Slash Proof Bag for Wallet?

If you plan what's in your money belt wisely, you shouldn't have to dog around very often, if at all. We always keep enough cash for the day with us (in a pocket of our fanny pack). The money belt is for stuff that you don't want to leave in the room (e.g., a passport, when there's no safe at the hotel, cash cards, credit cards, and more cash).

I wouldn't stress over what you use to carry your stuff - just be comfortable and careful. And, put the crucial stuff in a money belt, minimizing how often (if at all) you have to access it during the day.

I don't know if that helps. And, I'm not telling you not to be an idiot and just use a money belt! ;^)

Here's what Rick has learned about that subject in 3000 days in Europe (30 yrs x 100 days/yr): "Money belts are your key to peace of mind. I never travel without one. * * * It [a money belt] is luxurious peace of mind. I'm uncomfortable only when I'm not wearing it." And you're right, it's only one person's opinion--but he's made a bunch of money giving the right opinion for many travelers.Another Rick quote: "The biggest mistakes that tourists make: packing too heavily, relying on outdated guidebooks, not wearing a money belt, and taking other people's opinions too seriously."

You may be turned off by a money belt or similar, but I'm sure turned off by the idea of lugging a "laptop bag" all over Italy just to carry my wallet. There's no way on earth I'd do that.

I don't think slashing is such a problem in Italy. It's more pickpockets and thieves picking up things you've left laying around without attention.

If you're really opposed to the money belt, I would at least recommend looking in to buying a smaller slash proof bag!

There are smaller ones that are man-friendly :) My husband is very happy with his MetroSafe 100 from PacSafe when we go in to tourist-y areas.

For my wallet though, I prefer the MetroSafe 200, because it is much harder to get in to than the 100. The 100 does have a zipper clip, which poses a small challenge to the pickpocket. But the 200 has a flap and then a double zipper clip before they get anywhere near where the wallet is stored.

Sorry guys, I should have mentioned I am carrying this large bag because it will also be housing my digital SLR camera and lenses ...

Brian - My question would be do you have enough "bag sense"? What I mean is, as a woman I am very used to carrying a purse. I know not to hang it off my chair and how to carry it in a crowded subway. I don't use a moneybelt and have my own "tricks" that work well for me. Having said that, I don't think my husband would do well with a laptop bag, backpack, etc. He would think, like you, that if anyone tried to rip it away from him, slashproof or not, he would hold onto it, or go after them or whatever. You don't need to worry as much about someone "slashing" your bag as you do about the small boy in back of you on the crowded Itlian bus/train who is putting his fingers INTO your bag (even though it is fastened shut) and lifting your wallet. Everyone I know who has been pickpocketed or had an attempted pickpocket (me, twice) dealt with the unnoticed lifting of the wallet, NOT with a forcible grab of the entire bag/purse.

I honestly don't know how my own husband would deal with traveling in Rome (the place we've had our 2 attempts) if he were without me. As it is he has lost 2 cameras due to putting them down and forgetting to pick them up again because he is just not used to carrying something with him all the time. I carry his passport, our tickets etc. So maybe you should listen to the other men on this board or just be sure that your bag sense is equal to a "big city woman's purse sense"!

When reading Karen's comments, saying she carries her husband's airline tickets, etc., it brought to mind that IF they ever got separated like on a train where one car disconnects from the other and you are on one of the cars AND your traveling partner is on the other, it would be good for each person to carry their own paperwork. Also, my opinion, is always have your passport on you in case you run into any kind of situation. Each person should have money on them. While traveling in Germany one year on a bus that made a stop, my husband went to confirm a B&B - I went to buy something for dinner. It was 5 pm. Well, I did not have any money on me and the bus left just as he returned so..."I" learned my lesson to always have some foreign currency in my money belt. Back to pickpockets. Just be aware of your surroundings. Don't get too close to people if you can help it. Beware of someone offering to help you at the ticket machine. On the tube, make sure your bag is locked or have zip ties on the pulls and have your hand on that part in front of you. If a man has money in his front pocket, at least keep your hand in your pocket! Never put your bag down when you are eating. Keep whatever you are carrying on your lap!

Brian i really dont see the need for a "carry all" type of bag. In theory the purpose of travel is to excite the mind and let your soul run free. why then would you carry such a large bag in order to house your camera and wallet. really all you need is a smaller back pack that you can lock yourself rather than a huge bag just for two items that makes you more of a target. If someone wants something bad enough they will take it - no matter what city you are in. Also, i wouldnt suggest taking your wallet anyway when you are out. Copies of your ID are sufficient enough and a debit or credit card along with cash are fine.

We prefer the necklace-style money belt, rather than one that goes around the waist.

brian, I often use a courier type bag, which sounds a bit like you are intending to use. Snacks, camera, purse (Australian word for lady's wallet Kent), water bottle. No worries for safety ever. In particularly busy areas I might have my hand on the top.

Wear a money belt and keep your passport and most of your money, credit cards in it. Keep what cash you will need for the day in a front pocket. No need to be digging into your money belt. I have lived in Italy for severeal years and have been returning almost annually for 35 years. Just started wearing a money belt about 10 years ago. Never had a problem before or after wearing the belt. Piece of mind dictates having your passport and cash secure.