Safety is a huge concern for travelers, especially when visiting new places. You’re not aware of the unsafe areas in unfamiliar locations, and you don’t know the crime patterns. That’s why it’s incredibly important to have some type of self-defense weapon or tool in case you run into trouble. Just make sure you research the area that you’re traveling to so you can see if the weapon you want to carry is legal. Here are some self-defense weapons that are disguised as everyday items you can carry while traveling.
Why Carrying a Disguised Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapon May Be a Better Choice
Having a non-lethal routine item is perfect for traveling because you can improvise when needed for self-defense. However, don’t conceal your self-defense weapon from customs or security in airports.
If you’re traveling by air, the only way that you can carry many self-defense weapons is in your checked luggage. That’s not going to help you at all if you’re assaulted and your weapon is in your suitcase locked away. That’s why non-lethal disguised self-defense weapons are perfect for carrying when traveling by car, bus, train, or by airplane.
There are also state and local laws to worry about when carrying some weapons such as firearms, Tasers, knives, and pepper spray. You can get into trouble if you’re carrying a firearm in a state that has severe gun laws, even if you’re just traveling through the area.
Per the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), you’re allowed to check the following weapons in your luggage when flying:
- Stun Gun
- Pepper Spray
- Knives
- Kubaton
- Tactical Glove
- Taser
- Tactical Flashlight
Airports let you carry the following self-defense items in your carry-on bag:
- Tactical Pen
- Umbrella
- Tactical Chain
- Steel Wrist Bracelet
- Magazine (rolled up)
Common Hidden Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons That Are Legal to Carry in Most States
A disguised non-lethal self-defense weapon helps you get the element of surprise if someone tries to attack you. Since they’re hidden or look like ordinary items, no one suspects what you’re carrying. Here are some of the best non-lethal weapons to carry when traveling:
- Tactical Pen Light
The durable tactical penlight was designed for the multi-tasking sportsman and professionals but is carried by many people for self-defense. This combo doubles as a pen and light. You can use it to blind an assailant in a pinch. Crafted from Type II Military Spec Anodized Aluminum, these pens are essentially indestructible. They slip discreetly in a pocket or purse for safekeeping.
- Tactical Handheld Flashlight
Today’s innovative tactical flashlights aren’t the ones your dad kept around the house. They’re brighter and more durable than household flashlights made of plastic. Many come with a USB rechargeable cord, and some you can use to charge your smartphone. The ability to charge your phone may come in handy if you need to call 911. You can use the light to blind and distract threats so you can escape. They come in a variety of sizes, and you can use larger ones as an impact weapon if you must stand your ground and fight someone.
If you buy one with a strobe function, you can temporarily disable an attacker and get away.
- Pepper or OC Spray
Pepper spray, sometimes referred to as OC spray, comes hidden in a variety of objects such as a keychain or defense baton. It comes in stream, foam, or spray, and the spray is the best choice for maximum coverage and effect. You can spray an attacker and disable them because pepper spray works on the respiratory system and causes pain. It disables an assailant longer than foam or spray because the spray makes it hard to breathe as well. If you have a pepper spray baton, you can use it as an impact weapon too.
- Self-Defense Keychains
Self-defense keychains have risen in popularity over the years. Some are shaped like cats with pointed ears and two open eye holes to put your fingers through. They can do some serious damage if you rake and claw at someone attacking you. Even Walmart sells these keychains now.
Self-defense keychains come in many forms, with some shaped like a baton that you can use to hit someone. Just be careful because state and local laws on self-defense weapons change regularly, including keychains. For instance, the state of Texas declared some self-defense keychains like the cat ones illegal until recently. There were hefty fines and even jail time associated with these. Do your research before you travel with any self-defense weapon.
- Taser Cell Phone
Manufacturers of self-defense tools can be quite creative with designs, and the stun gun or Taser cell phone charger or case is quite innovative. They work just like ordinary Tasers and stun guns, only cleverly disguised. Anyone trying to get the jump on you is going to be sorry.
These Tasers disable an attacker enough that you can get away. Most Tasers and stun guns are made to throw down, and then you run to the nearest safe location.
- Tactical Pen
The tactical pen is like the tactical penlight. Police officers report that often the most important tool you can carry with you is whatever happens to be in your hand when things go bad. The tactical pen writes like any other pen but can change quickly into a safety tool or weapon to use in hand-to-hand combat. These pens have a rugged design that you can use in wet or dry weather, and you can even use them as a window punch if necessary.
- Knife
A knife is one of the easiest weapons to hide either on you or in a purse or bag. A folding knife is probably the best weapon to carry as you can pull one out quickly to defend yourself if you must fight off an assailant. However, many states have various laws about knives, such as how long the blade is, so check the area you are traveling to and make sure your weapon is legal.
These are just a few great self-defense tools and weapons to carry when traveling. Tools disguised as everyday items give you the element of surprise if you find yourself in a bad situation when traveling. Now you can take that trip and worry less about threats in an area you’re not familiar with.
