September 08, 2016

28th Stopped Pick-Pocket: Better Than A Barcelona Pick-Pocket Again

Barcelona ›   Europe ›   Spain ›  

I have been a very happy user of both two pairs of the adventure pants and two pairs of the business pants, wearing them on many international trips in all sort of weather and conditions. They have certainly given me peace of mind about being in crowded situations, as shown in the following instance.

I was attending a Bruce Springsteen concert in Barcelona, where the stadium was rocking, everyone was on their feet and singing and dancing to the music, and generally pushing together. In the midst of all the celebration and movement, I felt a hand groping for my wallet, unaware of the multiple barriers that the formidable opponent the pick pocket proof adventure travel pants provided. I reached back, tried to grab the wrist of the offending would be thief, and was satisfied to go back to enjoying the E Street Band as the villain disappeared as fast as he could into the massive crowd.

Thank you, Clothing Arts, for such an ingenious and effective product.

Robert from New Hampshire, USA

August 23, 2016

27th Stopped Pick-Pocket: Better Than A Barcelona Metro Pick-Pocket

Barcelona ›   Europe ›   Spain ›  

Dear Clothing Arts,

I just got back from a trip to Barcelona/Paris/Venice/Florence/Rome - 3 weeks - wearing pickpocket proof pants/shirt. Worked great with no laundering of pants and washing shirt, just once in sink, letting air dry overnight.

In Barcelona, on the first phase of the trip, we were heading on subway with roller/carry-on bag - obvious tourist/mark - when midway through, the train stops, I waited near the door to exit.  A burly man stepped in front of me and a younger man moves behind me, impeding my exit at the next stop. I had my passport in the zipper inner pocket on left, strand of pearls/jewelry in velcro inner pocket on left, wallet in zippered inner pocket on right, cash in velcro inner pocket on right, while in both "external" zippered pockets I had bulky handkerchiefs with a ball point pen as decoy.

As I forced my way out of the train, in the crush, the young man behind me handed me my ball point pen from my zippered left pocket which he had unzipped, unbeknownst to me. I smiled as I retrieved my pen as he hurried away and felt for all my valuables - still intact - as I proceeded to the airport. Relieved at my good fortune in wearing Clothing Arts pickpocket proof clothing that I faithfully wore through the remainder of the trip - even comfortable in 95 degrees, daytime walking 8-10 miles/day in the streets of Europe.

Paul from Maryland, USA

June 28, 2016

26th Stopped Pick-Pocket: Noted Overland Traveler vs. Indian Pick-Pocket

Asia ›   India ›   New Delhi ›  

When Explorers-Club-Member and RCGS-Fellow Ray Hyland decided to recreate the famous First Overland expedition last year from London to Singapore in an original 60-year-old Land Rover, he knew security was going to be a challenge. So Ray turned to our Pick-Pocket Proof Pants to protect him along the way.

"The truck is so old it didn't actually come with door-locks, so I knew I would need to carry all my valuables and documents on my person, at all times."

Ray's expedition was 8 months long, covering 15000 miles through places like India, Turkey, Iran, Myanmar, and Thailand, some advance planning was in order.

"I didn't have room to take much gear, so I chose 2 pairs of convertible Pick-pocket-proof pants, and two pick-pocket-proof dress shirts". This allowed me to keep everything I needed on me, gave me the flexibility to zip the legs off and roll the sleeves up for exploring ruins and street-markets, or to dress a little sharper for when I had interviews at consulates or with government officials."

Did he actually need the pick-pocket-proof clothing during the trip?

"Absolutely, the confidence I felt, not worrying about my money or papers was such a relief I was able to concentrate on other priorities wherever I was. In fact, the one place I felt should have been among the safest, a bank in New Delhi India, was one place where the clothing thwarted a would-be thief. I had placed a small wad of bills plus my Myanmar visa application in a front cargo-pocket while I stood in (a very crowded) line, and when I looked down later I noticed someone had opened the first button, pulled the flap back, but was unable to get to the second, inside button on the pocket. That saved me not only the cash, but also days of hassle if I needed to get a new Visa."

Regarding convenience, Ray added "I've always loved the ease of washing and drying the nylon shirts. I've been able to remove almost any stain, and they dry literally in minutes when I am in the tropics. These are my go-to clothes for almost every adventure."

April 13, 2016

25th Stopped Pick-Pocket: Caribbean Pick-Pocket Paradise

Boca Chica ›   Caribbean ›   Dominican Republic ›   North America ›  

Dear Clothing Arts,

I have thwarted nightly pick-pocketing attempts on my recent trip to Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.

On the way from the main restaurant area to the disco, there is a dark area for about 30'. Every night, many women await men there and attempt to take money while groping solitary walkers. One cannot avoid them: One must push them and their hands off oneself. I could feel their hands attempt to get in my pockets, but they had problems with the zippers. Only one woman figured out the zippers; but, by that time, I had pushed her away and zipped the pocket back. I've never encountered such a nest of thieves, but I came out with my money on the other side everytime!

Lee from Alabama, USA.

March 14, 2016

24th Stopped Pick-Pocket: Eiffel Tower Pick-Pocket Stopped!

Europe ›   France ›   Paris ›  

Dear Clothing Arts,

My wife and I were recently on vacation in Paris, wearing your pants. We were viewing the Eiffel Tower at somewhat of a distance. There was a gentleman on my left side who looked like a regular tourist. I was so involved with looking straight ahead at the tower that I didn't notice him trying to take something out of the the left front pocket. I had it all zipped up and he couldn't get anything.

