Having money or personal valuables stolen is never a good thing. But when it happens while traveling, it can be a disaster. To help give you peace of mind while on vacation, we tested eight hands-free security pouches designed to protect and keep your personal items safe and out of sight. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since the fanny pack.
Personal Stash
L.C. Industries ($5.95 at www.packinglight.net)
A small pouch that attaches to bra straps.
Size: 41/2 by 3 inches, 0.2 ounce.
What we liked: It’s comfortable and convenient – if you’re a woman. Perfect for carrying and concealing cash, credit cards, ID, jewelry and maybe even a lip gloss. And it’s pretty much pickpocket-proof: If somebody’s grabbing at it, you’ll likely notice.
What we didn’t: Not large enough to hold a passport or travel documents.
Zip-It Security Travel Sock
TravelSmith ($24.75 per pair at www.travelsmith.com)
A mid-calf sock with a zippered pocket (one per pair). Cushioned foot bed wicks away moisture. Available in black and tan.
Size: Unisex sizes, 3.4 ounces per pair.
What we liked: They’re convenient and comfortable, with a large enough pocket to hold money, a passport and folded travel docs. The nylon zipper won’t set off metal detectors.
What we didn’t: Though the idea is great, the style, not so much. For use under pants, they’re perfect, but if you’re off to someplace warm and sunny, they’re probably not your best bet.
Neck Pouch
Target ($9 in stores only)
A multipocket pouch worn around the neck.
Size: 81/4 by 51/2 inches, 0.9 ounce.
What we liked: Lots. The two large pockets for a passport, folded travel documents and cash, and one small pocket for change, keys or jewelry. The neck cord is adjustable, and the fabric felt so nice against our skin that we didn’t even remember we had it on until we needed to retrieve some money.
What we didn’t: If your clothes expose your neck, the cord will be seen, so your secret stash won’t be so secret.
Deluxe Secret Wallet
Magellan’s ($9.85 at www.magellans.com)
A wallet that attaches to a belt and tucks inside pants.
Size: 8 by 5 inches, 0.7 ounce.
What we liked: One small and two large interior pockets, the brown and black loops to match different belt colors and the locking safety pin to fasten the wallet to the inside of beltless pants or a skirt. The polyester material is soft against the skin, and the way it lies flat against the leg is discreet.
What we didn’t: The safety pin works well, but it can easily be lost.
All Terrain Money Belt
Eagle Creek ($15 at www.eaglecreek.com)
A nylon belt with a hidden zippered pocket. Adjustable, quick release and comes in four colors: palm (green), rapid (blue), black and brown.
Size: 1.3 by a whopping 42 inches, 3.2 ounces.
What we liked: The swell idea.
What we didn’t: It was difficult to insert and retrieve money from the very narrow pocket. We could stash only a key and bills that were folded several times over. And the “quick release” isn’t all that quick.
Arm Wallet
Travel Oasis ($13.95 at www.traveloasis.com)
A wallet, available in tan and blue, that stretches more than 31/2 inches in diameter around the arm.
Size: 41/2 by 31/2 inches, 0.7 ounce.
What we liked: It’s convenient, comfortable and undetectable if you’re wearing long sleeves. The two pockets are perfect for carrying essentials.
What we didn’t: It’s not so secret if you have short sleeves, and it’s not large enough to hold a passport.
UnderCover Leg Stash
Eagle Creek ($15 at www.eaglecreek.com)
A dual-pocket pouch designed to be worn under pants. Secures around the leg with Velcro straps. Antimicrobial and high-absorbency fabric is supposed to wick away moisture. Available in black and tan.
Size: 7 by 8 inches, 1.3 ounces.
What we liked: The pockets are roomy enough for money, a passport and folded travel docs. The fit is convenient and comfortable, and the Velcro straps felt strong and secure.
What we didn’t: The pouch was so unassuming that if it had fallen off, we might not have noticed. It’s also not so great if you’re wearing shorts.
Travel Security Pouch
Brookstone ($15 at www.brookstone.com)
A pouch meant to be worn around the waist and under clothing. Adjustable strap, quick-release buckle, elasticized band, water resistant.
Size: 51/2 by 12 inches, 1.5 ounces.
What we liked: The separate airline ticket and passport-currency pockets; this is the roomiest of the bunch.
What we didn’t: It sits flat against the body but felt scratchy against the skin, making it also the least comfortable of the bunch.
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