【Anti-pickpocket measures for overseas travel】 Can you use it in London? I tried using a slim security pouch for a week

During my trip to London, I constantly wore the security pouch under my clothes as a countermeasure against pickpockets. I will report how the sense of security for travel changed after actually using it for a week, combined with the situation of walking around the city.

Sightseeing spots in London are closer to passersby than I expected

In London, popular spots like Buckingham Palace and the area around Big Ben attract many tourists. When I stop to take a photo, it gets so crowded that people flow in right behind me, making me concerned about the valuables in my bag being within reach of others.

Even at markets, when waiting in front of food stalls, people often cluster closely around me from all sides. The hustle and bustle of the city is appealing, but the anxiety of potentially having my wallet stolen in passing always lingers. I felt that managing my bag in the same way as I do in Japan had its limits in this situation, so I decided to try a bag that fits my body better.

The reason I chose a security pouch is that it is lightweight and fits my body.

What I prioritized when selecting the pouch was its lightness, to the point where I could forget I was wearing it. During travel, the distance walked is long, and the weight of the bag is directly linked to fatigue, so this functionality is non-negotiable. This anti-skimming security pouch weighs about 60g, which is very light, and I felt, "This could last all day."

The mesh material is breathable, and since the belt can be finely adjusted between 70 to 120 cm, it fits the body nicely. When it's snug, there is less sway while walking, and there's no need to readjust its position every time you move.

What I actually packed was,

・Passport
・Airplane ticket
・Thin wallet with credit cards
・AirPods

These four items were packed and I didn't feel the weight at all, and there was surprisingly little discomfort even under my clothes.

The ease of management and mental space I experienced while walking in the city

When I wore it under my clothes and walked, my anxiety about theft significantly decreased. With a bag, I was subconsciously aware of the zipper's position in crowded places, but with the security pouch, I could secure it on the inside of my clothing, so there was almost no worry about it being touched from the outside. When taking photos or during moments of stopping, my anxiety about being targeted from behind faded, and I felt more at ease.

Also, in London, there is considerable distance between tourist spots when walking, which inevitably leads to longer travel times. Still, the security pouch itself is light and fits snugly against the body, so there was hardly any need to readjust its position along the way, allowing me to focus on sightseeing, which was impressive.

I realized some subtle points after trying it out

While it is very easy to use, I also noticed some fine details when actually using it.

1. Depending on what you put in, it can feel awkward on your clothes

Even though it's slim, the shape and thickness of what you put in can slightly outline the silhouette over your clothing. In particular, when putting in a wallet containing your passport and cards, I felt that because the material is soft, you need to be creative with how you insert it.

2. In situations where you take out your wallet, you tend to be cautious due to the presence of others.

Even with the security pouch under my clothes, I inevitably become conscious of the surrounding gazes only at the moment I take out my wallet to make a payment. Although safety is heightened, I am handling valuables. It was necessary to move cautiously while gauging the situation at the moment.

3. On days when walking for long periods, even mesh can get somewhat sweaty

Even with breathable mesh material, there were days of continuous walking where it clung to my body and made me a bit sweaty. After returning to the accommodation, there were moments when I felt, "I really moved quite a bit."

That said, these were only minor concerns during the trip and did not become major downsides for continued use. On the contrary, the impression is that the lightness, fit, and sense of security outweigh the disadvantages.

With reduced anxiety, the enjoyment of overseas travel increases

What I felt after a week-long trip to London was a simple change: "With reduced anxiety, enjoyment increases." During city walks and sightseeing, the unconscious actions of worrying about the bag's zipper decreased, and the time spent focusing on the essentials of the trip, such as buildings, scenery, and food, increased.

Furthermore, because anti-skimming materials that protect card information are used throughout, there is a sense of security in both physical and digital aspects. The position of the zipper and the digital protection. With these two reassurances alone, the focus on travel was completely different.

This is something I felt because it's a city with a lot of pickpockets, but this combination of lightness and reassurance should be helpful in any overseas travel. It was an option that naturally blended with a travel style that wants to move freely while letting go of unnecessary worries…

Interview/ Text / SYURI

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