Directions.
- Clear the eyelet of the zipper’s closure pieces. If you are using a Kelty bag this means removing the shoelace like cord.
- Cut sections of steel wire into five or six inch pieces.
- Insert the sections of wire into the eyelets of the zipper’s closures.
- Put a crimp over the ends of the wire and seal it with the crimpers.
- Put electrical tape over the sharp ends of the wire.
Full Answer
What is the best way to lock up a bag?
In these cases, a cable lock is your best choice. Cable locks are super sturdy metal cables which would be wrapped through your straps and around an immovable object such as a tree. This makes it impossible for someone to just walk away with your bag.
How do you secure the zippers on Rs bags?
Since the zipper pulls on most RS bags don't have a hole at the top of the pull and only a small one where the pull meets the zipper, not all securing devices will work well. I found a couple that do the job especially if you are trying to secure the zippers on a day bag. The small size fits well.
How to secure your backpack when hiking?
While metal netting is the most secure type to lock up your bag, it is also the heaviest to carry around. While this may not be possible if you have already bought your hiking backpack, another way to avoid being robbed is to avoid top-loading bags.
How do lockable zippers work?
Some bags come pre-fitted with lockable zippers. The zipper pulls on these bags have a hole which runs through them. This opening is just the right size for a small security lock to be put through the holes. This lock then holds the zipper together so that the bag compartment cannot be opened without the key.
How do you secure a single zipper on a backpack?
1:554:23How To Make Lockable Zippers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you're like me and don't have a special crimping tool you can use your heavy-duty wire cuttersMoreSo if you're like me and don't have a special crimping tool you can use your heavy-duty wire cutters or like a sledgehammer.
How do you put a lock on one zipper?
Sew a metal ring, key ring, etc., to the bag in the area where the zipper ends. Put a diaper pin through from the inside. It will give you a sturdy metal piece to lock the zipper to. You can also borrow the diaper pin for emergency repairs on other luggage if you need it.
Is there a way to lock a backpack?
3:525:31Make Your Travel Backpack Lockable Tip #travelgear - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr pair of fingernail clippers works good well real easy way quick fast cheap. Just need a reallyMoreOr pair of fingernail clippers works good well real easy way quick fast cheap. Just need a really some duct tape some wire ties sold anywhere in the planet.
How do I make my backpack anti theft?
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Theft-Proof BackpackLook for a robust anti-theft backpack design. ... Buy a backpack with lockable zippers and compartments. ... Look for a backpack with an RFID blocking feature. ... A backpack with a laptop pocket is nice to have. ... A smart backpack with a USB charging port is desirable.More items...
How can I lock my bag without a lock?
0:241:23Lock your bag without a padlock - How-to #Phtip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf. You don't have a padlock here's what you do take one of them and thread it through take theMoreIf. You don't have a padlock here's what you do take one of them and thread it through take the other one and thread it back through.
How does a locking zipper work?
The terms "locking" and "non-locking" refer to the zipper sliders. Locking zipper sliders have a small lock mechanism in them that keeps the slider in place unless the slider's tab is pulled. This prevents the slider from moving on its own if the tape is forced apart or if the center of the slider is pushed.
How can I make my backpack more secure?
Secure bags together with a combination lock and a cable. When you have a big backpack with many pockets, you could never put a lock on every single zipper. Backpacking security has to be a little more creative when you carry more gear. This is where a combination lock with a cable becomes very handy.
How do I keep my backpack zipper from opening?
4:236:14Backpack Zipper Trick To STOP Pickpockets! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSecurity system you can use a twist tie or get a pack of these which i'll link to in the descriptionMoreSecurity system you can use a twist tie or get a pack of these which i'll link to in the description. Below to close your zippers.
How do backpack locks work?
0:122:24Tlims Anti-Theft Backpack w/Combination Lock + USB PortYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis works by inserting the zippers into the security lock changing the combination of the lock isMoreThis works by inserting the zippers into the security lock changing the combination of the lock is also very easy all you need to do is push to open the lock.
What makes a bag anti-theft?
An anti-theft bag is one that includes a slew of safety features for the user. These are locking zippers that are hard to access, slash-proof exterior materials and straps, secret compartments, and RFID blocking.
How do you secure a bag?
So here is what you can do to protect your belongings and keep luggage safe while traveling abroad.Use the right locks for your bags. ... A line of sight is the best security. ... Be cautious of using lockers and safes. ... Invest in tamper proof luggage. ... Place your valuables in unorthodox places.
