Superb list, as ever.
The only item I really don't get is the money clip.
Living in the UK, I barely touch cash anymore, so don't even bother carrying a wallet at all.
But if travelling, I'd definitely want to have a wallet to have discretion about items of value. Having a wedge of cash looks flashy and projects a certain image (ego, lack of empathy, etc). Sure, who cares what others think and all that – but there is a line. I'd also be aware of security. Showing off wealth could invite envy that leads to something quite nasty.
A clip also is less practical. Went to get out a $10 bill? Take out all your notes, flick through them, and find the one you want. With a wallet, you can pluck it straight out without anyone being the wiser as to what else you have.
You might also have a couple of cards (driving license etc) and having a designated spot for it in your wallet also helps you instantly know that it's in its place. That's harder to achieve with a clip.
There's some nice Dyneema wallets from small brands or homemade on Etsy. Combines the benefit of a wallet whilst being low-profile and light.
Prove me wrong!
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Jake McCrary
I used a money clip for years and agree, they are great! A huge benefit of them is it really encourages you to only take what you need.
I did switch to using a slimfold tyvek wallet around 2012 and really enjoyed it, though it needed replacement about once a year from wear (not due to functionality but appearance).
I backed the 2014 kickstarter for a softshell slimfold and have been using the same wallet since. It is thicker than the tyvek version or a money clip but I've gotten used to having a tap-to-pay train fare card on one side of the fold and another tap-to-pay card on the other, which I find very useful.
Though with phones being able to replace that functionality now, perhaps it is time to go back to the money clip.
Thanks for the gear post. I find it interesting to see how it has evolved over the years and it has helped me tweak some of what I pack for travel.
ethan
i’ve been using hawbuck dyneema wallets for years and i love them. this year i upgraded to the international size to hold yen. it’s super light and convenient. highly recommend if you’re ever considering converting from the money clip.
I always put smaller bills on the outside, so I doubt anyone thinks I'm flashy showing a couple $1s (I moved a $2 to the outside for the picture). Sometimes I have no bills and it's just a few cards. If I'm waiting in line to pay for something I just take the clip off and hold it in my left palm, and from there it's really simple to pull out bills or the right card. No downsides as far as I'm concerned! I think a super lightweight wallet would be just about as good, but I prefer the clip.