Having survived three attempted bag-snatches or muggings over the past three years – yep, only attempted as the would-be thieves were clearly too scared of my right hook since I’ve received boxing training from a Cuban Olympic coach in Cambodia. 🙂 – I know all too well that pickpocketing is common during travels and that every traveller should therefore protect themselves appropriately. I do have a money belt, but depending on what I am wearing you can sometimes see it through my top, dress or trousers, which kind of defeats the object. So when I came across the brand the Clever Travel Companion with their cute thief-proof underwear (stop it) I thought that maybe they could be the answer to my problem. So read on for my Clever Travel Companion underwear review:
Since January, I have been to numerous countries all over South America. I’ve been on trains, buses, cars and boats and most of the time I have felt perfectly safe. As with everywhere in the world, the overwhelming majority of people are friendly and wish you no harm. However, I have also met plenty of backpackers who were robbed on buses while they were asleep or whose handbags got stolen from under their chair in a restaurant. Sure, losing a passport or credit card is not really the end of the world as they are replaceable, but it can be a huge hassle, so why risk it?
In order to make sure travellers always keep their most important documents and money safe the guys over at Clever Travel Companion started producing anti-theft products that help travellers keep their belongings safe at all times. I have used their pickpocket-proof underpants over the past seven months and always wear them when I travel from one place to another or on a night out alone (sorry, no photo of me in my pants in case you were wondering, which you probably weren’t!).
The pockets are big enough to store a passport, credit cards and cash. However, I find that sitting down with my hardcover German passport is a bit uncomfortable and so is sitting down with a credit card when it is upright. Although when I tried sitting down with Chris’ British passport I didn’t have that issue as the cover is soft and flexible. Also, as soon as I put the credit card sideways it was much more comfortable too, so not much of an issue at all! And if you only put notes in the pockets you can`t feel them at all. 
The underpants come in a cute boy short style and have two pockets with zippers. They come in various colours and I have got the grey pair. They are made out of cotton, so they feel very comfortable against your skin. The underpants retail at $29.90, so they are a bit pricier than your usual cotton pants, but I think they are worth it for their added benefit.
The Clever Travel Companion do not only do underpants, they also do tank tops, T-Shirts and long johns for both men and women. All have the standard zipped pockets.
This is what the people over at Lonely Planet have to say about the Clever Travel Companion underwear by the way: “There’s no safer place to keep a credit card, cash and important documents than down under, but it’s so much easier with these nifty pants and their zip-secure pockets. And it’s a saviour from the waist-widening evils of travel belts and fanny packs, meaning the essentials are kept secure while the wearer stays svelte.”
I couldn’t agree more. Having tested the underpants for seven months now I can safely say that I would use these pants over a money belt any day as they are so much more practical and pretty. I hope you found my Clever Travel Companion underwear review useful. Which now begs the question, what do you use to keep your belongings safe? Please tell me in the comments section below.
Disclaimer: The Clever Travel Company kindly provided me with a free pair of underpants for this review. As always all opinions remain my own and I give you my honest opinion on all products I test. As I didn’t want to post photos of me in my pants (it is for the best!) I used stock photos from the Clever Travel Companion website.
Ha, this is a great idea! I’m really not a fan of using money belts when I travel. I remember tying to use one when I was traveling in Cuba, and since the material didn’t breathe the belt made me way too sweaty. It was so uncomfortable I just left it behind. But without a money belt I’ve always been at a loss during those times I when I really needed to have my passport or credit cards on my person. I think these pants are genius! And it’s nice they’re made of cotton so they won’t be too hot 🙂
Justine recently posted…One Year in Jakarta: Pros and Cons of Living Abroad
Oh, I hate it when money belts get all sweaty. It is so horrible. These pants are definitely better. 🙂
nice idea, but you´ll need three of them, one in stock, one on your body and one in the laundry, no? 🙂
That would be ideal! 😉
Brilliant post! I have a money belt which I wear under my trousers but as Justine said, it’s a little too close to the skin, and gets sweaty so I had to cover things in plastic! For “small stuff,” I have an “ethnic” hand-made handbag which I wear across my shoulders. It also has a zip and I can put it in one hand, but I really like the sound of a pair cotton under-pants.
