What are you gonna have gold bars in there?! Beware: many zippers can be easily split and pulled apart even if the ends are “locked.” I suggest:

• Keep cash, cards, passport under your shirt in a money belt, for example: http://www.amazon.co…
• Don’t take anything that would ruin your life if you lost it.
• Use a lock on the hostel’s locker in your room.
• Bags can be stored between train seats across from you, or overhead slightly in front of you—where you can keep an eye on them.
• Just use common sense and keep your wits about you.

Don’s suggestions are the best. As for overnight trains, the most important security safeguard is to stay sober. Don’t assume your new found friend sharing the bottle of potent alcohol isn’t a thief — for that matter, don’t assume your buddy since kindergarten isn’t a thief.

I buy some small, cheapo combination locks that allow you to set the combination to use on pack zippers. I set them all to the same combination (everybody in the group uses the same combination on all locks). Look at the ones in the luggage/travel section and then go to the hardware section and buy similar locks (although you can’t use them on checked baggage as they don’t have the gizmo that allows TSA agents to open them) at a much lower price. I never bother locking checked baggage and most of the time I don’t use locks on my pack. I do sometimes use locks on my day pack. I have carried a bicycle chain lock to secure bags on trains, but I don’t think I’ve ever used it.

thank you for the suggestions! I just kept reading to lock up your compartements, but found that to be a bit much. If anything, I will just lock the main one then.

I did not know you could buy combo locks you can set….will look into that, thanks!

And yes, all my valuable stuff will be on me anyways.

Thanks!

I didn’t want to carry a key, so I got the regular combination Master Locks. I purchased the two pack for me and my brother, and they came with the same combination too, and that was helpful. I used those for the lockers in the room. I also had some of the smaller travel locks that are TSA approved, and I use them on my backpack/camera bag zippers so if I want to keep them shut I can. I’d rather be a little more safe than sorry, but I wouldn’t say that you have to go and lock up all of your compartments on your backpack…. just the ones that have your important stuff.

all of your important stuff such as money, cards.. don’t put it inside your bag and putting it all together in one place. keep it inside your wallet or under your shirt, belt bag etc.