I'm planning to purchase a money belt to use on my upcoming European trip. However, I've looked at several brands, and I can't tell that much difference, so I'd appreciate any opinions from you all on which ones are the most comfortable. I've been looking at the silk Risk Steve's belt, but I'm not sure about the comfort level. Any opinions and help will be much appreciated!

I make DH carry everything, I think his is Eagle Creek because it is thin and soft. But you should try them on to decide because they are right on skin of course so comfort is paramount. Also pay attention to the buckle and width of the pouch--I find some are barely wide enough for a passport.

Make sure the one you buy has a strong clasp so it won't fall off into a toilet. Ask me how I know.

I like one that breathes but is strong enough not to let sweat dampen the contents of the pouch.
Ask me how.....etc.

Which brands have you looked at? Have you tried any on?

You might think about a pouch rather than a belt. I have one and I like it much better. It has a loop that goes around my belt and the pouch hangs down inside my pants. No way can it come off or slide off. It has two compartments and zippers so cash and credit cards can be kept apart. Mine is an Eagle Creek brand. It is even big enough to carry both our passports if we need to.

"..No way can it come off or slide off.."

My husband's came off in the airport, when he got a bit distracted with security and had to remove the belt. The pouch dropped to the floor and he didn't notice, but a bystander pointed it out to him.
Now we both use a 'leg stash' that goes on the calf under our jeans or slacks. Very comfortable.

We prefer the ones that hang around your neck, as opposed to the ones you wear around your waist. The only downside is if you are wearing very light summer gear (say, a tshirt) then you can see the outline of it. But I find it so uncomfortable wearing a moneybelt with passports and credit cards etc around my waist, just the thought of it...uck. Too bulky.

Also, occasionally you might have to delve into your moneybelt to get something out like a credit card, so think about how easy that will be to do.
Kay

"..occasionally you might have to delve into your moneybelt to get something out like a credit card, so think about how easy that will be to do.."

that's also why we like the 'leg stash'..

Sometimes the neck pouch will make you look like you have a third breast, but if you don't mind then I guess no one else will either.

Oh, there is also a type that goes over your arm and the pouch is in your armpit. Sort of like a shoulder holster.

A neck pouch worn over the shoulder, and hanging to the side like a tiny cross-torso handbag, is less obvious.

Reisender- where did you purchase the pouch one? I'm having trouble finding it online.

Thanks all for the suggestions. Honestly, haven't had the chance to try any on- there is basically nothing for sale in my town, so I'm relying on mail order to get anything for the trip. Thanks!

They are all hideous, IMO. Sorry.

I can't imagine needing to "hide" stuff and then try to fish it out when I need to pay for something, but that's just me.

Interesting comments. First, I think a neck one would show with any tighter shirts I wear. I am going during summer so pants will be only on cool evenings otherwise leg belts are out with shorts/capris. That leaves waist for me and the soft ones with one or two zippers look fine. Here is one from Eagle Creek I am considering: http://www.rei.com/product/617988

I only hide the big stuff in a money belt. Small change and notes (in other words, what I think I'll need on that particular outing) i keep in my pockets as normal.

<<"..occasionally you might have to delve into your moneybelt to get something out like a credit card, so think about how easy that will be to do..">>

<<I can't imagine needing to "hide" stuff and then try to fish it out when I need to pay for something, but that's just me.>>

That is a basic mis-conception re how a moneybelt/pouch is meant to be used.

It does not replace your handbag/wallet. It is more like a "body safe" and should NEVER be accessed in public. That is a sure way to lose it and everything in it. A credit card, the day's cash, your ATM card if you need to use it that day -- all that goes in your wallet like at home.

What goes in the money belt are the things <u>you don't need that day</u> like pasport, extra ccs, extra ATM card, surplus cash if you are carrying a lot.

You don't walk into a shop and pull out your money belt to pay for something (like I saw in harrods just last Feb. - it was hilarious)

I use the neck pouch type that has an adjustable cord -- but I don't wear it around my neck. I put it around my waist and toggle the cord to fit snugly. The pouch lies on my hip just behind my front pocket so it does not show at all. Nothing around my neck or shoulder or calf . . . .

I find my waist one comfy enough, I don't see a problem unless you wear your clothes too tight.
I also only use it on travel days, so I don't worry too much about assessing it daily. I leave stuff in safe.
I have always used a cloth one as I am not a sweaty person, but I was given one with a plastic lining( RS ) but I don't think I will use it as plastic is bound to make you sweaty, yuck.
Do make sure it is wide enough for passport.

I have the Rick Steves one (only one of his products I own) and I highly recommend it because:

It's silk, so it's soft and it breathes.

It has very good adjustability on the belt.

It has two zipper pockets, one of them divided to perfectly fit credit cards on one side and a passport on the other. The other pocket is full length.

And best of all, it comes with a soft, clear vinyl sleeve that I use for my passport to avoid the problem SeaUrchin alluded to: sweat-soaked passport.

My DH has an Eagle Creek version that looks almost the same, cost more, but has none of these advantages.

Only snag? You have to use it for it to work. &quot;Ask me how I know,&quot; said the girl who had her wallet pickpocketed out of her purse last week in Paris - first time in a lifetime of travel.

Hi Copper---There have been quite a few threads about money belts--pro and con--and which kind is best. &quot;To each his own&quot; seems to be the choice. If you have time, you might do a search on &quot;money belts&quot;--there is one that has 147 responses--some of them mine.

I recently posted these thoughts on belts: I never wear the pouch of the money belt in the front--it fits more perfectly in the small of the back and is less noticible. If you absolutely have to access it, there are ways to do it without proclaiming it to the world.

I have taken the belt off the item and sewn on an elastic belt, which fits, goes on more easily and won't fall off--my $$belt is of a cotton material. I use small baggies to put the $$, and the passports in. Then I wrap them in a large man's hanky and they stay quite dry, even though the weather may be hot.

In a robbery attempt on the Paris metro, the thieves jumped on the car, one behind my spouse and the 2nd in front of him, pretending to pick up some credit cards he had deliberately thrown between M's legs. However, his first order of business was to run his hands up and down M's legs--looking for--you guessed it--a leg safe. M. uses a $$belt, so there was nothing to rip-off (pardon the pun.)

janisj's comments are correct--a money belt is not for constant use or access. It is for things you absolutely can't afford to loose.

It is often easy to find these things in airports, drug stores, and K-marts, Wal-marts, etc. If all else fails, crafty sewers could probably make adequate belts. Just my ideas--Ciao. mhm

I bought a great one at REI by Eagle Creek. It's black silk. I wore it over my underwear to eliminate the sweat problem. It was so comfortable I had to check occasionally to make sure it was still there. I agree that it is not for things you need to access throughout the day. I kept my passport in there as well as currency in large denominations, and my credit/ATM cards. I carried just enough cash for the day in my purse.

You can buy online. http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessorie...arch=moneybelt

My DH wore this money pouch for 8 weeks, it has a loop that threads onto his belt then it can be flipped to the inside of his trousers.
www.design-go.com/en/detail_38814.html

But of course you have to be wearing a belt to use it. DH found it much more comfortable than the neck pouches, I started with a neck pouch and hated it. I like janisj's idea about the elastic, you could do the same with this type of pouch. Can then be worn any place that is most comfortable for you.