August 27, 2009 ExOfficio belt is on the money
The unassuming, lightweight ExOfficio ExO Money Belt is a surprisingly functional addition to the light travelers bag of tricks. This light – very light – nylon web belt is checkpoint-friendly (not metal), has a zippered money compartment, and, best of all, has an a pass-through clasp buckle that makes the length of the belt sleeplessly adjustable.
Comfort is the secret weapon
Not having to remove the belt at checkpoints is nice. Being able to stash several hundred in Euros is occasionally helpful. But being able to discreetly let this belt out an inch after “chicken or pasta” on that long flight is priceless. Just lift the buckle to loosen then close it when comfort is achieved – very nice! Also, the light weight means you don’t have to tighen it as much as you would a heavy belt, the very weight makes it harder to keep your pants up (remember, I’m hip-challenged so I know of what I speak!)
Checkpoint friend
Removing a heavy leather belt at each metal detector is a pain. And if you’re hip-challenged like me it’s even less fun. I know that some security people will make you remove any belt, but most don’t care as long as there’s no beeping. I sailed through every checkpoint. I have a new friend.
Looks
I chose the chocolate/brown/black (“Pattern” in ExO nomenclature) version. It works with black or brown shoes. There’s also a gray heather version. The plastic buckle is not terribly sophisticated but I don’t think it’s ugly. I doubt that anyone notices. It doesn’t work as a dress belt for me but is appropriate most of the time.
Durability
;)
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I was initially put off by the belt’s light weight and plastic hardware. Not to fear: I’ve probably worn it 30 times and it’s no worse for wear. The buckle seems durable too. It is light but is seemingly made of the same stuff as the plastic buckles found on most luggage – and how often do those break? Belts of all kinds are notorious for showing wear. A favorite leather belt can get ugly in months. I believe the ExO will last for a long time, especially if you only wear it for travel…
Tighten up on your good thing
…which I don’t. I’m wearing this belt at least a few days every week. Comfort and adjust ability are the reason this is my standby, everyday belt now.
Money walks
The zippered money comportment is 28” long. It is very narrow – you need to fold a US bill in fourths to make it fit. This means you can fit several bills in it. I can see tucking several hundred dollars in it for emergency cash in large bills. It would only hold enough singles to buy a snack though. The zipper and pull are very thin. You don’t notice they’re there and they don’t affect comfort at all.
ExO Money Belt - highly recommended
Reader Comments (5)
I will have to give this a try. Haven't been travelling much lately, but maybe that will pick up.
I like your recommendations for clothes, as it's mostly stuff that doesn't scream, "Safari," and is versatile without being too casual.
Max, if you buy one and don't like it (provided it's a medium or large) I'll buy it from you! I like them that much.
"versatile without being too casual" - this means boring to many, but - mea culpa
I have been looking for a travel belt which is checkpoint safe for a while, but, I think these belts are kinda ugly (no offense, they are just noticeably not "normal" belts). A hidden cash compartment is nice, but a far secondary concern for me (when I'm international, I usually have an under-the-pants wallet for my passport anyway).
I'm thinking leather with a replacement buckle seems like the best idea; anybody ever find something good like that?
Andrew, here are some "normal" checkpoint friendly belts:
http://onebagger.squarespace.com/blog/2009/6/15/pants-up-beep-free.html
I recently picked up one of these for my travels, from the ExOfficio store in Bellevue, Washington:
http://www.thomasbates.com/pc/Metal-Free-Reversible-Leather-Belt-41p55.htm
Works like a charm....
Happy Travels,