Pacsafe AntiSafe Gear? Anyone have the pacsafe 55 or 85?

[nutsnbolts]

Out of curiosity, anyone have any of these and what are your thoughts regarding it?

Pacsafe Link (http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&activity_id=10)

I just bought the pacsafe 55 and although I don't have it yet, I'm looking forward on using it. In addition, I did buy a couple more things from pacsafe such as the Retractasafe and Carabiner lock.

[<AkulA>]

I have a 55, and I used it when I was in the Dominican Republic for a month this summer. I put my camera bag against my hiking backpack (pockets to pockets, like the zipper sides toward each-other) and put the packsafe over both and hooked it to the furniture of my room when I left to go out.

Everything worked really well, and I actually felt somewhat safe leaving my 5D, 30D 24-70 and 70-200 in a room in a 3rd world country! I did however replace the lock. I didn't like the idea of having a key to lose, so I used a carabiner style lock with a 4-roller combo. Incidental, I was able to use that to lock my National Geographic medium shoulder bag closed, AND to a beach-chair while out swimming.

[PacAce]

I have two PacSafe 85s. I take it with me everytime I travel and have to stay at a hotel.

[nutsnbolts]

Hmm... I'm hoping the 55 would be big enough for what I have. The 85 seems huge!

[PacAce]

Hmm... I'm hoping the 55 would be big enough for what I have. The 85 seems huge!

The 85 is just right for the gear I have. I can keep my Tamrac Expedition 5 and my laptop bag inside the 85. It's also big enough for my LowePro Nature Trekker AW.

[Jon]

I've got one big enough to fit over my suitcase. That way my gear goes inside the suitcase (including laptop).

[nutsnbolts]

I only expect to carry this to secure my backpack. I don't plan on tying up a whole suitcase or multiple bags. Instead of me going to a restaurant and having to carry the bag with me or have someone watch it, I can leave the table with comfort secured to something of course.

[claybuster]

I would like to get one of these for my Tamrac Expedition 5 backpack. I was wondering what would be a good size for the Expedition 5. would it be better to go bigger incase I would ever get a larger pack. And I also was wondering about how long the cable end would be from backpack to end of cable? I'm looking for a little extra reach .
Mike

[PacAce]

I would like to get one of these for my Tamrac Expedition 5 backpack. I was wondering what would be a good size for the Expedition 5. would it be better to go bigger incase I would ever get a larger pack. And I also was wondering about how long the cable end would be from backpack to end of cable? I'm looking for a little extra reach .
Mike
Here are a couple of pictures I took of my PacSafe 85 used with the Tamrac Expedition 5. As you can see, it's a very nice fit. But the way the net is made, it can expand out to fit a bigger backpack. I also use my PacSafe with the LowePro Nature Trekker which is about the size of the Expedition 7 and/or 8. And, as I said previously, I can also fit a laptop case in the net with the Expedition 5.

The cable itself is about 6 ft. long.

In the first image, on the left bottom, you can see how small the PacSafe stores away.

268129


268130

[claybuster]

Leo, Thanks for the pictures and information! I have to get one of these.
Mike

[nutsnbolts]

This is great. I won't be getting my 55 till this week. As I have stated, I don't want a large one but from the looks of it, going bigger wont' be a big deal.

[Drives2Fast2]

What's to stop a thief from slipping gear out thru the mesh?

[Jon]

Time, size and getting the bag within open.

[nutsnbolts]

What's to stop a thief from slipping gear out thru the mesh?

As I spoke to a Pacsafe representative. It's a deterrent system and not Fort knox.

[<AkulA>]

Thats why I put the 2 bags with the openings facing eachother - keep the pockets hidden so nobody could slip anything out. I've also been known to wrap my bag first in a large black plastic bag, then use the Pacsafe. It adds another layer of deterrent, as they won't even be able to see the pockets they want to get their grubby little hands into!

[PacAce]

What's to stop a thief from slipping gear out thru the mesh?

If somebody really wanted your camera gear, the PacSafe is not going to stop them. As others have already mentioned, it's a deterrent for the opportunistic thief.

