Pacsafe 55L Backpack and Bag Protector, Silver, One Size

I really like my Pacsafe bag protector. If used for its intended purpose it will serve you well and should provide years of reliable service. So what do I mean by "intended purpose"? In a nutshell, it is intended to keep large items from being carried off by casual thieves. If you need something that will stand up to a thief armed with bolt cutters and is well versed in the art of lock picking then perhaps this is not the item for you. But if you need simple, reliable security that will provide peace of mind against the vast majority of crooks then this might be the ticket. It's great for my Jeep where I keep a bag with tools and other road hazard items in the back. The tools aren't so valuable that they need to be locked up in a safe but on the other hand I don't want to be broken down on the side of the road only to discover that some mope apparently walked off with them. With the net I can leave the top down on the Jeep and feel reasonably comfortable that the tools will still be there when I get back (and as an added bonus since they are strapped down they won't go flying in case of an accident). Just remember that if a thief has a few minutes they can reach their fingers through the holes in the net, zip open a bag, and work small-ish items out, though something bigger than maybe 4" across should't fit through the net. I guess if you really wanted to frustrate them you could make some of the holes in the net smaller by zip tying them together to make a would-be thief jump through one extra hurdle (again, keeping in mind that a seriously determined thief will still get through). Another idea would be to place your items in a bag and then put that bag inside another bag so that it couldn't easily be opened between the holes in the net. That is actually how I keep my tools. They are in a zip up bag which is then placed inside a backpack. The zipper on the bag the tools are in faces away from the opening of the backpack, so a thief would have to stick his fingers through the hole in the net, unzip the backpack, and then manipulate the other bag (ie rotate it) until he could access the zipper. And then find out that he did all that work for some really low end tools. Oh yeah, make sure that whatever the net is secured to can't be easily removed. It doesn't help to secure the net to your seat bracket if the seat can be flipped forward and the bracket opens up for them. Also, I'm not sure how it would hold up to rain as far as rust goes. I don't tend to leave the top down when I think there is a chance of rain but if it did get wet I'd be sure to dry it off really good and maybe treat it with a rush inhibitor. Another thing to consider is the lock. The net could be woven from Zeus' own chest hair and it still wouldn't matter if the lock is easily picked. My Pacsafe came with a simple padlock and one key (the picture on Amazon shows 3 so I don't know if the pic is wrong or if I got shorted). In any case that doesn't really work for my purposes. If I kept the key on my keyring it would do another family member no good if they were driving the car and needed to access the tools. Also, the key the lock came with didn't look like the kind of thing that could be easily duplicated. It would have been so much nicer if Pacsafe included a combination padlock instead. In the end I simply purchased my own combination padlock to use. Honestly, I didn't do a ton of research on locks before I purchased. I knew (a) I wanted one that would allow me to set my own code so that everyone would be able to remember it in a pinch and that (b) I wanted something a little beefier than a luggage lock but not so big that it wouldn't fit on the net. I ended up getting a lock by Desired Tools (search Amazon for B00W20V4N8) and it fits great. I don't know how this lock compares to a Master Lock or or a Schlage but again, remembering that this is to ward off casual thieves, I think it'll do a good job for me. The 55L size is enough to hold a really good sized backpack. If you have a duffel bag or something else large you might want to step up to one of the larger sizes. Mine is a typical backpack like what I used to carry my books in for school and I can actually snug the net down to its minimum size. I'd be willing to bet that this size will satisfy most customers. If you want to secure a rolling carry-on bag in your hotel room while you are out then you *may* need a larger size depending on its dimensions (and I'd keep the net in your checked luggage since they'll probably want to take it out and look at it once it goes through the carry-on x-ray at the airport). Still, it's a great piece of equipment and well worth the cost.

Amazing product! Only item I can find like this that allows me to walk away from my bag and not have to worrry about coming back to it or things missing out of it. A must have for travelers or hikers!

