If you travel frequently, or even not so frequently, you should be concerned about the security of your luggage and belongings. Theft from hotel rooms, airports, train stations, and other public places is all to common. Fortunately, the people at Pacsafe have come up with some spectacular products to help minimize the risks you encounter when you travel.

The line of products from Pacsafe all have one common design characteristic. The concept is the use of stainless steel wire mesh to protect your valuables. Some of these products are nothing more than an expandable mesh combined with a locking mechanism to surround your bags, whereas others are complete storage products that incorporate internally integrated wire mesh security.

I tested a few Pacsafe products during a recent trip to South America. Knowing that your belongings are secure while travelling makes for a much more enjoyable and stress-free experience. From hotel rooms to campgrounds, I was thoroughly impressed with the Pacsafe products.

One of my bags was an extra large 138 liter dry duffel from Pacific Outdoor Equipment. To prevent this bag from being slashed open or stolen, I used the Pacsafe Explorer in the XL size. The concept was quite simple - you completely wrap the duffel bag within the mesh of the Explorer, then tighten the drawstring cable and secure the cable locking mechanism with the included padlock. Pacsafe recommends wrapping the extra cable around a secure fixture, such as a luggage rack, handrail, or hotel plumbing, to secure the bag. Once the Explorer mesh is locked around your bag, it is impossible to open, slash, or otherwise gain entry into the bag. The Explorer products are even designed to allow the use of handles and wheels when used on rolling luggage. The Explorer would be a great product to use when travelling by train or bus as well. You could lock your bag to a seat frame or luggage rack and sleep soundly knowing that no one will walk off with your bag. Keep in mind that using these products for air travel is not feasible at this time due to the TSA requirement that checked bags be unlocked for inspection. Retail price for the XL Explorer is $74.95

The Pacsafe product I found most invaluable was the Travel Safe. Nothing more than a small, wire-reinforced locking bag, the Travel Safe was in use daily during my travels. I could place my travel documents, tickets, passport, jewelry, and other small, easily stolen items in the Travel Safe and then lock it anywhere I pleased. Most often I simply locked the travel safe to my other luggage that was also protected by Pacsafe. The best part of the Travel Safe is it can secure and hide your valuables even when you're on the move, unlike a hotel room safe. My only complaint about the Travel Safe is it was a little on the small side for things like cameras and electronics. Rumor has it that Pacsafe will be selling larger versions of the Travel Safe in the future. At $34.95, the Travel Safe is a bargain for the security and peace of mind it provides.

The Wrapsafe cable was the other Pacsafe product I tested. Simply a cable fitted with multiple locking stops, the Wrapsafe is great for securing various types of luggage and equipment. Multiple bags equipped with Pacsafe mesh can be secured together, making it harder for a would-be thief to make off with a bag. The Wrapsafe is ideal for large or odd-shaped luggage as well. By tightly wrapping a bag or suitcase with the Wrapsafe before securing the Wrapsafe lock to suitable fixture, the item is virtually impossible to open in addition to being held in place. Those flimsy little padlocks that come with your luggage cannot provide anywhere near that kind of security. Pacsafe products all use heavy-duty padlocks that can't be easily broken and removed. The Wrapsafe retails for $23.95

The Pacsafe product lineup also includes mesh products for backpacks, wire-reinforced daypacks, and many accessory items such as locks, shoulder bags, neck wallets, and more. If you want to travel safe and secure, check out Pacsafe before your next trip.

Pacsafe Website

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