[foxbat]

If somebody really wanted your camera gear, the PacSafe is not going to stop them. As others have already mentioned, it's a deterrent for the opportunistic thief.
Absolutely. It's there to stop someone running off with whole bag on the spur of the moment. Unfortunately the mesh is wide enough for a theif to reach in, unzip a backpack and pass items through the gaps.

[nutsnbolts]

Absolutely. It's there to stop someone running off with whole bag on the spur of the moment. Unfortunately the mesh is wide enough for a theif to reach in, unzip a backpack and pass items through the gaps.

All I know is that if a thief had to choose over my bag with the pacsafe versus the one without, I think it's safe to say that the thief will pick the easier route...the one without the pacsafe. :evil:

[Just Be]

Absolutely. It's there to stop someone running off with whole bag on the spur of the moment. Unfortunately the mesh is wide enough for a theif to reach in, unzip a backpack and pass items through the gaps.

Not if you add a lock with short cable to lock the zippers together. The small TSA locks from Pac Safe or REI work great. Both systems together would be hard to beat without a knife and/or a bolt cutter.

My 55 is plenty big for many small-medium size back packs.

[fishfoto]

I just wrote up the PacSafe 55 on my site for photogs on the road, Flying With Fish, (http://www.flyingwithfish.com) and detailed how I use the PacSafe 55 and why I like the PacSafe eXomesh products.

You can check out my write up here:
http://flyingwithfish.blogspot.com/2008/05/protecting-your-bags-in-airports-101_07.html

Happy Flying

[nutsnbolts]

Hey Fish!

Great pics of that product. I just received mine yesterday and I tried fitting it over all my bags. TIght fit on the Rotation 360, Definitely won't fit on the Vertex 200, fits over the ThinkTank Speed series and Urban disguises. I am slightly disappointed with the size whereby I wish I had gotten the 85. Now I'm yearning to get the 85 as a second exomesh!

In addition, I noticed that you use a TSA comination lock with that, I will probably order two of them for I don't like the lock and key that came with it. I guess you can get these anywhere else but considering the time I have now...one more day till I leave, I have to find a local store (if it's even available in local stores) to try and make my purchase!

Either way, I'm extremely happy with it. I do wonder one more thing, between the 55 and 85, does the 85 compress down to as small as 55 when stored away? If not then I know for a fact that the 55 will handy in 80% of my use (carried with me) versus the 85 would be something on rare occasions.

[PacAce]

Hey Fish!

Great pics of that product. I just received mine yesterday and I tried fitting it over all my bags. TIght fit on the Rotation 360, Definitely won't fit on the Vertex 200, fits over the ThinkTank Speed series and Urban disguises. I am slightly disappointed with the size whereby I wish I had gotten the 85. Now I'm yearning to get the 85 as a second exomesh!

In addition, I noticed that you use a TSA comination lock with that, I will probably order two of them for I don't like the lock and key that came with it. I guess you can get these anywhere else but considering the time I have now...one more day till I leave, I have to find a local store (if it's even available in local stores) to try and make my purchase!

Either way, I'm extremely happy with it. I do wonder one more thing, between the 55 and 85, does the 85 compress down to as small as 55 when stored away? If not then I know for a fact that the 55 will handy in 80% of my use (carried with me) versus the 85 would be something on rare occasions.
Can't you tell by the picture I posted ealier? :confused:

[silverhalide]

I've used PacSafe's before while travelling with a backpack, and have a couple of comments on them.

(1) they aren't quick and easy to slip on -- it takes a little effort to unpack it, pull it over your pack, pull the drawstring tight, and put on a lock. When you return, getting the mesh off and back into the carry pouch is a bit of a task too. I'm not saying this is hard or anything, but it does mean you won't be using it to lock your pack to your table while you run to the washroom. Leaving it in your room for the whole day on the other hand, no problem. (Also, read the instructions for how to do up the drawstring. I was borrowing a friend's PacSafe, and it took me a little while to figure out how to do it.)

