Best luggage locks according to redditors

I know this doesn’t help you now but hopefully someone else will see and will help you in the future. I use this to lock down my “go bag” in my truck. Pacsafe 55L Backpack and Bag Protector, Silver, One Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGVFP8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1uNPBbPKHVMNK

Sorry about the car bud. I hope they didn't get away with stuff that was too valuable. If you plan to replace your BOB and keep it in the car maybe you'll like something like this. My buddy keeps his BOB in it, he seems to dig it.

Pacsafe 55L Backpack and Bag Protector, Silver, One Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGVFP8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3hKhDbYCAZGHV

For anyone curious, here is the Amazon link

Here is a similar, cheaper option

I used this luggage lock on my camelbak to keep it from being opened from behind. I would keep my keys, money, credit cards, ID, etc in it. I also used this quick-lock that looped through my phone case and I tied the other end to one of my belt loops to prevent someone from taking my phone out of my pocket. It is easily detached when you know how to work it so you can still hold your phone up for photos and videos. I caught someone with their hands in my pockets a few years back so I've been paranoid ever since then.

What if you put a ziptie around the narrower part of the bottle, then attached a small lock to the ziptie, and then locked it to a fence rail in the areas you leave your things.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71SRMoQXX2L._SL1122_.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Accessories-Lockdown-Triple-Security/dp/B003EM3D6E/

I got TSA travel locks from Amazon. Paid about $15 for two. My group and I decided to go with a 3 digit combination lock so we wouldn’t lose the key.

Here’s what I purchased

You could get one of those PacSafe mesh bag covers - made out of metal cable and lockable to a piece of furniture - and put your bag with the gear inside and lock it to the bed or something.

https://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-120L-Backpack-Protector-Steel/dp/B004WN9XAO

I use toolboxes to store my collection for similar privacy purposes. This is my current toolbox and these are the locks I use on it. If you need a slightly smaller and cheaper box I would also recommend this toolbox and this lock as I had used them in the past. Best of luck!

No one is contradicting the article.

You cannot, under any circumstances, bring a firearm into the cabin with you. Flying with firearms is VERY easy if you read one of the 100s of articles or videos you find when googling "flying with firearm".

You'll need a hardsided case, that when locked, no one can touch the fireaem. That includes a TSA agent sliding their finger in through a pried open cheapo case.

I use this case when flying with a single firearm. I also use one of the cheapo cable locks that come with some firearms to attach this case to the inside of my checked luggage and I use a TSA approved lock on the outside of my luggage. The locks on the gun case CANNOT be TSA approved locks.

Pelican case:
Waterproof Case (Dry Box) |... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00162LTII?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Pelican locks:
Master Lock Padlock, Magnum... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FK8U8MM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Cable lock:
FSDC 15" California DOJ-Approved Keyed Cable Gun Lock https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B010IBDS04/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bujzDb6BKK70B

TSA locks:
TSA Compatible Travel Luggage Locks, Inspection Indicator, Easy Read Dials- 2 Pack https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B073NYB7R2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0ujzDb1T2ZT58

Most airlines, like United that you're likely flying to CHI, allow 11lbs of ammunition. Needs to be in a proper container, or loaded magazines. No round in the chamber, no magazine in the gun.

Be careful and make sure you're following IL and Chicago gun laws.

Make a separate account for your weed and gun talk.

https://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Backpack-Bag-Protector-Steel/dp/B000FGVFP8/ref=sr_1_16?keywords=pacsafe&qid=1555113263&s=gateway&sr=8-16

These mesh bags are intended to protect travellers' backpacks, but a small one might suit your purposes. If you click the "one size" link on that page, it takes you to a cheap version for under $20

I meant to say vitamix not vitamin - but just to add, for traveling, I think those travel sweatshirts look awesome (with all the pockets) but I don’t actually know if they are any good - my two favorite real travel purchases are a phone case with a strap and a travel safe. Two things that I think any traveler will hugely appreciate.

The strap is awesome bc I can hand my phone to a stranger (for directions etc) with no risk of them running away. I can also walk freely down a crowded street without worrying that someone will grab it. PLUS I can hold it out over a high ledge to take a photo.

