d831 Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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kosin wrote:
I don't think that the size of the mesh makes a difference in this case since the mesh "openings/holes" are flexible but of a set diameter and smaller objects can be pull through not matter if the mesh is well fitted to the size of a bag or too loose.
Sorry to disagree with your first point , but the amount the mesh is stretched and the slack between it and what's inside could make all the difference. Your photos above illustrate quite well how much variation there can be in the size of the openings, depending on what's inside and how it's configured. Most of my lenses are around 3.5" or less in diameter, so it doesn't take a lot.
A much better design would be mesh that doesn't spread more than the smallest amount necessary to allow for some versatility - just like their <35L Stealth bags (or their other Anti-theft/Slashguard products) I linked to above that only spread about an inch or so. If I could buy bag protectors like this in 50L and 100L capacities, I would in a second. I'm guessing they don't offer them to avoid cannibalizing their dedicated camera/laptop products; which folks like us aren't as likely to buy anyway! The only reason I'm aware of for the design and mesh size on the backpack protectors is size/shape versatility.
As a 2nd deterrent you can also use one of the smaller Pacsafe Stealth bags around an F-stop ICU (or equivalent) inside your main bag. Locked Pelican cases inside the Pacsafe are another option too.
As far as time, smash and grab thieves in public places will be deterred (in varying degrees, depending on the situation) by the bag protectors, yes. But when seconds count, to say that the size of the openings and how much slack there is doesn't make a difference, just isn't being realistic IMHO. If someone put padlocks on their zippers and ran a cable through the straps to anchor it, how many seconds do you imagine it would take a thief with a decent blade to get at their gear? Only a few less than when there's a Pacsafe with large enough holes and too much slack.
The Pacsafes help (and they're better than many of the DIY methods I used to have to resort to), but for me, they're only one piece of the puzzle when strategizing the safeguarding of my gear on-location. Deterring opportunisitc theft is one of the bigger priorities, but what else can we do to help prevent theft when the gear is stored somewhere less public (e.g. where you're staying, a car parked remotely, etc.) and a thief has more time to work? Pacsafe themselves say the wire can be cut with a simple Leatherman and I saw a Youtube video where even a box cutter did the trick.
Unfortunately, our options are very limited - it's too bad there's so few companies and products on the market making this stuff...
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