"Slash proof" over body purse

[Fern]

I've read that they are available, but have never seen one. We're going to be in Europe and the Med where there are (supposedly) pickpocket's galore! Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

[nlb1050]

here Fern:
Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bag - eBags.com


there are more styles, and ebags has had the largest number of these that I have seen.

[Trip]

I used a cross body, and I hated it...my gf had one that was much better, as you could wear it two ways..one of which left both hands free. If I can find a picture of it I will post it. The places we toured, I never felt unsafe,and one day, I just took my regular handbag.

This is pretty close to what she had...you could strap it around, and have it sit in front, and, be hands free, which is such a plus on these long tours.

http://www.ebags.com/product/kipling...61717717378268

http://www.ebags.com/product/kipling...eid=ONLTELLPT1
this one seems closer..with 2 pockets

[CA Cruiser]

Here's another site especially for travelers
Small Bags & Wallets* > *Security Purses, Packs & Totes | Magellan's Travel Supplies

Our coats have zippered pockets on the inside which was convenient to keep our valuables in. I wore my camera on a lanyard around my neck and it was also attached to my wrist for added protection. There were a few pick pocketers in Paris by the Eiffel tower and we saw 3 or 4 get arrested.

[Fern]

Thanks so much to everyone who posted ! I'll be checking all of your recommendations ASAP!

CM's poster's are incredibly helpful !

[Trip]

Fern I cruised in May,and you will cruise with probably similar weather. I have a boiled wool vest, that I wore over a tee shirt in some ports. I put the bag over first, then the vest. no one had a chance at my bag

[aspengal]

You gotta hide the $$. These bags with multiple zippers are a pickpocketers delight.They go for the easy pickings.Hide your $$ and passport in a money belt worn low down under your undies with zipper next to skin. A days worth of Euros may be worn in a neck wallet also underneath clothing. Get a long stringed one and anchor it tucked in under - below waist. Your passport is your most valuable possession. I am told current value of US passport nearing 10K on black market.

[Fern]

Originally Posted by sobegal

You gotta hide the $$. These bags with multiple zippers are a pickpocketers delight.They go for the easy pickings.Hide your $$ and passport in a money belt worn low down under your undies with zipper next to skin. A days worth of Euros may be worn in a neck wallet also underneath clothing. Get a long stringed one and anchor it tucked in under - below waist. Your passport is your most valuable possession. I am told current value of US passport nearing 10K on black market.

Thanks, Kathy, I'll keep your suggestions in mind !

[kat1953]

The brand name of slash proof bags is Pac Safe. There are several different models to choose from, some of them are rather flat, some are more like a purse, they even have backpack models. I work a second part time job in a luggage store and we sell plenty of them.

They are nice and sturdy, but I find the shoulder strap to be a bit bothersome, since it has wire through it. Instead I use a cross-body bag made by Baggalinni. Lots of interior pockets that zip closed, a wide strap that even though it could be slashed, it would take quite a bit of effort. If you keep in cross body in front of you with your hand on the bag in a crowd, I highly doubt anyone could get into it.

Just as there is no one purse that suits all people, there is no one travel bag that is perfect for all. We all have different needs. I like one large enough to hold a small water bottle, small enough my travel companions cannot turn me into their carry-all.

When we travel, we place our cash in several areas, front deep pockets, purse, under clothing belts. Never in a back pocket, never in an outside zipper pocket. If a thief got into my outside purse pocket, they would disappointingly get a hand full of tissues.

[Trip]

Kat I agree with you. I found out that the one I chose was not my best choice. It had a narrow strap,and the balance was off...I saw quickly how my gf maneuvered with hers, across the front of her body, leaving her hands free. Now she had the ablility to handle her packages and a cane with much more ease than I had. Live and learn...next time I will know.

[Fern]

Thanks again to everyone! I've found some bags on Amazon and ebags that I'm going to consider.

I don't like a "huge" bag. I want to put $$, credit cards, a scarf (for visiting synagogues or churches), some tissues, a camera and a water bottle in a bag.

I don't want a waist bag, I think they're uncomfortable and "shout" tourist ! I will probably keep the majority of my $$ and credit cards in a neck safe.

Thanks,

[Fern]

Hi everyone! I just bought the Pacsafe 200 purse (Pacsafe SlingSafe 200 Sling Purse - Sage | eBay ). I bought it through eBay, but it's from eBags. It may turn out to be too large, but I don't think so . It looks like it will hold all our "stuff", a bottle of water, and any small items I buy.

I compared it to the Pacsafe 100, and it seemed to be better at a smaller price !

What do YOU think?

[nlb1050]

Fern that looks good size should be just right.

[anniegb]

I am just back from a Baltic cruise and I confess to using no handbag(purse) or wallet anywhere at any time.

I took currency of the day held together with a rubber band and 1 cc and kept with my tissues etc in a small camera bag.

I do confess to having encountered few problems anywhere during my travels (last incident was an attempt in 1994) but maybe because I am not shouting 'tourist' and I don't carry any bags.

Annie

[kat1953]

Fern, you got an excellent deal. We retail that same bag (not that color, black and beige) for around $55. I've never seen PacSafe bags in that color before.

You will find the bag lies close to your body and is quite flat, doesn't really expand much at all. Fine for a travel book, papers, etc... It may not hold a water bottle unless the bottle is small.

BTW, ebags is just another seller of PacSafe, they do not own the brand. PacSafe is sold in luggage and travel stores and other outlets, such as TravelSmith and Magellans (although I think some are now branding their own, probably buying from PacSafe manufacturer??)

[Fern]

Originally Posted by kat1953

Fern, you got an excellent deal. We retail that same bag (not that color, black and beige) for around $55. I've never seen PacSafe bags in that color before.

You will find the bag lies close to your body and is quite flat, doesn't really expand much at all. Fine for a travel book, papers, etc... It may not hold a water bottle unless the bottle is small.

BTW, ebags is just another seller of PacSafe, they do not own the brand. PacSafe is sold in luggage and travel stores and other outlets, such as TravelSmith and Magellans (although I think some are now branding their own, probably buying from PacSafe manufacturer??)

Hi Kat1953, apparently the "sage" (light green) color wasn't selling well, so it was less expensive. For travel use I really don't care what color it is ! The water bottle we usually bring is a small bottle for the times that we can't buy another.

I compared the price with other PacSafe 200 bags (on more site's than I really wanted to look at!) and thought this was the best price. I'm glad you agree, since you're the "bag & luggage" expert here !

I'm more interested in the safety and "useability" (is that a word?) than fashion!