I'm planning my rtwt for 2004 I'm going alone and was wondering how to keep my money and other valuables save if I want to swimming.
Are there things like waterproof money belts ??

Thanks for your time,
Fieke

pac safe makes a great money belt, features include a slash proof belt, and inside it has a ziplock type waterproof bag for a passport or whatever, retails for like 20 bucks

otherwise you can save a buck or two and wrap your uber valuables in plastic and get an eagle creek or something like that money belt...

are you going to be in a-dam in nov. blue eyes?
I'll be getting there on the 13th---would love some insight from a local...
peace and blessings,
Grey

Hi Grey,

Yeah I'll be in Amsterdam on the 13th of november. If you'd like we could meet for a drink ??

Speaking of money belts, which is the better of the 3 to get: the one that goes around your waist, the leg, or the neck purse one?

Any feedback is appreciated. They seem like such annoying things to have to be on you all the time. I just want one that is "comfortable" and less noticeable that you are wearing it. (to yourself and others)

I like the 'neck purse' kind from Eagle Creek.
The last thing that I need is more bulk around my middle, so I eschew the 'waist' types.

For those lucky folks with flat tummies, the 'waist' type is easier to get into, but I am not one of those.

I don't like the neck kind (mainly cause female parts don't let it lay so flat) and I don't like the waist kind cause, like Joe, I don't really want any additional padding in that area. Plus, it seems like they would just get sweaty and gross pretty fast in SE Asian humidity. And the leg kind, well, that's a bit too "commando" for my taste, besides, it would get in the way of my bowie knife

Am I wrong? Is there another option out there? I'd just assume carry my goods in my shoulder sachel, but something tells me I'm a-beggin' for trouble with that action.

I carry my passport/money pouch sort of sideways, like a shoulder holster. It rests kinda below my armpit.

I am interested in hearing more about those "female parts" though...

well it really depends on what you want to carry in them. i am putting just documents in mine (passport, international driver permit, insurance stuff, ect) these type of thing you won't be using as much as lets say money, atm cards. most of the concealed items you can buy are mainly for paper items anyway. look the eagle creek money belt, it has an flimsy elastic strap, one that looks like it would break immediatly, pac safe is a good company to look at, with an nice selection of neck pouchs and what not. neck pouches are good if you have a huge pack, but i think they scream tourist, leg packs are good, but prolly not in the summer when you are most likely to wear shorts, i just like the waist belts,

peace

I have another option besides money belts. I bought a fishing vest that is cotton netting that has gazillion pockets that snap, zip, velcro, etc. It is rather ugly but is khaki colored and cool-venting for hot climes. The pockets are big enough for passports, etc. I wore it for a month in Thailand and had no problems. For the important stuff, I used the zip and then safety pinned it. A thief would really have to feel me up to get into it. Unfortunately, nobody tried it...

Karin
Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things

I always use a waistbelt - I like feeling it against me and knowing that it's there. The neck pouches are a problem, since I do occasionally wear v-neck styled shirts or lighter colours and people can see through it and know it's there. The waist style is less noticeable since I never wear midriff baring shirts.

Thanks all!

I like the idea of the neck one because it is less clingy, but it would indeed be noticeable with tank tops and such things on which I didn't think of before. Leg Pouch isn't gonna work cause the shorts issue, so I guess it is going to have to be the waist one...or a fishing vest. Wouldn't the waist one be all hot and sweaty or do you adjust?

Menudio, yah, I was thinking the same thing about the leg pouch.....my Lara Croft gun holsters get in the way. Gotta be prepared I say

Is it really that easy for people in SE Asia to just snip your backpack straps and run off with it? That seems a little odd to me, there are a lot of straps, and I am not going to just stand there patiently while he cuts away with his (or her) little scissors.

Blue Eyes:
Sweet... It looks like my travel partner is not going any more---getting married to that lebanese girl;;;good for him tho...
Umm--yeah i ould love to meet for a pint or seven. Get me at my e-mail if you can:
norcalmystic@yahoo.com--we'll make plans or something eventually.
hey how cold does it really get in the winter there?
thanks!
Colin

advice for the waist moneybelt - put something waterproof at the back next to your stomach coz in the heat....yuck

...not that girl's sweat of course

"He who follows his own path needs no map."

Dewbie,

They usually just razor your pack (while it's still on you)and pull shit out in a crowded place. They don't normally carry your pack away. Of course they'll grab a hand bag or something not to secure and run or ride away (on a motorcycle).

Peace.