The safe is awesome bc I can fit my laptop in it and know that it hasn’t been tampered with. Most hotel crimes are crimes of opportunity. Lock things up in your own safe attached to a water pipe and it’s VERY unlikely a staff member will walk away with your things.

Here’s are links:

Pacsafe Travelsafe 12L GII Portable Safe, Charcoal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E8BK6KQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_s1reAbDEWNP60


iPhone 7 Case Clear TPU, ACO-UINT Ultra Slim Reinforced Frame Crystal Clear Shock-Ab... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXWEPR9/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_F0reAbC2V0X9E

> I have booked everything with free cancellation or the ability to modify dates, so I’d rather know now then when it is too late.


I don't have any feedback for your plan as I've never been to Portugal before. Though I just wanted to say is great that there's free cancellation because it means you can keep things a bit flexible. Try not to over plan as it takes the spontaneity out of it! One of the biggest perks of solo traveling is that you can do what ever you want, how ever you want, when ever on the fly! So the less structure means the more freedom.


Since you're staying in hostels you're going to meet a lot of people a long the way, so you'll never know who you'll meet and click with and end up traveling with for part of your trip too, so yeah is good to be have a bit of that flexibility! There's plenty of awesome places that I've otherwise wouldn't have been to, if it wasn't for recommendations from other travelers I've met in Hostels. I've also traveled with some amazing people for days and weeks because alll because I decided to ask them randomly what they were doing that day and if I could tag along! Though yeah of course there's boxes to tick off and prebooked flights from one city to another so is hard to be super flexible, but you get the idea!


> a light enough backpack (booked low cost airlines)


If you're struggling to keep the weight down, beyond wearing all your heavier clothing when you're at the airport, have a plastic shopping bag on hand and put some of your heavier stuff inside it! Bonus points if is a bag that looks like or is a duty free one from the airport. I've done this so many times and no one ever asked to weigh it.


> how to keep my money and myself safe


Get a money belt if you didn't already have one! I never like to carry a lot of money at one time. If you can, get a travel visa card. Is a good idea to use it to withdraw from ATMs once every few days so you're not carrying a crazy amount of money on you all the time. Find out if you can get a card that doesn't charges like foreign transaction fees, and exchange fees if possible, that would save some you money (Find out which local banks ATMs has the lowest ATM withdrawal fee too if money is a big concern). Always keep some emergency money and maybe back up card hidden in your main pack. So you'll have two separate sources of money in the worst case scenario that you loses one. One of my friend lost all her money in Turkey one time because she carried like $1000 in cash and her passport in her backpack and then when she woke up from her overnight bus trip her backpack was on the floor and all her money and passport was gone. That was a headache to say the least! So yeah be aware of your belonging at all times. This tip is more for like Southeast Asia but I guess could apply for any overnight journeys. Besides having locks for the zip in your bags and stuff, a small cable lock like this can be pretty handy just to lock your bag against something so people can't just easily snatch it and run off with it.


As for keeping yourself safe. Trust your gut, if something doesn't feel right, nope the fuck out of there. Avoid dimly lit streets at night. Just the usual big cities stuff really! Read up about pickpockets and scams that a common in Portugal so you have a better idea what to deal with.


Sorry is not really all doom and gloom, I haven't been mugged once and I've been on so many solo trips since my first one almost year ago (I was fondest of that one). You're going to have such a crazy time since is your first solo trip too! Be brave, be spontaneous and don't worry too much, go with the flow sometimes! Is going to be an experience! Sorry again that I couldn't help you about Portugal in general!

Use a steel locking cable and loop it through the bag.

Here's an example product.

Not saying that one is good, but it's an example.

Smash and grab thieves are opportunists. They aren't carrying cutting tools and shit with them. And they want to be fast. Sitting there and prying open locks isn't in their time frame.

Use tiny padlocks on the zippers to keep them closed (keep the keys hidden in the car).

You won't ever have to "quickly get into a BoB" in your car. It's not like you're keeping your gun in it or anything. So it's ok to secure and leave it be.

For motocamping I picked up one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Backpack-Protector-Silver-Size/dp/B000FGVFP8 along with a waterproof duffle bag. Stuff my gear in the duffle and then into the pacsafe, which gets locked to the bike frame.

Luggage Locks: To keep your bags locked up tightly.

