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Until I ran across some ads for the AquaVault FlexSafe, being able to lock up some smaller items – a phone, camera, or wallet – wasn’t anything I had given too much thought to. Either I’ve got the stuff on my person, or it’s tucked away in a spot that’s not publicly accessible. However, as it seems like we might be able to get out and do more soon, maybe you’re thinking something like the AquaVault FlexSafe might be a solid choice to protect your valuables.
The AquaVault FlexSafe is a fairly compact bag, something you could easily toss your phone, wallet, and keys into, and then latch it onto something that’s not going to move easily – say, a chair or fence, bike frame, or around a closet rode or bit of pipe in your basement. This is done by the top flap – when it’s unlocked and opened, you’ve got access to the zipper, which allows you to tuck things away. Zip it up, and when you close the flap, that gives you the “loop” that goes around whatever it is you’re locking this to. That locking is done via a three-digit code you set yourself, and then scramble once it’s latched closed (and resets are done via a small pusher when unlocked, so you shouldn’t be accidentally changing things).
You’ve also got some extra storage options with the AquaVault FlexSafe. On the back you’ve got a small loop, which you could slide a belt through, or a piece of sturdy rope. On both sides of the bag you’ve got a small mesh pocket (good for, say, some gum or a small bottle of hand sanitizer), with one side also giving you some elasticized loops to latch onto. The front of the bag also some stretch loops, which you can hang whatever you want – a carbiner or padlock, perhaps – to adapt to what you need to carry. And there is a grab handle on top, so you could in theory use this to just corral and carry your stuff while you’re out and about, not just secure it once you get to where you’re going.
Of course, with any security device, unless you’re really paying top dollar, nothing is going to stop a determined thief; your best security is to keep aware of your surroundings. However, we do have the lock so that helps the prevent the casual lifter, and a claim of being slash-resistant. I myself did not actually take a knife to it (it’s not our practice to get destructive with review samples), but it seems that, in broad strokes, these claims need to be, well, taken with a grain of salt. It does feel like a heavy duty nylon used here, but unless they’ve managed to put some steel into the weave, it’s not likely to stop a knife. If you want to see how easily a bag can be cut, check out this video from the LockPickingLawyer, who just destroys an admittedly-cheaper looking bag than the one we reviewed.
But you know what? I’m fine with that. When I came across the AquaVault FlexSafe, I wasn’t thinking of something that would stop a rather determined thief (if you’re that worried, it should be locked up back in the hotel room safe, which is marginally better, or hidden away in your locked car). Rather, I was thinking of those times where we’ve headed to the pool, park, or beach, and have tucked things away in various spots (wallet, keys, phone, and so on). Again, it’s not anything I’ve had a problem with, but if you want to be a little extra safe, this is a way to lock your stuff up, as well as have it contained. You can pick up one like we reviewed for $69.95 or a slightly smaller version for $49.95 directly from aquavault.com
Details from AquaVault
- Slash Resistant, Water Resistant & RFID Blocking
- Re-Programmable 3 Digit Combination Lock
- Light-Weight & Easily Packable
- 10” x 6” x 2.5” (8oz)
- Anti-Theft Safe Bag
- Five Layer Slash-Resistant Design & Heavy Duty Build Quality
- Easily Packable & Flexible.
- Patented Integral Locking Design (beach chair, bike, umbrella, golf cart, closet rod, hospital bed, wheelchair, or any other fixed object)
- Belt Loop for Excursions
- Side Mesh Storage Pockets
- Padded Carry Handle
