Ok, so since I'm fat... - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**Majestic58** · 07-17-2006, 03:44 AM

Ok, so since I'm fat... I'm guessing that a money belt would A) Be hard to find in my size... and B) be incredably uncomfortable... so what do you guys think of this as an option for stuff that you don't want to leave in your bag at the hostel (passport etc)... The straps and panels are reinforced with wire, so that would help prevent slash-and-grabs... yea? anyway.. let me know...

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**Majestic58** · 07-17-2006, 03:45 AM

*laughs* its funny, cause i tried to put B ) and it made a robot man!:D

**lauren313** · 07-17-2006, 04:07 AM

I had a look to see if there were any money belts available in larger sizes, but very few sites actually put the measurements of the actual belt.

I did find THIS though. Sure, it's not the most attractive thing, but hey, no one's going to see it!

**florencia9699** · 07-17-2006, 04:40 AM

Well... if you're carrying a backpack, a day pack and that you might feel a bit uncomfortable... I found this, is doesn't seem uncomfortable, and it's hidden. It might be a good option:

This one's made by Austin House

And this one is by Samsonite.

**zylah** · 07-17-2006, 05:13 AM

The main problem with the neck stap ones are that they are very easy to see(from the back of the neck), and especially with women they often dangle past the breasts and are very obvious.

**MeTurk** · 07-17-2006, 06:15 AM

I'm a fairly big chappie but I had the eagle creek one the adustable strap on it had loads to spare on me and was also elasticated so I could see it going up to about 50". I'll try and remember to check it this evening

**omisan** · 07-17-2006, 11:45 AM

Most money belt straps adjust to be quite large, so I don't think you'd have a problem with one.

Another option is the type that can go around your ankle (if you're wearing long pants) or inside your thigh (if you're wearing shorts/skirt) - I've used that a couple of times and found it more comfortable than wearing a moneybelt, and it's also a lot less obvious for would-be thieves.

**beergal** · 07-17-2006, 11:53 AM

i actually really like that samsonite bag id wear that even if i wasnt travelling.

**patchouli Lover** · 07-17-2006, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by omisan@Jul 17 2006, 01:45 PM
Another option is the type that can go around your ankle (if you're wearing long pants) or inside your thigh (if you're wearing shorts/skirt) - I've used that a couple of times and found it more comfortable than wearing a moneybelt, and it's also a lot less obvious for would-be thieves.

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I was thinking of getting one around the leg. ButI'm afraid that when I wore a skirt/shorts it could have the possibility of falling off. Omisan, did you have any trouble with it when you wore shorts? I'm afriad if I'm in a hurry it could fall off.

**omisan** · 07-17-2006, 04:02 PM

I didn't have any trouble with mine falling off or anything - it's pretty solid. Although if I buy one again in the future, I'd probably look for one that's stretchy and has velcro closures - if that exists. I have something like that for my arm for my ski lift pass, and no matter how much I fall, run into things, roll around in the snow, it never ever comes off.

**patchouli Lover** · 07-17-2006, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Majestic58@Jul 17 2006, 05:44 AM
Ok, so since I'm fat... I'm guessing that a money belt would A) Be hard to find in my size... and B) be incredably uncomfortable... so what do you guys think of this as an option for stuff that you don't want to leave in your bag at the hostel (passport etc)... The straps and panels are reinforced with wire, so that would help prevent slash-and-grabs... yea? anyway.. let me know...

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I really like those bags and have actaully been thinking of taking one of those instead of buying a pack with a daypack. It's small enough that I could shove it in to my pack. I'm just not sure of the daypacks. I know it is convient to strap on to your pack, but I'm not sure how comfortable it would be walking around with it. Can anyone who has one tell me how it is worn? Is it like a purse or a backpack? When I go I'm planning on only using my day pack for my digi camera and my 35 mm camera, a notepad, and guide book. Thanks guys!

**tumblezweedz** · 07-17-2006, 11:17 PM

When I take a money belt, I usually use the round the neck kind, but I hang it across my shoulder so you can't see the strap round my neck. If you make the strap long enough you can tuck the belt into your waistband which makes it less visible, too. I also carry my purse the same way - slung across the body and tucked under my arm - the one AWAY from the street.

Last time we were in Paris I started watching how the local women (and men) were carrying their purses, and noticed these trends: long straps - across the body, away from the street, short straps - over the shoulder, with a hand on the strap.

Since I normally just carry a small backpack style purse when I travel, I generally hang it over one shoulder and hold on to both straps. It's hard to blend in when you're traveling, but a formal daypack kind of sets you out as a tourist - if you have a small bag that you carry a lot at home, just use that instead for the odds and ends you need each day - you'll look less obviously a tourist, and will feel more comfortable with a familiar bag. Or you can wait til you arrive and pick up one in a department store (Carrefour is generally cheap and there are lots of them), so you can see what's in style here, and get a cool souvenir to boot.