Bike Locks: To fasten your bag to your person. Either with caribiners or wrist/ankle cuffs.

Diamond brokers use handcuffs. You could do the same to be extra secure.

Aha! I just came up with an idea for something that would work, but it looks like someone already makes it, so my patent idea is now useless. Get a steel cable mesh bag and put stuff in it. Then lock the mesh bag to something. The brand name I found was pacsafe, but I'm sure other people make similar items.

http://amzn.com/B000KFTBFU

I use a double loop lock to secure my backpack to railings when Im concerned that it may walk off overnight (this comes in handy on overnight trains - looking at you, Thailand): http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Accessories-Lockdown-Triple-Security/dp/B003EM3D6E/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1376403222&sr=8-5&keywords=travel+lock

As for my valuables, if Im really concerned, then I take them to bed with me: my passport doesnt leave my body.

Oh and in terms of gear that you might find it hard to get out of country, I recommend these two

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z2AKO3G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Very well made, ideal for carrying passport & credit/atm cards.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pacsafe-Travelsafe-12L-Portable-Safe/dp/B00E8BK6KQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1520802922&sr=8-4&keywords=pacsafe

Basically a portable safe, it's not going to stop anyone who's pre-mediated and determined to steal your stuff but 99.999% of theft from rooms while traveling is opportunistic (the maid has a poke around in your stuff). Personally locking my laptop + passport + cash in that makes me feel a lot happier when I'm out and about.

I use this:

https://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Travelsafe-12L-Portable-Safe/dp/B00E8BK6KQ

Two sizes available. You lock it to a bed post, or something else immovable in the room. Nothing is 100% safe but I think it works pretty well as a deterrent. Most crimes are a crime of opportunity, I feel like this is a pretty decent deterrent. It packs nicely in your luggage and has a sturdy lock. I usually use the lock on my suitcase outbound and then put it on the travel safe in the room.

Also, cheaper here.

Shit, I'm planning to travel to Spain.

Will something like this or this suffice?

ha, working on a blog post about this right now.

Besides the normal portable battery, microfiber towel, etc. here are a few options.
Pakems: They look a bit silly but they are super light and comfortable and pack down tiny. Perfect for after a day of hiking or for wearing around a dorm.

[PacSafe Bag Protector] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FGVFP8]): They work well if you travel alone and want to go swimming or use the bathroom without having to keep an eye on your stuff.

Stuffa Wearable Carry-on: avoid the crazy fees for carry-ons and checked baggage

Arka Rechargeable USB Lantern: This one does it all. It's a very bright flashlight/lantern with emergency signals that also doubles as charging station for your phone or other usb device if you forget your external battery.

Had a few requests for the equipment used, here's the list:

Refurbished iPad Air 2nd Gen

10ft lightning cable

Outlet lock box cover

Thin Lightning Wall charger

iPad Wall Mount Display

iPad Screen Protector

Small Padlock

PacSafe 55 Secure Protector for Backpack or Bag https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000FGVFP8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_erjUBbPFZMF2T

There are different sizes and brands, but I use one similar to that for when I'm staying in hostels or motels.

Still never leave my valuables in the room. It will deter thieves, but if someone really wants your bag, they'll find a way to take it.

Kit left adrift, must be a gift.

An old-briefcase will have a lock built-in. I use something similar to this. I just tell everyone it was a sentimental gift from a relative or friend. This especially works if you find an old briefcase at a garage sale or something.

Or you could buy a laptop bag and a luggage lock.

I think you're going to be hard pressed to find an actual suitcase that has a built-in lock that it not pretty expensive. Luggage locks usually do the trick anyway.

If you want to be even more clandestine, look up "diversion safes" on Amazon. They are typically not very big, but they can blend in with other things you may have already.

On a personal note: Geez, whatever happened to hiding things under a mattress like when I was a kid.

Oh, you want a locking cable? What about this?

Thanks for doing this!
I’m looking at locks for luggage since I do a bit of traveling. Was only going to get 2


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0186QMA2U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_auCJAb118E880

I just carry a little cable travel lock like this that I put through a spoke in the front and rear. I also use my handle bars as a stake point for my tent. Nothing extreme to would prevent a motivated theft, but probably enough deterrent for scenarios where the thief isn't willing to hurt somebody to steal something.

