Backpacks

[Grizelda]

Backpacks are handy if you want to carry your belongings and leave your hands and arms free. But, speaking from experience, the small zipped pocket on the outside of the bag is easy for thieves to access. In a crowded situation, you will not feel someone removing something. So, my advice is, don't put anything of value in this pocket. If I remember correctly, Ruth's leather, quite expensive backpack has a small zipped pocket on the outside of the bag.

 

[merryone]

Backpacks are handy if you want to carry your belongings and leave your hands and arms free. But, speaking from experience, the small zipped pocket on the outside of the bag is easy for thieves to access. In a crowded situation, you will not feel someone removing something. So, my advice is, don't put anything of value in this pocket. If I remember correctly, Ruth's leather, quite expensive backpack has a small zipped pocket on the outside of the bag.

It has but it's on the bit that would be against your back, so nobody would be able to get to it. Most regular backpacks do have easily accessible pockets facing outwards and yes you do have to be careful if you're in a crowded area. I use a backpack quite a bit because I cycle to and from work and if I'm out walking with the backpack then anything of great value will be put into the main body of the bag.

 

[AndiK]

I am not sure I would get on with a backpack. I can see they are great if you don’t want encumbered arms and hands but I am sure I would feel trussed up unless I only had a thin top or coat on. Most of all, that security issue…. I haven’t seen the Ruth L one but I see these girls wandering around with backpacks which have loads of accessible pockets and I cringe. They are popular, though, so maybe I’m concerned about nothing.

 

[Patsy]

I use one on holiday but strap it onto my front.

 

[maymorganlondon]

I use a backpack almost exclusively. I like having my hands free, and as someone who suffers when carrying things, it keeps me more balanced. Valuables are normally in pockets which are quite difficult to access... I am always checking though, as I recognise the risk.

 

[Silver Fox]

They look great and easy to use but I cannot wear one on my back, the way they are designed because of the security issue.If you are out walking/ cycling then OK shouldn’t be an issue but for travel for me a definite no.

 

[stratobuddy]

I use one on holiday but strap it onto my front.

If I am in a risky area I wear mine on my front as well, it's quite comfortab;e unless it is huge.

 

[ClaireKelly]

I used a Kipling bag when I was travelling around this country and Europe. Superb storage water resistant and very light weight. Wouldn’t buy a posh one and never had it on my back. Used to sling it over one shoulder.

 

[donna255]

A friend in her 70s uses on, small and leather effect. She has to keep her phone and purse in her coat pockets for easy access.

For me, that is a no. As I have back problems, I cannot have something putting on my back or pulling me forward.