Money Belt

[Ross Sheeran]

This may seem a trivial subject to some but I was hoping if anyone had any past experience with money belts for carrying cash and documents? Is it a waste of time buying a cheap one on ebay or spending the extra for a better quality? Or are they all the same no matter how much you spend? Thanks for any help.

 

[Angelo]

On the CF I used a Sea to Summit belt bag which is superb quality. I enjoyed keeping it around my waist (Hidden under my pants.. and the sweat stayed out) until I reached Leon when my passport got deformed as the waist belt of my Osprey crushed it.
From then on I slipped it into the elastic pocket of my backpack where it was hidden from view. My travel documents stayed safe even when I slept in Albergues (yeah I prefer to stay in quiet accommodations on the Camino).

 

[november_moon]

I think the money belt debate will be ongoing forever. Some people wouldn't travel without one, some people never travel with one. If you are going to get one though, I'd get a good quality one - you will wear it every day for a month, under your clothing, with your pack. You don't want something cheap with bad seams with will come apart and/or rub you the wrong way, or with cheap fabric that won't last.

 

[Tincatinker]

My great grandmothers advice was always to buy the best quality that you could afford, always. I walk on one of her carpets every day. That said most marketed money belts are sh*te, made from sweaty fabrics, badly stitched and wth buckles and fastenings that will come under direct pressure and friction from your rucksack hip belt. I can't recommend a brand because I have not yet found one I would wear more than once.

 

[Anniesantiago]

What Tincatinker said.

 

[Ross Sheeran]

I think the money belt debate will be ongoing forever. Some people wouldn't travel without one, some people never travel with one. If you are going to get one though, I'd get a good quality one - you will wear it every day for a month, under your clothing, with your pack. You don't want something cheap with bad seams with will come apart and/or rub you the wrong way, or with cheap fabric that won't last.

Thanks. I'm going to spend extra and buy a good quality one. You always get what you pay for.

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

I used a money holder that I got from REI and wore it under my shirt around my neck and one arm. It served me well. I kept everything in it except about 20 euro for using as I walked. After a month on the Camino once I got home I did notice the threads were coming apart on the bottom of it. I think it was a very good model just gets alot of use on the camino.....Ed

 

[Letsgocamino]

Thanks. I'm going to spend extra and buy a good quality one. You always get what you pay for.

Years ago I purchased a cross body bag from Magellan's, a travel accessory store in Sta.Barbara and online. It has steel mesh in the strap and body so no chance of it being cut. It has seen me through European trips, USA treks and the Camino. Love it! Big enough for a passport, money, phone, small notebook and odds & ends. Pricey but worth it.

 

[mspath]

Years ago I purchased a cross body bag from Magellan's, a travel accessory store in Sta.Barbara and online. It has steel mesh in the strap and body so no chance of it being cut. ...

A strap that can NOT be cut is a very good feature! Also a strap that can NOT be seen since it is hidden under your shirt is another practical idea.