moneybelts, which kind to buy

Chantielle,

"do we really need locks"

Whether to use Padlocks on your Packs, twist ties, plastic luggage clips (similar to the ones sold here in the Travel Store) or cable ties is much a matter of personal preference. I prefer to use TSA-approved locks, as it helps to prevent opportunistic theft and using Padlocks makes it easy to access the pack and then re-lock.

One use for Padlocks that you may not have considered is for Hostel Lockers. Where Lockers are provided, users normally have to supply their own Padlocks. I would NOT use a standard luggage Padlock for lockers as they're simply not secure enough. I'd suggest a small to medium size Padlock with "heel & toe" locking (ask a Locksmith what that means). If it's a model that uses a key (as opposed to a combination lock), carrying one or two spare keys is a good idea (keep a spare in your Money Belt).

Cheers!

Everyone has their favorites. After my waist-style moneybelt nearly fell into the toilet at the Colosseum (it was too loose), I adopted the neck pouch which works perfectly for me. Some women hate it, but I generally wear the strap long so the pouch rests against my belly. I also travel in the winter so I'm already in bulkier clothing.

Dad, on the other hand, did just fine with the waist belt except he found that his passport was a bit stiff and awkward, so I ended up carrying it for him.

Not a money belt, but two other RS products I love are the packing cubes, which work great with his daypacks and luggage--you might find another set is better if you aren't purchasing RS luggage. I also love the thumb flashight and use it all the time at home. It's perfect when you wake up in the middle of the night and need something but don't want to bother your partner, and it's also great for peering into dark corners.

I never saw the point in putting locks on the bag. We carried wire twist ties and used those to secure our bags in transit. Twist them up a few times and it slows a thief down, without suggesting "I have valuables I'm locking up!" Our bags were small enough to go on the overhead rack on the train, and we kept the daybag in our laps. We never did a night train, so can't help there.

I use both a money belt and a neck pouch. I keep long items like plane and train tickets in the money belt plus my emergency US cash. I keep my passport, credit cards, ATM cards, driver license, and extra foreign currency in the neck pouch.

Like Liz, I recommend the RS packing cubes.

I use the RS moneybelt and have had no problems with it. A 65 Liter bag would probably have to be checked and I would suggest a TSA lock. I've checked unlocked bags before and had items stolen.

From reading this thread and poking around this site and looking at pictures, for the first time I realize that what I have been using and wearing all these years as a waist pouch is really a neck pouch.

Works for me.

Adam,
oh my gosh that so funny!!

After 6 trips with a waist money belt, I moved to one around my neck and like it better. I use RS: roller carryon bag, packing cubes, clothes lines, towel, flashlight,
bathroom bag that hangs up, day pack, alarm clock, and guide books. I put TSA approved locks on my carryon wherever it is. I also take along a coiled cable and lock for locking our stuff together when not within our sight and than includes in our hotel rooms where we lock stuff together and then to some immovable object.

I keep going back and forth between a neck pouch and money belt. Now I'm thinking about a leg wallet as a better option.

If you get a moneybelt, either buy plastic lined or plan to put all your paper in a ziplock bag inside your moneybelt. It can get sweaty walking all day in warm weather.

Multiple pockets is also a good feature. You can keep cash and credit cards seperate from passport or other important documents.

I switched to a neck-style and prefer it to the waist-style money belt for a variety of reasons. I now wear mine like I do a messenger bag…over one shoulder and under the opposite arm. I wear it under my shirt and will flip it so that the pouch is in the back and not on my side. Access and comfort are much improved over the goofy waist-style (I don’t even notice it’s there). I just found the waist-style to be way too uncomfortable…bulky and hot. And, it’s inconvenient and a little awkward to fish around down the front of your pants when you need something. At first, I was a little worried that I couldn’t always feel the neck-style belt (oh crap, did the shoulder strap break and the whole thing fell out without me realizing it), so that took some getting used to. From a security perspective, however, I’ve found no difference in the level of security I have when comparing the two styles. Oh, the one I now use is the same one Rick sells.

My husband and I both used the neck ones, but keep in mind those euro coins are heavy and my strap broke. I then bought an over the shoulder small messenger type purse and everything was fine and it was much stronger and the straps were wide and strong. And my favorite part is that I did not have to dig down my shirt for my money.

I'll add that I never carried euro coins in the money belt. Those went in a small coin pouch in my jacket pocket along with a 10 or 20 note as the day's spending money. If that got stolen, I'd only be out about 20-40 euro and also saved the wear and tear on my neck pouch.