Backpack Mods Part 2 :: VINJABOND

by Carry HQ, August 26, 2015

Whether you’re carrying a lot or a little, items with monetary value or sentimental value, you want to know your gear is safe whether you’re on the go or have left your bag in your accommodation during your travels. Vinjabond founder and vagabond John V Cain is a man well acquainted with world travel and the necessity of keeping his backpack contents secure. Below he shares his tried and trusted backpack mod that will make opportunistic thieves think twice…

Anti-Theft Backpack Zipper Locking and Anchor System Modification

Security or specifically in this case, anti-theft, is not about impenetrability or immovability as any construct can be penetrated and any object moved.

How much physical and mental effort it will take to surmount the system and how much time it will take to complete the procedure then extricate will determine the level of deterrence. So even if it is worth the potential thief’s time and effort to attempt a robbery as it’s not deterring enough, there are the actual measures in place, but the best security is when it prevents an attempt in the first place.

In theory, the more significant or valuable the secured contents, the more complex and advanced the security system. So in the case of securing your backpack from unauthorized entry or theft, it can be simple and cheap but effective.

– Deter anyone from an attempt from just a visual inspection

– Instantly stop snatch-and-grab thefts

– Prevent unauthorized opening

Basically to make it too much of a hassle for a potential thief to even attempt to steal your backpack or rummage through it.

“How much physical and mental effort it will take to surmount the system and how much time it will take to complete the procedure then extricate will determine the level of deterrence.”

The following instructions were specifically designed for the latest model of Triple Aught Design’s FAST Pack Litespeed but the basic concept should work with most other tactical backpacks.

Vinjabond EDC

Materials:

Cable Bike Lock (4 Feet)
Extra Small Pad / Combination Lock
3 Split Key Rings (Standard Size)
3 Split Key Rings (Micro Size)
1 Split Key Ring (Medium Size)
Super Glue (Optional)

…

Vinjabond Backpack Mod 01

Step 1: Place 3 zippers exactly as shown so it meets together. Using just 2 (main compartment) will not be effective for proper locking. Remove the zipper pulls by detaching the plastic end cap, no need to cut the nylon as these can always be reused. While you can keep them on, it may be a bit too clunky once the zipper locks are equipped.

Vinjabond Backpack Mod

Step 2: Attach each zipper with the standard-sized split key rings. Then the micro-sized ones on the standard-sized ones on the 2 main compartment zippers. But the center zipper should have the medium-sized one attached to the standard then the micro on the medium. For added security, add a drop of super glue on each end point of the rings then spread around the seam with your fingers. *This was not applied in the photos.
Vinjabond Backpack Mod 2

Step 3: Loop the cable lock around the entire backpack through every MOLLE point within the straight directional path. The cable lock must be oriented exactly as shown, so that the actual lock is below the zippers and in a resting position above the first MOLLE point. This will prevent unwanted lock shifting and easy access. The setup is now complete.
Vinjabond Backpack Mod 3

Step 4: Insert the cable lock end through the standard-sized split key rings of the 2 main compartment zippers and the micro split key ring of the center zipper as shown. Even in this state, you can open the main compartment (for quick access) as the zipper rings will glide through the cable unhindered.
Vinjabond Backpack Mod 4

Step 5: Put the pad/combination lock through the micro split key rings of the main compartment zippers and the medium split key ring of the center zipper. The zippers should not be openable, even while attempting to manipulate the soft materials around the zippers. For larger pad/combination locks, follow the same steps but also through the actual cable for further limited movement. If checking your backpack for flights within the United States, use a TSA-Approved lock instead.

The cable lock also serves as a backpack anchor, preventing bag snatchers. Just loop the cable lock around something stationary (furniture, structure, daisy chain to other luggage or as part of a leash to yourself) then lock up as normal.

One might argue why you would bother locking up your backpack if someone can just cut it with a knife, the same reason why we lock car doors even though a rock can break the windows.

Bonus: The net shown in the photo is for additional item equipping which is also wired to the alarm system in the pouch, top center. When activated, the dual alarm will be triggered if the net is pulled (with sensitivity settings for mobile use and stationary), an object is removed from the net or if the pouch is opened.

“One might argue why you would bother locking up your backpack if someone can just cut it with a knife, the same reason why we lock car doors even though a rock can break the windows.”

I’ve used a variation of this method for years throughout the world in countless settings; anchored to my seat while I rest at airports, train stations etc, leaving it unattended for hours in common areas of hostels and private hotel rooms, tethered to my duffle bag in public, hidden on a tree branch in the jungle for days and so on.