Civita Hidden Pocket and similar belt-based wallets

They aren't any more awkward to access than money belts; remember you'll be using any of these devices as "deep storage," not for your daily pocket money.

However, my husband once had an unfortunate experience with a hidden pocket. Here's a link to the story. It was an unusual chain of events that led to it but still, stuff happens. Some people made other suggestions in the comments.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/hidden-pocket-a-cautionary-tale

I use the Eagle Creek hidden with its belt loop and tucked inside under my pants waist. In way this "hidden pocket" does serve as a waist attached wallet. Comfort doesn't factor into it. What goes into it is cash, no passport, credit cards, etc., no ID.

I have used the RS hidden pocket for several tours and always have found them to be comfortable and easy to access. However, the referenced link to a story of one being lost when the belt was taken off at security can happen. It happened to me once, but I felt it dropping down my pants leg.

Wow this is thought provoking. I have always assumed you can’t go through security wearing a money belt. Plus we leave our Passports in our RS belts except at airports. In re: to the link, we use a two person method to clear security. One goes through and keeps an eye out for the bags as I send them through. I have to clear through a scanner because of the new improved hips and that often can delay my getting through. Sorry I didn’t answer your question.

Jane, I must have missed your story. I had a similar experience back in 1996 on my first trip to Europe ever. I was in London, the day before I was leaving (after a 3 week trip) and headed into the Twinings shop to buy some tea. Imagine my horror when I discovered my money belt was missing under my raincoat. And the belt had ALL my money, my two credit cards, my travelers' checks and my passport.

Luckily, because I had an AMEX card (in the money belt, of course), I was able to cash a $300 check at the AMEX office (I had brought a blank check for God knows what reason). I then spent the next 4 hours at the embassy (with a short trip to a shop to get photos made) getting a new passport for my return trip. I was determined not to let it spoil the rest of the day, however, so I proceeded to have a nice dinner, where I drank a half carafe of wine, then went on a London Walks pub walk, where I drank 2 pints of ale, and ended up at the Ceremony of the Keys where I had to pee so bad, one of the Beefeaters let me into his living quarters to use the toilet.

Three weeks later, I received the belt in the mail, with all the contacts intact. Evidently a student had found it laying on the sidewalk and turned it in. I was so happy that I got her address, packaged up all the money and mailed it to her (it was about £50). BUT I've never worn a money belt or money neck wallet since. :-)

I have used an Eagle Creek Hidden Pocket for over 30 years. (Not the same one.)

It is on all the time. The only time it comes off is when I am going through airport security. Then it is placed at the bottom of a deep pocket.

Never lost it or had it drop off. I hardly know it's there.

This is my preferred way of carrying valuables, however, I never wear a belt. I pin the hidden pocket to the inside of my pants, usually behind a cargo pocket or along the side of my leg. I use two small safety pins. I have also pinned mine to the side seam of a skirt. If it is placed along an area that does not need to bend, it is very comfortable.

My husband has been using the hidden pocket for years. It stays in his personal item bag until after he goes through security.

I am wondering about selecting the Civita Hidden Pocket, as we already have moneybelts. One of the things I have wanted to obtain is a thin wallet that only carries one or two credit cards and cash. I would have looped it onto my wrist with a wrist lanyard connected to one or both of the loops attached to the Civita. I wonder how successful it will be f I use this and attach a wrist lanyard to it (and/or also attach it to a “leash” in my personal item I am carrying).

Thoughts?

Actually, I just asked “ChatGPT” for recommendations for the RS security items offered for trips, and this is what I received:

When it comes to keeping your valuables safe while traveling, the Rick Steves Hidden Pocket, a neck wallet, and a money belt each offer different levels of security and convenience. The safest option depends on your personal preferences and travel circumstances, but here’s how they compare:

1. Rick Steves Hidden Pocket Safety: This is typically worn under your clothes, which makes it one of the most secure options. It's a simple, low-profile pouch that you can use to carry cash, cards, and sometimes a passport. Because it's hidden under clothing, it reduces the risk of pickpockets or opportunistic theft. Pros: Discreet and hard for pickpockets to access. Lightweight and comfortable for everyday use. Cons: It’s not as convenient for frequent access since it’s tucked under your clothes. It also doesn't hold as many items as a money belt or neck wallet.
2. Neck Wallet Safety: Neck wallets are worn around your neck (often under your shirt) and can hold your passport, money, and cards. They’re less secure than a hidden pocket since they can be seen if you're not careful, making them more vulnerable to theft. However, they can still be effective if kept under your shirt. Pros: Easy to access, which is great for keeping your essentials handy while you’re on the go. If worn under clothing, it’s fairly discreet. Cons: More noticeable than a hidden pocket, especially if you're in crowded areas. Thieves could target your neck area, and it’s easy to forget it's there when you bend down or move.
3. Money Belt Safety: Money belts are worn around your waist and usually tucked under your clothing. They provide a high level of security because they are difficult for thieves to access, especially when worn properly and under tight clothing. They tend to be the most secure option for storing valuables while traveling. Pros: Very discreet if worn correctly. Holds a larger number of items (such as cash, cards, passport) than a hidden pocket or neck wallet. It's more comfortable and secure for long days of travel. Cons: May be uncomfortable in hot weather or with tight clothing. Can be awkward to access frequently, as you need to unbuckle or adjust your clothing to reach it. It can also be more noticeable if you're in a situation where you need to take it off. Comparison of Safety: Most Secure: Money belt. When worn properly (under tight clothing), it’s the hardest for pickpockets to access and is the most discreet. It’s a great choice if you're worried about theft in crowded areas or on public transport. Moderately Secure: Rick Steves Hidden Pocket. This option is fairly secure but slightly less so than a money belt because it doesn’t hold as much and is more accessible if someone is close to you (e.g., in a crowd). Least Secure: Neck Wallet. While it offers convenience, it can be the most obvious and accessible to pickpockets, especially in busy tourist areas. It's better than carrying items openly in a bag, but it’s not as safe as the other two options when worn around the neck. Conclusion: If maximal security is your priority and you're traveling to high-risk areas, the money belt is your best bet, as it’s the most hidden and difficult to access. The Rick Steves Hidden Pocket is a good balance between security and comfort if you want something more discrete and low-profile. The neck wallet is a solid option for convenience but should be used carefully since it’s more exposed to potential theft. Ultimately, your choice will depend on how much access you need to your valuables, how secure you want them to be, and how comfortable you are with the different types of wear. Many travelers use a combination of these—like a money belt for the majority of their valuables and a neck wallet for easy access to a small amount of cash or cards.

I hope this helps.

My husband uses the hidden pocket and prefers it to the traditional money belt or a neck wallet. Pretty sure he waits until after airport security to install it. For rare cases where you might have to unbuckle your belt (restroom etc) it probably makes sense to put the hidden pocket after the first belt loop so that it wouldn’t slip off very easily.

OP is correct in saying it may be difficult to access while out in public but that’s kind of the point. It’s just for deep storage and rare access, just like a money belt (maybe having to show your passport at a hotel or something). Daily Cash and credit card goes somewhere else safe (pocket, crossbody bag, etc).

I myself prefer the regular money belt. I think the hidden pocket works better for men because their pants and shorts are generally looser in that area than womens’.