cargo pants for securing things

The thing I preach is a "security system." We are big fans of pants and shirts with secured pockets and spreading out everything. A credit card in one pocket, cash another, passport somewhere else if not in the money belt, subway ticket another pocket, etc. That way if I am being observed all someone will is a few Euro in a pocket, or lone credit card -- in other words not a tempting target. I firmly believe, others might disagree, that pickpockets are not random. They look for easy targets who through their actions have tipped off the location of their valuables. They only get one shot to hit the right pocket. So I think spreading your stuff over your body in secured pockets is an excellent idea. My principle travel pants is from Sam's Club with 17 pockets with eleven of them secured with velcro or a zipper. Remember -- however -- the easier it is for you to get to, the easier it is for someone to reach it. Someone recent report losing a bill fold from front tight jean pocket and could not believe that it happened. You will not be hit while standing still well aware of surroundings. There will be sine type of a distraction, someone roughly pushing against you in a subway, falling down in front of you or dropping something. And in that two seconds or so that you are distracted they can get anything IF they know what pocket to go for. Just use reasonable precautions and you will be fine. We have done 300+ days of travel over 18 years in some of the great pickpocket capitols of the world and never last a thing or ever been close. And in all the time have never seen a true pickpocket. They are around but not everywhere all the time as some would lead you to believe.

They're probably as secure (or unsecure) as any other pocket.

Two probems:

they're a pain in the neck to button, so you might not

anything heavy goes right to the bottom and rubs your leg raw with even a little bit of walking

Ed, the point I was trying to make is that you don't put everything in one pocket. Just one item in each pockets which makes it less obvious that something is there. While I prefer to carry my passport in a money belt, I have carried in a secured pant pocket I think I am going to need it that day. Since I am not accessing it every hour, no one should know that it is there. Plus pickpockets want cash so they are not going to target my passport.

I would not suggest using the cargo pockets.

The thing to remember with pickpockets is that they are pros. Many of them are very, very good at what they do.

Others are not so subtle, usually doing a bump and grab or something where someone distracts you with a commotion and the the partner makes off with your stuff. Many people lose stuff in crowded areas, walkways, bussses subeays where there is normal touching from being jammed together.

Are you going to be victimized while you are overseas? Probably not. but why make it easier for the folks who want to. The goal is not to be an anti-pickpocket ninja, but to take enough precautions that they will target someone else. Or if you are hit, you don't lose everything or things that are a hassle to replace.

There are several styles of money belts. Things that strap around your waist, ones that hang down your pant leg, or around your neck. Some women have reported using a pouch that fastened to their bra.

Try some out before you go.

Frank,

Not arguing. I was typing while you were and had not idea what you'd said until I hit "post".

Your philosophy has great merit. My point was how much trouble those stinking side pockets give me.

I wear cargo pants -- and usually take at least 1 pair with me to Europe. I don't, however, put anything I want to keep in any of the pockets!

A bottle of water, yes -- map, sure -- half-eaten doner kebap, often... but... my real money, passport, etc... all go in the money belt. No exceptions.

I wear cargo pants with a hidden zipper. I use a neck wallet also, but sometimes I'm wearing a shirt that just screams "neck wallet!" and so I go for the cargo pants. If they weren't zippered with a flap over the zipper then I wouldn't use them. My passport wallet is thin and broad, and it is difficult to get it into the pocket much less remove it without drawing my attention. When I am going to be in a crowded situation such as on a city bus, I will definitely use a neck wallet. I have also used a "fake" decoy wallet in my back pocket to try to fool any would-be pickpockets into going there instead.

I have read many reports of people who 'can't imagine a pickpocket' doing X -- getting into a velcro'd pocket, front pocket of jeans, etc. and then spent their vacation replacing their passports, canceling credit cards, etc. Conversely, I've never seen anyone with a properly-worn money belt report the same. It's your call, but do you REALLY want to take the risk?

As the other posters have said, the pickpockets are absolute professionals and they are a lot smarter than all of us put together when it comes to separating you and your valuables.

My preferred method is to wear the neck wallet (I don't like the waist belt) with the majority of my secured items. I then have a small change pouch that I keep all the coins and the day's spending money in. Since I travel in the winter, I have a rain jacket with a small zippered pocket right on the breast, where I keep the coin pouch. A thief would pretty much have to molest me to get at that pocket, and I STILL wouldn't put anything valuable in there.

Cindy, when we went to Paris, my husband thought the exact same thing. He didn't want to wear his money belt because he felt that the deep, velcroed pockets in his cargo pants would keep everything safe. So, he put the money belt containing his passport, money and credit cards in his pocket. We got on the metro at the Bir-Hakeim station (which serves the Eiffel Tower) and we sat close to the doors where our 14 yr. old son was standing. My husband felt a hand in his pocket and gripped it as the door was closing--it was a 9-11 yr. old girl. Of course, he let go. This was our first day of our vacation. Thank goodness we have separate credit card accounts and I had copies of the passports. At midnight, my son had a hunch. He said we should go back to that station and talk to the attendants in the office. Sure enough, the money belt had been found under the stairs. Everything except the cash was still there. We were extremely lucky. The gypsies and their young accomplices are very clever. They can get away with it because the youngsters are under age. Ever since that day, my husband always wears his money belt inside his shirt at his waist. Anything of value is in our money belts, even our daily cash. We wear our belts not only for safety but for the peace of mind that all of our belongings are in once place. It would be so easy for us to forget or leave something behind on a nightstand, in a hotel safe, etc. Have fun!

Two years ago in Rome we ran into another American couple who had just had their wallet stolen. He had his wallet in his cargo pants pocket (the one on the thigh), it was buttoned and they were being cautious. They said a group of kids came up to them and caused a ruckus. Before they new what was happening his wallet was gone. the thieves are professionals and most of the time you won't know that it is happening. They also come in all shapes and sizes from kids to teens to moms and business men. They don't all look like beggars and gypsies. I would suggest getting a money belt or a pacsafe bag. If you will be carrying a purse or bag anyway you should consider one that is built to protect against theft.

Donna

I am fortunate to have a brother that lives in Roma and I travel to Italy at least once a year. I always keep my cash in the pockets of cargo pants when I travel and I have never had anything lost or stolen. When I fly, I keep my passport in one pocket and my cash in the other. However, I can leave the majority of my valuables at my brother's house safely once I arrive. This makes a big difference. I only take with me, what I will need for that day. I am not a fan of money belts but many are. I never carry my passport when I am just out walking around. I keep my driver's license with me and a copy of my passport. When I travel around Italy, of course I have to have it. As many posters have said, just be aware...especially when on buses that are frequented by tourists. The thieves routinely ride these buses looking for a target. When approached by gypsies, often children, say "va via" in a firm voice which means "go away" and they might just think you are a local! Which ever you choose, belt or pants, just dress down, don't be flashy and keep your wits about you! You will have a blast. Enjoy!