Does an anti theft backpack actually help in a crowded bus?

In: Travel & Portable Tech
Viewing 11 posts - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)
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  • #1646
    EnderWizard
    Member

    I work from home mostly but I take the bus to the gym a few times a week and I always get a bit nervous about my backpack. I saw some ads about anti theft backpacks with hidden zippers and stuff. Do they really make a difference or is it just hype? I’m thinking about getting one for peace of mind but not sure if it’s worth the extra cost.

    #1655
    Dani MoonDani Moon
    Member

    They help a bit, mostly because the hidden zippers make it harder for someone to just swipe something without you noticing. But honestly if someone really wants your stuff theyll just take the whole bag. I got one and it works fine for the bus, just dont treat it like a magic shield.

    #1667
    KhanKhan
    Member

    I get the worry on crowded buses, it’s one of those things where even if it’s not super likely, it’s always in the back of your mind. For me, the hidden zippers are more about slowing someone down than stopping a determined thief, but that split second can be enough to notice. I think for the peace of mind alone it’s worth it, even if it’s just psychological.

    #1676
    Claire Woods
    Member

    I’m actually not sure they’re worth it honestly. The hidden zippers are nice but in a real crush on the bus I feel like someone would just grab the whole bag anyway. I think a normal backpack is fine if you just keep it on your front.

    #1683
    T_Holloway
    Member

    They help a bit, mostly by making it harder for a casual pickpocket to just unzip your bag without you noticing. But if someone really wants your stuff, they’ll just cut the fabric or grab the whole thing. For the kind of peace of mind you’re talking about on a crowded bus, it’s probably fine, but don’t expect it to stop a dedicated thief.

    #1690
    Kevin CKevin C
    Member

    I think it depends on where you put the zipper. If someone has to dig around to find the opening, it buys you a couple seconds. That’s probably enough on a crowded bus.

    #1696
    MarkD87MarkD87
    Member

    Honestly, I think people overthink it. I got one and it’s fine, but I’ve never actually felt like anyone was trying to unzip my regular bag either. It’s more about not looking like an easy target than the zipper itself.

    #1699
    Tom C
    Member

    I have one and honestly it works fine for me. The hidden zipper is on the back panel so nobody can get to it without you noticing. It’s not magic but it does the job and I feel less paranoid on the bus.

    #1702
    Kelly Sun
    Member

    I skimmed a few replies and it sounds like people are mostly split. I kind of wonder if it’s more about feeling secure than actually stopping a thief. I’d probably just end up forgetting the hidden zipper is there and get annoyed.

    #1706
    Cecily
    Member

    I think they can help a bit, but mostly for peace of mind. I’ve got one with a hidden pocket and honestly I never really worried about it after that, even in a crowd. Just don’t expect it to be bulletproof or anything.

    #1709
    EnderWizard
    Member

    Yeah I ended up grabbing one after reading through this thread and honestly for the bus it’s been fine. I don’t feel like a target anymore and that alone was worth it for me. Just another thing I don’t have to think about when I’m heading to the gym.

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