Unless you’re planning to vacation in a war zone, chances are you won’t be the victim of violent crime while traveling. What savvy adventurers need to be on the lookout for, however, is thieves and pickpockets. Petty theft is, by far, the biggest concern for tourists. Given that hotel safes are no longer the bastions of personal security we once thought, here are our favorite anti-theft travel essentials to keep your valuables safe on the go.
Pickpocket-Proof Pants
Would-be thieves know many travelers feel safer keeping their cash and credit cards on their person. This, of course, makes tourists an easy mark. Clothing Arts’ Pick-Pocket Proof Adventure Travel Pants thwart thieves by making it virtually impossible to slip a hand in your pocket without you knowing. The simple, streamlined look of the pants belies the 11 secure pockets underneath. Every pocket boasts multiple security features, including some combination of Velcro, slash-resistance, and snap closure. The pants are also lightweight, quick-drying, and made from a soft, extra comfortable fabric that provides the feel of cotton with all the advantages of nylon.
Portable Travel Safe
Of course, there’s a degree of freedom and safety that comes with not carrying all your most prized possessions in your pockets while traveling. But, for that type of security, you’ll need a portable travel safe. SAFEGO’s Portable Indoor/Outdoor Lockbox is constructed from high-impact ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, ensuring an almost indestructible design. The size is compact and lightweight enough to toss in your luggage without taking up too much space, but large enough for a few cell phones, a point-and-shoot camera, passports, and a couple of wallets — and it weighs less than a pound. Additionally, Pacsafe’s Travelsafe series offers the same protection, but in a clever, soft-sided format that folds nearly flat when not in use. Both products secure via a steel cable to any sturdy structure in your hotel room (a solid headboard, bathroom plumbing, etc.).
Money Belt
Old-school money belts —small, inconspicuous pouches designed to be worn under clothing — have been an essential accessory for decades. Unfortunately, pickpockets are hip to this concept. While even the best thieves would have a difficult time stealing yours without your knowledge, it’s easy pickings for an armed mugger. Enter the hidden travel security belt. We like Eagle Creek’s All Terrain Money Belt — it’s simple, comfortable, and it just works. Worn around the waist like a standard belt, it’s designed to be a bailout plan in the unlikely event that all your other gear has been stolen. In that case, at least you’ll have a stash of cash to help get you safely out of dodge.
RFID-Blocking Wallet
Thanks to the ubiquitous chips in so many modern devices, even pickpocketing has gone high tech. The same credit card chips that provide “tap to pay” convenience at Starbucks make them vulnerable to thieves who use RFID (radio frequency identification) to snatch the card’s details without ever touching the card itself. Ridge Wallet’s Carbon Fiber Wallet features built-in RFID-blocking technology to safeguard your card. The lightweight design holds up to 12 cards, can be disassembled for easy cleaning, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. It also looks very, very cool.
Image courtesy of Ridge Wallet/Instagram.
