With most technologies and gadgets being readily available
to the masses, the number of theft, snatching and slashing cases have also
dramatically increased. And nowadays, it seems that simple precautions such as keeping
a low profile and keeping your gadgets close to you at all times is enough to
keep the bad guys away.
Thankfully, there are now companies that are creating
products to help us combat and protect ourselves from thieves and snatchers. Enter
Pacsafe, a brand owned by an Australian company that specializes in smart
travel gear with built-in innovative anti-theft technology. They offer a great
range of travel gear from outdoor backpacks, messenger bags, shoulder bags,
laptop bags, handbags and other security accessories.
But does Pacsafe’s products really do keep you safe from theft
or is it just a gimmick? Here’s the 411 on Pacsafe and their anti-theft
products.
eXomesh. Exomesh
is a patented anti-theft technology which is made up of strong, light-weight,
flexible and high-tensile stainless steel mesh woven together to create a slash-proof
cage system for all your gadgets. The eXomesh cage system (depending on the
product) can be fitted externally to bags or laminated between the bag’s
fabrics for a cleaner look.
Slash proof straps. Pacsafe
products also feature slash proof carrysafe straps which are adjustable and
reinforced straps made out of lightweight, flexible, high-tensile stainless
steel wire that can prevent thieves and slashers from slicing through bag
straps.
Turn and Lock Hooks. As
an added feature to those slash proof straps, Pacsafe products also feature
turn and lock strap hooks. These special set of locking hooks securely locks
the strap to the bag and cam also be unfastened to wrap the strap and bag
around a secure fixture. It also makes it a little more difficult for pickpockets
to open your bag and steal what’s inside.
Smart Zipper
Security. This are concealed zippers that are locked down and attached to
clips to prevent thieves from accessing your valuables easily. And together
with smart flap hooks makes it harder for those itchy fingers to easily steal
stuff from your bag.
RFID-blocking Pocket.
With cases of identity theft on the rise, it’s good to know that companies such
as Pacsafe has made available to the public a technology that blocks devices
that read the electronic information on your ATM and credit cards. By creating
a layer in the bag that impedes radio frequencies, RFID blocking pockets of
Pacsafe bags are able to prevent RFID readers from accessing your digital
information.
Other Features.
Depending on the product in question, Pacsafe bags may feature a water
repellent outer layer, a feature liner in various colors, zippered internal
pockets, a headphone port and internal electronics pockets.
So, with all these security features in place in majority of
Pacsafe products, and with a price tag starting at around $30 (around PHP1,300+),
is it worth it? Well, for starters, the anti-theft claim is really not that
accurate. Yes, it does protect your personal belongings from slashers and
pickpockets but if you end up in a dark alley alone and a bad guy points a gun
or a knife at you, these bags won’t be any good to you.
Furthermore, the brand is a little pricey. And the consumer targeting
is a little off. Why? It’s because people who have the money to buy Pacsafe products
are usually people who don’t go to places where snatchers and thieves abound.
The ones who actually go to those places can’t afford to shell out the amount of
money needed to buy a Pacsafe bag.
So, to sum it all up, Pacsafe does provide an interesting
product with very useful features, however, the pricing and marketing is just
not enough for the brand (in my personal opinion) to flourish – at least not in
the Philippines.
