Overall ImpressionThe U.S. State Department began issuing passports embedded with radio-frequency identity tags (RF-ID) in August 2006. These are also becoming the norm in a growing number of countries. While the new RF-ID passports are expected to enhance border security, enough concerns have been raised by computer security experts about the privacy risks they pose to the passport holder that I felt compelled to secure mine. The RF-ID Blocking Passport Wallet, made of fine leather with a protective shield inner lining to ensure the RF data cannot be accessed unless the wallet is open, provided an inconspicuous way to protect my new passport from potential data-stealing hackers.

The left side of the wallet consisted of a thick clear vinyl pocket edged in stitched leather, sized to snuggly accommodate my passport. Meanwhile, the right side, with its three deep credit card slots, driver’s license pocket with a clear vinyl window and full length bills pocket underneath functioned efficiently as a self-contained wallet. Once closed, the RF-ID Blocking Passport Wallet had the appearance of an elegant billfold, slim enough to easily slip into my handbag or inside coat pocket. I especially appreciated that this wallet gave me the ability organize passport, cash and credit cards in a single, compact case.

Colors Black and red

List Price $19.85

Manufacturer-Distributor Magellan International, Santa Barbara, CA

Materials High quality tanned leather, high conductivity RF shielding aluminum mesh, thick clear vinyl and smooth nylon lining

Size 5½” x 4” x 0.4” closed

Type Of Product RF-ID blocking passport wallet

Weight 2.7 oz. empty

Country(Ies) Tested USA and France

Date Of Last Review March 2007

Number Of Days Tested 14 days

ReviewersArticle by Josette King

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes

Overall Impression We wore our Deluxe Waist Stash while en route to and during an extended African photo safari and plan to take it with us again in the future. Thanks to the light and moisture wicking fabric it felt comfortable against our garments and skin. The plastic clasps ensured it never triggered a security alarm. The two pockets allowed us to separate the contents by category such as documents and emergency credit cards and cash. Though we fortunately never had to resort to our emergency documents or money, it was good to know they were within easy reach if we ever needed them.

Color(S) Khaki

Machine Washable Manufacturer recommended hand washing

Made In China

Made Of Nylon with TravelDry ™ fabric

Manufacturer-Distributor Lewis N. Clark

Retail Price $15

Type Of Product Fabric pouch

Warranty Lifetime warranty. From the company website: “L.C. Industries provides warranty service for defective products at no charge when shipped in the Continental United States. Products submitted for warranty service outside of the Continental United States may require a fee for return shipment. Return product with dated proof of purchase to: L.C. Industries, LLC, 401 N. Western Ave. Chicago , IL 60612 , ATTN : Lewis N. Clark Service Dept.

Features Two zippered compartments, inner pockets and adjustable strap which accommodates up to 50” waist size, TravelDry ™ fabric moisture, odor and mildew resistant material.

Country(S) Where Tested Botswana , Germany , U.S. , Republic of South Africa and Zambia

Date Of Review January 2005

Number Of Days Tested Five weeks

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes

Overall Impression The Magellan’s Security Bag (Large) is a travel bag used to protect film from airport x-ray security devices. The Security Bag is made of a flexible lead fabric and weighs 16 oz empty. We used the Security Bag for a total of 4 weeks and tested 2 rolls of film with it. One roll was 200 speed film and the other 400 speed film. Carry-on luggage is scanned by security scanners at a lower power level than check-in baggage security scanners. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) does not recommend putting film into check-in baggage so we chose to place our film in our carry-on luggage inside the Magellan Security Bag. As of this review date (Sept-14-2004) the TSA states the following about placing film through security screening equipment, “Carry-on screening equipment might also damage certain film if the film passes through more than 5 times.” Due to the length of our trip our film was scanned 6 times by airport security before being developed. So we exceeded the recommended maximum number of security scans by 1. The film produced pictures that were excellent. The development lab noted some fogging on the edges of the 200 speed film, but the lab felt it was a commonly seen manufacturing defect because the 400 speed film which is the more fragile of the two films was in perfect condition. The development lab having seen damaged film from airport security equipment in the past was impressed with the results, and we were happy with our pictures.

Magellan notes the following about carrying the Security Bag in your carry-on luggage: “Carry your film in your carry-on baggage whenever possible; check-in luggage may receive a much higher dose of radiation from the high-tech scanners used in many airports. Also, for security reasons, you will likely be asked to empty the contents for inspection.”

Capacity 50 Rolls of film without canisters or 45 unboxed canisters of 35 mm film

List Price $49.85

Made In Skokie, Illinois

Manufacturer-Distributor : Allied Glove Corp

Size 13¼ x 9½”

Type Of Product Film security bag

Weight 16 oz

Countries Tested : U.S., Botswana , South Africa and Zambia

Date Of Review : June 2004

Number Of Days Tested Four weeks

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes

Overall Impression The leather Vertical Security Purse was perfect for my last trip to New York City. With steel cables sewn into the shoulder straps it felt safe around crowded areas like the airport and tourist attractions. The back pocket design was practical allowing me easy access to my airline tickets and identification. The flap in the front folded readily so I could retrieve items from a small zippered pocket without opening the main compartment.

The Vertical Security Purse was sober enough to take to a business meeting in the afternoon and dressy enough for dinner at a fine restaurant. I struggled briefly adjusting the straps to wear it across my shoulder; and found the purse tended to slide a bit off my shoulder when worn as a conventional handbag. It was great having one purse versatile enough for travel, sight seeing, business and evening. Brand and fashion conscious travelers may feel compelled to carry something special for dressy occasions.

List Price: $60

Manufacturer-Distributor DayMakers of Santa Barbara (made in China)

Size 10 x 8 x 2″

Type Of Product Vertical travel purse in leather available in black or micro fiber available in black, taupe, chocolate and navy.

Weight 11 ounces

Features A slim, attractive design, roomy main compartment, key holder, back slot pocket, two angled zippered pockets, and a steel cable shoulder strap for an extra dose of security.

Date Of Last Review March 2004

Number Of Days Tested Four

Would You Use This Product Again Yes