I lent my money belt to a friend, who didn't listen to my advice and put it in her purse & the purse was stolen. {sigh}. I had an older, one-zipper Rick Steve's belt that I loved. I thought it was a cotton one. I was dismayed to find the model was discontinued. I'm not wild about the Rick Steves' label on the front--in the event I wear light/ white pants. Which material is better? I'm leaning towards the silk, but am concerned about its durability. I also read a review on Amazon that said it stunk-- literally-- after each day of wear. Those problems I didn't have with my old RS money belt. Suggestions? Thank you in advance.
Posted by
USA
139 posts
I use a nylon one I got from Target. It doesn't get as wet as the cotton. No RS label obviously.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32320 posts
In addition to the RS Money Belts, you could also have a look at....
http://www.magellans.com/small-bags-and-wallets/wallets-and-money-belts?limit=60
http://shop.eaglecreek.com/money-belts-neck-wallets/l/312
Those two sites provide a number of different solutions, including leg wallets, etc.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Also wanted to know, how STURDY is the silk moneybelt? I had my old one for decades. Would silk last that long?
Posted by
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
2349 posts
Silk fabric is very strong and long lasting. Sometimes you may have problems along the seams if the stitching wasn't done properly, but the fabric is strong. I haven't bought it yet, but I'm planning on getting the RS silk one.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
I used the RS silk pocket, very comfortable and you can "hang" it where you want. I would not trade durability for comfort on something that gets used just two or three weeks a year, so did not want the polyester one.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Silk is naturally a strong fabric, and breathable, but I think the microfiber version is even sturdier. I put my paper items inside a ziplock bag inside the money belt, which will make it less breathable.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
My silk one has lasted through many trips, and many cycles in the washing machine. And it's still fine. Unlike what you read on Amazon, I've never noticed any odor. When I get home from each trip, I just throw it in the washer.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3838 posts
"I also read a review on Amazon that said it stunk-- literally-- after each day of wear."
I put a fresh, scented dryer sheet in my RS money belt each day. Takes care of this problem. I use the one that goes around your waist.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
I have worn a RS money belt every summer in Europe for a month for 12 of the last 13 years. I get a new one from the RS folks every year due to the fact that I take a RS tour every year. I use to use the one that went around your waist but have switched to one that hangs around my neck which I like better. I have never washed one and have never smelled anything unusual. I also put anything of paper composition into a zip lock bag before storing it in my money belt.
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
I recommend the Hidden Wallet. It is advertised at "Travel Store" at this website.
Posted by
USA
32 posts
My husband and I both used a hidden pocket that went on our belt loops and then tucked inside of our pants where our pants pockets are. We felt very comfortable with them and we were able to access them when needed but felt things were securely tucked away for the remainder of the time. They worked very well for us. I was able to carry 3 passports (me and 2 of our kids) , back up credit and ATM cards, and cash in mine. The band of the money belts irritated me around my waist and I ended up with a rash when I wore it prior to our trip to try it out. After finding the alternative for me, my husband liked the hidden pocket as well and ordered one for himself. We purchased them on amazon for $20 each. We had no issues with them at all. We just returned home and I washed them both - they look, feel, and smell brand new.