep my stuff and photos rather then depend on insurance.
I know about the bags specifically designed to thwart this sort of thing with cables and cut resistant straps, over the shoulder etc.... but are my concerns overblown? Does anybody have any insight, experience, real life suggestions?
Never has this passed my mind before, no matter where I have been in the States- from NYC to San Francisco and many places in between. Kinda got me freaked out- would prefer to keep my stuff and photos rather then depend on insurance.
I know about the bags specifically designed to thwart this sort of thing with cables and cut resistant straps, over the shoulder etc.... but are my concerns overblown? Does anybody have any insight, experience, real life suggestions?
Feb 25, 2016 16:11:47 #
When we docked in Marseilles the tour guide told us to hold on to our cameras, bags, etc., and to stay in a tight group and away from the edge of the sidewalks. One lady didn't listen and ended up lying in the street when two thugs on a motorbike drove by, grabbed her bag strap and pulled her into the street and got away with her bag. A friend of mine who travels all over the world wears a money belt under her clothes and carries nothing but her purchases. We were super vigilant wherever we traveled in the Mediterranean. Wallet in your front pocket if you do not have a money belt, and stay in groups.
Feb 25, 2016 16:39:55 #
Might also want to get a metal case for your credit cards. Card info can be read by someone standing next to you if they have a reading device.
Feb 25, 2016 16:48:02 #
I have a GoPro Flipside backpack. The main compartment flap is against your back when wearing the backpack. No one can open it and get at your cameras and lenses. Another nice feature is that you don't have to take it off to open it. Just slip off the shoulder straps, leave the belly strap fastened, and slide it around to the front. The smaller compartments are vulnerable, like most any other pack, but the real valuable stuff is much more secure then with a conventional backpack. Good quality backpack.
Feb 25, 2016 16:59:34 #
On a big bus tour in Europe our tour director advised;
Keep those things that are valuable close to your heart.
If carrying a shoulder bag put it on your shoulder that is away from the road.
Be very aware of strangers near the group cnd be very alert.
------------
On a personal note when in cities etc I only carried one camera/lens. The camera was normally carried in my hand, ready for use, with the neck strap wrapped arround my wrist.
A lot if the time when out abd about for a few hours I also had a camera holster bag attached to my belt and a secondary strap across my chest for a bit of extra security.
It is not always practcal to have the camera in your hand sometimes.
We havn't had any problems at all - to date.
Keep those things that are valuable close to your heart.
If carrying a shoulder bag put it on your shoulder that is away from the road.
Be very aware of strangers near the group cnd be very alert.
------------
On a personal note when in cities etc I only carried one camera/lens. The camera was normally carried in my hand, ready for use, with the neck strap wrapped arround my wrist.
A lot if the time when out abd about for a few hours I also had a camera holster bag attached to my belt and a secondary strap across my chest for a bit of extra security.
It is not always practcal to have the camera in your hand sometimes.
We havn't had any problems at all - to date.
Feb 25, 2016 17:12:17 #
Most camera packs have dual head, two way zippers. Just get some really small carabiners and clip the two zipper heads together. All your pants pockets should be zippered. That's the most I've ever done when traveling other than the usual precautions?
I'm not a slave to security when I travel. I leave anything that can't be replaced at home, it's just not needed. Leave copies of all you documents at the place of stay! Then just have fun and snap away, that's what I do!!!!
If your dragging Fort Knox with you, it's just no fun. :lol:
SS
I'm not a slave to security when I travel. I leave anything that can't be replaced at home, it's just not needed. Leave copies of all you documents at the place of stay! Then just have fun and snap away, that's what I do!!!!
If your dragging Fort Knox with you, it's just no fun. :lol:
SS
Feb 25, 2016 17:12:59 #
When my brother went to Rome last year he had the same thoughts. He has about the same amount of gear in dollars as you. He decided to leave it all home and bought a Canon SX50. He took some pretty good shots with it. Now he's thinking about selling everything except for the SX50 because it is handier and much lighter. Just MHO
Feb 25, 2016 19:03:09 #
Sheila
Loc: Arizona or New York
The is a company called Pacsafe that sells all kinds of security gear for travelers. You might also consider insurance for your camera through the company that handles your homeowners insurance. You have too much equipment to come under a basic policy but some companies let you purchase insurance to cover your camera equipment from breakage, loss or theft.
Feb 25, 2016 20:33:23 #
I have been to Rome and was orinted about the pick pocket and gypsies who like to steel things. With that said, think common snse. Money belt for credit cards and cash and medical cards. I bought cargo pants that had flap pockets with velcro to keep other things. I purchased a sling bag that was on my side. Consider Think Tank products that take the security issues in design.https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/photojournalism/products/change-up-v2
RichieC wrote:
Traveling to Rome soon, and was wondering how conc... (show quote)
Feb 25, 2016 20:48:50 #
Bmarsh wrote:
Might also want to get a metal case for your credit cards. Card info can be read by someone standing next to you if they have a reading device.
According to an article in Popular Science the only verified cases of RFID credit cards being scanned while in someone's wallet were in the laboratory. The magnetic strip on both the old style and new chip cards can't be scanned either. Despite all the internet rumors. You are much more likely to have your info stolen by a dishonest sales clerk or waitperson, or at most any other time when the card is out of your wallet. The claim is that one of the most likely times is when someone is standing close to you when you are using your card.
Feb 26, 2016 00:35:27 #
Pacsafe has a camera strap with steel cable reinforcement and difficult to release catches. Any backpack worn on the back is an invitation for a slashing razor attack. Messenger bags worn in front are ideal.
I also cover up the Logo on the front of my DLSR with black electrical tape.
I also cover up the Logo on the front of my DLSR with black electrical tape.
Feb 26, 2016 05:23:06 #
jeryh
Loc: Oxfordshire UK
you are right to be worried' when we went to barcelona, we we told quite bluntly, that if we went the city with camera gear, then like as not we would come back with out it !
Feb 26, 2016 07:08:06 #
Are you going for the specific purpose of photography? Will you be publishing these photos? The last time I went to Europe I decided I would enjoy the trip - I got a very nice pocket-size P&S. I had a great time and did not have to worry a lot about theft. I also got some beautiful photos and have no regrets about not taking all of my equipment.
Feb 26, 2016 07:12:40 #
RichieC wrote:
I'll have 8 g's in equipment at times...
You have to be willing to lose whatever you bring with you. There have been several videos and articles online about photographers being robbed in public in daytime. A news crew in San Francisco had all of its equipment stolen.
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/40K-in-Camera-Gear-Stolen-From-NBA-Crew-in-Oakland-Report-306280681.html
http://petapixel.com/2015/08/05/photographers-in-sf-robbed-of-camera-gear-in-broad-daylight-with-pepper-spray/
Rome is #1 in reports of camera thefts.
http://photographytipsandnews.wordpress.com/2015/12/21/this-is-how-camera-gear-was-stolen-in-2015/
You have to decide how important it is to have so much gear with you on this trip.
Feb 26, 2016 07:21:57 #
RichieC wrote:
Traveling to Rome soon, and was wondering how conc... (show quote)
I travel a decent amount around the world and I also tote a fair amount of my equipment, but not all ... I carry 2 bodies and 2 lenses, so I am covered for most situations without having to switch lenses on the go. I always carry my gear in a generic (self customized) padded backpack while traveling so as not to advertise what I have on me. I'd leave the Lowepro's et al at home. No point in advertising what you have. While nothing is fool proof, try being as nondescript as possible. And when you walk around crowded areas make sure you have the waist strap also secured not just the shoulder straps. Hope you have a the gear insured for loss with your carrier.
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