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"Is that an S23 Ultra or are you just happy to see me?"A plain moneybelt that is worn around your waist under your clothes is fine. However, we bought these one year and they worked great for night time.
Men's Boxer Brief Shorts - Anti Theft Pickpocket Proof Travel Pocket Underwear
View attachment 144525
I do something similar in my Macabi skirt and in my walking pants.I sewed a small loop of string inside each pair of pants, just below the waistband. The pouch that holds my passport, cards, and cash the clips onto this loop. I can easily flip the pouch out, while still attached, if I need to access it.
I bought mine from the local Dollar Store. During the day as I bought a neck one I hang it around my neck under my top shirt. At night it’s at the bottom of my sleeping bagThere was a recent discussion about a theft, which caused me to think about my money belt. The elastic strap has really stretched out, and the buckle has known to loosen - perhaps time to replace. Any recommendations for a new one? Thanks
All these stories of hidden pockets etc are helpful, but also somewhat alarming for 1st timers on the Camino. Is it really that bad?I bought mine from the local Dollar Store. During the day as I bought a neck one I hang it around my neck under my top shirt. At night it’s at the bottom of my sleeping bag
No. Theft on the Camino is very rare. But you should never leave your valuables unattended. That includes thinking that anything in your backpack is safe because it's under the bed where you are sleeping.All these stories of hidden pockets etc are helpful, but also somewhat alarming for 1st timers on the Camino. Is it really that bad?
That applies to travel in general, but seems to be alot of focus on camino lately.No. Theft on the Camino is very rare. But you should never leave your valuables unattended. That includes thinking that anything in your backpack is safe because it's under the bed where you are sleeping.
Well, this is a Camino forum after all!That applies to travel in general, but seems to be alot of focus on camino lately.
Lol I meant in terms of theft specific on Camino and in accommodationsWell, this is a Camino forum after all!
A plain moneybelt that is worn around your waist under your clothes is fine. However, we bought these one year and they worked great for night time.
Men's Boxer Brief Shorts - Anti Theft Pickpocket Proof Travel Pocket UnderwearView attachment 144525
I should be able to cut and paste this from the last 20+ times I’ve posted it.We always go for the anti skimming RFID money belts. Watch the pouch depth, too deep and it can be uncomfortable and hang down too low.
I should be able to cut and paste this from the last 20+ times I’ve posted it.
The first person who can cite an authenticated case of anyone outside of laboratory conditions having a credit card in their possession ‘skimmed’ remotely and losing money in anyway which a purported RFID wallet would have prevented wins 50 £/€/$ to a charity of their choice.
I mean a real actually-reported-to-the-cops and investigated and found true story not a ‘friend of my hairdressers cousin’ story.
I’ve not paid out in five years.
I agreeThe idea that a thief would slit open my sleep sack or my waist pack clipped next to my face in an albergue is so unlikely, I don’t worry about it. If anyone wants to think that is something to worry about in albergues, please go right ahead and worry about it. I’m not going to.
I currently have a small waist pack, this one https://www.patagonia.com/product/ultralight-black-hole-mini-hip-pack-1-liter/49447.html, and am thinking of having in my pack when walking but taking it out when in towns. I'm considering getting the link you recommended. Does is bother your hips with your pack? I'm concerned it would be uncomfortable because my pack clips around my waist exactly where this would restIn the past I’ve used a waist pack outside my clothes. I don’t think there is a pickpocket problem on the CF, and I think it’s fine to just wear it during the day or out in the evening. I do have it facing the front or worn as a cross body, never on my backside.
I stay in a lot of private accommodations, so I don’t worry about it at night in those places, but when I am in an albergue, at night if I have a bunk next to the wall, I clip my waist pack to the bedpost right next to my face and slip it under my covers or pillow. I am almost always in a lower bunk, so someone would have to reach over me and inches from my face, undo a loud buckle using two hands or operate the zipper to get my stuff. I’ve always thought that was safe enough. Otherwise, if I am in an upper bunk or not next to a wall, it goes in the foot of my sleep sack.
The idea that a thief would slit open my sleep sack or my waist pack clipped next to my face in an albergue is so unlikely, I don’t worry about it. If anyone wants to think that is something to worry about in albergues, please go right ahead and worry about it. I’m not going to.
In the future I may bring this (below) to wear at night because I used it on a recent trip and it’s incredibly secure and comfortable. Much better than a neck pouch or the ones with a buckle and strap. I could sleep in this one, no problem.
