Last Updated on August 8, 2017 by Christine Kaaloa
Is the Clever Travel Companion clever about travel theft?
As a female solo traveler, I’m constantly thinking of ways to protect my valuables and to not show that I have them.
This is because I have to be my own Superman and “a tourist carrying a DSLR camera” usually equates big money for depressed economies and desperate folk.
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How do I protect my valuables when I travel?
Table of Contents: Is the Clever Travel Companion clever about travel theft?
I don’t wear money belts (although I do hide one in the secret lining of my backpack).
While I think money belts are safe and smart to use for avoiding travel theft, I’m personally, not a fan of how it feels. Not to mention, my mother and grandmother always use them on vacations and they’re always excusing themselves to go to the bathroom to get money. That’s not convenient for me.
Instead, I try to look like I’m not wearing money. I dress down. I hide my shopping money and credit cards either, in a jogger’s wrist wallet or a tiny change purse around my neck, tucked into my shirt. I keep my passport in a secret compartment in my daypack, which holds my DSLR camera and lenses; and thus, that daypack seldom leaves my back.
While this system has worked for me, it’s not perfect by any means. I’m always looking for ways to refine it.
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What is the Clever Travel Companion tank top?
When I first saw the Clever Travel Companion tank top, I was skeptical. It was designed by a traveler and claimed to be theft proof, hiding valuables, by storing it in a zipper pouch above the belly.
Firstly, I don’t like adding clothes to my wardrobe, unless they’re versatile. Secondly, I don’t always like the look of travel clothes, because they look like “travel clothes”, and third, that front zipper was a visual deterrent.
But then I tried the Clever Travel Companion tank top and was surprised by what I found.
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Is the Clever Travel Companion clever about travel theft?
Most theft occurs because thieves have access to places travelers can’t keep an eye on or feel.
Backpacks and purses can be slashed, snagged off of you in drive-by or pick-pocketed when you’re in a crowd. Thus, there’s no safer place hiding place, than on your body . The Clever Travel Companion’s centrally located zipper pouch stores valuables, in a place where you will have the greatest awareness, access and control … at the center of your body.
A pickpocket attempt would not go unnoticed.
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How does it wear and look?
When I first saw it in pictures, I was like… “meh”. It comes in two colors (black and white) and looked like a basic tank with a huge honking zipper in the middle, promising me a “pregnant pouch”.
But when I put it on, it immediately felt more versatile and comfortable than it looked. It’s made with a stretchy cotton that’s doesn’t feel thick, hot or chunky. It fits snug and has a slimming effect.
I honestly like the feel of it.
While it won’t hit high marks in fashion design, it won’t hit low ones either; and although, I’m still not a fan of a pregnant pouch, it certainly is conveniently placed for greater security, function and personal access.
Read: 21 Ways to Outsmart Pickpockets & Thieves
Is a passport noticeable?
I don’t know how the white tank wears, but the black masks objects pretty well and the tank has enough fabric length-wise, to scrunch up and camoflage outlines with crinkles.
Of course, the larger and bulkier the item you store in it (i.e. in the photo above and below, shows how it looks with an iPod Touch), the more visible it will be from the front and side. But flat objects, like credit cards and money aren’t as noticeable.
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Would you want to use it, even if you’re not traveling?
Outside of travel, the tank top is versatile enough to use for many activities, both, leisure and sport. The breathability of the fabric doesn’t trap heat on you and the durability of the pocket and zipper allows rugged use.
So far, I’ve used it while working as crew on the set of some TV gigs (i.e. Hawaii Five-O and House Hunters), where I usually wear a fanny pack to hold backup tapes and batteries. While I still use a fanny pack to store a ton of crew junk, I love that the tank has a sturdy and reliable pocket for ultra-quick access and organization to my most important things like a backup tape, pens and shot list.
I’ve used it under a business suit jacket, when I was running late for a business meeting ( I concealed the zipper part, of course).
I even wore it in my first marathon in Honolulu, The Great Aloha Run. My iPod Touch bounced when I ran, but the pocket is placed high and the fabric fits snug, so it didn’t loosely flap against me in an annoying manner.
Basically, I’ve put the Clever Travel Companion tank through many tests. So far, it’s passed and I’ll keep using it.
For the vacationing tourist, backpacker or athletic user looking to deter theft or keep important things accessible, the tank top works! And if tank tops aren’t your thing, The Clever Travel Companion has a small line of theft-proof clothes from t-shirts and underwear.
Thumbs up, Clever Travel Companion!
Now I’m very curious about those underpants you sell.
Much thanks to Clever Travel Companion, who let me test drive their clothing for this post. The opinions of this post are most definitely my own.
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The Clever Travel Companion
Website: www.clevertravelcompanion.com
Cost: $29.90
Where else can you buy it: Amazon.com
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