I hammock camp, so keeping my pack "in my tent" isn't really an option. Instead I just use these cable locks to secure the pack as well as affix it to my hammock straps.

It's hardly foolproof and won't prevent a determined thief, but most criminals just go for the easy targets, so if I make it not worth the time / effort, they won't bother. That said, all valuable items (phone, camera, money, etc) stays with me in the hammock.

This is definitely a great point. You’ll watch your stuff more closely with only one bag and much easier, too. Also, you might consider a lock/cable of some sort, even to lock it to a table or chair with you. Keeps things safer and someone can’t just walk away with it. We used something like this when we traveled halfway across the country via train last year and it was great. We were able to lock our stuff in the lounge and go out in the city for a bit even lighter. It’s hardly bombproof but most people aren’t traveling with bolt cutters. :) We had a lot of folks mention that they wished they had something similar. Though, if I had had just one bag, I’d likely have brought with it since it wouldn’t be that much. Anyway, it might be worth it to relieve some anxiety. We used this lock: https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Accessories-Lockdown-Triple-Security/dp/B003EM3D6E and these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N2AQTQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1. We purchased the multi pack of cables for our needs but there were two of us so we each had two cables (and more than one bag). They have a heavier duty version of the same cable if you’re gonna be in a locale with more concern. We liked the versatility of the dual cable locks but there are tons of similar options. You could also use something that is all in one like this: https://bit.ly/2SaBs86. Might not be quite as versatile but perhaps simpler. :)

Maybe like one of those luggage locks or something similar.

re:

>the idea of leaving all my kit with the bike

I recently purchased a Lomo waterproof bag bag and a pacsafe secure protector for when I want to leave my stuff with the bike on days out. Its big enough to fit all mine and the missus gear (including boots, excluding helmets.)

It was a bit pricey, but Ive absolutely no issues with days out now and being able to change out of gear.

Bought a bunch of these locks for my group's hydration backpacks and bags. If your bag has sections that are zipped shut with two zippers, you can thread these through the zippers and lock them shut. Our bags had 2 or 3 pouches and we'd just close all of the pouches with the zippers on the same side and thread a lock through all of them to seal the entire bag. Honestly worked great as a deterrent on its own cause none of us had our bags messed with.

That looks really heavy. You could go for something like this pacsafe mesh.

Whenever I use a lock I feel like I'm putting a big sign on my bag that says "VALUABLE STUFF INSIDE!".

I usually just put these little locks my bag zippers. Something like this.

It's designed so you can replace the batteries while it's still locked. (If the batteries go flat, the timer stops until you replace them.)

So, though you can't extend the time limit, what you can do is make the device work like a delayed action safe. You set the timer for - say - 3 days, put the keys in, lock the box, then remove the batteries.

Lockup becomes open ended - you can replace the battery any time you want. However, you then have to wait the 3 days before you are released. So there's no way to unlock just because you are horny right now. And, if you do weaken and put the batteries in, you have a full three days to change your mind.

That way, it requires a positive decision to unlock. It's not quite the extended sentence you are looking for, though. (You can also achieve a similar effect simply by sealing the chastity device in some way.)

You could combine it with one of the more dubious import timer padlocks, e.g. this one that goes to 999 hours. Put the safe in a locking chest.

I carry one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Accessories-Lockdown-Triple-Security/dp/B003EM3D6E/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1540482015&sr=8-21&keywords=tsa+cable+lock

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I can thread the cable lock in the metal area in zippers and also thread the bag to a chair. I usually do this when I go to a coffeeshop and have to step away from my stuff. My biggest worry is the opportunistic thief. I agree with everyone here that anyone could break into your bag if they wanted to, but what are the chances someone is going to take out a knife and start cutting open your bag in a busy coffee shop?

Actually, might be wrong, you might just push the pin back down. I don't have a way to test though. Other brands say that's the case, this one doesn't say how it resets the pin. I have:

https://www.amazon.com/Forge-TSA-Lock-Pack-Indicator/dp/B01N7ILPEL/

In the off chance that your hostels don't have lockers (or that all of your valuables don't fit in the locker, which I've experienced before) I sometimes travel with a cable lock that you can use to secure your backpack to some sort of secure post in the room (bedpost, pipe, shelving, etc).