I currently have a small waist pack, this one https://www.patagonia.com/product/ultralight-black-hole-mini-hip-pack-1-liter/49447.html, and am thinking of having in my pack when walking but taking it out when in towns. I'm considering getting the link you recommended. Does is bother your hips with your pack? I'm concerned it would be uncomfortable because my pack clips around my waist exactly where this would rest
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your input.In the past, I tried using a small crossbody bag, but it bounced around too much. So I kept it in my pack and took it out whenever I cafe or shop, like what you’re thinking. I found it inconvenient to always have to take it out and put it back into the pack. It also felt less secure to be moving it from place to place, like I could forget it somewhere or misplace it somehow. I like my valuables in one place, and I always know exactly where they are.
Then I tried a waist pack similar to the Patagonia one you have. I liked it because it was comfortable to wear with my pack and I felt secure because I had it strapped around my waist at all times. Or I could wear it crossbody in the evening. It didn’t interfere with the hip belt of my pack.
I bought that money belt for a recent non-camino trip, so I haven’t actually used it while wearing a pack. I am pretty sure it rides higher than the hip belt on my pack. The only way to know for sure is to try it out. However, I personally don’t wear a money belt on the Camino because I don’t think pickpockets are a concern in that situation. In other situations, yes, but not in rural Spain or the smallish cities we pass through.
I would bring that money belt just to wear at night in albergues. In the day I am completely comfortable having my valuables in my waist pack.
Then I tried a waist pack similar to the Patagonia one you have. I liked it because it was comfortable to wear with my pack and I felt secure because I had it strapped around my waist at all times. Or I could wear it crossbody in the evening. It didn’t interfere with the hip belt of my pack.
I am comfortable wearing my waist bag all day, and all evening, too. I've had no need to use a money belt as an added item. I, too, dislike using cross over small purses with my backpack; banged on my thigh and the long strap seemed to tangle up a bit when removing my backpack every time I took it off.In the day I am completely comfortable having my valuables in my waist pack
This is more than a 20 minute project! Good idea, though.I do something similar in my Macabi skirt and in my walking pants.
Easy even if you aren't much of a seamstress/tailor.
Here are instructions for my secret pocket:
Secret Pocket Instructions
Having foiled two pickpocket attempts in the Philippines, I bought one for my trip to Italy. But while there, I realized that reaching into my pants for money marked me not only as a tourist but as one who had something others might want. I emptied it and discarded it. Not long afterward, there was a third attempt, which also failed.IMHO, the 'best money belt is the one that is most comfortable to wear under your clothing, so that you wear it at all times, and inconspicuous enough that others cannot detect you are wearing it.
That's why you keep your daily cash in a regular wallet.But while there, I realized that reaching into my pants for money marked me not only as a tourist but as one who had something others might want
Me, too. And also why I keep a good, color photocopy of my passport in my wallet and my real passport someplace safer. I use the photocopy for everything except actually crossing a border. I even had to show my passport to some cops in Argentina recently and the copy was fine with them.That's why you keep your daily cash in a regular wallet.
And I hope you never have to. I’ve never personally known anyone who’s had to claim on their house insurance, but I still pay for mine every year. My RFID card sleeves cost me €2.39 for 5 on eBay, cheap, once off insurance. Even if they don’t really work, it’s still put MY mind at peace!I should be able to cut and paste this from the last 20+ times I’ve posted it.
The first person who can cite an authenticated case of anyone outside of laboratory conditions having a credit card in their possession ‘skimmed’ remotely and losing money in anyway which a purported RFID wallet would have prevented wins 50 £/€/$ to a charity of their choice.
I mean a real actually-reported-to-the-cops and investigated and found true story not a ‘friend of my hairdressers cousin’ story.
I’ve not paid out in five years.
I agree that the Camino is generally very safe (though recent robberies inside albergues mean one should always secure belongings, but cities include increased risk of theft. My advice is to take precautions, and then relax and enjoy the Camino!All these stories of hidden pockets etc are helpful, but also somewhat alarming for 1st timers on the Camino. Is it really that bad?
If so why havent all accommodation places installed secure lockable lockers for each bed.
The thought of someone approaching and stealing from a sleeping person is scary stuff, especially for solo female travellers.
I think wearing a macabi skirt is protection enough. Nobody will come anywhere near you.I do something similar in my Macabi skirt and in my walking pants.
Easy even if you aren't much of a seamstress/tailor.
Here are instructions for my secret pocket:
Secret Pocket Instructions
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