I hid a $15 secret tracker in my favorite jacket — now I don’t travel without it

Elevation Lab TagVault Fabric Mounting Tags

ZDNET Highlights

• Elevation Lab’s TagVault is $14.99 on Amazon, and comes in two- and four-packs.
• The tag is a discreet solution to installing AirTags in backpacks, jackets, or other clothing items, and is tough enough to withstand a lot of abuse.
• Give some thought to where you’re applying it, as the adhesive is removable but not reusable.

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apple airtags changed my life. Not only have they reduced my day-to-day stress levels when I lose my keys or wallet, but they are a great tool to help you keep track of and even find things while traveling. But, as I’ve said many times before, AirTags aren’t really designed to be discreet. In fact, they are designed specifically to prevent them from being used for stalking.

But sometimes discretion is a good thing. For example, if I’m using an AirTag to track my luggage or a backpack or an expensive Gore Tex jacket, I don’t want it to be easy to find and remove. Elevation Lab The answer lies with its new Tagvault Fabric Extreme Fabric mount.

Also: Can you make AirTags last 10 years? it took me a second to do that

I’m a big fan of Elevation Lab gear. they make The adapter that uses AA batteries to power AirTags for a decadewith a Diversity Of things To Make Attaching AirTags to other things Easy. And TagVault Fabric Extreme is as good as anything the company makes.

The idea is simple – it’s a small capsule attached to a piece of fabric with adhesive – but it’s incredibly effective. You open the capsule (like you open a large contact lens case), insert the AirTags inside, screw the capsule back together, then decide where you want to attach the TagVault.

Once you’ve located it, remove the backing from the adhesive and attach it. It’s a one-way trip, so if you want a streamlined, crease-free finish, be a little more careful than I was when attaching it to the item in question!

After that, you’re done! According to the instructions, it takes 24 hours for the adhesive to fully stick, but I’m here to tell you that it sticks well right away.

Plus: I never travel without this AirTags accessory — and it’s saved me hundreds of dollars

I’ve spent a lot of time finding ways to hide AirTags in my luggage, even going so far as to custom 3D print attachments for myself. Peli Air CaseBut it’s a much more convenient method, and it’s a lot easier when it comes time to replace the battery in the AirTag because I don’t have to dig the tag out of a crack.

I’ve attached these to a variety of things, from backpacks and suitcases to my expensive Gore Tex jacket (I usually stick these inside a pocket or snuggle down the back of the jacket). They’re tough tags that won’t budge from things hitting them, and the adhesive is very strong and good for a variety of surfaces, like nylon, polyester, vinyl, rubberized fabrics, and Gore-Tex (they’re not recommended for leather, fibrous fabrics, or anything stretchy, or anything that needs to go through a washing machine).

And the adhesive is not bothered by rain or moisture at all.

I’m in the final stages of planning a long distance trip to Spain later this year, and you can rest assured that these are being used on all my valuables.

ZDNET’s shopping advice

Elevation Lab TagVault Fabric Extreme Tags Come single, 2 PackAnd 4-pack The prices are $14.99, $24.99, and $39.99 respectively. They’re a great, low-cost insurance policy against losing your valuables, and a great way to use AirTags.