How to make a backpack zipper lockable
First of all, choose a backpack for travel that has a zipper enclosure. Above all, stay away from top loading backpacks. Not only are top loading backpacks cumbersome and annoying to use but most are unlockable. If you stay in hostels or ride buses with a top loader don’t get pissy when you make a donation to the local thieves’ union.
Materials
All of these materials can be found at a hardware store. If you’re a cheapskate like us, buy them from a store that has a no questions asked return policy, keep the receipt, and return them for a refund once you’ve finished the job.
Directions
Clear the eyelet of the zipper’s closure pieces. If you are using a Kelty bag this means removing the shoelace like cord.
Conclusion
Making your backpack zippers lockable and then always locking them when you leave your luggage in hotel/ hostel rooms and when unattended on buses is one of the prime ways of deterring theft when traveling. If you make a thief’s job as difficult as possible you will seldom find yourself locked in their sights.
About the Author: VBJ
I am the founder and editor of Vagabond Journey. He has been traveling the world since 1999, through 90 countries. I am the author of the book, Ghost Cities of China, and contributes to The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Diplomat, the South China Morning Post, and other publications. VBJ has written 3626 posts on Vagabond Journey.
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Today I am going to tell you a little bit about this project, what exactly this project is, and what these Vagabond write-ups are and are not, so that you can know what to expect. Then, I’ll share just how we got started on it.
Why do you lock your zippers?
Lock your zippers to act as a visual deterrent to a thief scoping out a victim. If your bag looks more difficult to breach because of a lock, even a makeshift zipper lock, a thief just might pass you by and target another victim with an easier to open zipper.
How to keep prying hands out of luggage?
Protect your luggage with zipper locks. Zipper Locks are an effective solution to keep prying hands out of your purse, backpack, or travel bag. To work as intended you need a bag with a double zipper, that is with two zipper pulls.
What is triple lock?
The Triple Lock is a versatile lock for luggage. It prevents zippers from traveling to re-seal punctures. Because of its unique design, it can be used for o ther functions too like locking bags together to make the carrying of them more difficult and thereby more difficult to steal. The triple lock can also lock a bag to an object or to a stationary or fixed item. Simply attach one loop to your bag handle and the other loop to a fixed item such as a chair, bed frame, or drawer handle or even another suitcase. An example of when this feature is useful is while you’re sleeping on a train, or in a hotel or hostel and you want to lock your bag and have it stay put while you are unable to watch it. Learn more about the triple lock.
Do you need a key to lock a bag?
However, they work well with backpacks or any bag that has two zipper pulls you lock together. The benefit of this lock is that you don’t need a key and it’s a strong visual deterrent for a would-be thief. Make sure your zipper pulls have a hole or eye that you thread the flexible cable through. Learn more about cable locks
What is the zipper pull on a bag?
The zipper pulls on these bags have a hole which runs through them . This opening is just the right size for a small security lock to be put through the holes. This lock then holds the zipper together so that the bag compartment cannot be opened without the key.
Why do you lock your backpack when hiking?
Don't miss our insanely useful list of the best hiking backpacks with laptop compartment. Another reason to lock your backpack is to keep it from opening while you hike!
Why is cable lock not foolproof?
These locks aren’t foolproof though because a dedicated thief could use a knife to cut the straps of your bag and slide the lock off. For that reason, it is better to wrap the cable lock around multiple parts of the bag to make this prospect less tempting.
What to use for hiking?
Utilize Wrap-Around Netting. Another option that some hikers like to use is a type of wrap-around netting, either rope or metal, that makes it impossible to sneak into the pockets of your bag easily. As the name implies, this netting simply goes around the entire bag.
Can you use zip ties on a purse?
While not practical if you have many compartments on your bag or you will want to get into your belongings frequently throughout the day, you can use zip ties to keep the zippers closed if you don’t want to invest in so many locks.#N#Zip ties are very cheap and can simply be cut off from the bag once you get to your destination. That same simplicity also presents a problem though. Thieves, too, can simply cut them off, but you’ll be more likely to feel the cutting motion.
Can you cut zip ties off?
Zip ties are very cheap and can simply be cut off from the bag once you get to your destination. That same simplicity also presents a problem though. Thieves, too, can simply cut them off, but you’ll be more likely to feel the cutting motion.
Can someone steal my hiking backpack?
It is possible that someone may want to (or even succeed at) stealing things from your hiking backpack! No one wants to assume that your belongings can be at risk even when in the wilderness, but the simple fact is that your items could be stolen while you sleep, eat, or even use the bathroom. If you learn how to lock hiking backpacks, you’ll be ...
