Review of Pacsafe Pick-pocket proof bags

ACCICB and I tried the Pacsafe bags, wallet and neck pouch at the airport DFS and found them to be exactly what we were looking for. It has all the features such as RFID, slash proof material, zippers that can be locked which is difficult to be accessed by anyone but yourself. My first purchase was the wallet and I was so impressed with it that I bought the neck pouch and bags in a second purchase. 

Source: Pacsafe's website

I find the black Pacsafe Luggage Coversafe 75 Neck Pouch  useful but it sticks out so its still visible despite wearing two layers (a tee and a sweater). I think the reason why it sticks out is because of the strap as you can see in the picture below.

Front flap seals with velcro

Inner compartments

However, I still wear it as a multiple prong approach since I keep some money here and there everywhere around me to maximize my safety. I heard that some people just wear it on their back but I feel even weirder doing that. It has 3 compartments and there's a velcro to secure the main pocket. It can fit a passport and has a zippered pocket which makes it extra secure. 

I love the black Pacsafe Walletsafe 100 though as it can fit nicely into certain ski pants, cargo pants and jeans pockets as well as into my Pacsafe bag.

The long metal chain with a turn and lock security hook can be easily attached to the jeans loop or belt look or to the keychain loop within my Pacsafe bag.

The all important metal chain with turn and lock security hook

Plenty of space for cards

Two separate compartments for dollar bills which comes with a zipper for extra security

Velcroed inner compartment

Zippered coins compartment

It has plenty of compartments for cards, cash, coins etc so I can't even imagine how I used to travel without it! I must say that I lost my wallet years ago when I was in Sydney for a holiday and it was absolutely a nightmare which I do not wish to ever relive it again. 

The black Pacsafe Luggage Slingsafe 250 Gii handbag is so good that I use it on a daily basis even when I'm not travelling.

Front overview

Front pocket with zip

Front pocket's zip disappears into its zip sleeve!

Turn and lock thus its super difficult to unclasp the bag

Zipper for main compartment gets extra security boost

The zips are wonderful as you can hide them in its zip sleeve (front compartment) or lock it up (main compartment). The two key features are the turn and lock security hooks and the smart zipper security which really makes this an excellent pick-pocket proof bag!

Main compartment with pockets for phone, passports etc

The bag is water-resistant and I kinda like the green interior as it makes a nice contrast to the black exterior. It is soft and lightweight so it's quite nice to snuggle up to! However I find that the keychain loop gets stuck quite frequently into the zipper which is a problem for me. I've to be really careful when I zip up my bag.

For me, I shorten the bag strap such that the zip is next to my chest so that it's super close to me! It also fits a iPad mini at best. It has an excellent inner pocket and this is the place to keep your mobile safe and free from prying hands. 

ACCICB loves his black Pacsafe Luggage Venture Safe 200 GII (Medium) bag and it has become his everyday bag rather than just using it for traveling.

Front overview

Back overview

He didn't quite like the strap though because it's not padded like mine and is rather thin and hard. At first he complains that it cuts into his shoulder but now he's used to it and the strap has been more worn in, so he's a happy user.

Front pockets fit pen, passports etc

Main compartment fits your tablet etc

For his bag, you can fit a regular iPad, a phone and there are separate compartment for maps and pens.

The zipper puller locks!

The best feature I felt is the zipper puller locks which are impossible to reach and open even when he's the one doing it. I have to help him with it at times and even then I take a while to get it undone!

I must say that Pacsafe bags and accessories are a godsend but to me it is not sufficient so in the next post, I will be reviewing on money belts on your belly, for your legs, zippered socks and what not which I've used and am very pleased as they have provided me with an excellent peace of mind which to me is priceless! 

Review of The Clever Travel Companion Pick-pocket Proof Clothes

Last year, ACCICB and I visited many countries and that was where I started researching on travel safety and pick-pocket proof clothes, inner wear, bags etc. This was our first time travelling to NYC, London, Paris etc and we wanted to ensure that we are properly equipped with pick-pocket proof clothes amongst other items. 

I chanced upon The Clever Travel Companion and promptly bought a tank top, tee, thermals and undies for myself and a V neck tee for ACCICB. They are a wonderful respite from money belts and neck pouches which can be visible if you don't layer up. 

Money belts made ACCICB's tummy hurt like hell as it was constantly pressing against his belly. He was rather pissed with wearing a money belt to say the least and just gave up after Day 2 of the trip. I also bought us Pacsafe bags, zippered socks etc which I will review in a later post.

