Securing my rucksack, making it nick proof?

[gunwharfman]

I'm planning to try to Tarp camp this year. When I camp in my tent my rucksack and/or contents is inside with me. I assume if I Tarp camp I should think of a way of securing my rucksack. For example, if on a site and set up, I do not want to carry my rucksack with me to the pub so I might want to secure it to a tree, fence or to some other structure. If wild camping the same applies I suppose? Does anybody have a product that they recommend for day to day use?

[sussamb]

Never really considered it but maybe a bike type chain/cable?  Course there is nothing to stop someone emptying the sac or cutting it open if they were that determined 

[gunwharfman]

I've just found a site called Pacsafe, which seems to specialise in such items. Looks expensive though, might give Ebay a look-see!

[ninthace]

When my lad went interrailing we bought him a light weight metal mesh bag that his rucksack fitted in. If you got one of those you could secure it to something solid but you are adding to the weight you saved by going for the tarp option. TBH in France I have left my pack unattended in wild country with no problems but only on day trips where I could have afforded to lose the contents, e.g. when doing a quick and dirty summit sprint. http://www.gapyeartravelstore.com/pacsafe-55l-slashproof-bag-protector.html?gclid=CKO07bW9rtICFQ4R0wodQGIEmg

[gunwharfman]

The weight issue is a bit of a bummer but I feel the need to think about security, when I'm on a site in my padlocked tent I've always left my rucksack inside before going out for the evening. Buying a Tarp changes a few things, I've even decided to invest in a new torch and a waterproof pouch for my electrical stuff. Its all very technical!

[Percy]

Is this lightweight tarp going to end up meaning more weight in your pack?


I'd happily wild camp with a tarp but am not sure I'd like it on a site.

[gunwharfman]

I bought the Tarp to wild camp more but as you say, would it work on a site? I've seen Tarps on sites but failed to notice what their owners did with their equipment when they went out for the evening. I'm hoping I can learn how to make the Tarp look more like a tent when on a site? The issue I'm thinking about are, where to leave my rucksack and would I  leave my mattress, sleeping quilt and hunker on display? The thought of returning from the pub to find that my bed for the night has gone for a hike is not a good thought. I'm not particularly worried about weight, I travel light anyway but obviously it's a consideration.

Maybe the 'answer' is to take my rucksack with me? I don't think this would be too much of a hardship, I quickly get organised, even when its dark, I just need to re-think torches!

If I start to regret my Tarp idea, I'll just revert back to my tent.

[nigellionhearts]

Not cheap but what about this idea:-

http://www.alloutdoor.co.uk/bags-packs/luggage-security/pacsafe-55.htm?opt=2880&gclid=CIPfgdGystICFQ0UGwodCsIE5g

Would secure you pack & it's contents!!

[jimbob]

What about carrying a long triangular tent peg and drilling a hole big enough for a padlock. Belt the peg in deep, use one of the above things to keep bag from being cut into and padlock to peg. Might be enough to put off chancers on sites?

EDIT just noticed price of Pacssafe, a bit of chicken wire would do same job maybe. (I am a total cheapskate)

[barewirewalker]

Why not carry 50 or so feet of braided nylon cord, dye it a neutral colour and tie on a plumbob. Before you go to the pub throw the line over a branch, hoist the rucksac into a discreet position and tie off the line and camouflage.

[ninthace]

What about carrying a long triangular tent peg and drilling a hole big enough for a padlock. Belt the peg in deep, use one of the above things to keep bag from being cut into and padlock to peg. Might be enough to put off chancers on sites?

EDIT just noticed price of Pacssafe, a bit of chicken wire would do same job maybe. (I am a total cheapskate)

Chicken  wire is kind of hard to fold up into a small space 😀

[Rather be walking]

EDIT just noticed price of Pacssafe, a bit of chicken wire would do same job maybe. (I am a total cheapskate)

That's the price for piece of mind folks.
Mine is now 12 years old, cost me back then was £45.

I borrowed a Tarp tent once off a friend to try out, I was beset with all manner bugs at night and ended up sticking with me tent.

John.

[gunwharfman]

I've decided to do one hike, to see how it unfolds in real time and then decide  what else I may need to buy. I have been looking for cheaper alternative secure netting (with out a brand name to worry about) but haven't found anything yet.

[jimbob]

Chicken  wire is kind of hard to fold up into a small space 😀

True, But it would also deter rabbits, cats and wilderbeest

[ninthace]

True, But it would also deter rabbits, cats and wilderbeest

Nah - wildebeest have teeth like wirecutters.