(2) My wife and I have a disagreement as to whether PacSafe make the bags safer, or whether they shout out "hey, there's something in here worth stealing!" Obviously in an opportunistic setting (on the bus, or train), it's going to deter a thief and they'll move on to an easier target. But in the case of leaving it at the bus depot bag check, or in your hotel room where someone has more time to work on your bag, it may actually attract attention.

(3) TSA locks are only needed when flying (and only, I think when going to or from or within the USA). Once you arrive, you can use something sturdier/keyless/etc.

On the whole, I think it's a great idea, and love them.

E.

[<AkulA>]

Yea, your second point is pretty valid silverhalide - I usually try to put it in a hidden place - like lock it to the bed and stuff it under, or lock it somewhere in a closet if it's possible, and stuff clothes in front of it to hide the bag. I think my dirty underwear is probably as good a deterrent to theft as the Pacsafe itself! lol

[fishfoto]

Silver

If you lock your bag with a cable, or a PacSafe to a bench in most airports and walk off to use the bathroom for 5 minutes you'll probably come back to find the Police around your bag or your bag removed with bolt cutters by the police. It is NEVER a good idea to leave your bag unattended in an airport. I know more than one person who has done this to find themselves being questioned by law enforcement when they got back.

The ideal use for a PacSafe is a bus/train/plane depot. You want it as a first line of defense to stop a thief before they try and steal your bag. In a hotel it is also a way to stop thefts, because those who work in hotels as thieves don't want the theft easily noticed. It needs to be subtle. If you cut off the PacSafe and steal it the hotel goes looking to see who's electronic key was used to enter the room immediately.

TSA locks only work in the US. They are cut off elsewhere, including often enough, in the US.

Happy Flying!

[lkorell]

I don't have any of the bags but I got a PacSafe 100 strap after reading a post by Fish on another forum. I like it. Very comfortable. If the other products are in the same quality league then they are worth trying.


Lou

[fishfoto]

Lou,

Glad you like the PacSafe Carry Safe 100 strap. PacSafe tells me they should have a new version of the strap coming out soon, possibly with some "grip strip" on it. I hope to see if I can check out a demo version when I pop into their offices in two weeks on my next business trip to Hong Kong to shoot a wedding there.

-Fish

[nutsnbolts]

Just so everyone knows, the 55 is smaller than you think. I can barely fit a rotation 360 into it. I will be buying the 85 as well.

[Katbird]

Hi All, I have a bag that measures just about 18 inches long x 10 high and 10 deep what size would you recommend, Thanks, KB

[PacAce]

Hi All, I have a bag that measures just about 18 inches long x 10 high and 10 deep what size would you recommend, Thanks, KB

The Tamrac Expediton 5 measures 16H x 13W x 10D and my LowerPro Nature Trekker measures 19H x 14.6W x 15D and both backpacks fit nicely into the Pacsafe 85 (not at the same time, of course) so I would think the Pacsafe 85 would be just right for your bag, too. The 55 might be a little cramped for your bag.

[Katbird]

Thanks, Have a great day!

[davss]

I think all these bacpack exomesh protectors have a security flaw in their design unless am seeing it wrong. Basically, when you look at side where you make a loop to lock up your backpack there is a whole enough to slash your backpack and take out all contents. Then, you are left with an empty rucksack if a thief has not enough time or is lazy to put it through the same whole because it's foldable enough without contents - please tell me I am wrong and you can make the loop small enough to protect your stuff such us digi cameras, mp3 playesrs or even expensive merino t-shirts? David

[PacAce]

I think all these bacpack exomesh protectors have a security flaw in their design unless am seeing it wrong. Basically, when you look at side where you make a loop to lock up your backpack there is a whole enough to slash your backpack and take out all contents. Then, you are left with an empty rucksack if a thief has not enough time or is lazy to put it through the same whole because it's foldable enough without contents - please tell me I am wrong and you can make the loop small enough to protect your stuff such us digi cameras, mp3 playesrs or even expensive merino t-shirts? David
Most of your solid (in shape) equipment, like the camera, MP3 player, etc. will be safe since they won't pass through the wire mesh that easily. However, that probably won't be the case with your Merino T-shirts, assuming they can cut into your backpack in the first place to get them out. ;)