How to Make a Failsafe Travel Security Pouch

The failsafe security travel pouch
Most people who travel have concerns about such things as their Passport, credit cards, cash, travelers' checks and jewelery stolen. Putting these valuables in your general luggage or backpack is not the safest place to store them.

A lot of travelers, especially backpackers, wear casual clothes. Jeans are popular and are probably the best piece of apparel to contain these failsafe security pouches for keeping valuables safe at all times. Backpacks can be stolen and shoulder bags snatched. The only way anyone can get at your valuables using this security pouch is to "rip your pants off".

The failsafe security pouch can be sewn into the inside leg/s of your jeans (or slacks). The idea can be extended to include a pair of pyjama bottoms to keep important items safe while you sleep.

How to construct the pouch
For each pouch, cut a piece of cloth 18 inches x 6 inches (44 cm x 15 cm) in a similar cloth to the pants you will fit it into.

Fold the ends in about half an inch (2 cm) and press flat.

Pin and tack the folded edges to a 5.5 inch (14 cm) zip fastener and stitch this in place on the sewing machine.

Now fold the pouch so the zip is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top.

Trim the ends of the zip if necessary.

Zig-zag the exposed edges so they won't fray.

Pin the pouch into the inside leg of a pair of jeans or slacks with the zip facing outwards.

Sew the pouch in place about ½ inch (2.5 cm) from the zig-zagged edge.

Make enough pouches to ensure you always have this facility fitted in more than one pair of jeans/slacks/pyjamas.

Note
Machine stitching is the best method to make the pouch secure. This pouch will not be comfortable sewn into tight legged jeans or slacks.

Warning
Do not tell anyone about this secret hideaway while you are traveling.

Place credit cards in a separate plastic folder so the magnetic strips don't rub together rendering them inoperable.

Be aware that you might need to visit the bathroom to extract various items from the pouch.

An alternative security pouch
If you don't like the idea of having to visit the bathroom every time you need something from your leg-based security pouch, you can construct a similar pouch that attaches around your waist with elastic - or purchase a traditional money belt that goes underneath your clothing.

Sources:

Information about this home-made security method was provided by a friend who made the pouches for her husband and daughter when they were getting read to backpack around Europe.

http://currate.com/blog/index.php/2009/09/protecting-your-valuables-while-traveling/