Upgrading a Target Moneybelt
I’ll be the first to admit it. I hate moneybelts. I hate neck pouches. But if you are traveling, they are really a necessity. Given, I know there has been a good amount of debate of their usefulness on some sites. But when you are carrying your passport and credit cards and sometimes sizable amounts of cash, they are definitely something I feel is worthwhile.
Now, I’ve tried to use them several time in Central America, and the inconvenience just plain outweighed the extra security, but I think I have a solution and I though I would share it with you all.
First I started with a basic neck pouch. The unmodified pouch hung to about my solar plexus and looked like I was wearing one of Flavor Flav’s clocks, underneath my shirt.
The points where the loop attached the pouch were plastic as well as the clasps, and I was pretty sure that they would not survive a brisk walk, let alone a snatch and run or pickpocket.
What I did was removed the loop altogether, and replaced it with some paracord. I ran the paracord through the belt loops instead of the plastic loops for extra strength. You want to give it a good amount of length, so it can be comfortable (I like sideways) and sit inside your pants or shorts. You also need to make sure that the knots are ABOVE the pouch so they don’t rub too much. Lastly, before you tie the knots, you will want to slip the pad on so it does not scrape you on your shoulder while you walk..
A couple tips:
- I like the bowline knot for tying the pouch. The knot will not come untied, and the loose end will point away from you if tied correctly.
- Make sure to size it up before you tie the knots. I like it so it hangs front pocket level with my pants.
- Paracord is STRONG. Most types can easily hold several hundred pounds, so if it gets hung up on something, it is a definite hazard for choking. Be aware of this!
- Melt the cut ends of the paracord with a match or lighter to keep from fraying and unraveling.
- The best money belt in the world is useless if every pickpocket and mugger knows it is there. Do not take things (money, passports, etc) out of it in plain view. Keep the day’s money somewhere more easily accessible.
