Rules to apply to crowded situations

Don't tempt thieves by placing anything in your pants pockets; just don't do it. In some situations, it may be fine to keep items in securely zippered pockets, but when using public transportation or in crowded areas, it's best that your pockets be empty.

If you are stuck in a crowd with people backed up against you, it may be best to wear your backpack in front of you where you can keep an eye on it and hold it securely with your arms.  Once you have left the crowds, return it to your back.

Be aware of distractions that may be planned to divert your attention away from your belongings.

• Someone offering to help you
• Someone asking for directions
• An argument or fight breaks out right in front of you
• Someone tosses ice, a drink or something on you while passing by and another person immediately stops to assist you
• Whenever something happens out of the ordinary, be aware, back off, don't loose sight of your items

Taxis

It's your backpack and you are in charge; remember that.  Maintain control of your backpack and do not let it out of your site until it's safely stowed in the 'closed' trunk of the car.  If for some reason the driver were to reopen the trunk, it's okay for you to get out and make sure it's closed again with you pack safely secured inside.

Of course the best situation would be to keep your backpack with you in the cab, but if you are traveling with others and there is not room, it will need to be placed in the trunk.

You may think a cab is safe and secure, but in strange countries and large cities, you should never take chances.  You may not have thought too much about it, but you do not want someone snatching your bag out of the back of the cab's trunk while you are distracted.  Drivers will often leave the trunk open while you enter the cab and shut it later, right before departure.  Don't be intimidated by the driver, stay outside the car with your bag until the trunk is securely shut.  You don't want to arrive at your destination, only to have the trunk opened and find your bag is not there while the cab driver seems to have no idea what happened.

Arriving at your destination be vigilant again keeping an eye on your backpack.  Don't allow situations where the trunk has been opened and you are not there with it.

Trains

We have read stories of people running by your seat, snatching your phone out of your hand or your bag from the upper storage compartment and running out of the train right before the doors close.  The best practice is to wait for the doors and the train to be closed and the train departs before taking out any valuables.

There are a couple simple tricks that will keep your bag safe and secure while you are in your seat.  Keep your backpack on the floor at your feet with your leg through one of the shoulder straps until the doors close.

If you place your backpack in the overhead storage, all you need to do it buckle the waist strap around the overhead support.  If you are traveling with a cable and lock, it may be used to secure your backpack to the overhead storage as well. (Backpack Essentials)  These techniques can also be used in other locations such as dining in a restaurant where you may have placed your backpack at your feet at the table.

Busses & Subways

Traveling by bus or subway is very similar.  There may be crowds in the boarding areas and while on the vehicle.  There will be distractions, either on the vehicle or outside as you pass by new and interesting sites.

Traveling Alone

If you are traveling alone on a bus or subway and standing in the isle with people crowded around you, you may be an easy target for thieves to unzip one of your backpack compartments or cut your backpack and take whatever is inside.

Again, in this situation, keep nothing in your pants pockets or other pockets easily accessible by thieves.

You have a few choices depending on your situation that will help keep you pack save and secure.

1. Wear your backpack in front of you where you can keep an eye on it and hold it in your arms
2. Remove your backpack holding it low and securely in front of you by the shoulder straps where you can also keep an eye on it
3. Stand with your backpack against a wall preventing people from accessing it from behind, keeping an eye on people to your sides

Traveling With Others

If you are traveling with others, you may still apply the Traveling Alone techniques, but with others, stand face-to-face allowing each of you to keep an eye on the other person or other people in your group.  You must still be vigilant, watching people around you and avoid distractions.