Just to prove a point: not all backpacks are easy to pickpocket

Everyone keeps mentioning how backpacks are unsecure on public transit because they are easy to pickpocket, so I wanted to show you guys the closure on mine and how hard it would be to steal something out of it!

#1 is fully closed. The turnlock thing is not functional, it is a magnetic closure. Not very secure on its own. But...
..underneath the flap is a full horizontal zipper (#2).
The inside itself is pretty deep and large (#3). You can see my ipad in the back, and it is in there vertically to give you an idea of how deep it is. I also have stuff wedged pretty tightly in there and it's not that easy even for me to get things out.. You can see my turquoise wallet here but generally I stick it near the bottom.
#4 is me trying to show you how deep a pickpocket would have to stick his hand to get to something at the bottom. It's really hard to take a picture of your own arm that doesn't look dismembered or broken. =P

So, just like any purse, how secure it is is all in the design! Yes, it's also harder for me to get stuff out of it but that's a tradeoff I'm willing to make. I will also point out that a backpack is a lot harder to snatch from your hand (or, in this case, off your back) than a regular purse!

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12 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

This is great info, Diana, thanks so much for taking the time to take these pictures. I agree with you that it really depends on the design. If I were to get a backpack I would certainly inspect it closely to make sure this kind of "anti pickpocket details" were in place.

Diana

Veteran

The longchamps backpack has a similar design.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....1b2166c62d

It looks a little too much like a lunch sack to me, but it might be a good option if one needed a lightweight but still nice looking backpack.

cobaltblue

What a great backpack, Diana! Thank you for showing us all its features.

Anonymous

Oh, I love yours! That is almost exactly what I had in mind.

Thistle

Oooh, I love yours!

Hadn't even really thought about public transportation. You can tell I live in suburbia. *sigh*

Kiwichik

I want your backpack.

I think this is the current version, although I can't be sure because mine was a gift (waves to dear, generous Sona!):
http://www.elliottlucca.com/product/teba-backpack/

I think Isabel has one like this, with the convertible straps. I wish mine did that too.

Jjsloane

I love the metallic, and I agree it would be hard for them to get it out from the top (they also slash bags at the bottom or on the strap) but I'm still uncomfortable with my valuables out of my sight like that. Too tempting for a pickpocket who knows you can't see back there. I would end up at least slinging it over my shoulder and then it would be a waste of it's most redeeming feature.

rae

Great design! And if you can't feel a thief unflap, unzip, and rummage in there, then wow, that guy probably earned it...

biscuitsmom

So glad to hear that! It's great to feel more secure carrying it, not to mention it looks great too

Suz

Well, I love yours. It's really nice looking and also secure. I didn't quite understand the issues about insecurity, either.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Thank you Detective Diana. I love your pewter backpack. ox

Alexandra

Very nice backpack. I really like the pleated front. Thank you for the demonstration.

Diana, pickpockets these days are more likely to use a very sharp little blade to slash through the bag to get to your wallet than to mess with the closures. When standing on crowded public transportation or anywhere in a crowd, you can't see what someone is doing behind you. They may also be part of a group (that includes children) with some members distracting you.

Sveta

Joy is right, this is how they do it. In my country they used to cut the purses with a sharpened coin so if they are searched no "tools of the trade" are found.
The main pickpocket danger is in it being completely out of your sight.
Anyway I like yours!

Joy, everybody I know who has had that happen had a purse slashed, not a backpack. With a handbag, they can also slash the strap and cause it to fall.

I actually also have a theory that thieves target wealthy looking people, and backpacks are associated with young and not as wealthy.

In any case, the leather is thick! I would think something like my longchamp would be much easier to slice, yet I still use it when I travel because it's so lightweight.

I'm glad your beautiful bag is slash proof.

CocoLion

I love that you have this figured out Diana! It looks like we might be pretty lonely on team backpack.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Thanks for posting yours, Diana. It's interesting to see different styles and closure options.

Mander

One of the features of many conventional backpacks that I've always found strange from a security point of view is that the handy organizer pockets that so easily fit your wallet, phone, mp3 player, etc. are on the outside, farthest away from your body. This is what makes that area seem most vulnerable, IMHO. Whenever I do carry a backpack in a crowded or tourist-y situation I never keep anything valuable in these outer pockets.

Years ago I had a school backpack which had the organizer part attached to the top seam inside the main compartment, right against the back, which made a lot more sense to me. Even if the bottom was slashed the contents of the organizer were suspended from the top of the bag so they wouldn't fall out, and you would be more likely to notice someone reaching in. My Mom has a small backpack purse with a section that can only be accessed through a hidden zipper right up against her back, which I think is even better.

But in any case, I always take my backpack off and set it at my feet or on my lap when on a train or bus anyway. This is mainly to avoid whacking innocent bystanders with it but has the security bonus of keeping it in sight.

Cindy

Active Member

I like that this backpack can also be worn as a cross-body or shoulder bag which means that I would be more likely to use it day-to-day rather than just for trips.

donnat

That is one beautiful back pack.

Lisa

Thanks for sharing. I'm with others that slash proof is key for prevention. I remember years back, I had a bag and was stopped a few times in the local mall with people telling me to get rid of my bag because of potential pickpocketing. I guess in my area, on the back is out of sight which is just not a good idea. But you have a lovely bag and I am happy the concerns for my area are not the concerns needed everywhere.

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