My wife and I are still vacationing in Europe (France and Italy), and having an incredible time! I purchased the Rick Steve's money belt and hidden wallet prior to our trip. While the concept of tne hidden wallet is ideal, I have found the product to be inferior. The two belt loops both pulled away from the wallet in less than a week (the first after just ONE day!), and it is now useless for the rest of the trip! I am so glad that I also brought along the money belt, but I am very disappointed in the hidden wallet and do not recommend it for anyone else. Perhaps there is a better one made elsewhere. I advise others to have a back-up plan for safe money storage before traveling. Now, back to the vacation . . . .
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9099 posts
Sounds like you got a defective item...these things happen. I've had my RS hidden wallet for about three years now, taken 7 trips overseas and it's still like brand new.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Thank goodness you took a backup. You were prepared.
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1626 posts
My husband had the same problem with one of the loops. The other loop held up for the whole trip.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4407 posts
The 'same' product from Eagle Creek comes with a diaper pen (used to, anyway...); I always use the pin in place of the actual loops. Perhaps we could arrange a swap ;-) BTW, I also pin my waist-style moneybelt. All of these products could have a malfunction at any time...8-( (of course, pin the actual pouch, not the straps, cords, etc) Now, back to your vacation! Enjoy!
Posted by
Sidney, BC, Canada
882 posts
When you get home return it to whence you bought it for a refund and, if you didn't buy it from ETBD, let Rick Steves' company know the problems you had with it. If there is a problem they cannot fix it if you don't tell them about it.
Posted by
Keizer, Oregon, USA
588 posts
I use a kilt (horse blanket) pin with my hidden wallet as I often do not wear a belt. No problems with anything ripping away. I do wish it was a wee bit larger. I always take two money belts . . . they often need to be washed out and dried after a lot of sweating.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
Not many people know what a horse blanket pin is these days.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
235 posts
I have used Rick's hidden wallet several times with no problems (I cannot bring myself to use a moneybelt). Maybe there was a bad batch? The only things I put in it are my passport and a spare credit card. It probably isn't sturdy enough to hold much more.
Posted by
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
1446 posts
My husband had the same problem with the hidden wallet on his first trip with it. ETBD sent him a new one. He's used this one on several trips with no problems.
Posted by
tulsa
203 posts
I took several choices for money not knowing which I would like. 2 of them failed. The neck cord on the neck pouch became frayed and I was too insecure with it to continue to use it. The money belt clasp did not hold very tightly so I used a bread sack twist tie between both pieces of the clasp to had security. several times the twist tie was the only thing holding it together. However, I don't think it woud have fallen down my pant leg anyway. I had a pack safe bag/purse with shoulder strap that worked great. I also had a leather fanny pack with no cut cable in the strap that had a back hidden pouch inside where I carried most of my money. It was my favorite choice and the one I felt the most secure about. So, good to be prepared the best you can for all the unexpecteds.