I’ll take two!
Victoria recently posted…My second Liebster Award: 10 months as a blogger, and counting! Rah! Rah!
I like taking tiny going out purses with me to, but I only usually have $20 or so worth of money in it. My credit card always goes in my pants. 🙂
Tammyonthemove recently posted…The Clever Travel Companion Underwear Review
We travel light on Gran Canaria because it’s where we’re based. But when we go further afield, we might well invest in these pants. Thanks for the tip.
Gran Canaria Local recently posted…La Moneda Fast Food
You are welcome! They do come in very handy if you are a light traveler, as you don’t need to take a money belt with you.
This definitely looks like a good alternative to money belts, which I absolutely loathe because of what previous people have said — they’re uncomfortable and don’t breathe. I tend to stash things in the band of my bra but this might be a good alternative!
When I go to nightclubs I usually stash money in my bra too, but it once happened that I was dancing salsa with someone and a 20 Soles note pooped out of my cleavage. That was a bit awkward, not least because the guy couldn’t stop staring at my boobs. So now I put it in my pants. 🙂
Having been a victim of theft recently, I think it’s time to invest in these pants 🙂
Vid recently posted…Vietnam Diaries – 10 Things to do in Saigon
Oh no, I am sorry to hear that. It happens so often that I think it is worth investing some money into keeping things safe.
Brilliant idea and i love the boy underwear look since i’m a boy 🙂
noel recently posted…San Francisco Mission district food tour
Ha ha, go and get one then Noel! 🙂
I’ve heard of these! Never actually used them though. I’ve always wondered how practical they are given the comfort factor. Glad to have a first hand account of them. I’m pretty sure there is a bra version for women too (perhaps by a different company?)
Michael Huxley recently posted…How To Make Your Gap Year Responsible, Ethical And Sustainable.
Oh I have never heard of a bra version, but I know there are tiny bra pouches available which are just big enough for credit cards.
That is a very cool idea. I have always used a belt that strapped flat around my hips under my shorts so the idea is similar. This method always has worked perfectly for me but this method may be better because of the leather against skin heat factor.
Tim recently posted…Island Lembongan and Leatherjackets
Yes, I could imagine that leather against your skin can get pretty sweaty, especially in hot countries.
This looks a lot more comfy than those money belts — maybe even a bit more fashionable! It looks awesome. Now we need one for the ladies!
Muriel recently posted…Travel: Japan’s Arashiyama, Pt. 1
This is actually for ladies, it is just a boycut style. The male version is normal boxer shorts.
These are so great!! My husband would LOVE them. 🙂
Bailey K. recently posted…HEADED TO OREGON
They also have boxer shorts for men actually.
Great idea! Although I’d be worried that they wouldn’t fit well under my tight jeans
Richelle Gamlam recently posted…Why I don’t buy a SIM card when I travel
I have worn them under skinny jeans actually. But it depends just how tight they are around your waist I guess.
I never use moneybelts or some kind of hidden place when travelling, but this underwear seems like a good invention!
I agree, because you have to wear underwear anyway, right? So you might as well get these and kill two birds with one stone.
What a great idea. I wonder how comfortable they are once you put your passport and credit cards in the pocket. I would be worried about having my credit cards bending if I were to sit down. Thanks for sharing.
Carmen (CarmensTravelTips) recently posted…Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
You have to put your credit cards in sideways, otherwise it is a bit uncomfortable as they cut into your legs. But when they are sideways you won’t bend them.
These look like a great alternative to money belts, they look pretty comfy too!
Brianna Simmons recently posted…A taste of Portland with Maine Foodie Tours
Yes, they are very comfy actually. I love the boy-cut style too.
What a cool idea! I need to get one of those. Wish I had one when I was in Barcelona! Haha
Michelle recently posted…10 things I’ve missed about Canada
Interesting concept. . . I don’t know if I would like them. Is it awkward to get your stuff out of them when you are wearing them?
Angela Travels recently posted…Glacier National Park Video
Such a great idea .. I will sure go for this because it’s looking classic and the storage capacity makes it more useful and attractive.
Glad you like them Kevin. They are so handy when you are travelling.
Very nice and and valuable an article. I read this first time. Really this is great post.