**Majestic58** · 07-17-2006, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tumblezweedz@Jul 18 2006, 06:17 AM
When I take a money belt, I usually use the round the neck kind, but I hang it across my shoulder so you can't see the strap round my neck.* If you make the strap long enough you can tuck the belt into your waistband which makes it less visible, too.* I also carry my purse the same way - slung across the body and tucked under my arm - the one AWAY from the street.

Last time we were in Paris I started watching how the local women (and men) were carrying their purses, and noticed these trends: long straps - across the body, away from the street, short straps - over the shoulder, with a hand on the strap.*

Since I normally just carry a small backpack style purse when I travel, I generally hang it over one shoulder and hold on to both straps.* It's hard to blend in when you're traveling, but a formal daypack kind of sets you out as a tourist - if you have a small bag that you carry a lot at home, just use that instead for the odds and ends you need each day - you'll look less obviously a tourist, and will feel more comfortable with a familiar bag.* Or you can wait til you arrive and pick up one in a department store (Carrefour is generally cheap and there are lots of them), so you can see what's in style here, and get a cool souvenir to boot.

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Thats a great idea... I am definately a "bag girl" I carry my knapsack/shoulder bag everywhere I go.. I'm thinking I would maybe be more comfortable just using one of those since I'm so used to carrying it around anyway.

I just wasn't sure it would be safe enough.

But it sounds like I might be ok.

**lauren313** · 07-18-2006, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Majestic58@Jul 18 2006, 06:26 AM
Thats a great idea... I am definately a "bag girl" I carry my knapsack/shoulder bag everywhere I go.. I'm thinking I would maybe be more comfortable just using one of those since I'm so used to carrying it around anyway. I just wasn't sure it would be safe enough. But it sounds like I might be ok.

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That's exactly what I was thinking about doing: not getting a bag with an attached daypack, and just taking along the shoulder bag that I'm so used to carrying. I've taken it with me on trips like city breaks and whatnot, but not when I've been lugging a huge backpack. I figure though that, as it can be squished up really small, I can just chuck it in my pack when I'm not going to be using it.

I'd much rather have something that I'm comfortable with, and that looks pretty! I'm so vain.

I should look into getting a money belt soon I guess.

**patchouli Lover** · 07-18-2006, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lauren313@Jul 18 2006, 05:20 AM
I'd much rather have something that I'm comfortable with, and that looks pretty! I'm so vain.

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I'm vain too. That's why I don't like the daypacks that come with a pack. I feel that they would look funky carrying it around.

**tumblezweedz** · 07-18-2006, 06:57 AM

Comfort is key for me, and I think it helps to keep things simple - I've noticed that I always hold my little pack-purse over the same shoulder with my hand on the straps, it's just a habit I've had since I bought it a couple of years ago. I'm aware of its weight on my shoulder, and I know when I don't have it. Since it works for me in the cities where I live, my logic argues, why wouldn't it work in the cities where I travel? And if I call less attention to my "foreign-ness", perhaps I will be considered less of a target for theft? I also know all the pockets in it, and where I keep my various keys, phone, wallet, whatever, so I'm not fumbling around with it uncomfortably.

I don't know if any of these have been factors, but I do know that I've never lost it or had it stolen, in two years and two continents.

If you've got something that'll work and that you are already comfortable with, I'd say stick with it. Something soft sided is better for smushing up into your bag, or if it has straps you could attach it to the outside of your pack in a pinch.

Plus, it looks better with a dress!

**zylah** · 07-19-2006, 05:38 AM

Another option is to sew pockets to the insides of your trousers. This only really works if you are taking a few pairs, and not going to wear skirts/ dresses.

Quote:

I'm vain too. That's why I don't like the daypacks that come with a pack. I feel that they would look funky carrying it around.

hehe I've ended up carrying my daypack around now that I'm not travelling, it comes in handy to carry stuff, and i liek that i can put it on my back rather than only on one shoulder.

**lilchappy** · 07-19-2006, 10:55 AM

I have traveled all over Europe now and both in the summer times. I used a money belt but just found it a hassle. I was in the two biggest pickpocket places in the world I think...pamplona for the running, and Barcelona, and had no troubles. In pamplona I put my passport in my shoe when I slept in the park as well as my money. During the day, I carried my passport and cards and my camera in my pockets, but kept my hands on them at all times.

Either way it is a hassle, but just thought I should let you know that if you don't have a money belt, it is not a given that your going to be swiped!

Plus, you said your of "decent" size, if I was a pick pocket I wouldn't screw with ya.

cya...lilchappy

http://blogs.travelpunk.com/index.php?blogId=24

**Majestic58** · 07-20-2006, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lilchappy@Jul 19 2006, 05:55 PM
Plus, you said your of "decent" size, if I was a pick pocket I wouldn't screw with ya.

*laughs* you may be right... as a 5'10 female football player I'm probably not a prime target...