Hi All!
Not purely Nomadish, but I did just finish marking and installing anti-theft tethers on the trailer's Ortliebs to match those in use on the Nomad.
Having read a number of touring accounts, I have concluded it is a Good Idea to mark one's name on panniers, preferably on the inside (wheel side) so one won't get called-out (a common ploy to distract -- "Hey Dan!", you turn and look, and an accomplice grabs whatever), yet allowing ready identification when ownership is disputed or if a stolen bag is recovered. I've marked all six of mine and the underside of the handlebar bag similarly. It worked in kindergarten; should work about as well in adulthood.
The Ortlieb tethers retract into the QL-2 mounting rails and the ends are held unobtrusively but securely by the little clips included in the kit. Though providing no real security -- I'm sure they could be cut by sturdy scissors -- they are small and thin enough to prevent a quick grab-and-go by a thief while parked. By feeding the tethers through their own closed loops, they become large enough to be secured by larger locks. I found my ring-lock will nicely secure my two rear bags, and the plug-in cable for the ring-lock will secure the bike's front wheel as well as the two front panniers. The trailer's panniers will be secured by the same U-lock that secures the SON28 to the trailer and thence to the bike. Given how small, light, and unobtrusive the little Ortlieb tethers are, I think they're worth it for the added convenience when locking the bike briefly while using a restroom or dashing into a country store for supplies. I did once find a front bag detached and sitting by the rack, held by its little tether, so I think they were a deterrent in that case. I know the bag didn't jump off on its own while I was indoors.
I try to remove what I can whenever I briefly leave the bike while on-tour. All my documentation, cash, credit cards , and passport always stay in the HB bag and it goes with me on its shoulder strap when I leave. Before leaving, I tuck the GPS and solar panel inside as well. It's odd...I've occasionally lost things to people I'm sure I've spoken with just before leaving the bike, those who seemed unduly interested in the trip and --when asking others later -- seemed to have been the only people around before driving off. In those instances, it is almost as if they want a souvenir, as they tend to take things that aren't worth much objectively (but are worth a lot on-tour, where everything has a purpose). A compression strap, a double-ended spring clip used to "safety wire" a rack-top item against vibrational loss, even something I've picked up and tucked under a strap, like a wildflower or such. People are peculiar sometimes. In some cases, I've seen it happen and let if go as not worth the hassle if it was an inconsequential item.
Fortunately, I haven't lost a pump or such, but it could happen, I suppose.
Still, I feel a bit better having my name on things and some means to secure them against a casual grab.
Best,
Dan.