To the people complaining about how hands can fit though the holes, yes they can. While this will protect big items like laptops, smaller items will need a box or something. I got a separate lock box to use. Usually, there is no one security fix. If they wanted smaller holes, then you might as well double the weight and price too. Most security systems aren't 100% but it should stop all but the most determined opportunists but won't stop professionals with specialized tools. If you come across criminals with bolt cutters, you might be in trouble anyways if you can't scare them away. I believe this should suffice knowing its limitations. There is one caveat that I didn't see mentioned is the two areas where the loops aren't connected to the main wire where the waist straps of hiking bags are supposed to go through. I've discovered that if they aren't used, it can create huge holes, like 8 inches or more, which is unacceptable for me. Using an extra lock to cinch that part seems to do the trick. Also not mentioned was the size. It's advertised as 120L but packaging says 75-120L, however, pictured is my 35L 5.11 Rush 24 and it cinches down all the way to about the same size as the other openings. The diagram is a little confusing but I could figure it out. It comes with a carry bag that folds in half and is held by velcro, 3 keys, and instructions that fit in the bag.

it is awesome when stop to shop gives you a piece of mind it is lock up. can put 2 full size helmets in it. versatile and very handy. easy to install. put mine part of it under seat so you can't yank it out. i got the smallest one and it is big , but get back in form and barely takes room once done using it.

The peace of mind this thing gave me was worth every penny. Not only was I able to lock my laptop (and everything else) inside of my backpack, I was able to lock the pack to sturdy pieces of furniture where I was staying. Because I was on a road trip in Vietnam on motorbike, I really appreciated being able to lock my pack to my motorbike. I was able to park my motorbike and wander away from it without worrying about whether my pack would still be there when I got back. The few times I slept in an airport, I locked my pack to a chair or bench underneath me and was able to sleep better knowing it wasn't going to wander away. Sure, it can be a little frustrating or a bit of a hassle to get it all configured and everything but I was so glad to have it. When you hear and read so many stories about traveler's things being stolen, the paranoia can get to you. With this, I KNEW my stuff was safe and was better able to enjoy my trip. The straps fit through the openings and all that too. Plus, I was a little worried (because I can be shallow) that other backpackers would think I was dorky or something for having this but most people just said things like, "Oh! I was thinking about getting one of those. How do you like it?"

If someone is truly determined this is only a deterrent, but it surely adds a level of security for the common smash and grab. I am in law enforcement and find that only on rare occasions or maybe the "professional" thief would have the tools on hand to get this out of your vehicle. I drive extended cab trucks on and off duty and regularly keep a pack of some sorts with me almost all the time and I find comfort in using it to make sure that the run of the mill "crack/meth head" does not have easy access to this. The mesh holes are I believe 4"x4" when stretched and if someone really wanted to empty the pack; pocket by pocket they could but it sure wont be as easy as smashing in a window and carrying my duffel or pack off in one easy move. It is compact when not in use and packs down to about the size of a softball. It came in handy when I had to overnight in a plane terminal with a few small carry ons. I simply locked it the airport chair beside me and slept knowing it would still be there when I awoke. Like I said early it is a deterrent and adds just a little more piece of mind knowing its in the steel mesh net versus just sitting there unattended waiting to be carted off. Great for laptop bags and larger but would not recommend for anything smaller like a purse unless the come out with something with smaller holes in the area of 2 or so inches.

Pacsafe has expanded their product line thoughtfully over the past several years, owing much to the consistent sales of their first product--the eponymous PacSafe. This ingeniously designed wire mesh cover encases your backpack or duffel, then with a simple cinch of the lock cable, allows you to loop it around any immobile object--I've personally used trees, street signs, benches, and most importantly train compartment fixtures. The material and workmanship on every component is top-notch, well worth the price point. While nothing can absolutely foil theft, this company understands that most crime is committed due to motive and opportunity; if you make the opportunity much smaller, you reduce your risk exponentially. A bag protected with a steel cable mesh secured with a bullet-proof padlock simply says, in a loud voice, "MOVE ALONG TO EASIER PREY" to the would-be thief. I've traveled all over SE Asia, Europe and Northern Africa with this as well as the PacSafe backback and hipsack, and am proud to say I've not even had an attempt made on my belongings (while having lost more than one bag in years past before I wised up to these). For some the weight may be an issue; it is nearly 2 pounds of dead weight to lug around. To this I reply: shave ounces elsewhere, where it makes more sense--pack lighter, lightweight rain gear, toiletries, accessories, etc., because the protection this affords is worth every penny and pound. As a side note, aside from urban theft-deterrence, the PacSafe also makes itself useful in many other scenarios--I've used it as a bear-bag while hiking on the Appalachian Trail, as a frame for mosquito netting in the forests of West Bengal, and as a great conversation starter in New York City.

