Wearing a backpack can be risky in some countries and ‘slashing’ has become quite common in countries like Thailand and Vietnam. European travellers can be strolling down the road with their backpack on their back only for it to be slashed and their goods taken away in seconds. This is not so easy for the robbers when you’re wearing your backpack on your front, and that’s why some backpacker manufacturers have specially created ‘front packs’. If you’re travelling for months on end, it’s good to have two backpacks, one on the back with your non-essential items, and then one on your front with your most expensive items. You can keep a closer eye on the front pack and protect it better, so it’s a good idea to get one if you’re planning to travel for three to six months or more in an unfamiliar country.