Pants w/ Zipper Pockets ONLY! (Don’t loose stuff)

Gear
By Gems Of Travel
Bookmark:
In This Post

There’s a time and a place for how you “should” dress.  “Fashion is a passion” versus “comfort and not trying to impress anyone” is like having an angel on one shoulder and a demon on the other – it’s hard to choose a side.

Well, Southeast Asia is about practicality, which is reflected in normal everyday life.  Backpackers have their own fashion trend goin on, but let me tell  you about zippers – ZIPPERS! ZIPPERS! ZIPPERS!  You will benefit from having zipper pockets.

A person wearing shorts with a side cargo pocket that has a zipper on it. Having a zipper pocket prevents loosing things.

Zippers On Shorts/Pants

It’s simple, put things in a pocket with zippers.  Do your sport shorts or pants have zipper pockets?  Why not!?  Time to replace them ones that have zippers.

You lead an active lifestyle – traveling, riding a bike, going hiking or on tours – you are bound to loose things.  Prevent things falling out of your pocket with zipper pockets.  It stops pick-pocketing, too.

A pair of [knock-off] Nike sport shorts that have zipper pockets. Having a zipper pocket prevents loosing things. These are for sale at a shop in Southeast Asia.
A pair of shorts with a side cargo pocket that has a zipper on it. Having a zipper pocket prevents loosing things.
A pair of long pants that have zipper pockets. Having a zipper pocket prevents loosing things.
A pair of long pants that have zipper pockets. Having a zipper pocket prevents loosing things.

We recommend having both a (1) pair of shorts and (2) long pants with zipper pockets. Long pants are good for motorbike riding trips, cold bus rides. High altitudes in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Laos get cold, too.

A full travel day of carrying bags, buying snacks, getting on/off busses, going through immigration check points – it can be flustering.  Having zipper pockets makes sure you do not loose your valuables.


When traveling between countries, your zipper pocket should be large enough to fit your passport.

A USA passport. It reads "PASSPORT" at the top, and "United States of America" at the bottom. The middle has an emblem.

Spandex Shorts or Underwear With A Side Pocket

You can buy spandex shorts or underwear with side pocket.  You wear this underneath your normal pants.  You can conceal things inside the pocket such as cash (emergency money), your cell phone, or a backup credit card.

Underwear with a pocket on it that is concealed under clothing. A pair of spandex underwear that has a built-in storage pocket concealed under clothing. This is meant to show how it is impossible for pickpocket to reach in a steal something from the pocket. Also, the pocket prevents loosing things easily, that would normally fall out of a regular pants pocket. The pocket is on the right-hand leg side.
Pocket on underwear. A pair of spandex underwear that has a built-in storage pocket on the right-hand leg side.
Cell phone in a pocket on underwear. A pair of spandex underwear that has a built-in storage pocket. A cell phone is inside the pocket to demonstrate the size of the pocket - a smart phone fits no problem. The pocket is on the right-hand leg side.

Why use it:

>

People can’t easily reach into this pocket and grab it.

>

It’s not a noticeable pocket since it is concealed.

>

Same reasons as the zipper pocket.

There are instances of being mugged by the corrupt police in South America.  Because they did not notice this concealed side pocket, the victim was able to keep a backup credit card and some cash.

Lets be blunt – if you get too drunk and spend all your money at the bar, well then atleast you’ll have backup cash in this pocket for a ride home and late night cravings!

Explore Topics