This hasn’t come up much recently, but it’s been discussed on this board a lot in the past. Most people don’t think they’re worth the cost and weight.

http://eurotrip.com/…

I considered a retractible cable, but can’t they just open up your bag and take your belongings? What good is a bag without your belongings? Just a thought…

Most people don’t want your dirty laundry badly enough to steal it.

something i found useful in the far east was a boogie board leash. if you’re sleeping/waiting you can put it on your wrist and keep kids from running off with your stuff. it led to a funny incident in pattaya beach thailand when a kid made the mistake of assuming my pack was simply snagged. he held onto it and actually helped me close the distance to him by pulling. a local cop was off duty and took charge of him after i grabbed him. they frown on stealing in thailand i gathered from his treatment by the uniformed officers who responded shortly. conveniently one of the officers spoke english and they even had a report form in english to fill out on the spot. i didn’t lose any of my stuff or any of my time.

this only really protects you from snatch and grabs though, they can still rifle through it or cut it off. the kid was counting on outrunning me i guess.

alan