Heading to Majorca in April for 6 nights with a group of pals. Have hire bikes booked and coach transfers etc to PP where we are staying.
I have an Osprey Farpoint 40 that fits Jet2 hand baggage rules so that can take clothes, electronics, toiletries etc. Pedals, shoes, helmet, tools, frame bag, kit etc will be in hold bag though and all we seem to have at home are big roller hard shell cases, plus a variety of medium and large TNF holdalls. I had thought about using one of those but conscious not very secure esp for high value and essential kit.
Any recommendations for small/medium hold bag ?
What sort of security are you looking for?
Hold luggage is insecure by design, pretty much. You can open TSA-approved Travel Sentry locks (the ones with the red diamond logo) with a hard stare and a broken biscuit. If the airside crew want to access your case to check the contents then they will, destroying it in the process if they have to.
If I were transporting high value items, I'd keep them with me or have them covered on my travel insurance.
^^ ok, it’s not so much value, more that it’s stuff that would be a right pain if nicked, shoes with cleats, Time road pedals, ISM saddle, nice helmet etc. I might just pop it all into one of the North Face duffels and stick a basic cheap zip lock on it..
, shoes with cleats, Time road pedals, ISM saddle, nice helmet etc.
I've always thought any attempts to secure baggage make it look like theres something worth stealing inside. Now I've never had anything taken from hold baggage anywhere in the world - the baggage handlers are dealign with 1000's of bags. If they were going to nick stuff they'd want jewellery or expensive clothes that can be resold. Not used bike kit.
In countries where people are really worried about theft baggage gets wrapped in clingfilm like stuff. That's going to slow a thief down more than any lock you're going to put on a zip or catch.
Fair points, thanks. Will dig out appropriate sized duffel bag from the loft, cheers
In countries where people are really worried about theft baggage gets wrapped in clingfilm like stuff.
Clingfilm isn't going to slow anyone down for more than 1 second.
I thought it was to dissuade someone from opening your bag and popping some drugs in for you to carry - not to stop thefts.
(If you go to pick your bag up and the clingfilm has gone you know it's been tampered with so you can report it before you potentially end up in jail for a long time).
If I was after some luggage that would last and not weigh a ton I'd be getting what Emirates gives their cabin crew - simple Samsonite stuff.
3 years (and nearly 500 flights) in my daughter's bags are still going strong.
And no they don't get free replacements, so they have to last.
What sort of security are you looking for?
Hold luggage is insecure by design, pretty much. You can open TSA-approved Travel Sentry locks (the ones with the red diamond logo) with a hard stare and a broken biscuit. If the airside crew want to access your case to check the contents then they will, destroying it in the process if they have to.
If I were transporting high value items, I'd keep them with me or have them covered on my travel insurance.
Good point, baggage locks etc. are only really to deter the casual tea-leaf. If customs want to see whats inside it after is been checked in, they are opening that bag, one way or the other, even if they have to get the power tools out!
Ive never stuck a helmet in the hold baggage.
Seen how it all gets thrown about isn't worth the risk.
We have a variety of sizes of surf holdalls accumulated over the years from windsurfing , snowboarding and mtbing and just pick the size needed.
2 weeks in the Canaries for 2 = 1 x 50 ltr
6 weeks in NZ biking for w = 2 x 120 ltr
Although one of the bags was full of Abigales stuff she needed. We travelled round with one.
One bag will be going back with us empty
I have this one from Sport Pursuit, works well (I wouldn't pay full price though!) https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/4512812/
If carrying a helmet then a hard case to add a bit of protection as I'd hate to arrive and discover my helmet has been flattened due to other luggage and handlers throwing the bags around.
Good point, baggage locks etc. are only really to deter the casual tea-leaf.
I'm of the mind that the primary use for baggage locks is to prevent the case from coming open accidentally and scattering your underpants to the four winds.
Whatever Eastpak Tranverz takes your fancy.
Often available on Wardow and other sites at well below RRP
Good shout re helmet transport, will put in my hand luggage bag !