Review: Tom Bihn RFID Blocking Passport Pouch

A couple of weeks ago I was preparing to review the new  Tom Bihn RFID Blocking Passport Pouch.  I had done some research on RFID and was planning this whole essay on what it was, why we need to be wary, and what could be done. 

And then our buddy Kevin at Practical Hacks wrote a great blog posting on just this subject as well as a review of the same pouch—and in the same color.

I thought I’d wait a couple of weeks and then post mine. But, you know, I don’t think I could have done a better job than Kevin, and I agree with everything he says, so…..I’m just going to give you the link to his review and say……good job Kevin.

Practical Hacks review of the Tom Bihn RFID Blocking Passport Pouch

One thing I’ll add…pay attention to his suggestion of clipping it to your bag. I wouldn’t wear the passport pouch through security. In some cases, the lining might set off the metal detectors. And should you be chosen for secondary screening, and you’re wearing the pouch around your neck, you’ll have to take it off anyway. 

Be aware….some drivers licenses and credit cards are beginning to use RFID technology as well. If your cards are the type you can just wave to use they may have RFID technology and you want to protect them as well. 

BTW—I’m definitely going to use this when  I travel and/or need to carry my passport. It’s practically weightless and comfortable to wear around your neck. 

(Frank II)

Tom Bihn supplied the RFID Blocking Passport Pouch for review. 

Comments

[Dan]

IDSTRONGHOLD.COM has RFID blocking products as well.
They are offering passport/ credit card sleeves and wallets.
The sleeves would allow another option of carrying one's passport.

[Kevin]

Frank,

Thanks for your kind words, I appreciate it. Also - fine job on the Bihn Large Cafe Bag review; I thought it was especially well thought out & written.

[Monte L. Steiger]

American Science & Surplus sells RFID Blocker Sheets, Stocke no. is 93390. Size is 8 3/8 x 3 1/2 x ..012 inches. Cost is ten dollars. The sheets are a metal foil with a plastic sheet adhered to each side.

I bought two sheets and cut one in two pieces to fit the inside pockets of my Rogue wallet. I cut the other sheet to size to fit in the currency pocket of my regular wallet but it is sort of a nuisance to have there where all the paper money is. Still, if you want to retrofit your gear, this is an option.

[Frank II]

I should have mentioned in my review that the Tom Bihn RFID Blocking Passport Pouch, could, double as a money belt worn under your clothes either:
--worn around the neck with the pouch resting on your chest
--worn around the neck but the pouch is actually under the arm. Sort of "messenger"style. The cord is long enough.

If you wear very light fabrics, some of the colors of the pouches might show through.

[Austin]

3M is also in the RFID protection biz:
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3MElectrical/Home/ProductsServices/DataProtectionSleeves/

[Fun Travel]

In my opinion, the RFID Blocking is a nice addition to the Passport Pouch, but it is the one hand opening redesign which make it wonderful.

I own a couple of old style, zippered Passport Pouches, their light weight Dyneema construction and long cords put them way ahead of the leather and cordura passport holders I used in my previous decades of travel.

The newer RFID Blocking Passport Pouch is also available in more colors than the original Passport Pouch. Perfect for disappearing under clothes, even colorful lightweight summer fabrics.

[sushofficial]

I never used a passport cover earlier but when I was travelling abroad to my friend’s place I nearly spoiled my passport then I felt its really essential to have one .I don't like using those big leather passport covers because its difficult to carry it long with wallet and other stuff. what I was searching for was a simple handy passport cover and moreover transparent so that I could find it easily in my purse. I got exactly what I wanted from http://www.passportcover.in/. This executive transparent passport cover protects my passport from wear & tear, travel agent sticker, and also maintains its originality. I recommend it to frequent traveller to try this.