Ristretto and Pickpockets

[cjedj]

I've just taken delivery of my Ristretto for the 13" MBA and already love it! I will be getting a LOT of use out of this.

The only thing that concerns me is that when the bag is clipped closed, it would be very easy for pickpockets to slide their hand into the front cut-away compartment and help themselves.

The small pockets sewn in there are obviously designed for gear like mobile phones, and the whole area is a handy size, however I feel very wary about having anything of value so exposed. Clearly you don't HAVE to put valuable items in there, but this is such a good bag for tech gear, it'd be a shame not to get the most out of the space.

Does anybody else feel like this, or am I just being paranoid?

[misterN]

I find that sometimes the front flap of my Ristretto is a bit loose, even when I tighten the bottom part of the strap. The only way I've noticed to make it harder for people to slip their hands in is to put more stuff into the bag.

However--I live in a small town north of Madison, WI. The only chance my stuff has of walking off on me is from students stealing things.

I think in order for someone to pick that pocket they better have some pretty deft fingers.

Just my two cents.

[cjedj]

Yes, I noticed the same thing about the flap. I don't think it will be a problem around home and work, but I'm more concerned about when I inevitably use it at busy airports and train stations.

[jeffmac]

I've just taken delivery of my Ristretto for the 13" MBA and already love it! I will be getting a LOT of use out of this.

The only thing that concerns me is that when the bag is clipped closed, it would be very easy for pickpockets to slide their hand into the front cut-away compartment and help themselves.

The small pockets sewn in there are obviously designed for gear like mobile phones, and the whole area is a handy size, however I feel very wary about having anything of value so exposed. Clearly you don't HAVE to put valuable items in there, but this is such a good bag for tech gear, it'd be a shame not to get the most out of the space.

Does anybody else feel like this, or am I just being paranoid?

Keystraps and pouches are a great way to add security to this rig!

[gmanedit]

Would it help to turn the bag around, with the flap against your body?

[Frank II]

Let me second what Jeffmac posted. As someone who travels to "pickpocket" prone areas, I don't utilize the "pockets" in those situations with anything valuable. I put them into TB pouches and use keystraps to secure them to the "o" rings. This way, if a pickpocket does get his or her hand underneath the flap, the most they might get is a small notebook or hand sanitizer. (I don't have a Ristretto, I have a LCB but the principle is the same.)

Regarding turning the bag around......the only problem with that is that the sides are still exposed. And that's how a pickpocket would gain entry. Not up the front flap, but from the side near where the flap covers the opening of the bag.

[cjedj]

Keystraps and pouches are a great way to add security to this rig!

Would it help to turn the bag around, with the flap against your body?

Great tips!

[Peruvian]

Quite frankly, I would not be as concerned with pickpockets, as I would be with my gadgets falling off by themselves out of the Ristretto. It happened to me a couple of times, and it happened to my brother a few times as well. Good luck!