August 23, 2016

27 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 17, 2015

18 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

April 02, 2013

Feeling Protected On My Trip To Europe

Europe ›   Spain ›  

Dear Clothing Arts:

I got my P^Cubed pants the night before I left for two months in Europe including a two week cruise in the Mediterranean.

The best news is that I didn't get pick pocketed anywhere as did several of my fellow cruise mates, mostly in Naples.

While one must be always vigilant in crowds, I was able to enjoy the sights and stroll the streets without constantly being worried about losing important documents and money. That alone makes these pants worth the cost.

Len

PS: Only the Street Sweeper in Plaza del Ángel in Madrid has more pickpocket proof pants!