Reviews > Clothing > Accessories > All-Ett Billfolds Thinnest Sport Wallet > Owner Review by Nancy Griffith

ALL-ETT SPORT WALLET
BY NANCY GRIFFITH
OWNER REVIEW
November 24, 2015

TESTER INFORMATION

My outdoor experience began in high school with a canoeing/camping group which made a 10-day voyage through the Quebec wilds. I've been backpacking since my college days in Pennsylvania. I have hiked all of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. My typical trip now is in the Sierra Nevada in California and is from a few days to a few weeks long. Over the past few years I have lowered my pack weight to a lightweight base weight of 15 lb (6.8 kg) and use a tent, stove and quilt.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

My 2nd Sport wallet to replace my original

Manufacturer: All-Ett Billfolds
Year of Manufacture: 2011 and 2015 (I own two)
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.all-ett.com
MSRP: $14.95
Listed Weight: 0.3 oz (8.5 g)
Measured Weight: 0.3 oz (8.5 g)
Dimensions: 3-1/8 in x 3-3/4 in x 1/8 in (7.9 cm x 9.5 cm x 0.3 cm)
Colors Owned: Black and Beryl Blue
Other Colors Available: Pebble Brown, Red and Plum
Made in San Diego, California

The All-Ett sport wallet is made from durable, water-resistant, rip-stop nylon. There is one section for paper currency and then two compartments for credit cards, driver's license or other cards. Inside the openings for cards, there is a rubberized strip to help keep the cards from slipping out.

FIELD USE

My original after 4 years

When I first saw this thin, light wallet several years ago I decided to retire my snack-sized zip-top bag version of a backpacking wallet. I was also interested in the design for everyday use since I don't like to carry a purse. I used to carry a small leather wallet in my hand. But my husband was always uncomfortable with my doing that with worries of my leaving it somewhere or having it stolen. It was too large for me to slip inside a pants pocket. So I bought an All-Ett sports wallet and have been happy that I did.

The original Sport Wallet that I purchased was black and lasted for four years. I have just recently replaced it with a beryl blue version of the exact same model.


Overall my original wallet spent approximately 130 backpacking days and 170 day hiking/snowshoeing days on the trail over the past four years. Trips ranged from two to 21 days with a variety of conditions from rain to snow to wind to sun. Some examples of my trips include the following.

Backpacking:
John Muir Trail, Sierra Nevada, California: 21 days; 225 mi (362 km); 4,035 ft to 14,496 ft (1,230 to 4,418 m); 35 to 80 F (2 to 27 C); mostly clear with several days of showers and one torrential downpour from afternoon into the overnight.

Pacific Crest Trail, Southern Sierra Nevada, California: 8 days, 87 mi (140 km); 6,299 to 12,126 ft (1,920 to 3,696 m) elevation; 31 to 89 F (-0.5 to 32 C). Mostly clear with some breezes and some afternoon thunderstorms.

Yosemite National Park, Sierra Nevada, California: 8 days; 78 mi (126 km); 7,519 to 10,870 ft (2,292 to 3,313 m) elevation; 37 to 75 F (3 to 24 C) with clear to partly cloudy conditions and extreme wind on the last day. This was a point-to-point hike.

Glacier National Park, Montana: 4 days; 33 mi (53km); 4,010 to 5,000 ft (1,222 to 1,524 m); 38 to 80 F (3 to 27 C) with clear, cloudy and thunderstorm conditions.

In my pack pocket

For backpacking I carry it in a zippered pocket either on my pants leg or inside my backpack. I love not having to transfer my essentials to a zip-top plastic bag prior to all of my backpacking trips like I used to have to do. Now I simply pull out a few extra cards that I won't need and I'm ready to go.

During rainy hikes the wallet has gotten wet inside my pant leg pocket and inside my backpack when stored in an outer pocket. It dries quickly with no noticeable effect upon the wallet or contents. I haven't made any attempt to keep it dry since it weathers so well.

The nylon is a bit thin so trying to open it or to pull out paper currency is difficult while wearing gloves but then I'm rarely in need of a wallet or anything in it while backpacking or snowshoeing.

The original wallet that I purchased was black which I liked but the dark color could blend easily with a pack interior. Since the wallet is so thin there were times that I nearly panicked thinking that it was missing. So when I purchased the replacement I decided to pick a different color. The blue isn't bright but it is more noticeable for me.

Besides backpacking use, I have used this wallet daily for the past four years. It fits easily in pants pockets and I usually carry it in a front pocket of whatever pants I'm wearing for daily use. For work I slip the wallet inside a zippered pocket on my lunch box.

I couldn't be happier with this wallet and wonder why everyone doesn't carry one as a primary wallet. It has just enough organization that works perfectly for me. I use mine for three debit/credit cards and a membership card on one side with a driver's license, insurance card, fishing license, government ID and library card on the other side. I could easily fit twice that many items if I needed to but the website states that it holds 10 cards which I agree would be a comfortable amount at a maximum.

The only downside that I can note based on comparison to typical wallets is that there is no coin purse, key holder or separate area for photos. I'm not a fan of carrying those extra things anyway especially while hiking so I don't miss them much at all.

SUMMARY

The All-Ett sport wallet is such a simple yet functional wallet that I use it for everyday use. I wore the first one out after four years of daily use and bought the same model (in a different color) as a replacement.

THINGS I LIKE

Lightweight
Not bulky
Provides simple organization
Nice appearance
Durable

LESS THAN IDEAL

No secure pocket for coins or spare key

SIGNATURE

Nancy Griffith

Reviews > Clothing > Accessories > All-Ett Billfolds Thinnest Sport Wallet > Owner Review by Nancy Griffith