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A great alternative to money belt!

I loathe the money belt and on my last trip I hated it so much, I packed it away. Risky, I know.
I found the Flip Belt designed for runners. It is much flatter and tighter and sits low on your torso. It was originally designed for runners to store their phone and keys and maybe cash or cc. Now it's also designed with a zippered compartment where you could store a passport or other items besides your phone. It doesn't make you look pregnant or fat like the money belt and it is far more comfortable.
Here is a link if anyone is curious.

https://flipbelt.com

Posted by
1217 posts

Glad you found something you like, though I never had a problem with feeling like my money belt added bulk.

Posted by
3 posts

Remember you still have to take off the belt when you go thru security

Posted by
6265 posts

Unfortunately, it's not my money belt that makes me look fat!

And a tip I learned some years ago from one of our guides (Thank you, Jennifer!) is to wear the money belt backwards, with the pouch riding below your waist in the small of your back. It's so comfortable there, I really do forget I have it on. My DH finally tried that technique this year, and he found the same thing. In fact, he once forgot to take it off when he went to bed!

Posted by
1611 posts

:D LOL, Jane. Me, too.

I find a neck pouch works well for me, but I use it only while in transit. For trouping around during the day, I just use my purse (a Travelon, anti-theft bag).

Posted by
681 posts

My one concern is that the Flip Belt is a heavier material than a money belt and might be uncomfortable in warm weather. Also, my Flip Belt is bulkier than the money belt - not something I'd want under my travel clothes.

Posted by
158 posts

Great tip on wearing the money belt backwards, I will try that.

Another alternative is an infinity scarf with a hidden zipper pocket sewn into it. I have a couple I'm going to use for our December trip since it will be cool weather anyway. You can find them on Etsy or Amazon, but I bet it wouldn't be that hard to make one if you are handy with a sewing machine.

Posted by
3200 posts

Hi Kristen, That's an interesting option and one that would have worked great for me in my skinnier and younger days as I needed a little hip padding. I, too, can't stand a waist belt and the neck pouch does not work for my buxom self. I wear bootleg pants all the time anyway so I love the leg belt, which sits just below the knee. http://shop.eaglecreek.com/undercover-leg-wallet/d/1131 I've been wearing them for years and had no problem with it slipping, but my calf is curved. It is so comfortable and forgettable that I often forget to take it off until I'm crawling into bed...when I actually wear it! I've been thinking about Shold-it lately. https://www.sholdit.com Now that I can't wear the money belt item during air transport, I tend not to use it unless traveling on trains from location to location...or if I'm solo traveling as I am more careful of my credit cards then. Wray

Posted by
36 posts

The flip belt is denser material than the money belt. I have a lighter version (different brand. Lots of new variations of the same theme available at REI) without a zipper.
I prefer the lighter one when I'm exercising. Obviously while I'm exercising, I get sweaty but these are easy to wash. As purely a money belt I haven't found it too hot yet but the day might come.
I tend to use a cross body purse most of the time. And I never put on a money belt prior to going through security. I find it gets too hectic and the less bags/items I have to send through the xray, the better.
The difference for me is comfort. I'm more likely to use it if it's comfortable to wear. The many money belts the kids and I have both tried have ended up in our luggage where it's function ceases to be of value. ..

Posted by
36 posts

Great ideas! I love how many different ways we arrive at practical solutions and what works for each of us. I'll pass along these ideas to my boys. They are still looking for the right solution for them.

Posted by
3580 posts

Spring and fall I like to wear a travel vest with lots of pockets. Some are secure and convenient. I keep things in different pockets so I'm not lumpy.

Posted by
528 posts

I have worn my money belt in the small of My back since my first tour, 2005. I can't say I have ever lost consciousness of it being there, but it is more comfortable than worn to the front.

This year, I bought my spousal unit a Civita Hidden Pocket.. After much grumbling, he decided to try it out on our last tour. He loved it, he wore it on his hip, like a wallet, only inside his pants. He liked it so much I am considering one for myself.

Posted by
630 posts

Another alternative is an infinity scarf with a hidden zipper pocket
sewn into it. I have a couple I'm going to use for our December trip
since it will be cool weather anyway. You can find them on Etsy or
Amazon, but I bet it wouldn't be that hard to make one if you are
handy with a sewing machine.

Sarah, I too like the idea of a hidden zipper in scarf. However, I'm nervous I would take it off if I got hot. My leg wallet, money belt or neck wallet never leave my body unless I'm in the hotel room.

Posted by
208 posts

I used the civita hidden pocket while on our trip to Europe in 2014. I have the money belt and neck pouch from previous trips. I liked the hidden pocket, but I am going to have to adjust it somewhat as my passport got a little curved when I wear it. Also, I don't always wear a belt, so I am going to use something to just fasten it to my belt loops on my trip to Europe in Sept. I will also bring either the money belt or neck pouch as back-up.

Posted by
221 posts

OK, weighing in with my thoughts. I have worn a money belt and a neck pouch on various trips and find the neck pouch to be preferable BUT i sling it cross body under my top garment so that it rests between my armpit and waist, pinning the adjustable strap to my bra strap to hide it. . Also, my neck pouch is fairly small but still can fit money and a passport. Some neck pouches are larger than mine. When using a money belt, I usually put extra money, credit cards, etc in a sandwich ziplock bag inside the money belt to keep them from getting damp. also, It pays to wash the money belt or pouch sometime during the trip. Money belts are much more comfortable with the pouch worn in the back. Can't say that i have forgotten I have on either but it does provide peace of mine while traveling. Another tip that I have found helpful is to make a reduced sized color picture of the photo and signature page of your passport and them fold, laminate and you have a pretty good ID to carry in your wallet as an additional ID during the day.

Posted by
430 posts

I just got back from Europe and used the original flipbelt. It was awesome. I still had my moneybelt (hidden pock one) for the passport and deep storage, and kept my wallet in the flipbelt. Super secure and easy access. Wanted to put my iphone in there as well, but because of the wallet going in and out all the time, and needing quick access to the camera on the iphone I didn't. As soon as I got home, I ordered the larger, zippered version. I used the flipbelt at home all the time for biking. Shove the iphone in, mount a bluetooth speaker on the bike and I've got quadraphonic, hi-fidelity stereo :)

Posted by
1077 posts

I'm glad you found something that works for you, I left my money belt at home now because I use pants from Clothing Arts that is designed to prevent pick pocking and so far they have worked perfectly.

Posted by
13 posts

My husband and I are going to England in a couple weeks. Here's my solution to the money belt, which I hope will work well. I have sewn hidden, stealth pockets into my husband pants and shorts. They're easily accessed with a zipper, and duplicate the right front pocket, sitting right beneath it. The zipper is simple to work and not detectable when first slipping one's hand into the front pocket (for security). I seem to collect zippers, so scrounging for the materials was easy. He loves these pockets, so far. I'll report when we return.

Posted by
630 posts

I have sewn hidden, stealth pockets into my husband pants and shorts.
They're easily accessed with a zipper, and duplicate the right front
pocket, sitting right beneath it.

Nancy, this is a great idea. Do you add the secret pocket in the pant's pocket. So, he can access the secret pocket by putting his hand in his pant's pocket? I'm just trying to figure out where you put the pocket. I may steal your idea. :)