As an avid hiker, keeping your gear secure is an essential aspect of hiking. One way to keep your gear secure is by locking your backpack.
However, not all backpacks are designed with lockable features, and not all locks are compatible with all backpacks.
In this article, we will explore the different methods of locking hiking backpacks, including their benefits and disadvantages.
Contents
Method 1: Padlocks
Padlocks are the most common and widely used locks for backpacks. They come in different sizes and shapes, making them suitable for various types of backpacks.
Padlocks can be used for hiking of all types, from day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.
They are particularly useful for hikers who want to secure their backpacks and protect their gear from theft or tampering, especially when staying in hostels, campgrounds, or other shared accommodations.
If you are hiking in a high-crime area or leaving your backpack unattended for extended periods of time, a padlock can provide an added layer of security and peace of mind.
Additionally, if you are carrying valuable items such as cameras, electronics, or expensive gear, a padlock can deter would-be thieves from trying to steal them.
In summary, while padlocks may not be necessary for every hiking trip, they can be a useful tool for hikers looking to secure their gear and protect their belongings while on the trail.
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Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To lock a backpack with a padlock, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a suitable padlock that fits the zippers on your backpack.
Step 2: Thread the shackle of the padlock through the holes on the zippers, making sure the shackle is in a closed position.
Step 3: Lock the padlock by turning the key or rotating the dials.
- Benefits:
Padlocks are affordable and widely available.
They are easy to use and can be opened quickly.
- Disadvantages:
They can be easily broken by bolt cutters.
They are not very secure and can be picked.
Method 2: Cable Locks
Cable locks are another popular option for locking backpacks. They are designed with a cable that is flexible and can be threaded through the zippers, making it difficult for someone to open the backpack without cutting the cable.
Cable locks are a great option for multi-day backpacking trips because they can secure your gear without adding significant weight to your pack.
When hiking for several days at a time, it’s important to have a way to secure your backpack and gear when you’re away from camp or exploring a nearby area.
A cable lock can be wrapped around multiple zippers or compartments, providing a more secure option than simply using a padlock on a single zipper.
If you’re traveling internationally, a cable lock can be a useful tool for securing your backpack during transit or while staying in hostels or other shared accommodations.
Many hostels have lockers available, but you’ll need to bring your own lock. A cable lock is a good option because it can be easily coiled and stored in your backpack when not in use. Additionally, TSA-approved cable locks are useful for securing your backpack during air travel.
If you’re hiking in an urban area or leaving your backpack unattended in a crowded location, a cable lock can provide added security.
By wrapping the cable around a stationary object such as a tree or pole, you can deter thieves from trying to grab your backpack and run.
If you’re planning on doing water-based activities such as kayaking or canoeing, a cable lock can be useful for securing your backpack to your boat or to a stationary object on shore.
Some cable locks are also weather-resistant, making them a good option for outdoor activities in wet or humid conditions.
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Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To lock a backpack with a cable lock, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a suitable cable lock that is long enough to thread through the zippers on your backpack.
Step 2: Thread the cable through the holes on the zippers, making sure it is taut.
Step 3: Lock the cable by turning the key or rotating the dials.
- Benefits:
Cable locks are difficult to cut with bolt cutters.
They are flexible and can be used on various types of backpacks.
- Disadvantages:
Cable locks can be picked with the right tools.
They can be bulky and take up a lot of space in your backpack.
Method 3: Combination Locks
Combination locks are locks that require a preset combination to open. They are easy to use and can be an excellent option for hikers who don’t want to carry keys around.
Combination locks are a good option for day hikes and shorter trips where you don’t need to secure your backpack for an extended period of time.
Since combination locks are easy to open and close, they can be convenient for quick stops along the trail or when leaving your backpack unattended for a short period of time.
If you’re concerned about personal security while hiking, a combination lock can be a useful tool for securing your backpack and valuables.
By setting a combination that only you know, you can deter thieves from attempting to open your backpack and steal your belongings.
If you’re staying in a hostel or other shared accommodation, a combination lock can be a good option for securing your backpack and valuables while you’re away from your room. Combination locks are easy to carry with you and can be used to lock hostel lockers or other storage options.
If you’re hiking in an urban area or visiting a crowded tourist destination, a combination lock can provide added security for your backpack.
By locking your backpack to a stationary object, you can prevent thieves from easily grabbing your backpack and running off with it.
Combination locks are typically lightweight and easy to carry with you, making them a good option for hikers who are looking to minimize the weight and bulk of their gear.
