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A Guide to Security Belts
and Pouches
You might end up carrying a
lot of important documents, as well as money.
This list gives some hints on how to carry them.
Remember to carry these things in two or more
locations. Unless everything gets stolen, this
way you'll have some extra money and papers that
will make it easier to replace what was stolen,
not to mention that some extra money can make it
possible for you to continue your travels while
waiting for new travelers cheques or documents.
When making purchases, be modest. Don't flash
large amounts of cash. The wallet of a westerner
can tempt people in poor countries to commit
murder! Please remember this!
What are the various
types of devices used by travelers carry money and documents while traveling?
There are several types of travel money pouches, money belts, undercover neck wallets, leg wallets, shoulder wallets, and other various concealed wallets and hidden wallets, each one has pros and cons. Remember the main
reason for these money security pouches products is to keep their contents from falling victim to the best
pickpockets and sneak thieves.
Travelers who purchase
hidden money pouches fall into one of several
categories.
The
casual international traveler
This is the person who is
traveling for the one to two week trip. They
usually travel to major metropolitan
international city or a well know tourist
location. These travelers tend to stay in hotels
and take tours. The majority of the time they
are only concerned about security their property
from pickpockets that they might come in contact
with while shopping or walking down the street.
These travelers usually are not out late at
night and tend not to go to locations that might
be visited by questionable characters.
High
school or college student
This is the person who is
backpacking his or her way across a country,
countries or continent. They tend to be younger,
stay out late at night seeing the local
nightlife, visiting clubs and bars, and
sometimes gets lost thereby ending up walking
down the wrong street at night, and possibly
coming in contact with questionable charters.
Most of the time a backpackers trip will be
without incident, but staying in hostels,
sleeping while on the road, in train stations
and on trains can be risky business. I cannot
tell you the amount of students and regular
travelers who have gone “in country” who
have shared with met their repeated tails of
victimolgy of having their money stolen while on
the road.
Adventurous
type
This is the person who
travels to the far corners of the world seeking
the true experience of foreign travel. They
travel the road less traveled and really get to
see what a country is really like. The majority
of the time this does not pose a problem.
Unfortunately, these travelers end up in third
world countries where they watch they are
wearing on their wrist could be the equivalent
of a local residents yearly earnings. This
traveler has a higher chance of coming in
contact with bandits or desperate and hungry
locals who might take the chance to physically
rob (force or fear) you of your property. Here
are the majority of devices used by travelers
Concealed Neck Pouch - Travel Neck Pouch - Neck Wallet - Neck Stash
Concealed neck pouches and neck wallets have been around for many years. Travelers seem to either love or hate secuirty neck pouches, due to their various advantages and disadvantages discussed here. Obviously, the security neck pouch hangs around your neck and is hidden from outside view.
Disadvantages of Security Neck Pouches
- Some travelers note that neck safes can be uncomfortable to wear when it's hot, and many times it can be obvious you are wearing one depending on the type and color of blouse or shirt you are wearing, again making it very obvious you are a tourist. With women, the problem is that these pouches are designed to hang on a flat chest. You can, however, wear them horizontally below your chest area and above your waist. Some travelers have found out that the ink used on airline ticket smears greatly after a couple of months in the pouch. Putting them in a small plastic bag inside the pouch keeps out the moisture.
- When considering the purchase of a neck pouch, think about one in a tan or beige color. A black one can sometimes be easily seen if you are wearing light colored clothing. Some travelers wear these items on their side, like a holster, slung around one shoulder. This way it's more discrete, no matter how large your chest is if you are a woman.
- One major problem is when you go to retrieve an item from the pouch. If you are wearing it when you go to dinner at a nice restaurant, you will have to excuse yourself to the restroom in order to unbutton your shirt to retrieve your money or credit cards. This may not be a problem if you are a student and back packing your way across Europe.
