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This Travelon Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag evaluation was submitted by Kristin Repsher in 2012. Since this bag remains to be a Travelon favourite, we’ve got refreshed and up to date it accordingly.
Just a few years in the past, I walked into the bags warehouse throughout the road from my work on the lookout for an honest purse to take with me whereas touring.
My solely requirement – it needed to be a bag that I might sling throughout my physique so I might comfortably carry it similtaneously my backpack.
Once I got here throughout the Travelon Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag, it appeared like its options (and value) is perhaps overkill, however because it match my necessities I made a decision to provide it a go.
The “Lobster Claw” Saves the Day
Two years after shopping for my Travelon bag, I stood on the waterfront in Porto’s Ribeira District thanking myself for spending the additional cash on an anti-theft bag.
Having talked to a really useful resort receptionist (in English) and to a taxi driver (in a damaged mixture of Spanish and Portuguese), I’d been advised that the waterfront space could be secure for establishing a tripod and taking evening photographs of the town.
In order that’s the place I’d gone, and I fortunately took photographs for about twenty minutes earlier than issues went awry.
First, a person got here as much as me and started talking in English, attempting to persuade me into giving him some cash.
Then one other man got here up and angrily waved his digicam in my face, pointing on the buttons as if he wanted assist. I refused to take his digicam as a result of it meant I must let go of my digicam — tripod nonetheless hooked up — so I simply saved shaking my head and telling him, “No, no, no.”
A rush of anger flooded by me as I felt a tug on my bag. “NO!” I shouted on the camera-wielding man. “GO!”
Surprisingly, he did as I mentioned, and his pal quickly adopted.
Taking a look at my bag, I discovered that he had tried to open the primary compartment however failed because of the “lobster claw clasp” locking the zipper to the bag.
I hadn’t been carrying loads with me, however the time spent attempting to cancel playing cards and file police experiences simply would have been price greater than the price of the bag itself.
Different Travelon Options I Like
Three Separate Compartments
I discover this actually helpful for dividing up all of my little bits and items.
- Journey medicines get one aspect pocket.
- Passports, aircraft tickets, and my cellphone get the opposite aspect pocket.
- The principle compartment has 4 aspect pockets and whereas it seems like a reasonably small house, I’ve managed to cram my pockets, a Kindle, enterprise playing cards, and my Olympus OM-D mirrorless digicam in there.
Expandable Outer Pockets
These have been very helpful for carrying all types of ins and outs.
Zipped up – They’ll maintain small gadgets like nail information.
Expanded – They’ll carry a water bottle or a sun shades case. I have a tendency to hold each of those and even with expanded pockets, the bag doesn’t appear too massive.
The tops of the pockets are elasticated to maintain every little thing safe.
Options I’m Not So Eager On
Cable Strengthened Anti-Minimize Strap
I’m unsure about this one; it’s one factor to take care of an annoying pickpocket as I did in Porto, but it surely’s one other altogether to take care of somebody with a knife.
Personally, if they’ve a knife, I don’t wish to cease them from slashing my bag. It’s higher than slashing me.
Strap Size
This bag could be very lengthy at its most prolonged strap size. I shortened it fairly a bit so it’s not bouncing in opposition to my legs continuously.
Nevertheless, even partially loaded, the strap step by step lengthens till it’s totally prolonged. I want that they had made this maintain a bit higher so I wasn’t continuously having to mess with it.
Is The Travelon Anti-Theft Shoulder Bag Value It?
Although this bag value $65 once I purchased it (it now prices $80 from the Travelon web site), to me, it’s been price each penny.
Having the ability to lock my bag provides me peace of thoughts. It definitely gained’t cease all thieves but it surely’s not less than a deterrent.
It’s not an ideal bag however the anti-theft options plus the truth that it helps me preserve every little thing organized whereas I’m on the highway means will probably be a fixed journey companion for years to come back.
What do you consider particular luggage and purses made to guard you from pickpockets? Value it, or a waste of cash? Tell us within the feedback under.
In regards to the writer: Kristin grew up in Houston, Texas, and moved to Australia after college. Make sure you try her weblog and her account on X.
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