Once your backpack is secured in place, use a luggage lock to secure the zippers. I like this because it adds two layers of security.

This is the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Wrapsafe-Anti-Theft-Adjustable-Cable/dp/B000MWSZNA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505411731&sr=8-1&keywords=Pacsafe+Wrapsafe+Anti-Theft+Adjustable+Cable+Lock

You could look into a product like this if you're super worried: https://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-120L-Backpack-Protector-Steel/dp/B004WN9XAO

Here's an idea. Get one of those door alarm thingy like this http://www.eureka4you.com/home/WirelessDoorWindow.jpg

And stick the big piece and little piece to the bed frame, like under bed, so you don't accidentally hit them. Big piece with buzzer stay glued to frame. Small piece also in position but you tie a very long like 10 yards fishing line to your leg and the small piece. If you're teleported away then the line will take the small piece and trip the annoying high pitch alarm and wake you up or scare them. The line has to be 10 yards so no matter how much you roll around in your sleep it wont completely wraparound your legs during sleep and you won't get it to accidentally move the little piece.

Or get this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KK8HPMM nfc padlock which has a proximity alarm so that if your luggage gets to far away from you the smartphone plays an alarm sound. You put your phone on the take 2 and the padlock on your wrist to imitate a watch (on the leg or waistband it might be visible to them). Then if you're moved a few feet away from your phone, the alarm rings. Also i think it tracks and stores hps location which you can layer review. I'm not sure but some other nfc padlock might.

Or get something like this gps tracker https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01HZ7GD92/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1497359030&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=gps+tracker&dpPl=1&dpID=514u0sqzqRL&ref=plSrch

It too has a distance alarm so if it goes to far from phone the phone rings.

There are also gps loggers like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01FJKAUGO/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497359375&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=g+paws+pet+tracker&dpPl=1&dpID=51qt4uM5YAL&ref=plSrch

It will not sound alarm or anything but track gps location and store it over days. When you think there's something strange going on, you connect gps logger to pc and download the data from previous days and look where you were during sleep hours. If you suddenly jump from your house to some place a few yards away or miles or 6000 miles over the ocean then back within minutes then you'll have the world's first proof of alien abduction.

This is what the product looked like: https://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-120L-Backpack-Protector-Steel/dp/B004WN9XAO

These are the heavy duty locks I was talking about.

2 Pack TSA Approved Luggage Locks with Keys for Travel – Flexible Ultra Secure Mini Key Padlock & Metal Zinc Alloy Material – Orange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3CYKN7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_e2NtzbQZM5V9T


The guy at lowes suggested using an electric fence....but indoors to keep her in a certain room in lieu of the kennel. I thought it was brilliant

Tips for keeping your stuff safe? Watch it like a hawk. I get uncomfortable when my loaded bike is out of sight. Also, I carry one of these to lock up my helmet and jacket when I'm away from the bike: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XTPNZK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My buddy has one of these for the items that aren't in the panniers: https://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Mens-Backpack-Protector-Steel/dp/B000FGVFP8/

I've ridden in Guatemala, but that's it. Roads are fine on a dual sport or adventure motorcycle as long as you don't go fast. They're mostly fine for cars as well. That being said, an SUV with all terrain higher profile tires would be my choice of transport. You won't need it to do hardcore off-roading, but you'll be glad you have it when the roads start to suck. Some of those roads SUCK.

so about that...I didn't use locks for ages because the case was never really out of my sight. I haven't decided on which locks to go for as the recommend wire locks leave the issue where you can open the case an inch or two while it is locked. I haven't traveled with my camera in about 8 months via flying so I haven't worried too much about buying them.

I bought that same product to put into my phone case. But instead of using the included leash I bought this to loop through the case insert, my backpack, and a few of my belt loops. So they'd have to cut some belt loops and both straps off my backpack if they want to steal my phone.

https://www.amazon.com/Approved-Luggage-Lumintrail-Combination-Security/dp/B01M2AHFZ6/

I fail to see the anti-theft. Just more pockets to steal from.

If you plan on leaving your bag around I'd get this: https://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Backpack-Protector-Silver-Size/dp/B000FGVFP8/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1539284350&sr=8-15&keywords=pacsafe

Otherwise, vigilance isn't just a mechanic for cards.