- If a thief recognizes the pouch or can see the strap around your neck ( they are not that hard to recognize) the strap can be easily cut from behind by a skilled pickpocket. A way to help avoid this would be to sew a piece of piano wire into the strap make it more durable in case it was cut from a snatch and run thief. It might be painful but in general the thief should take off running if he or she did not get it the first time.
Advantages of Security Neck Pouches
 While it seems that security neck have many disadvantages, the advantages outweigh the negative.
The biggest advantage of the hidden neck pouch is its ability to be hidden from thieves. What many travelers are unaware of is that neck wallets are available with or without a unique secuirty feature - an anti-snatch security cable. Woven into the neck strap of certain security neck wallets is a steel security wire, which is designed to prevent a snatch and run thief from grabbing the neck strap from behind and yanking it from around the travelers neck. Additionaly, some skilled street thieves in parts of Europe or 3rd world countries have been know to look for travelers wearing neck pouches.
This was the first security neck pouch of its kind, and is the most popular when it comes to the travel neck pouches with security cables. The PacSafe PouchSafe 100 is the smallest of the line, and will remain the most concealed because it is designed to fit flat against your body. Made of rip-stop nylon, the pouch has a moisture proof liner and is hand washable.
The attached photo depicts the organizational pockets of the PacSafe PouchSafe 100. The material of the neck safe is soft and feels comfortable against the body.
A larger version of the PacSafe PouchSafe 100 is availalbe for those who have a larger amount of items. The PouchSafe 150 holds more items, and also allows it to be worn exposed if needed. The abobe photo is a drawing of the security features of the PouchSafe neck wallet.
For those that are looking for a standard neck wallet, without the addtional security features, the Travelon Neck Wallet is the standard.
It offers all of the organizational compartments that a traveler would need to hold they airline tickets, passport, identification, and other items needed when out and about.
ton on this type of security pouch, visit www.CorporateTravelSafety.com.
Advantages of Security Neck Pouches
To view other types of security neck wallets - security neck pouches, visit the security wallets section of www.corporatetravelsafety.com.
Shoulder Security Pouch
Some travelers like to use a shoulder security pouch to secure their valuables when out and about. This type of hidden money pouch also has varied advantages and disadvantages. Shoulder wallets are easy to get to when you need your money. They are easy and comfortable to wear, however you do have to wear a jacket or button down shirt that you can open to get to the contents of the money shoulder pouch.
Security Waist
Wallets
Security waist wallets have been worn by travelers as long as anyone can remember and are one of the most popular ways for travelers to carry money and valuables when hidden. Typically about ten
inches long and four inches wide with a strap
which goes around your waist. It has a zipper
with one or two compartments, weighs about two
to 10 ounces, and costs anywhere form $10 to
$30.00, depending on the security features. It can be worn either tightly
against the stomach with your shirt or blouse
covering it, or dropped loosely into the pants.
Typically security waist wallets are worn by those who want to make sure their money and valuables are safe from street thieves and/or may venture into areas that have a higher level of street crime. Some travelers like the added security of a hidden waist wallet because if they were robbed by street thieves, they are typically known to check your pockets for cash or a wallet, but are generally not know to ask victims to drop their pants in order to check for a waist wallet. If you always remember to carry "robbers money" (just a few dollars in your pocket) you will always have something to give an aggressive street robber if needed.
Like other types of hidden money wallets, security waist wallets come in a variety of styles to protect your valuables.
The CoverSafe Hidden Wasit Wallet looks like any other waist wallet, except with the addition of one major security feature - a steel cable is woven into the back strap of the hidden waist wallet.
The CoverSafe is a street smart security waist wallet and is designed for tucking it under your clothes for no one to see. An alternative to visible waist packs.
 What makes this security waist wallet or money belt different from all other waist wallets is that it has a slash proof, adjustable, wire-reinforced back strap. This feature protects the hidden waist wallet from being cut or tugged off from behind.
