ϳԹ

Image
Gear Guy

How can I secure my pack while traveling in India?

I have some questions about a backpacking trip around India, where weight will be a consideration. We need a unit for recharging digital camera batteries (possibly with surge protection), as well as a lightweight but intimidating-looking lock and chain to secure our packs to seats and poles on trains. One more thing: I'm looking for a multi-climate sleeping-bag liner. Thanks much! Sue Boston, Massachusetts

Published:  Updated: 

New perk: Easily find new routes and hidden gems, upcoming running events, and more near you. Your weekly Local Running Newsletter has everything you need to lace up! .

That should be quite an adventure. I’ve never been to India, but have long wanted to visit that part of the world.

I think most of what you need is pretty straightforward. Certainly, for the battery charger, I’d simply take whatever you use now for a charger and buy a convertible plug that will work there. Most plugs in India are what are called Type D, which consist of three round pins (one of them is a ground). Voltage, interestingly, is 240, twice the standard here in the U.S. So be sure you get a “step-down” converter to change the 240 volts to 120, or get a charger when you get there that’s designed for local power output. I wouldn’t worry about the surge protector—you aren’t going to hurt the batteries if you get a surge. It’ll just be another thing to carry.

There are two ways to secure your items. One is to get a bicycle-type lock that can be threaded through pack straps and the like. Of course, a thief can always just slice the pack straps. They’re not really after the pack, anyway. By far the best way to go is with a Pacsafe gear protector. The Pacsafe Backpacker ($60 to fit medium-sized pack; www.pac-safe.com) is a stainless steel mesh that wraps around the pack. Very tough, and even if a crook has wire cutters, he will have to cut through a LOT of wires to free the pack. And the Backpacker is pretty light. It fits into a little carry pouch and weighs just over a pound.

For a bag liner, I’d get one made of silk. Light, comfy, and useable as a stand-alone bag in very warm weather. The Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner ($50; www.rei.com) is ideal.

Have a great trip!

Popular on ϳԹ Online