He must have been a real professional as I barely felt anything. My wife saw him try, fail and walk away. We just let the guy go as we didn't want to cause a commotion and he didn't get anything.

We're very happy with your pants and each of us have a pair. We're glad we have them!

Joe from San Diego, USA.

February 23, 2016

22 & 23rd Stopped Pick-Pocket: European Travel Insurance!

Europe ›   Florence ›   italy ›   La Spezia ›  

Dear Clothing Arts,

Great to see you again and I wanted to personally thank you for your wonderful products.

I had two incidents to report where your pick-pocket-proof pants were successful. While attempting to board a train in La Spezia, Italy we were accosted by a band of young 12-14 year old girls. They would group around you and attempt to pick-pocket my wallet and front pockets. To their surprise, they were unable to access both, demonstrating antagonistic chatter in Italian. Unfortunately, I observed the young group successfully pick-pocket a man's large billfold containing his family's passports, money, reservations, etc. According to the locals, this group quickly appears and disappears almost daily to victimize travelers, especially seniors, families with young children. I am pleased I am not one of those statistics.

My second incident was in Florence. While standing and eating at a stand up bar, a young man brushed by my backside attempting to push my wallet up out of the pocket. He was quickly surprised that it was not going to happen! I observed him frustrated that he was unable to access my rear pocket and he ran away.
Success once again.

I cannot comprehend travelling in Europe without your products.

Jake from San Diego

January 21, 2016

21st Stopped Pick-Pocket: Milan Vacation Saved!

Europe ›   italy ›   MIlan ›  

Dear Clothing Arts,

Confirm me as a believer in your system. I bought a pair of your pants at the very end of August. There was a failed attempt to pick my pocket in Milan, Italy early in September. It saved my whole vacation.

Pickpockets are always working F1 events and public transportation.

Thanks for your pants, a must investment!

Jim from Connecticut, USA

September 01, 2015

20th Stopped Pick-Pocket: Coliseum Pick-Pocket Prevented!

Europe ›   italy ›   Rome ›  

Taken from a ★★★★★ Review for our Convertible Travel Pants

 

Great pants...piece of mind.

 

Short review... I bought these pants in preparation for a trip to Rome and Venice. These pants made me feel safe. I kept my important items in the front 2 strapped pockets (buttoned strap over zipper). I got comfortable with the pockets quickly, no issue there. The pants are well made also. My wife liked them, and she's picky. Her instructions...buy more. At the Coliseum in Rome with recorded warnings about pick pockets they tried. They went for one of my front pockets and failed.

We're back from Italy and I wore them yesterday for a bike ride after converting them to shorts. These pants are amazing. Im buying more.

July 01, 2015

19th Stopped Pick-Pocket: Rome Bus Pick-Pockets Foiled!

Dear Clothing Arts,

I was in Rome, traveling on a public bus toward a site outside of the center - Sunday Portese market. The bus was packed with folks going to the market. Before getting on the bus, I made sure my zipper and flap were secure.

On the bus, there were some nefarious looking characters who must have taken a notice to me. When I got on off the bus, I noticed that the button and zipper were open, but the cash ( 60 euros) were in tacked because they were in the inside pocket. The pants pocket was deep enough that they couldn't reach all the way down to get anything.

Thanks you for saving my money!

Cory, New York City.

 

June 17, 2015

18th Stopped Pick-Pocket: Barcelona Pick-Pocket Escape!

Barcelona ›   Europe ›   Spain ›  

Dear Clothing Arts,

Back in June 2013, while on a family trip to Rome, I narrowly escaped a pickpocket attempt while boarding a bus at Termini station. I had read up on my destinations and was keenly aware of the main areas that pickpockets frequented in Rome and the other places we visited, as well as their methods. Fortunately, I was able to avoid an unpleasant situation, but it surely left me with an unpleasant taste in my mouth and a feeling of vulnerability that I do not want to have while enjoying my travels.

I first read about Adam’s pants in an article in the Chicago Tribune and it caught my interest. I was fortunate enough to meet Adam at a Travel show in Chicago and was able to see the clothes first hand. I ordered 3 pairs of pants for an upcoming trip to the Mediterranean that we took earlier this year.

While my wife and I were in Barcelona on February 28, 2015, we were heading to Parc Guell for the afternoon on public transportation. We took the subway to a bus - when we got out of the subway station, I was completely disoriented as to what direction anything was. In my moment of weakness, I feel like a big arrow was pointing at my head screaming tourist!

We found the bus stop and there were several people waiting, and none of them spoke English. There were some nice elderly ladies who sort of made me comfortable that I was going the right way, as well as a couple of other guys waiting to get on bus.

When the bus came, one of the guys that had been waiting boarded first, and the second guy graciously motioned to let me pass before him. I assumed that he would let my wife pass with me but he did not. He followed me on the bus and him and the first guy sandwiched me as I tried to validate my ticket. Sure enough they were trying to hit me!

Having been through it before in Rome, I knew what was going on, but felt much different this time as I had my pickpocket proof pants. Once I felt that sensation of violation (hands all over me that don’t belong there), I immediately moved to the back of the bus away from the two guys, Sure enough the button on my rear pocket was undone and the zipper was not fully closed. But my wallet was secure and I was confident that I was as well.

My wife and I are going to Budapest and Prague next month. I am ordering two pairs of shorts today as it will be warm there. I’ve been doing my homework and know where the pickpockets frequent there, but I have no worries. With a little diligence and my pants from Clothing Arts, I feel safe going anywhere!

Bob R from Plainfield, Illinois