7 Ways to Protect

Your Valuables
While Traveling

CHRISTINE SARKIS
97
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Purses get snatched, pockets get picked, and a hotel safe isn’t
always in the cards. Happily, there are more and more clothing and
accessory options that offer discreet storage for your passport,
money, and other high-value belongings. These jackets, hats, socks,
and other items are perfect, whether you’re protecting valuables or
simply want to ditch the bulky bag (and the dreaded, sweaty money
belt).

7 Ways to Protect Your Valuables While

Traveling

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(Photo: SCOTTEVEST)

Scottevest Trench
There's the usual storage you'd find in a jacket, and then there's
Scottevest. The company estimates it has sold more than 10 million
pockets, a high number until you find out that its products have up to
42 pockets each. The trench is no exception—with a minimum of 18
pockets, it's a veritable fabric vault for your valuables. Since it was
designed to evenly balance the weight of full pockets, it can easily
and comfortably replace a day bag or purse … as long as you don't
need to take it off.
Road Test: After a lifetime wearing clothes, I thought I understood
pockets. But from the moment I slipped my hand into the pocket of
the women's trench, it was clear I had entered a whole new universe
of storage technology. I had to refer back to the X-ray-view pocket
map dozens of times to make sure I was properly harnessing the
power of the jacket. There are specially designed hidey-holes for
memory cards, digital cameras, passports, phones, Bluetooths,
glasses (the glasses pocket even comes with a chamois on an elastic
cord), and more. There's an elastic band in one of the pockets to
secure a water bottle. There are hidden pockets, easy-access
pockets, and I'm pretty sure a few pockets I have yet to find.
Great For: Cool-weather destinations and when you don't want to
carry a bag but still have a lot to tote. Also: hoarders on the go and
anyone flying Spirit (which charges for carry-ons).
(Photo: Christine Sarkis)

Tilley Endurables Hat

The Tilley Hat is a long-term relationship in a world of wardrobe one-
night stands. The sizing process is elaborate, the style choices are
extensive, and the owner's manual is four (amusing) pages long.
Designed for comfort and longevity, the hat was built to be a trusty
travel companion. And with a Velcro pocket in the crown, it does
double duty as a secret storage solution. Most hats don't have secret
compartments, so most pickpockets aren't likely to target headwear.
Two soft straps—one meant to be placed behind the head, Canadian
Mountie-style, and the other used as a normal chin strap—keep the
hat in place on windy days.
Road Test: I could comfortably wear the hat while it held a passport,
a credit card, and a small amount of cash. But since every item
reduces the depth of the hat, it's best not to get overly ambitious. For
instance, while the pocket was technically large enough to hold a cell
phone, wearing it felt about as comfortable as you'd imagine storing
your phone on top of your head would feel.
Great For: The beach, hiking, and when you want to minimize gear
and maximize sun protection. With a UPF rating of 50-plus, it will
keep you well protected.
(Photo: SHOLDIT)

Sholdit
Part scarf, part purse, the Sholdit allows you to accessorize and
disguise simultaneously. The looped scarf has a zippered pocket that
can be discretely tucked away so it looks like a regular scarf. It can
be used as an infinity scarf or a shoulder wrap; it can also be tucked
into itself and used as an evening clutch. The Sholdit comes in a
variety of colors, lengths, and textures.
Road Test: The more you put in the Sholdit, the less natural drape
you get, so it's best to choose your items wisely. Carrying a passport,
a bit of money, a credit card, and a single key didn't compromise
comfort or the way it hung. However, when I added my smartphone,
the shape of the scarf changed, the zipper turned outward in a way
that was much more difficult to disguise, and the fit was less
comfortable. But as long as it wasn't weighed down too much, the
Sholdit was very comfortable. I was able to eat, read, walk, and drive
without feeling like it got in the way.
Great For: When you need only a few things but don't want to carry a
purse.
(Photo: Clever Travel Companion)

