Starting out?

Hi All

Newbie here looking for some advice

 I've just bought an Atmos 50 backpack. It has 2 zipped compartments that when closed the zippers are about 12 inches apart.

 Does anyone know anyway to secure/lock these together when backpacking..preferably using a homegrown economical (cheap) way..anyone had any brainstorms previously with this issue.

 Thought about a padlock sort of thing but can't thing of how to string them together to prevent itchy fingers.

 Cheers

Steve

Thanks for that

The zip holes are quite small, not sure if i can get a chain to go through.  I was thinking maybe of some sort of metal string which would be thin enough but then how to make a solid loop to hook into the padlock

Cheers

Steve 

Tie-wraps can be used for disposable opportunistic theft protection, provided you have something to remove them...

But if someone's determined to get into your sack, they'll just knife it open.  And that's what 'professional' thieves will do.

I'm afraid the only answer is not to leave valuables in your pack, or at least not in the vulnerable side pockets.

Its not a home made solution but I used one of these on a trip around Europe, very secure but also very heavy (580 g).

Edit:

"I was thinking maybe of some sort of metal string which would be thin enough but then how to make a solid loop to hook into the padlock"

looking at the pac-safe website they also make this

Hi Cheers for the advice Benco

I've already bought a Pacsafe 85 ...if anyones interested I got it half price at Amazon and still on offer!;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PacSafe-Secure-Backpack-Bag-Protector/dp/B000N8GXI2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sports&qid=1242384766&sr=8-1

 I saw the picture in the link you sent me and didn't realise you could actually have the pacsafe around the bag whilst on the road.  Not too sure though as may attract more attention and curiousity than without it..prevention beter....... sort of thing. Anyone have any thoughts on it?

I'll look into the Retractasafe..looks like it may help on the trip.  We're backpacking through India for a year or so...starting in the Himalayas hopefully then down south and then back up again!

 I'm sure i'll be back to the forums with more questions..newbie traveller and it seem's like a friendly place to ask!

Sweet

Steve

agree with above - if people really think you've got vauable stuff in it, they'll slash it. they'll not get through a pacsafe, but does that then  imply stuff inside worth having?!?!

personally i use a raincover  [no-name brand! no point in having one that says Arceteryx, they'll know you're loaded ]. have used a poundshop suitbag and also one of those stripey square laundry bags before. fits right in with the locals [mainly because them bags have taken over the planet, you see 'em everywhere]

i did think of putting  plastic coated chicken wire 'tube' inside my duffel, but it was a bit of a faff and would look well suspicious on an xray?!

 metal string: a cable lock if you can get one thin enough or... bike brake cable. you can form a sliding loop in it with a small metal ring [think bowline], the cable end prevents it from pulling through. 

Also made metal loop zip tags; 2.5" - 4" cable fixed in a segment of 'chocolate block' electrical cable connector & covered with tape / heatshrink tubing. you should be able to get the connectors and heatshrink from most electrical shops. size means you can fit a screwgate carabiner through the loops if you want, or even a chairleg! 

fed a length of cable through the haul loop seam as well so that could be locked to something & not slashed off. fiddly!

all in all, fun to do, probably overkill and might ruin the good locks of your pack . cable tie and raincover i reckon.

give me a shout if the above makes less than normal sense.. 

the cable connectors are called 'Terminal Blocks' e.g http://www.mutr.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=15_44&products_id=8&osCsid=0ae9e47231c41bd8ee9908ddabc9cba8 .

i think i used 5 amp 

Cheers Stewart

 Gotta say I'm confused a wee bit but very intrigued!! The above section "

 metal string: a cable lock if you can get one thin enough or... bike brake cable. you can form a sliding loop in it with a small metal ring [think bowline], the cable end prevents it from pulling through. 

Also made metal loop zip tags; 2.5" - 4" cable fixed in a segment of 'chocolate block' electrical cable connector & covered with tape / heatshrink tubing. you should be able to get the connectors and heatshrink from most electrical shops. size means you can fit a screwgate carabiner through the loops if you want, or even a chairleg! "  can you explain a littlefurther..if possible! 

 Maybe if understoodit could be used for other things! If you can be bothered though!

Cheers

Steve

Hi Steve, it is a bit confusing..... pic below.

the connectors are encased in plastic (which you can cut off) and about 12 x 7 mm. the heat shrink tubing slides over the top + you shrink it with a match/lighter/hot air blowtorch. The length of cable to make the loop is up to you, so the diameter can be big enough to slide over a chairleg.

and the sliding loop:

You'll see what the 'cable end' blobby thing looks like when you buy the cable. the end without the blobby thing can be made into another loop with a connector, like the ziptag. You've then got  two loops either end of a cable; push one through another to  tie stuff up.

hope it makes more sense now!

real misers can make the ziptags out of  paperclips & tape, but they're not v strong....

Thanks Stewart!!!!  Looks quite interesting...do you need to keep a screwdriver for the connector with you all the time to open and close it? Or am i missing somthing again..and again...and again

Apologies for the late reply, not been plugged in much this week!

Thanks

Steve

Hi Steve,

the zip tags stay screwed up OK - they're just like putting a bit of string on the zip. (will load up photos soon/tomorrow).

the sliding loop isn't screwd down; the connector (screws removed completely) is just a tube for the cable to slide through. it's a bit tricky explaining how to use it, best get a bit of string & play aroung...think larksfoot/lasso.

the advantage of having the cable zip tags is that you can feed a chain/cable through them (because they're large & slashproof) & run that cable where you like.

cheers

stewat

if a picture is worth a thousand words, has anyone got change for a quid? 

Thanks Stewart

Brilliant..the penny has dropped...actually i think it dropped a while ago but i just saw it!!

Absolutely Genius!

I like the idea of the zip-tag very much and so does the missus!!!!....well done!!!!! And I've just learnt how to tie a Bow Line--- but can I remember it.....http://www.hightrek.co.uk/climbing/how2/bowline.htm

 Thanks a lot for your help.  Do you know if there is a forum on here for such things..like tips? Homemade solutions...if not then maybe it would be good to have!

Cheers & have a great weekend

Steve

Hi steve,

a) glad it makes sense b) ta! <blushing>

glad the diagrams make sense....photo's are too big

there is a home made gear thread, also another one about customising stuff.

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/forummessages/mps/dt/4/UTN/25372/

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/forummessages/mps/dt/4/UTN/10484/

have fun!

stewart