Below are some pictures which I'll update later on when I receive my 2nd order! These are just some of the clothes that I own since last year and they make me feel safe when I'm out and about in a foreign land. 

Comes in these clear plastic bag with a zip at the bottom

The tees are true to size but the tank top, undies and thermals run small so you would have to buy at least 1 size up. The clothes are well made and came quickly and were packed in a nice plastic bag. I bought grey as it's easy to match but have gotten some black ones in the upcoming order!

In terms of prices, I think they are affordable and seriously worth every penny since peace of mind is what I want when I'm travelling. It costs the same as any other tee or tank or undie out on the market without the pick-pocket functionality so I would pick these instead! 

Tank and Tee (S) and Undies (M)

They wash and dry quickly but I recommend to get at least two each so you don't have to keep on waiting for them to dry. In fact, I was prompted to write this post because I just bought more clothes from them for both of us yesterday. This is in anticipation of going to Italy or to NYC in summer this year.

Like many others, I wish there are more colours but the basic colours are fine with me. I think that this is one of the best investments one should make before embarking on any holiday! 

Review of Staub Enamelled Cast Iron Wok and Pan

ACCICB and I have been cooking more often lately and decided that we need to change some of our pots and pans as the coating has been wearing off and it's been going into our tummies. To be fair, we had Supor wok and pan which is way cheaper than Staub and has lasted us about 6 years or so.

Multi saute pan (24 cm)

Wok (37 cm) and Multi saute pan (24 cm)

There is a difference between plain cast iron and enamelled cast iron products. I've never used either type before so had to go and do some research on it and there are differing opinions on both products. I decided to go for the enamelled due to easier maintenance and also worried about the possible leaching of metal from plain cast iron when I cook acidic food in it. There was also talk of metal taste using the plain cast iron and that what you cooked in the past would be retained and carried on into your next dish. 

Currently at Tangs and Takashimaya in Singapore, there are four brands being sold namely Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge and Iwachu. The first two are from France, whereas Lodge is made in USA and Iwachu from Japan. In terms of prices Le Creuset is the most expensive, followed by Staub, Iwachu and then Lodge. 

Currently, Le Creuset, Staub and Lodge have promotions at Tangs which makes it a good deal as the discounts are from 30% and above. At Takashimaya, there's discounts for Staub which is where we bought the multi-purpose sauté pan (24 cm). We didn't check out Le Creuset and Lodge so not too sure about the discounts. Takashimaya has a wider range of Staub products than Tangs although the we bought our Staub wok (37cm)  at Tangs. You can also get it either online and  if you are not from Singapore.

We decided to go for red for both.. in the hope that we won't touch the handles! It also comes in black although Le Creuset comes in multiple colours for its frying pan and pots. We also saw a wok at Le Creuset and I think the price is > $1000 and I'm not sure whether there's any discount on it. 

We were very tempted to buy Lodge but as its plain cast iron, we had some reservations. For Le Creuset, we were interested but in the end the type of wok and pan offered by Staub was more in line with what we wanted plus they had the glass lid which is very important for us. There were good reviews for both Le Creuset and Staub and both have their fair share of fans.

We had to prepare the wok and pan before using which we did using the instructions on Staub's website. Both are easy to use,  just have to remember not to touch the handles with my bare hands. The eggs didn't really stick much and it was a breeze to clean and maintain. I've also cooked fried noodles and it did stick a little but came off easier so it was a non issue.

Looking forward to cooking more often at home with these healthy pans! 

Review of Beauty and the Beast Musical in Singapore

ACCICB and I went to watch Beauty and the Beast musical at MasterCard Theatre at Marina Bay Sands last Tuesday. It was a truly magical experience and at least 3/4 full on a weekday evening! 

I find Gaston a really funny fellow and enjoy the comedic parts. Belle was such a lovely singer and the Beast was truly like one...he showed how he hasn't interacted with a human, lest say a lady for years. 

I can't quite remember how much it resembles the original cartoon fairytale as it has been many years for me. Snippets such as the dance, the rose, the song Tale as Old as Time, all the crockery and cutlery coming to life in a dance as well as the other characters such as Mrs Potts, Cogsworth etc I have a vague memory of them.

ACCICB told me he has never watch led Beauty and the Beast when he was a kid... I wasn't surprised and was happy that he enjoyed the musical tremendously. It has been our 3rd time watching a musical at MasterCard Theatre, the other two being Tap Dogs and Cats.

My only grouse is that somehow their voices get kinda lost when they sing and it's not as clear and lucid as when I watch it in New York or London. I think it's the theatre itself and wish they would fix it somehow.