Using waterproof fanny packs?
 

Hi,<BR><BR>We're going to Oahu and Maui in 14 days. Since leaving your belongings on the beach while you're in the water is not that great of an idea, has anyone used one of those "waterproof fanny packs"? Can someone suggest a brand and where to get them? How much do they run for? Plus are they really 100% waterproof so even if I swim with it, it will not get my belongings wet? Thanks.

They work great! I bought my "Splash Caddy" at a scuba shop for about $20 and used it to keep passports, money, drivers license, keys etc. dry. It has waterproof plastic bags inside and you just have to be sure to get them sealed real good. It was not a problem snorkeling with it on at all.

We got ours at caribbeancharlies.com The website can be screwy, but their toll-free number works! These are really nice, they have 2 pockets and a sturdy belt. We've snorkeled everywhere in them- I even use them at water parks, Disney etc and when it's threatening rain.Good idea for a wedding present to a couple honeymooning in tropics!

linda: as long as you put some $$$$ in the fanny pack, I think it's a great idea...otherwise, that is one cheap gift.

Whichever brand you buy be sure to test it first. Last summer we bought a fanny pack in dive shop and were insured it was water proof by a dive instructor. It was not, nevertheless we put our own ziplong bag in and used it for the rest of the trip. www.magellans.com is an inflight magazine Orbitz sent us with tickets. Splash caddy is in there larger bags work but get in the way of a fun swimming experience or just a free swimming experience I should say. I would give them a try.

Would I be able to get them while in HI? Or should I get one before I get there?<BR><BR>Size wise, I was considering the Splash Caddy with Gusset (10"x7.5"x2.5") . Is that too large or should I settle for a smaller 7"x6" or 8"x6"?

I like the surf safes that hang around your neck. Big enough for car keys, cash, credit card and license. They are plastic and I have never had a leaking problem.

serafin, please! I would NEVER just give those as a gift, LOL!!!

Definately get one before you leave DEFINATELY. I had a tough time finding one in dive shops in NYC. Paragon which is a top of the line sporting goods store did not have any and at least one dive shop turned me away. Eastern Mountain Sporting goods which is probably similar to REI on the West Coast did not have any. BUY EVERYTHING YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO. You will have enough orienting to do once you are there. Maybe you should buy beach chairs once you are there if you lodging does not already provide.

Sarah,<BR>as a NYer where did you end up buying your fanny pack? thanks

Yeah and what size would you suggest. I'm in NYC too so maybe you can tell me where I can get one here so I don't have to order it online. I'm leaving in 2 weeks.

Splash Caddy is the brand sold by CarribeanCharlies online. The one I bought is 16.95.

I have never seen these in person so I can't judge but the splash caddy junior looks good. That is if you don't mind leaving your camera on the beach. If a male in your group will be holding it than go for the Original splash caddy. I am talking about a compact camera here. All depends on what you want to put inside. I don't want to reccomend were I bought mine because it leaked it was not a splash caddy. They did give me excellent goggle though. That dive instructor was good at fitting me and the goggles were only $34. We got this at dive shop on something like 19th and 7 avenue up the block or two from Bed bath and beyond, whatever avenue that is on. <BR><BR>I looked in August so perhaps places were bought out then. Get out that phone book and make your calls.

May a lot of the fanny packs in NYC are about $30. I know it is not a lot for a last minute item but I doubt the other places here will make you wait two weeks and they are 16-17 dollars. I won't spend $30 again after it leaked. They kind of get you because you are in the city. <BR><BR>TRY CALLING SPORTS AUTHORITY ALSO.

Try www.watertightcase.com. These are great because you can wear on wrist or as a necklace. The rubberized seal works great on keeping water out. I usually just use a small one for keys, cash, and if worried about a camera, use a disposable waterproof one and put that around your wrist.

The day I have to start taking my belongings in thw water with me is the day I stop going to the beach. The solution is to not take anything to the beach that you can't afford to lose.<BR><BR>Your passport and airline tickets are much safer in your room, hidden in your locked luggage, with several pieces of luggage locked together. Some hotels (but not condos) have safes in the rooms. The biggest danger is from cleaning staff and they will take only what they can grab in a few seconds. They don't have time to break locks and search through luggage.

Give me a break on the cleaning staff... plenty of break ins at hotels occur. But wait let's blame some small immigrant family man/woman working at minimum waget to feed their family. And if you think locking your luggage together everyday with several pieces is easier than sound mind with a small fanny pack go for it. <BR><BR>I stay in hotels every year probably about 10-20 days never had anyone steal something. Yes it is good to use the safe when ever you can but I don't think you can blanketly blame all cleaning people. Significant jobs are probably pulled off by break ins.

A predictable response. I did not blame ALL cleaning staff. However I am blaming the ones who stole my stuff. No break ins - just valuables missing. I am talking about losses from personal experience before I wised up. Of course most cleaning staff are honest, but unfortunately some are not, just like the rest of the population. There are dishionest doctors, lawyers, ministers, judges, policemen, and cleaning people. But doctors, lawyers, ministers, judges, and policeman are not the ones who have access to your room. I think you would be hard pressed to find cleaning people who would say that ALL cleaning people are honest. Yes, as hard as it is to believe even poor minimum wage immigrants steal.

One can never be too careful. Therefore, I do not justify "not taking anything to the beach you can't afford to lose". Apparently we need cash and ID with us all the time. Just because I have to bring these items with me, doesn't mean that I will sacrafice not going into the water. I would rather make sure that the items are safe with me than to go back to my beach blanket and find it missing. Better safe than sorry.

I take minimum cash to the beach (say $10). I take my business card for ID. I take my room key. I take a towel, suntan lotion, a chair, and a beach bag. It is not likely that a thief will take your chair (no resale value). If the other items are stolen, so what? <BR><BR>Locate yourself near other people and don't leave anything in plain view. If you have a beach bag, don't put your most valuable items in that as that is the first thing a thief will grab. <BR><BR>Theft on the beach tends to be "grab and run." They don't have time to rummage through your stuff and pick and choose whatb they want to steal.<BR><BR>You are more likely to lose your valuables on a beach by accident than you are to a thief.<BR>