Clever Travel Companion Tank Top

If kangaroos had this shirt, they wouldn't need pouches. The pocket
on Clever Travel Companion's tank top is perfectly placed for comfort
and security. As with the company's other gear (undershirts, long
underwear, and underwear), the idea is to incorporate storage into
the clothes you'll already be wearing. And since the tank top can be
layered underneath your regular clothing, there's precious little
chance of forgetting it somewhere when you're out and about.
Road Test: The tank top itself was comfortable and flattering, and
the zippered pocket was substantial but not bulky. It easily held a
passport, credit cards, a thin stack of money, and a key, all without
too much bulge—though when filled, it looked best as a layer
underneath another shirt or sweater. I found it to be much more
comfortable and secure than a traditional money belt, since your
valuables are squarely in the middle of your body instead of at the
intersection of shirts and pants. Plus, it does double duty as an outfit
layer.
Great For: Easy integration into a variety of wardrobes.
Find It: The tank top is available for about $30
at CleverTravelCompanion.com.
(Photo: Zip It Gear)

Zip It Gear Passport Security Socks

Far more hygienic and definitely safer than stuffing valuables into the
cuff of a sock, Zip It Gear's Passport Security Socks come with a
zippered compartment built to hold a passport. These socks were
truly made for travel: The zipper is nylon, so as not to set off metal
detectors, and the socks were designed to reduce swelling and
eliminate blisters and odors. They also dry overnight—a definite plus
for those on-the-road sink washes.
Road Test: These socks are neither too thin nor too thick and were
clearly designed with comfort in mind. They're soft, they have a flat
toe seam and a form-fitting arch, and they have a bit of extra padding
in the sole. The pocket sits above the ankle and conforms to the
shape of your leg, so there's no weird rubbing or gapping. I was able
to fit a passport easily, though when I removed it an hour later it was
bent into the shape of my calf. I thought a credit card might be
uncomfortable since it's more rigid than a passport, but it was fine as
long as it sat in the pocket lengthwise. I even managed to stash a key
in the pocket without incident. The downside? Only one sock has a
zippered pocket.
Great For: Zippered storage anytime you're wearing socks.
(Photo: Christine Sarkis)

Bison Designs T Lock Money Belt

There are money belts—the soggy, beige fanny packs worn under
clothing—and then there's the Bison Designs T Lock Money Belt, an
actual belt with an interior pocket. Made of nylon webbing with a
plastic buckle, this travel-friendly accessory can be left on at airport
security. Along the inside, a thin zippered compartment runs most of
the length of the belt. While the neutral unisex design doesn't aspire
to fashion heights, it does come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Road Test: The belt fits easily through men's and women's belt
loops, but its slim profile means the hidden zippered pocket is quite
narrow. There's no room for passports or credit cards, though it
stores money folded lengthwise into quarters quite well. What it lacks
in width it makes up for in length, though; you can essentially encircle
yourself in hidden cash using this belt. And since you (I hope) are
unlikely to take off your belt and forget it while you're, say, climbing
Sagrada Familia or strolling the Great Wall of China, it offers a
degree of security that comes from being an easily integrated
accessory.
Great For: Holding your pants up, getting through airport security
without stripping down, and carrying things like money that can be
easily folded.
Find It: The Bison Designs T Lock Money Belt is available for $19
at REI.com.
(Photo: Clothing Arts)

Clothing Arts Pickpocket-Proof Pants

Back pockets are common targets for thieves, which is why Clothing
Arts' Pickpocket-Proof Pants (P^cubed pants) are particularly useful
to travelers. With a slimmer profile than typical cargo pants but
similar functionality, P^cubed pants feature secure pockets designed
to defeat opportunistic pickpockets. Layers of features like zips,
buttons, and hidden pockets protect on-body storage. The men's and
women's versions of the pants are slightly different, so what you'll get
out of a pair of P^cubed pants depends on the model you choose.
Road Test: It took me a while to locate both of the hidden zippered
pockets in the women's P^cubed pants, which I took to be a good
sign. Interior pockets are a slightly more secure but still easily
accessible option, while the two hard-to-find zippered subpockets
tucked into buttoned pockets offer extra security for occasional-use
items such as passports and larger bills. The pockets held the test
items—a passport, a credit card, cash, a single key, and a phone—
without a problem. In my own experience and according to reviews,
the pants run slightly small, so it's better to size up if you're unsure.
Great For: Places where pickpocketing is a real concern. Since
they're wrinkle resistant and quick drying, they're ideal for the rigors
of travel.
Find It: P^cubed pants range in price from $100 to $115. Shorts with
similar storage and features are $80 to $85. Buy them online
at ClothingArts.com.