If your backpack is any bigger than 35L, you will need the 120L protector to fit it. The 55L protector does not contain the advertised volume. Not happy about how big all the holes are. Even wrapped tight around the bag you can just reach both hands in, unzip it, and remove small items freely.

Muy práctico y con buen acabado cuando viajas en moto. Sirve para proteger casco, chaqueta, etc

La bolsa es imprescindible en viajes largos. La de 120 L permite meter dos cazadoras, dos pantalones y dos pares de botas perfectamente. Ademas el cable que permite agarrar la bolsa a un sitio seguro es largo y permite dejar los 2 cascos pasando el cable por la mentonera. Una adquisición fantástica que he usado por primera vez en un viaje largo de 2 semanas en la que llevaba las 3 maletas llenas. La bolsa llegó en su tiempo de envío. La bolsa Pacsafe es de una calidad muy buena, que permite sacarla y volver a meterla una vez usada en su bolsa de transporte de forma fácil y rápida. Un producto excelente que recomiendo a todos los moteros viajeros.

Das Pacsafe Netz ist super. Wir haben es fast täglich im Einsatz. Wir packen meist einen Rucksack hinein, aber selbst den Laptop könnte man nicht durch die Maschen ziehen. Kleine Gegenstände könnte man natürlich rausziehen, aber dafür haben wir unseren kleinen Packsafe. Dank der praktischen Hülle lässt es sich problemlos verstauen.

Dieser Pacsafe leistet gute Dienste beim Motorradreisen, indem er die große Packrolle auf dem Gepäckträger zuverlässig vor Langfingern schützt. Da kann mann/frau auch mal ohne schlechtem Gewissen einkaufen gehen ohne ständig ein Auge auf das Bike und Gepäck haben zu müssen.

This does what it says - it keeps your stuff safe and sound, very secure from casual or wannabie theives. This model (PacSafe 55) is large enough for the average day-pack type rucksack - i.e. the ones usually found on people going on day trips or the average rucksack style camera bag. Personally I have a Lowepro "Orion Trekker" rucksack camera bag for my (expensive!) camera gear, which I found fitted easily into this PacSafe model, and even had enough free space for the wife's cloth shoulder bag full of her stuff as well! This PacSafe equally works well with a "normal" rucksack stuffed full of your treasures, the only thing I'd add is that the length of cable from the top of the PacSafe (when containing a smaller rucksack) can become quite lengthy, so I'd weave the spare length of cable through the PacSafe to reduce the slack and to improve the overall safety effectiveness. The only complaint (minor really) is that I would have liked to have replaced the padlock supplied (PacSafe branded, I'm not sure how secure it actually is) with a beefier model (Yale for instance) but found the shackel (i.e. the silver bit that forms the locking part) had to be thin enough to fit into the PacSafe locking mechanism. For a safety device that prevents theives from walking away with your rucksack though the lock provided is good enough (while the mesh cable of the PacSafe itself is strong enough it won't prevent determined theives using wire cutters etc. to grab your stuff anyway, so this is really a minor issue). In short, a bloody good buy!! If PacSafe read this review, the additional feed back I would give is that it was difficult to guage whether this particular model would be big enough for my camera bag (Lowepro Orion Trekker), given that I didn't know the capacity of the rucksack in litres, so some additional search/reference wizard would have helped. I'm now looking at the other range of PacSafe products, starting with their secure camera shoulder straps. :)