Our Favorite Alternatives to Travel Wallets
When it comes to exploring new destinations, we all want to be worry-free and secure. While traditional hidden travel wallets have been the go-to solution, we find they leave much to be desired.
The discomfort of hanging wallets around our necks or dealing with bulky waist options led us to look for alternatives.
In our pursuit of the perfect travel gear, we stumbled upon some great alternatives.
In this blog post, we’ll share alternatives to traditional travel wallets that we’ve found most useful.
Updated: Summer 2023. Originally published: December 2016.
Travel Wallet Alternative 1: FlipBelt Review
The best hidden travel wallet is actually a runner’s belt!
Check out the FlipBelt available at REI
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Pros of Flipbelt:
- Great design and color/size options.
- Holds a lot of different items securely all around the belt and not it one place
- Holds items flat against someones body to help conceal items
- Has a dedicated key ring/clip
Cons of Flipbelt:
- Not adjustable or one-size fits all (not a big deal if you’re the only one using it)
Can you believe that one of our favorite travel gear items is a hidden travel wallet? Well, it’s not even suppose to be that, but we sort of repurposed a runner’s belt and use it for travel in countries and areas where safety is a concern.
Oh, and we still use it while running as well. We love multi use travel gear.
My brother actually sent a link for the FlipBelt to me on Facebook one day, asking me if I used one. I didn’t.
Apparently, he wanted to start running and was looking for a way to hold his valuables securely when he didn’t have pockets. So he went out and got one and was amazed that it did exactly what he wanted – and also was big enough to hold his massive Samsung phone. I was sold.
The other travel wallets on the market
I have owned two hidden travel wallets in the past and the problem with both were that they were uncomfortable to wear.
The typical travel wallet you might have seen out there hangs from your neck and hides underneath your shirt. The feeling of the wallet against the skin of my chest always felt scratchy and annoying.
Also, because it was a bit bulky, it wasn’t truly hidden unless I wore really, really baggy clothing.
The around-the-waist versions of hidden travel wallets are better (and there are runner-friendly versions too), but the issue with these is that you can only put your items in one central pocket.
In other words, if you are carrying your passport, cash, etc., it all has to stack in the same spot.
Forget about holding your phone too because, again, you’ve got a massive bulge sticking out from your mid/crotch section. This is not only awkward but defeats the whole purpose of a hidden travel wallet.
Back to the FlipBelt.
About Flipbelt
What I love about the FlipBelt is that it does exactly what I need it to do:
- It holds a variety of items pretty flat to my body in different areas (see video).
- It has a great design to prevent items from falling out. You simply flip the belt so the openings go against your body and not facing outward (again, see the video).
- There are a couple of different colors but they generally blend in with what you are wearing to stay as undetectable as possible.
- Easy to care for. It’s washable and holds its shape.
The only critique I can think of (and it’s small) is that it is size specific.
While it’s stretchy, it’s not adjustable.
That being said, this shouldn’t be a big issue because if you’re getting one it’s probably for your own use and not an item you would share a lot. Fortunately for us, Michelle and I can both fit the Flipbelt we have.
If you’re like me and you like to be cautious when traveling (which is not a bad thing), then a hidden travel wallet might might be a good purchase for you.
A hidden travel wallet does not guarantee that things won’t get stolen, but it does help reduce the risk significantly. Most pick-pocketers and petty thieves go for pockets and bags. They’re all about crimes of opportunity.
Take away the obvious, easy opportunity, and you’ve quickly diminished your chance of becoming a target.
This runner’s-belt-turned-hidden-travel-wallet is one of the best ways we’ve found to protect our valuables on the go.
FAQs about Flipbelt
Where can I get it?
We got ours online. REI sells it here.
Are there different colors?
Yes. Get Black or Carbon to blend in, or any number of bright colors to stand out.
Are there different sizes?
Yes. XS-XL (measurements are listed on the site for each size).
What’s the biggest thing you can hold comfortably in there?
A large smartphone is the biggest thing I’ve carried. I would not attempt to fit in cameras, tablets, or computers.
Will it hold my dog or cat?
Umm….no. This will work best with flat, inanimate objects.
Travel Wallet Alternative 2: Hidden Pockets
Since we’re on the subject of alternatives to hidden travel wallets, sometimes you don’t even need an accessory to carry your valuables. You can find activewear and travel clothing that come with hidden pockets built in.
Note that I’m not talking about outward-facing cargo pants pockets. Cargo pants are great for carrying a lot of things, but they’re no deterrent to a pickpocket.
I’m talking about seamless, hidden pockets that only you can access easily.
When we served in the Peace Corps in Jamaica, Michelle actually had hidden pockets sewn inside the waist of all her skirts and capris. This way, she could carry a key, credit card, and/or cash without anyone knowing. With the pocket located between her belly button and hip bone, just inside the waistband, it took very little to retrieve the item without drawing attention.
Fast forward a few years and we’ve finally found clothing that already has this feature included.
There are a number of outdoor gear, activewear, and travel clothing 
companies that are incorporating hidden pockets.
For one trip, Michelle purchased a new pair of black capri pants by Lucy (no longer in operation). Since then, we’ve found great travel clothing with genius pockets at Bluffworks.
Even some of their shirts, dresses, and scarves have hidden pockets.
Pros of Bluffworks Travel Pants:
- Soft and stretchy-yet-durable fabrics stay comfortable all day
- Moisture wicking with anti-microbial protection to resist odors
- Classic styles, appropriate for the airplane, lounging at home, or out on the town
- Smartly designed hidden and practical pockets to conveniently carry valuables
Cons of Bluffworks Travel Pants:
- Quality and design like this comes at a price
Check out more hidden pocket clothing at Bluffworks
Alternatives to Travel Wallets: Conclusion
From sleek hidden pockets in scarves and clothing to compact anti-theft pouches, the way we carry our valuables is not limited to the traditional hidden travel wallet.
Embracing multi-use travel gear helps us explore new places without unnecessary weight or worry. So, the next time you travel, consider ditching the conventional travel wallets and try one of these innovative alternatives instead.
You might also like these travel gear posts:
– Unofficial Guide to Cash, Credit Cards, & ATMs for International Travel
– Long Term Travel Essentials: Clothing Recommendations
– Packing Hacks of Frequent Travelers
– 12 Items We Take With Us on Every Trip
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