It also features two locking zippers to keep your valuables safe and secure without compromising comfort. Compare these features against other security waist wallets and we know you will agree that you won’t find one safer!
About
half the size of the waist type. It hangs inside
your pants from your belt or belt loop. It is
made out of nylon, cotton or leather, has one or
two zippered compartments. It is very easy to
whip out when needed and does not draw a lot of
attention if you have to get to it to pay for a
meal. Most of these times are small, just large
enough to hold your passport, money, and a very
small pack of airline tickets.
 One of the things you should consider when considering a belt loop wallet is that you purchase one that has dual color belt loop.
This allows you to wear the belt loop wallet with black belt or brown belt and the belt loop would not stick out for the world to see.
Not recommended if you wore a white belt, the black or brown belt loop would stand out like a sore
thumb. Usually the wallet is available in black
or tan.
Security loop wallets are usually designed with a variety of security pockets, so make sure you find one that fits your needs. The Lewis & Clark Belt Loop Wallet has three seperate security pockets. The first is the main pocket which is zippered so that the wallet can be opened from the top or the side (depending on size of the items in the wallet). Two additional pockets are sewn inside the main compartment and are designed for credit cards or other smaller items.
Now you can wear a money pouch without wearing a belt or using a clip! This is a brand new invention that solves the issue of wearing a concealed money pouch when you don’t wear a belt, or have a clip exposed. The “Conceal Wear" money pouch is the answer and may prove to be one of the most versatile, secure, and comfortable travel/money pouch on the market today.
Designed to be easily attach to any clothing (shirts, shorts, socks, undergarments, etc.... and you don’t have to worry about a belt. The “Conceal Wear” money pouch is perfect for travelers, runners, walkers, or anybody who wants to protect their valuables.
The leg safe or leg wallet, is
another version of a hidden money pouch that straps around your calf, just above the
ankle. These are used by some travelers in
bandit areas (this doesn't apply to 99.99% of
us) since it remains hidden if a bandit forces
you to drop your pants to display your waist
money belt.
The following are a few of the different versions of leg wallets - leg safes on the market today.
 This device straps around your calf, just above the ankle. These are used by some travelers in bandit areas (this doesn't apply to 99.99% of us) since it remains hidden if a bandit forces you to drop your pants to display your waist money belt. In this version, the Austin House Leg Wallet is manufactured with a cool, lightweight and durable poly/cotton soft material, which is specially treated with AgION™. The leg safe leg wallet is also made with the advanced Dupont material COOLMAX® , which is the lining sewn onto the back of the leg safe leg wallet. This material is designed to move moisture away from the body, which helps keep in keeping the person cool and comfortable.
The leg safe leg wallet has three individual security pockets. The top pocket is 6 1/2 inches deep by 5 1/2 inches wide. The second pocket is 5 inches deep by 5 1/2 inches wide. These two top pockets are designed to hold items such as cash, passports, travelers checks, or anything else that can be folded to fit into these large pockets. Additionally, inside the middle pocket is a smaller, hidden pocket designed to hold credit cards. The final pocket is at the bottom and is 2 1/2 inches deep by 5 1/2 inches wide. Each of the three larger pockets are secured by a metal, locking security zipper.
The adjustable straps are elasticized with fabric tabs, which adjust to fit all sizes. Each of the leg safe's straps has been tested for maximum expansion of 10 inches.
Anotehr version of the leg safe - leg wallet is one that does not have Velcro straps. Some travelers have complained that they did not like the feel of the straps, so one company created a solution. An elastic sock type leg wallet.
The Leg Safe fits comfortably and securely against your leg due to its quality Lycra/Polyester construction. This stretchy material allows the Leg Wallet to fit on like a sock, which makes it impossible to fall off accidentally.
The Deluxe Leg Safe is one of the safest types of leg wallets on the market and provides travelers the most inconspicuous way to carry your money, passport and other vital documents.
