When you’re traveling domestically or abroad, keeping your IDs, cash, credit cards, and other small personal effects secure is very important. You don’t want your travels to be interrupted with canceling credit cards or trying to get an emergency passport. Touring with the confidence that your traveling documentation is safely on your person is invaluable. Another concern that is on the rise is keeping your personal information guarded. Throughout 2014, America experienced several episodes of data breeches sparking an even deeper desire safeguard consumer information. In response to many of these incidents, many major credit card companies decided to reissue credit cards with an embedded chip included. This chip may be more secure in some regards, however, some individuals who own RFID detectors have untoward intentions to farm personal data from these credit card chips and the chips that already exist in most passports currently issued in the United States. Recently, the Seattle-based company, NW Travel Gear, sent me an RFID blocking neck wallet.
What is RFID?
RFID technology has been around for some time time. It stands for radio-frequency identification. It is primarily used today in passports, some credit cards, and the chipping of house pets. Used ethically, RFID is a very convenient way to store information or reunite runaway pets with their owners. As RFID technology becomes increasingly ubiquitous, there is definitely a need to protect your personal information.
Exterior Features of NW Travel Gear Wallet
The wallet contains a lanyard that can easily be cinched to adjust its tightness. It can also be used to determine how high or low you wish to wear the wallet on your body. The front of the wallet contains an ID window which you can easily used for a picture ID, business card, or nametag. The opening to the wallet has a Velcro flap that houses a dual zipper that opens up the wallet. The rear of the wallet contains a pocket that could fit a smartphone or passport for quick access.
Interior Features of NW Travel Gear Wallet
The interior has an assortment of pockets. On one side, there are 5 pockets that can fit credit-card sized items. There’s a zippered pocket that comes in handy if you need to carry around pocket change or small jewelry. There is a small clip found inside where you could attach a property tag or keys. On the reverse side, there are 3 larger pockets that can be used for passports, cash, travelers checks, digital camera, or a cell phone. With this roomy travel wallet, you have a great place to secure your valuables. And maybe even carry some souvenirs from your wanderings, too.
The good:
- Can accommodate passports, credit cards, cash, and flatter cell phones
- RFID blocking
- Opens to easily display its contents
- Can hold watches and jewelry
- Comfortable to wear under or over clothes
The bad:
- Comes in black only, so difficult to be sneaky if you wear white
All photos by Anthony Frohlich
NW Travel Gear Wallet is available at Amazon.
Note: NW Travel Gear provided me with a product sample for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced by the company.