Keep Important Documents Safe While Traveling with the Best Neck Wallet

This buyer’s guide is designed for those who want a bit more help selecting the best products. Choosing a high-quality, reliable neck wallet is important for your travels, so you don’t want to pick one at random. We will be outlining the benefits and features of neck wallets, as well as some alternative options. We’ve also included some helpful answers to frequently asked questions. Read on to find the best neck wallet for your upcoming trip.

What are the benefits of wearing a neck wallet?

The neck wallet, a popular companion for travelers and tourists, comes with the following benefits:

Reduced chances of losing or forgetting valuables

With a neck wallet, the chances that you will end up losing valuables, such as your passport, credit card, or boarding pass, are reduced. Since you can hang the wallet around your neck, you only need to take out what you need, when you need it, and return it to the wallet after you are done with it. Keeping these items in your pocket makes you a target for pickpocketers. By keeping the items around your neck, you are more aware of where your items are and have decreased the chances of theft.

They offer anti-theft protection

Many neck wallets have anti-theft features that make it almost impossible for thieves to get away with your valuables. Some have strings embedded in their straps to make them slash-proof. Many others have RFID blocking features that ensure that digital thieves won’t be able to steal your credit card details. As stated previously, wearing a neck wallet under your clothes gives you a bit more security and offers you peace of mind.

Convenient and easy access to documents

Instead of dumping all your essential travel documents in a backpack or handbag, a neck wallet gives you the choice of putting them securely in easy to reach places, this way, even when you are in a rush, you can easily bring out what you need quickly. Because neck wallets often have multiple pockets, you can have a designated space for each item, making them easier to find.

How do you choose the best neck wallet that will meet your needs?

Here are some pro tips on how to choose the best neck wallet.

Durability is a must

The durability of a neck wallet can be determined by inspecting the quality of the material used to manufacture the wallet. Water-resistant materials are a good choice. Typical materials used to make the best neck wallets are ripstop nylon or polyester, but can also include leather or foldable plastics.

Also, ensure the strap that would be worn around the neck is well sewn, comfortable, and doesn’t fray easily. The best straps should also have anti-slash features and be adjustable so you can keep them at a proper height on your body.

Moisture-wicking is another good-to-have feature that ensures the neck wallet will last longer while providing you with the needed comfort as it does not retain moisture and smell. Neck wallets will often be resting against your body under your clothes, so you’ll want a breathable mech layer on the back of the wallet.

Ensure the size of the wallet and number of compartments is adequate for your needs

When choosing a neck wallet, always ensure that it is the right size for your needs. After purchasing, it will be disappointing to find out that even though the neck wallet is durable and convenient to use, it isn't large enough to fit the items that need to go into it. Additionally, it should not be heavy — it should be light and easy to carry around. Neck wallets aren’t the most spacious, and you may not be able to hold all of the items you want to, so you’ll have to prioritize which ones get a spot.

Choose wallets that offer premium security

The safety of the items in your neck wallet is of the utmost importance. For this reason, choose neck wallets that offer RFID blocking features that prevent digital thieves from gaining access to your credit card information. Digital thieves are harder to catch, so you’ll want more protection to keep your credit cards and phones safe.

Also, wallets with hard-to-reach and secret pockets are a necessary feature to consider when choosing a wallet for security reasons. Finally, the wallet should be lightweight so that it can be worn under your clothing to keep it out of sight from prying eyes. This will help you feel safer and stop you from worrying about your valuables’ security.

Adjustable and comfortable straps are also important

To ensure that you enjoy using your neck wallet, the straps should be able to sit around the neck for a whole day without causing discomfort. These straps also need to be adjustable to your preferred length. It would defeat the purpose if your wallet hung out from under your shirt, but it would also be less than ideal if the wallet was uncomfortable around your neck.

What are some other alternatives to a neck wallet?

If a neck wallet isn’t just your style, here are some other ways you can keep your cash, documents, and other valuables safe.

Wear a money belt

Money belts are belts with a compartment for keeping money on the body. They are similar to a neck wallet as they are worn under your clothes, but they don’t dangle and are worn closer to your body around the waist. You can also tuck them under your waistband for even more security. Make sure the waistband is easily adjustable and the compartment has a breathable material. The only downside is that it is more challenging to get your valuables out of the compartment as you have to reach under your clothes.

Wear a fanny pack

Generally called a waist bag, or bum bag in the U.K since fanny means something different in the U.K; these bags are worn around the waist and are secured with buckled straps that sit above the hips. It is difficult hiding a fanny pack from intending pickpockets and they are usually one of the first things pickpockets look out for when targeting tourists. They are convenient, but not the most secure option.

Leg wallet

The leg wallet is worn around the thighs or ankle to keep essential items away from prying eyes. However, paying for things or bringing out vital documents might cause a scene once you start pulling up or taking off your pants to bring out your leg wallet.

Belt wallet

These are belts with hidden pockets inside the belt. They are a popular option for many men. However, the practicality of its use with women is limited due to its large size. Plus, it cannot hold that much besides cash or a possible credit card, and they are difficult to access.

Wrist wallet

They are worn around the wrist and are an excellent option for people who like to take morning or evening jogs. Your smartphone will fit into many wrist wallets. These aren’t as secure as other options, but keep everything close.

Hidden pockets in clothes

These types of clothes have hidden pockets. However, to use this alternative, you will need to get several of them, as wearing the same set of clothes every day can be awkward. Back in the day, people sewed secret pockets on the wrong side of their pants to keep their valuables safe and hidden.

Bra stash

This is the perfect option for women. These pouches are hooked to the sides, center or even inside the bra cup. They, however, have the disadvantage of not being adequate for packing a lot of items and are hard to reach in public.

Shoe wallet

These wallets have loops just in front of your shoe. These little pouches sit on top of your shoelace and are suitable for holding a little cash and your credit card. Just be careful it doesn’t fall off as you walk.

A day pack

A day pack is a small bag that can be worn to the front of your body. They are also large enough to hold many of the items you will need when traveling. These are more than just a wallet and are nice for long days out and about.

Neck Wallet FAQ

Q: What is a neck wallet?

A: A neck wallet is a flat pouch worn around the neck. It is useful for keeping valuables nearby while on the move. While worn, the chances of forgetting or having your documents stolen are significantly reduced, and many of them are comfortable enough to be worn underneath your clothing.

Q: How close does someone have to be to scan your credit card?

A: Phone-sized RFID card readers can scan credit card details from around 10 feet away. This has been proven to be possible even though banks claim that the RFID chip on your bank cards is encrypted.

Q: How can you block RFID skimmers from reading your credit card?

A: Here are some ways to prevent this from happening

Wrap your credit card in aluminum foil or buy an RFID-blocking wallet.

Q: What are the disadvantages of neck wallets?

A: Here are some disadvantages of neck wallets:

1. Often, the straps on a neck wallet can become uncomfortable, especially when you wear your neck wallet for a full day.

2. When spotted with a neck wallet, especially those ones that cannot be fitted under your clothing you will stand out as a tourist to thieves and con-men that might be scanning around for their next victim. Be sure to be subtle when wearing a neck wallet or other protective gear to get the most out of your purchase.