Bellroy Hide & Seek Slim Wallet Review

Posted on Feb 25 2014 - 9:00am by Richard Sharp

There are very few things that almost every man owns, but a wallet is probably the most common (where else would we carry our cards and crap after all?). To that end I am always on the lookout for stylish feature filled wallets, which is how the Bellroy Hide & Seek first grabbed my attention. The Hide & Seek wallet boasts card storage, bank-note storage and secret sections for your larger notes and credit cards. Bellroy recently launched a version for UK bank notes too, which is featured in the review below.

What’s Included (In the neatest little envelope you’ll ever see):

Once opened you are welcomed with a card, ultra cool packaging and your brand new wallet.

Once opened you are welcomed with a card, ultra cool packaging and your brand new wallet.

  • 1 X Bellroy Hide & Seek Wallet
  • 1 X instruction card

Vital statistics

Name: Bellroy Hide & Seek Slim Wallet

Dimensions: 11.5cm x 9.5cm

Price: £65

Space: Holds 10 cards (Maximum)

Colours: Black, Java or Cocoa

Warranty: 3 years replacement guarantee

Features

A wallet with instructions! This cool little card comes tucked in the wallet and demonstrates how the wallet works.

A wallet with instructions! This cool little card comes tucked in the wallet and demonstrates how the wallet works.

The back has a neat welcome message and a QR code that links to an introduction video.

The back has a neat welcome message and a QR code that links to an introduction video.

The note section has a foldout leather flap which is perfect for hiding larger notes. There is also a hidden card section in here.

The note section has a foldout leather flap which is perfect for hiding larger notes. There is also a hidden card section in here.

The new wallet is on the left and the old one on the right. You can really see the difference.

The new wallet is on the left and the old one on the right. You can really see the difference.

So here it is in action. Believe it or not this contains all the crap from my old wallet. I actually culled a few unwanted cards after to make it thinner still.

So here it is in action. Believe it or not this contains all the crap from my old wallet. I actually culled a few unwanted cards after to make it thinner still.

The Owl motif is the only branding on the outside of the wallet. This gives it an exclusive and well-made feel.

The Owl motif is the only branding on the outside of the wallet. This gives it an exclusive and well-made feel.

Some more subtle branding here. This time bellroy is embossed inside.

Some more subtle branding here. This time bellroy is embossed inside.

The wallet is made of soft leather hide. The contrast stitching looks stunning and it smells amazing when new.

The wallet is made of soft leather hide. The contrast stitching looks stunning and it smells amazing when new.

The wallet isn't that much smaller but it sure is thinner.

The Hide & Seek wallet (pictured left) isn’t that much smaller but it sure is thinner compared to my old wallet.

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Exclusive
  • Does what it says on the tin; thins, has a hidden section ideal for keeping prying eyes off your larger notes.
  • Feels like an executive wallet and looks amazing

Cons

  • It’s not cheap, but is a quality item.
  • The leather is soft and may mark easily (time will tell)
  • Cannot hold all the cards, receipts and crap in the world (but that’s the point)

Conclusion

The Hide and Seek wallet is ideal for the man that wants a clutter free pocket. The elegant styling will make owners the envy of their friends, and it’s exclusive enough to compete with wallets with a higher price tag (although is admittedly dearer than most wallets). It’s best suited for people who only want to carry a few cards (max 10) and no coins, but Bellroy does offer other wallets for different needs. Check it out at Bellroy’s site, or feel free to ask any questions about the Hide & Seek wallet below.

7 Comments so far. Feel free to join this conversation.

  1. Colin March 17, 2014 at 12:36 pm - Reply

    Waste of time advert. Why not show new the wallet full of whats in your old wallet, and your old wallet empty, then we can see how much slimmer the new wallet is, no point showing a full wallet against an empty wallet and saying "look how much slimmer the empty wallet is." Its a rather obvious conclusion!

    • gadgetsandgizmos March 17, 2014 at 12:49 pm - Reply

      Thanks for your comment. I'll add a photo later today, the difference is very noticeable.

  2. fred March 19, 2014 at 12:12 pm - Reply

    No place for coins. What are we supposed to do with them….leave them in your pocket to make holes or give them to the nearest street beggar?

    • Simon Betts March 23, 2014 at 1:02 pm - Reply

      I leave the coins in my pockets and never had an issue with holes.

  3. jim March 23, 2014 at 11:31 pm - Reply

    can I have your old one please

    • gadgetsandgizmos March 24, 2014 at 6:26 am - Reply

      Ha. Sadly not, it's a good backup. Still rocking the Bellroy though.

  4. Sampawende April 25, 2014 at 3:19 am - Reply

    I just received it and it didn't take me more than 30 seconds to understand that I overpaid for a peace of leather… No coins, few cards, no bills compartments. I'm out today to buy a real wallet. I waster my money on this one and I'll remember that.

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