Everywhere we go, we need to carry ‘stuff’ – money, credit cards, keys, phone and so on.
Men are quite well off when it comes to pockets. Trousers usually have at least four (side x 2, hip, fob) while most jackets also have at least four (two outside, two inside). More recently, there is often a mobile phone pocket in a jacket. Many, but not all, shirts have a breast pocket. However, in this day of reduced formality, the jacket is often left at home (ergo, lose four pockets immediately).
When we travel, there can be even more ‘stuff’ to carry everywhere, including passports, camera, foreign currencies and medications even as we get older! Rapidly, we find there is just too much stuff to carry in our pockets as we get around. Further, we are continually warned about the ease with which pockets can be picked, especially at busy tourist locations such as railway stations and cathedral plazas.
Enter the “Manbag”!
I had always been somewhat reluctant to carry a ‘handbag’, but a display in travel goods store attracted my attention. I discovered a range of bags that featured a “slashproof” shoulder strap and bag material. Seemed like a good idea. Such a bag had plenty of space for wallet, passport and other items deserving protection.
Among the features of this bag are three compartments (one hidden) with secured zippers. Inside the compartments are ‘pockets’ for mobile phone and wallet. The slash proof material feels as if it has concealed chicken wire lining, adding to the security against invasion. One problem solved.
While researching these bags, I also came across ‘RFID blocking’ wallets. RFID stands for radio-frequency identification, and as this Wikipedia article shows, RFID devices have become part of our everyday lives, in many applications. The E-tag tolling device in our cars, the chip in our credit/debit cards and store security tags are three that leap to mind.
Unfortunately, for every bit of smart technology, there seems to be a downside that can be exploited by the villains among us. The following video clip serves as a warning to us about RFID devices may be a problem, and how to safeguard against it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Mx0DpW_1GtI
I have grown to like my Manbag. I also have an RFID blocking wallet. My philosophy is simple. Take reasonable precautions, but get out there and enjoy life to the max.