Touring - Keeping gear safe

I've been reading the forum for a while but this is my first post.
Lots of good info here.

Anyway, I'm planning my first big tour and wonder if you have any tips for keeping gear safe?
Of course I'm going to bring a lock for my bike, but what do you guys generally do when you have to leave your bags unattended?

My feeling is as long as it looks like it would be a bit of work to open and rifle through the bags, no one will bother with it. But I'm curious if there are any tips.

My trip is across japan so any worrying about theft is most likely just that, a worry. But just trying to make sure it doesn't happen.

Thanks!

no problems in japan.

or anywhere, really. Just use common sense.

But in Japan, you'll be fine. probably dont even need a lock, its the most honest place i know of.

I don't leave gear unattended. If I had to, I'd probably throw it in a PacSafe net (http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=11) then lock it to the bike or whatever the bike was locked to. The PacSafe won't come close to stopping a determined thief, but they are good for deterring casual/opportunistic thieves.

I don't think you have anything to worry about in Japan. Even in Tokyo people use the dinkiest locks I've ever seen. I probably wouldn't leave your bags out for days at a time, but for short trips into stores and things like that I generally don't worry about it. In Nikko, we left our loaded bikes locked up all day while we explored the awesome temples, no problems at all.

no problems in japan.

or anywhere, really. Just use common sense.

But in Japan, you'll be fine. probably dont even need a lock, its the most honest place i know of.

+1. JP is ridiculously safe for everything.

I don't leave gear unattended. If I had to, I'd probably throw it in a PacSafe net (http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=11) then lock it to the bike or whatever the bike was locked to. The PacSafe won't come close to stopping a determined thief, but they are good for deterring casual/opportunistic thieves.

That would be my choice. Never toured in Japan...yet.

Aaron :)

I put my camera down in a public place Japan because my hands were full, then walked-off absentmidedly, leaving it there unattended. Half an hour later when I franticly scrambled back to the locale, it was still there where I'd left it! +1 - incredibly safe.

I read an article the other day regarding bike locks. The author was arguing that since any lock/chain can be easily picked, cut, broken etc. by a determined thief, it's better to just take something lightweight and small for the bike to stop someone riding away on it (rather than adding weight by bringing heavy locks which also be broken easily).

Take your camera, phone, and other valuables with you (perhaps use a small front bar bag for this). The rest of your stuff leave with your bike. If someone wants your old T-shirt or pair of smelly socks, they're welcome to them!

In regards to Japan, i heard stories about bicycles being used like umbrellas by salary-men needing a ride home late after drinking... i'm sure a dinky lock would prevent such an event.

I lived in Japan for seven years. Everything is totally safe there except umbrellas and bicycles. These are viewed as community property. If you have a loaded bike however, I'm certain you'll be fine. And if your bike is missing look first at the nearest train station.

You can keep everyone away from your bike by making it look sketchy. My favorite thief deterent is to flag underwear off the panniers.