Leg Wallet Features Adjustable Calf Strap
The top of the Leg Wallet features a 1 inch wide adjustable Velcro strap that helps keep the leg wallet secure for those who have smaller calf muscles, and likewise, allows additional expansion for those with larger calves. Deluxe Leg Safe Holds Several Larger Size Items The Deluxe Leg Safe features two separate zippered security compartments, each sized 6 ½ inches tall by 4 ½ inches wide.
These large compartments allow a traveler to hold a variety of items such as credit cards, passports, tickets, money and more. Use the Deluxe Leg Safe pockets to hold your keys when jogging or walking the dog, or your ID and hotel key when strolling the beach. Hiding discreetly under clothes, the Deluxe Leg Safe is the perfect wallet for traveling running or sports.
Money Belts
 A
real hold-up-your-pants belt with a zippered
compartment on the inside. It has about
twenty-four inches (60 centimeters) of zippered
area, about one inch (2.54 centimeters) wide. It
comfortably stores a dozen currency notes. This
can be used to provide extra insurance.
I have
seen three types of material that these belts
are made of, cloth fabric, army web type
material, and leather. Many of these are made to
a universal length and is cut to fit each
traveler. Less practical for women. The kind you
wear under your clothes is inaccessible if
you're wearing a dress.
Another good feature of some money belts are that they are made from non-metalic material so they won't set off the metal detectors at airport screening stations. These are also known as beep free belts.
 Many
travelers use fanny packs, or sometimes called
waist packs but unfortunately criminals know
that waist packs are “where the money is”
and they are not as nearly secure as a money
belt. These packs have become very popular over
the last few years but the criminals have found
them very prosperous too. The packs are great
from the travelers point of view. They hold a
nice camera, wallet, passport, room key
everything in one place. The professional thief
like it that way. I have heard many stories of
travelers who had these packs while standing on
train/subway platforms.
The thief has a friend
standing on each side of you to block the view
of others standing around. You have no idea
these people are crooks. They look just like
others waiting for the train. the main crook is
standing behind you with a small pair of
scissors concealed in his hand. When the train
arrives and the doors open, everyone is pushing
to get inside when the crook behind you cuts the
strap of your fanny pack from behind. You are
being pushed inside by the other two crooks and
never feel it drop into the crooks hands.
Thanks to an ingenious inventor, a pak was made
to avoid this type of fate. The fanny pak has a
steel  braided
cable sewn into the back strap so it cant be
cut. The front pouch of the pack can't be easily
opened either because it has a special clip
that takes two hand to open. I used this
pak in Spain where my wife and I were chosen by
three gypsy women who attempted to get their
hands in my fanny pack but were not
successful. Imagine me, Mr. Travel Safety,
getting targeted by a pickpocket. This just goes
to show you it can happen to anyone. For more inforation about security waist packs visit here.
When we go to the beach in a
foreign country (or even locally here in the
states) have you ever felt uneasy with where to
put your wallet, car keys, passport. You
would be amazed with the amount of theft that
occur to travelers at beaches and even hotel
pools. Several devices have been made to
allow you tow swim with your valuables with
waterproof packs. They cost between
from $10 to $30 dollars.
Inside
Sewn Security Pocket
For a few dollars, tailors
in any part of the world will sew a small
compartment inside your clothing.
Generally the idea is good but if you were to
look at the size of the documents you would be
carrying, the pouch would have to be awfully
large. In reality, the pouch is great for
stashing your money. Just make sure the
compartment is sewn in a location that cannot be
easily accessed by a good pickpocket. To
insure this, I recommend that the compartment at
least be zippered or
buttoned Some travelers
to exotic locations that have had a problems
with bandits wear cotton underwear in which they
have made makeshift pockets sewn on the outside
to store emergency cash. but then again if
you are going to a place like that, I wish you
good luck.
[ Next ] |
Travelon GateSafe Neck Wallet 
Conceal Wear Hidden Money Pouch 
Enroute Travelers Deluxe Leg Safe