Travel Equipment Security

[Gene Potter]

I’m thinking of placing an order for Pac Safe bag security mesh from the site below. Does anyone have any advice concerning this type product or any other supplier or product? I want to travel and not worry about my gear while on a trail or away from the truck.
http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/catalog/camera-security-c-34.html

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Gene,

I use a Tamrac 8/10 when carrying most of the time. The Pac Safe looks great and has nice features!

I like the combination lock and slash proof concept. It would help to some extent IMO and provide a better travel comfort level.

[David Johnson]

The Daysafe 100 and Day200 on that page are great - I use the DaySafe 200 due to the extra size. I keep both my camera gear and laptop in it when I travel. I bought from the same company and was very happy with the service.

[David Stephens]

No matter what you do, any equipment left unattended will say, "Steal me, I'm expensive." You'll deter the unprepared, casual theft, but the prepared theft that frequents travel areas will barely be slowed. So, this great equipment will increase your security level, but not totally deter theft. Hence, you must also insure your gear. You may want to check with your insurer to make certain that they'll cover a loss of equipment left in ANY vehicle.

Dave

[David Johnson]

You are absolutely right. Security is always done in layers. Anytime you leave anything unattended in a vehicle, hotel room, or anywhere for that mater, you need to make a decision how much security do I think "I" need, taking all the various factors into consideration. I have known a few birders that have had their vehicles broken into at train head parking lots. Insurance is important, but whenever possible, try not to leave anything of "value" in a vehicle. After that, then consider one of the different layers of security based on cost and convenience.

I like my DaySafe 200 in that it helps stop the "opportunist" thief. You need a pair of wire cutters to get into the bag, so it stops the quick smash and grab. Most car burglars use a screwdriver or some other type of pry tool, but wire cutters are not too prevelant for car burglars. I also like the bag because I travel a lot with my laptop so I can use it in my hotel room for all of the my valuables.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

David,

What size lens can you carry?

[David Johnson]

18-270 Tamron for my Canon

[David Johnson]

My DaySafe 200 holds my camera, above lens plus my kit lens, my laptop, as well as small memory cards and such...They have a additional camera divider for the DaySafe 200 that fits in the bag, made just for camera gear.. I have not purchased it yet...but considering it.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

The additional camera divider looks like a solid investment IMO.

[Marc Katz]

I use the Pac Safe just as you are intending. In addition I always try to leave it covered in an out of the way place, ie closet. Not theft proof but, as previously stated, another layer

[David Johnson]

This appears to be a website from the same company - but they just put all of their camera security products on pages devoted just to a few camera security areas - Thought they may be of help:

Camera Security Straps - A lot of info about camera security straps

Camera Security Bags - Same as about but just info about camera security bags

Pickpocket Information - This was the page that I thought was really cool. It has several pages of pickpocket videos that show real crooks stealing items from travel bags. If you travel overseas, pickpockets will also steal cameras if they are left in unsecured bags. Make sure to check out the pickpockets in restaurants videos - that is a real eye opener. When you go to that page, scroll down to the pickpocket section - but while you are there, they have a camera security section too. Again, these videos and pages may be a little off mark for camera security, I just thought I would add it in case someone may be going overseas and wanted a little more info so they can better protect their gear.

[Gene Potter]

Thanks everyone! Since I want to carry a number of existing bags, including 2 long lens bags, I think I will wide-up some combination of the PacSafe products. I feel no security measure will discourage the determined thief, but these products will most likely keep the quick smash and grab from making off with my equipment. Getting the widow in my truck fixed is another story.

[David Johnson]

If you have a truck, have you seen these steel vaults that fit inside your truck's center console. They are 12 gauge steel, come with a combo lock, and are custom made to fit inside you center console. No cutting or modifications needed to your center console. They were originally made for law enforcement to secure handguns left in trucks, however due to many civilian's wanting these to secure other items of value, they can now be bought by you and I.

Pros
Nothing else like it on the market to help secure valuables in a mobile environment - at least not one that fits in a center console.

Cons
Only made for large size trucks and SUV's (like F-150, Expeditions, Suburbans, Dodges, and related.

Here is the website, same company as before, they just have different categories - This is the link to their car safe category.

Hope it gives you a few more options.....

[Gene Potter]

Ya I’ve seen these before, but not roomy enough for photo equipment. This is the same company as the Pac Safe. Many thanks for that info…