Chums Surfshort Wallet

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I took this wallet on a recent trip to Guatemala. I really like it for a travel wallet. Some of the reviews were less than promising, but I am glad I made this purchase. Note that I fully believe in some of those negative reviews, but I think there are ways to avoid the issues they had. I would not recommend this as an everyday wallet, but rather one for going on vacation or any other short-term usage situations. First, some of the reviews mentioned that the seams were starting to rip soon after starting to use the wallet. I would certainly not try to pack this wallet full of cards and cash, coins, keys, etc. It seems to be built well, but not well enough that I would trust it with a large number of items. I kept an ID, two credit cards, and a few U.S. Dollars and Guatemalan Quetzales in the wallet. I took the wallet out of my pocket and unzipped it multiple times daily, and it held up just fine. There was one day where I ended up with about ten different bills in one of the pockets, which was definitely pushing this wallet to its limits. I ended up taking some of the bills out to relieve stress on the seams. Another note about quality: there is a key holder, but do not pack it full of keys. The key ring could potentially hold a number of keys, but try to keep the number of keys down to one or two. I had two keys for the location at which I was staying, and had them on the whole time. Again, however, it was starting to push the wallet to its limits. The keys can be tucked back into the wallet if you would like (into the flap under the penguin logo in the stock photo). Speaking of bills, this wallet features two different zippered pockets. I loved this, as I could keep the two different currencies separate. Or, if you only have one currency type, you could put cards in one pocket and cash in the other. Note that this wallet is not waterproof. It will repel some light moisture, but if you drop it in water or have it out in the rain, everything inside will get wet. This is not a flaw, but just know that it was not designed to be waterproof. Finally, despite the two pockets and the key holder, it is a rather slim wallet, and is only slightly larger than a credit card. This makes it ideal for a front pocket wallet. I probably would not use it for a rear pocket wallet; it would probably be best for the integrity of the wallet to avoid sitting on it.

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I really wanted to love this wallet since I think the design concept is very functional. An external keychain strap allows you to attach your house keys or key fob as well as dual zipper sides allow organization and security from things falling out. My gripe with the wallet is the same as the highest critical review of the wallet already posted here - and thats the size. The wallet literally needs another 1/2 inch or 13mm length wise to comfortably fit items inside of it. As it is right now you have to squeeze cards into the window side for it to fit, while the other side can barely fit folded cash past a couple of bills (about 5 max before it pushes against the brim). While removing things from the wallet, its a tight squeeze so that you can end up inadvertently ripping folded cash or tugging at the edge of cards that wears them down. This could have all gone away if the wallet was just a tad bit longer so that the zippers werent under so much pressure. Keep in mind I came to this conclusion with only having 4 cards inside (2 credit, 2 ID) and 5 folded bills. In the end it is advertised correctly being a "minimalist" wallet; but its more for occasional use than everyday use practically.

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Im a chick who hates carrying a purse, and traditional womens wallets can be bulky. This has everything: ID window, zipper pocket for additional cards or loose change, durable keyloop and bright color options if I do want to throw this in a purse for a special occasion. The zipper is sturdy, as is the keyring loop. Had it for about two weeks now and its minimal while still being easy to retrieve credit cards without a struggle.

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I bought this wallet to downsize my current wallet for a trip overseas. I have now made it my everyday wallet because I like it so much. I have used bi-fold wallets forever, and I dont think Ill go back now. I love how everything I need can fit in it (cash, 3 credit cards, ID, insurance card, 5 membership cards, and pennies for the horse Sandy at Meijer). I also used the little "key ring" to attach the wallet to my jean loops while I was overseas, so no one could pick pocket it. I like having the zippers so nothing will fall out as well. Something that I didnt know, that I found handy, is in the ID zipper part, there is actually a second area behind the ID area, so you can put more stuff there, while keeping your ID at the front. Ive really enjoyed the low profile of this wallet, especially with how shallow pockets are in woman pants. Oh and I also like the side pocket by the "Key ring" so I can slide train tickets or receipts in there for easy access. Ive been using it for over a month on a daily basis and havent had any issues with durability.

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Okay, let me just start this by saying I love this wallet. I didnt think I would, I thought it would be gimmicky and not durable at all,l but I cant see going back to my old leather billfold "Castanza" wallet ever again. You can stop reading there if youd like and just know I recommend this wallet highly! The long version for those masochists out there: Like most guys I have always carried a traditional leather billfold, I usually bought well made pieces that would last a very long time, honestly in my 36 years I think I have only had 4 wallets since I started carrying one in middle school. Good leather is just super durable and just gets better with age. The downside was I always ended up stuffing everything in the world in there; you know the drill..receipts, cash, credit cards, business cards, pictures, notes, license, insurance cards, the list goes on. My wallets always ended up being damn near 1 1/2" thick and I couldnt keep them in my back pocket while driving. Front pockets were not an option. Fast forward to about 5 months ago. So, know how above I mentioned I didnt keep my wallet in my back pocket while driving? Well I always remembered to grab it out of the console when I got out of the car; until one day I didnt. My kids were distracting me and I left it in the car when we got home one evening...I also forgot to lock the car door. I bet you can see where this is going. My wallet, with all that important life and financial related stuffing got stolen right out of my unlocked car sitting in my driveway. Because why wouldnt it? I now found myself without a wallet and also without all the stuffing that was in that wallet. When people steal wallets why dont they just grab the cash and cards and leave the rest, I mean seriously, have some courtesy! I began looking for a new wallet when it dawned on me that perhaps I should approach this from a different angel. If my wallet were thinner, I wouldnt take it out of my pocket. So I set out on Amazon to find a nice thin wallet. I didnt really like many of them and then I ran across this wallet from Chums. If my wallet were thinner AND attached to my keys, well hell Id be even less likely to leave it anywhere so I ordered one. I have had to trim down what I carry but I needed to do that anyway. This has two zippered pockets and one outer pocket and a key chain loop. I now carry a couple cards, a license, and insurance card in the windowed pocket side (license has its own little pocket behind the clear window). In the other pocket I carry some cash and a couple receipts. Thats it nowadays and I got used to this very quickly and love it. As for quality Its very lightweight and I thought it would never hold up but its not showing any signs of wear at all. The zippers dont hang, the window is clear, nothing has torn, and the key-chain portion is secure. Im certain this wont last like leather but I plan on ordering a few more of these and swapping them out when the time comes. Love this thing and tell all sorts of people about it; they think Im crazy but I dont think its just because of this wallet so you should be fine. Order one, you wont be disappointed.

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