View Full Version : Backpack theft deterrent
DISCLAIMER: I have no financial or other interest other than curiosity in any products mentioned.
There have been several threads regarding pack theft at shelters and elsewhere. I've also been to stores where backpacks are not allowed inside (usually near schools). So I began thinking about rigging my pack with an alarm. Of course someone has beaten me to it.
Here is one: http://www.dobermanproducts.com/products/se_0304.html
There are other similar products, some called door alarms or hotel door alarms.
It looks like it could be easily rigged with a cord tied to a secure object if it weren't sensitive enough to motion.
Has anyone ever tried anything like this? Is theft a serious enough problem?
I imagine it could also be useful for bear canisters, especially if it had a flashing light to go with the siren.
DISCLAIMER: Is theft a serious enough problem?
No............
Lone Wolf
07-01-2013, 07:17
it's not a problem
I have thru hiked three times and i have never had a problem with grocery stores letting me take my pack in side, just put your pack in the bottom part of the shopping cart the "part you would put big items" and don't go inside your pack while in the stores, that's when a lot of people gets in trouble they try to go in side their pack while in the store then the manager well ask you to vacate the premisses or take your pack outside, and no pack theft is not a BIG issue, just don't be STUPID and take you pack with you every where's, or keep it with in eye sight.
Do you know what the product weighs? I'm definitely concerned about theft at places like the SNP waysides. I may be going to SNP on July 4. No way I'd leave my pack outside a wayside on a busy day like that without some protection.
Do you know what the product weighs?
I didn't find it on the website, but at 2x1x3 inches, I would guess about the same as a small GPS, maybe 2-3 ounces.
What about this? It goes off if you go too far away or you can manually set it off.
http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10002680/1199100-wireless-locator-and-separation-alarm
I used a cable lock on my AT thru-hike to secure my backpack at waysides and elsewhere. Weighed about 4oz or so. Only used it a few times but I was glad I had it when I'd decided to use it. Just enough to discourage a thief looking for targets of opportunity but wouldn't keep a fevered pitch thief from succeeding.
Datto
rocketsocks
07-01-2013, 20:35
What about this? It goes off if you go too far away or you can manually set it off.
http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10002680/1199100-wireless-locator-and-separation-alarm
I'd use that...and rig to deliver a mild electrical correction.
mtntopper
07-01-2013, 21:48
it's not a problem
unless it is your pack, then it becomes a big problem
Lone Wolf
07-01-2013, 21:50
unless it is your pack, then it becomes a big problem
my pack was never left unattended. ever. it's not a problem
my pack was never left unattended. ever. it's not a problem
Exactly.
But since you pack a sidearm, its not like you had a choice. I would have invested in a fanny pack for trips to the spring and into the outhouse, however.
Lone Wolf
07-01-2013, 22:28
Exactly.
But since you pack a sidearm, its not like you had a choice. I would have invested in a fanny pack for trips to the spring and into the outhouse, however.
i've never packed a sidearm on LD hikes
I've thought about this for my thru hike next year and agree with lone wolf. Your pack is your life line on the trail, keep it with you always and no trouble with find you.
i've never packed a sidearm on LD hikes
Ok. Good to keep your pack under your control anyway-- especially if losing it would mean the end of your trip. If you founded Whole Foods, or if your mom founded Burt's Bees, I thing you could probably be more trusting.
Swordpen
07-02-2013, 00:43
I'd use that...and rig to deliver a mild electrical correction.
ohh, I want this <evil grin>
this plus the pacsafe could be rigged to give a good jolt. 9 volt battery + a capacitor, hmmm.....
Electrified bear bag.
http://rutalocura.com/palisade.html
rocketsocks
07-02-2013, 01:29
ohh, I want this <evil grin>
this plus the pacsafe could be rigged to give a good jolt. 9 volt battery + a capacitor, hmmm.....I'd even put a sign on it "take this pack" and sit on a near by bench, hehe
Electrified bear bag.
http://rutalocura.com/palisade.htmlthere you go!
When hiking solo, keeping the pack with you 100% of the time requires giving up some things. Like not being able to go into the SNP waysides. Same deal at the Grand Canyon on my recent trip. No packs in hotels and restaurants. The same establishments don't have issues with huge rolling suitcases, just backpacks. It is one thing for private business to prohibit packs, that is their call. Some businesses are hiker friendly, others are not. But definitely irritating for national parks (or approved concessionaires) to discriminate like that.
turtle fast
07-02-2013, 13:40
If you have properly used your pack, the hiker funk stink on it should keep many away.