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Hidden Pockets

In the countless hours I’ve spent preparing for my upcoming travels the one main lesson I’ve learned is to keep whatever you bring with you on your travels make sure it is secure at all times. Pickpockets in developing countries are really, really good at what they do and a 6’1” gringo is going to [...]

In the countless hours I’ve spent preparing for my upcoming travels the one main lesson I’ve learned is to keep whatever you bring with you on your travels make sure it is secure at all times. Pickpockets in developing countries are really, really good at what they do and a 6’1” gringo is going to scream easy target. To make sure I keep everything that I own with me, and only me, I’ve been thinking how to make myself look as inconspicuous as possible and what I can do to take some precautionary measures.

One step in preparation that I’ve read is to make sure your pockets are secure. Don’t just keep your most valuable possessions on a pocket that’s easy for someone to reach into. To help safeguard against this I’ve developed a hidden pocket that no pickpocket is going to have an easy time getting their grubby little hands into. I’ve read several entries from others on the importance of having a hidden pocket. The most recent entry I’ve seen was was from Wade on Vagabond Journey.com. Using his technique and a little adaptation of my own I’ve created a hidden pocket in one of my pants and plan on making another in the other pair. Thanks to Wade for his detailed post on his Travelouge.

Here’s how:

Materials Needed:
6” zipper
Pocket – easily made yourself (See Wade’s post) or picked up at any sewing shop (I picked mine up at JoAnn Fabrics for $1(U.S.) )
Needle and thread

1. Inside of your actual pants pocket cut a slit the length of your zipper.
2. Sew the zipper to the slit you just created. Once sewn on this should be an opening in your pocket that will allow you to reach in and touch your leg.
3. Position the pocket over the zipper and attach using some pins
4. Cut a slit in the hidden pocket
5. Sew the slit in the hidden pocket to the zipper
6. Sew any remaining sides of the zipper closed
7. Sew along the top of your pants.

If confused, check out Vagabond Journey.com. Wade does a much better job at explaining the basics of how this pocket is constructed. The main difference is that I’ve added a zipper to open and close the pocket and attached the secondary pocket to the zipper. This connection is the only connection between the two pockets.

This should hopefully keep out unwanted fingers and if someone tries to get into the pocket I will clearly know about it. While difficult for the thief it will be easy for me to get into. It’s large enough to fit a passport, cash or any other decent sized item that I want to keep secure.

The General Idea

Pocket sewn into pants.

Zipper on inside of pocket

Seam connecting the zipper, hidden pocket and the normal pocket.

 

Filed under: Cubicle Ditcher, Planning, Security

About the Author:

Sam Langley left a comfortable and profitable job with an insurance company in the USA to travel the world. He has been going for years, and has not stopped yet. Keep up with his travels on his blog at Cubicle Ditcher. has written 147 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.

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  • Wade Shepard September 7, 2011, 1:55 am

    This is excellent, Sam. Looks great. Better than mine, I must say haha. The zipper is a good addition, as is the hidden pocket that fits with the curve of the pants better.

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    • Sam September 7, 2011, 1:58 am

      It was your idea. I just had some extra time on my hands…

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