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.