Chums Surfshorts Wallet Review: The Tiny Wallet That Goes Everywhere
Key Features
Built-In Pocket Clip
Hooks onto your pocket lining or belt loop so the wallet stays put during movement. Works especially well with board shorts and gym shorts that lack deep pockets.
Under One Ounce
Made from ripstop nylon, the whole thing weighs practically nothing. You won’t notice it in your pocket — which is sort of the whole point.
Quick-Dry Nylon
Forget to empty your pockets before jumping in? The nylon dries fast and won’t hold water. Cards come out fine, cash needs a minute to air out.
Holds the Essentials
Fits 5-6 cards and folded bills. No coin pocket, no RFID blocking, no extras. Just a slim pouch that does wallet stuff without the bulk of a bifold.
Our Experience
I’ve carried big leather wallets, slim metal ones, and phone cases with card slots. None of them solved the actual problem — I just wanted something I wouldn’t notice in my pocket. The Chums Surfshorts Wallet is basically that.
The clip is the selling point. You hook it inside your board shorts, gym shorts, or whatever — and it stays put. I took it to the pool three times last week and never once worried about it falling out. The nylon dries fast too, which matters more than you’d think if you’re the type who forgets to empty pockets before jumping in.
Size-wise, it’s roughly the footprint of a credit card with maybe half an inch of extra room on each side. Slides into front pockets without that rectangular bulge you get from bifolds. Don’t try to stuff 10 cards in here though. It stretches, but then the clip struggles to hold the weight. Stick to your ID, two cards, and cash.
The clip itself is plastic, not metal. Hasn’t broken on me yet, but I could see it snapping if you yank on it wrong. At $13.99, it’s cheap enough to just try. Worst case you’ve got a backup travel wallet.
Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- Clip attachment keeps it secure in any shorts
- Practically weightless — under one ounce
- Quick-dry nylon works great near water
- Under $14 makes it a no-risk purchase
Worth Knowing
- Plastic clip could break with rough handling
- Maxes out at about 5-6 cards before stretching
- No coin pocket or RFID protection
Full Specifications
| Material | Ripstop Nylon |
| Weight | Under 1 oz |
| Closure | Plastic clip attachment |
| Card Capacity | 5-6 cards + folded bills |
| Water Resistant | Yes (quick-dry) |
| RFID Blocking | No |
| Dimensions | Approx. 4.5 x 3.25 in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take it swimming?
Does the clip work with jeans?
Is this a men’s or women’s wallet?
Final Verdict
The Chums Surfshorts Wallet nails a very specific use case: you wear athletic shorts most days and hate carrying a real wallet. It clips in, weighs nothing, dries fast, and costs less than lunch. Not a replacement for a proper billfold, but a perfect beach, gym, and weekend wallet.
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