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Amazing Race Passport Holder?

Does anyone know what the passport holders that the contestants use on TAR? They go around the neck and under the arms for security. I've seen them worn on the back (if you're traveling with someone to help you with) or on the front if you're alone.

I have looked everywhere I can think of for them and have even emailed the show inquiring about them, but have had no luck.

Any thoughts?


Bonne
Columbus, OH USA 11/1/09

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11/1/09 7:33 PM
Nancy

Bloomington, IL USA
Posts: 2811
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Are you talking about those fanny-pack-looking black bags? I assumed they were just bags they had made for the show. Something worn on the back wouldn't be very secure, anyway.


11/1/09 7:42 PM
Bonne

Columbus, OH USA
Posts: 189
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No, not the ones that they carry all of their gear in like a fanny pack.

This is one where they wear it on their person - under their shirts. It ties up around the neck and around the chest. Theres no way you could get this off by just cutting the neck strap - it would have to be removed from the chest area as well.


11/1/09 7:57 PM
Steve

wishing I was in Europe
Posts: 1330
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Could it be the MaxPedition Traveler Deluxe with Torso Bungee Retention going around the back?

Boy will that thing leave a lump under my shirt!

Other than transit days on airlines, and trains out of the Schengen Zone is the passport needed. I stopped running around like "Amazing Adventure," and showering with my money belt at the hostel about five years ago.

I carry about five US$20, about 400€, a backup credit and ATM card and my driver's license in my "hidden pocket," belt loop case. The day's spending money and another credit card in my front pocket wallet with a chain. Passport is tucked in my wife's purse (unless the hotel is holding it) that she "footballs" like a pro under her arm.


11/1/09 8:14 PM
Bonne

Columbus, OH USA
Posts: 189
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Closer - I think these are waterproof - I've seen them wear them in the water - such as tonights episode. (Guessing on the waterproof aspect - they don't take them off.)


11/1/09 8:14 PM
Frank

Centennial, CO USA
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Who needs anything that complicated?


11/1/09 9:56 PM
Tricia

Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 119
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Were they black? I thought they were for the sound/microphone system.


11/2/09 1:51 AM
Michael Schneider

New Paltz, NY
Posts: 2653
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That "black box" they wear under their clothes, is some sort of satellite tracking device. It allows the producers the see exactly where every team is on a computer screen in real time. They only wear them if they're driving themselves around in cars.


11/2/09 4:12 AM
Nancy

Bloomington, IL USA
Posts: 2811
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I think Tricia is right - it's part of the sound system. They obviously don't wear their passports on them all of the time or Zev's wouldn't have gotten flipped out of the bag in that temple. The black bag is supposed to be for their travel documents and the clues (which they are supposed to carry with them, not discard).


11/2/09 4:20 AM
Michael Schneider

New Paltz, NY
Posts: 2653
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It's a satellite tracker. If you head over to one of the Amazing Race message boards there are a lot of former contestants that answer questions. The black box is one of the most frequently asked questions. If it were a mic you would see it on every episode.


11/2/09 6:08 AM
Bonne

Columbus, OH USA
Posts: 189
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Thanks everyone for your replies! I have been trying for a few years to figure it out - never thought (obviously) that it might be for the show itself. Now I don't feel like I'm crazy!

Thanks again!!


11/4/09 11:33 PM
Linda

Petaluma, Northern California
Posts: 317
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yikes. Passport should be in your moneybelt. You don't need access to it. Only your daily walking-around money in the purse (meaning what you can afford to lose!) no matter how she holds it.


11/5/09 5:06 AM
Michael Schneider

New Paltz, NY
Posts: 2653
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What! You expect reality TV to be real! Nobody on the Amazing Race should be using a money belt! My Sunday evening entertainment takes priority over a contestant loosing their money and/or passports!