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Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To lock a backpack with a combination lock, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a suitable combination lock that fits the zippers on your backpack.
Step 2: Set the combination by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Thread the shackle of the combination lock through the holes on the zippers, making sure the shackle is in a closed position.
Step 4: Lock the combination lock by rotating the dials to the preset combination.
- Benefits:
Combination locks are easy to use and don’t require keys.
They are difficult to pick.
- Disadvantages:
Combination locks can be easily broken with bolt cutters.
They can be challenging to reset if you forget the combination.
Method 4: TSA Locks
TSA locks are locks that are approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
These locks are designed to allow TSA agents to open and inspect the backpack without damaging the lock.
If you’re planning on hiking abroad or traveling internationally, a TSA lock can be a useful tool for securing your backpack.
TSA locks are designed to be used with luggage and can be opened by TSA agents without damaging the lock or the luggage. This can be helpful when going through customs or security checkpoints.
If you need to store your backpack at the airport, either in a locker or with a baggage storage service, a TSA lock can be a good option.
Since TSA agents can open TSA locks, you can be sure that your backpack will be accessible if it needs to be inspected or searched.
If you’re going on a longer hiking trip and need to leave your backpack unattended for an extended period of time, a TSA lock can provide added security.
Since TSA locks can be opened without damaging the lock or the backpack, you can have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are secure.
If you’re hiking with a group or sharing accommodations, a TSA lock can be a useful tool for securing your backpack and valuables.
Since TSA locks can be opened by multiple people, you can give trusted members of your group access to your backpack without having to share your combination.
TSA locks are designed to be sturdy and durable, making them a good option for hikers who are looking for a lock that can withstand wear and tear.
Additionally, TSA locks often have features such as combination or key locks, as well as reinforced steel cables, to provide added security.
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Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To lock a backpack with a TSA lock, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a TSA approved lock that fits the zippers on your backpack.
Step 2: Thread the shackle of the TSA lock through the holes on the zippers, making sure the shackle is in a closed position.
Step 3: Lock the TSA lock by turning the key or rotating the dials.
- Benefits:
TSA locks are approved by the TSA and can be used when traveling by air.
They are difficult to pick and tamper with.
- Disadvantages:
TSA locks can be easily broken with bolt cutters.
They are not the most secure option for locking a backpack.
Method 5: Lockable Zippers
Some backpacks come with lockable zippers, which means the zippers have a built-in locking mechanism.
For day hikes, you may not need to bring a lot of gear with you, but you may still want to secure your backpack while you’re out on the trail. Lockable zippers can be a good option for day hikes since they provide a simple and lightweight way to secure your backpack.
If you’re hiking in an urban area or traveling through a city with your backpack, lockable zippers can be a useful tool for deterring theft. Since lockable zippers can make it more difficult for someone to quickly and easily access your backpack, they can provide added security in crowded or high-risk areas.
If you’re staying in a hostel or other shared accommodation, you may not feel comfortable leaving your backpack unattended. Lockable zippers can be a good option in this situation since they allow you to lock your backpack without needing to carry around an additional padlock or cable lock.
If you’re trying to pack light and don’t want to add extra weight with a separate lock, lockable zippers can be a good choice. Since they’re integrated into the backpack itself, you don’t need to carry around any extra weight.
Lockable zippers can be a convenient option since you don’t need to worry about forgetting a separate lock or losing a key or combination. They can also be quicker and easier to use than other types of locks.
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Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These backpacks are specifically designed to be locked, making them a more secure option for hikers. To lock a backpack with lockable zippers, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a backpack with lockable zippers.
Step 2: Thread the shackle of the lock through the holes on the zippers, making sure the shackle is in a closed position.
Step 3: Lock the backpack by turning the key or rotating the dials.
- Benefits:
Backpacks with lockable zippers are designed to be locked, making them a more secure option.
They are difficult to open without the key or combination.
- Disadvantages:
Backpacks with lockable zippers can be more expensive than regular backpacks.
They may not be suitable for hikers who already have a backpack they love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several methods for locking a hiking backpack. The method you choose will depend on your preference, budget, and backpack type.
Padlocks and cable locks are affordable and widely available, but they are not the most secure option.
Combination locks are easy to use and difficult to pick, but they can be challenging to reset if you forget the combination.
TSA locks are approved by the TSA and can be used when traveling by air, but they are not the most secure option.
Backpacks with lockable zippers are the most secure option, but they can be more expensive than regular backpacks.
Whatever method you choose, always make sure to keep your backpack locked and secure while hiking.
