Many clever products have hit the market claiming to protect your valuables from thieves ready to cut your vacation plans short. Of the three items I tested, only one stood out.
Leather money belt
This 1.5-inch-wide belt is stylish, holds your pants up and will give you the extra insurance you need. Plus it's one-size-fits-all and can easily be cut to a desired length. Inside is a 23-inch zippered compartment. The packaging states it can hold up to 50 bills. Sounds good -- but I don't know many men (sorry guys) who'd have the patience to carefully roll and stuff that many bills into anything .... well maybe, but we won't go there. Actually this is a good product for men and women and although getting 50 bills into the compartment is a little daunting, it can be done. Personally, I'd limit it to 30 to 40. Place a few bills together, roll the width end and keep stuffing. It's well made and worth the price.
Price: $20, available at Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre, Donald Street at Wardlaw Avenue.
Satin bra stash
Don't expect to wear fitted or light coloured clothing when using this item. The straps snap onto your own bra strap but are visible if you're wearing anything other than a baggy blouse, thick sweater or jacket. The 4-1/4 X 3-1/2-inch pouch will hold money, jewelry and other small valuables.
Of course, once you put something in it, it bulges. Who wants a square bulge on their chest?
Ladies, save your money and continue to do what's always worked -- stuff your bra.
Price: $4.95, available at CAA Travel, 2211 McPhillips Street.
Zip-It sweat socks
Each pair comes with one regular sock and one with a zippered pocket. The pocket is small, really small, so naturally the more you add, the more cumbersome it will feel.
I carefully stuffed it with a credit card and some bills. Part of the zipper started to rub against my shin and continued to bother me even after I removed the items.
For me it didn't meet my expectations -- why only one pocket? What about the other sock? There's all this material and no pocket! Are they functional? Somewhat. Are they comfortable? My shin says no. Comes in men's and ladies' sizes.
Price: $19, available at Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre, Donald at Wardlaw.
I want to thank all the readers who sent me e-mails after my first column last Saturday. Some of you wanted more information about products tested, and others had suggestions for products to be tested. I will try to reply to all your comments and questions, and thanks for reading me.
linda.shepertycki@freepress.mb.ca
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