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Monday
Nov282011

Gear Review: Tom Bihn Travel Money Belt

 

Earlier today, Tom Bihn introduced his new Travel Money Belt. I was sent one a few weeks ago to review.

Made of 1 1/4” heavy nylon webbing, the belt comes with a simple plastic buckle. Inside is a 20” concealed zippered compartment (#3.5 YKK coil zipper with a plastic slider) that can hold up to 15 U.S. bills or a combination of bills and folded paper. It weighs a mere 2.5 ounces. And with no metal parts, it can—technically—be worn through the metal detector. (Unless you get one of those airport security agents who loves to yell “all belts off.” Then it’s best to comply.)

By coincidence, I have been in the market for a similar type of belt. And to be honest, this one sounds like most of the others. But, there is one big difference between this belt and those others.

All of the other belts are “one size fits all.” They only come in one big size. If too big, the manufacturers suggest you cut the belt down to size.

Cut the belt down to size? Even I who doesn’t sew, or knit, or know any of the needle crafts, knows that if you cut the end of a belt like this, it will eventually fray and come loose. It will look terrible.

But the Tom Bihn belt is different. It comes in a range of sizes from XS to XL. No need to cut. (And if XL isn’t big enough, send them an email and they’ll cut one to size.)

For that one reason alone, I suggest this belt over all of the others. I believe it will last longer because modifications were done at the factory and not at home.

It’s available in numerous colors as long as they are all black. Made in the USA. $20

 

Tom Bihn suppled the belt and photos for review. They’ve seen my photography skills and made sure their own photos were available for use.

 

 

Reader Comments (7)

I have been looking for a good money belt like this with a plastic buckle for a long time! Nice to have it finally available from one of my favorite companies too! The plastic buckle is excellent, but I am curious as to the long-term durability of it. Is it quite hard plastic that you think could stand up to months of hard wear and tear?
November 28, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterAaron S
My opinion is that this belt will hold up under normal wear and tear. That, to me, is wearing it every day. What is your definition of "hard" wear and tear? Taking a hammer to it? :)
November 28, 2011 | Registered CommenterFrank@OBOW
Does the zipper run the whole length of the belt?
Money belts I've looked at (or wore at school) had idiotic little zipped compartments, this one looks good!
November 28, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterPaula Bag Lass
The zippered compartment is 20 inches/500 millimeter long.
November 28, 2011 | Registered CommenterFrank@OBOW
I've got a belt made of nylon with a plastic buckle and when I went to Europe in May, I had to take it off. I thought it was because of the nude-o-scope but maybe I just got one of "those" TSA agents.
November 29, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterLarry
Thanks Frank, that is a sensible length, sounds good.

Larry, I wonder if they ask for all belts to be removed because TSA assume they could have hidden compartments.....all manner of items could be inside them, things that don't alert the metal detector but would show up on x-ray.
November 29, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterPaula Bag Lass
Money belts are often worn by tourists as a precaution against theft. Items typically placed in a money belt would include passport, travel tickets, driver's license, credit cards, cash, and jewelry. It's the best belt for tourists.
December 15, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterkids clothing

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