I’m always interested in the latest alleged pickpocket-proof clothing. I’m especially attracted to a product built on “pocket science.” Isn’t that what Bob and I have studied for 26 years?

While we’ve focused on the security side of pockets, a new niche has evolved: pocket-preponderance. We need more pockets in order to carry more stuff. Securely, of course. Especially when flying. Especially when flying on small or foreign planes. Why? Because of strict size and weight limitations on carry-on.

Airline carry-on weight restrictions

Flying around the United States, we’re used to size limitations on our carry-on bags—and they’re often laxly enforced. But try to fly with those very same allowances on small airlines, regional commuter flights, and many foreign carriers, and you could be in for a shock. Yes, it matters how much they weigh.

Even a small bag, densely packed to avoid checking luggage, can tip the scales. Or one full of electronics, valuables, and necessities that you don’t trust to baggage handlers.

The latter is always my predicament. With a laptop, power adapter, phone, a couple of extra batteries for the phone, and all the little doodads—I’ve got weight.

In the past few months I’ve flown on a number of small planes with severe cabin baggage weight limitations, including on Alitalia, SwissAir, Flybe, and a tiny turboprop operated by JAZZ airline.

Wear it!

I’ve been road-testing a Scottevest jacket, a model called Women’s Standard. It has 25 pockets, most with zippers, many inside, some huge, one with Velcro. One contains a removable keychain on a stretchy cord; another has a microfiber glasses cloth on a cord. The sleeves zip off and can be stowed in a giant pocket across the back. It’s really clever.

Poof! Pocket-preponderance!

I load the jacket first with the things I always want handy on a plane which, handily, I keep in a single little pouch. That pouch holds good earphones, a pen, a few adapters, lip balm, hand lotion, several other little bits and pieces, and chocolate. Then I fill the jacket pockets with my passports, keys, phone, batteries, wallet, computer adapter, snacks, and maybe even a magazine (in the huge back pocket).

And guess what? The jacket still looks great, even fully loaded! With all that, it’s not bulky, suspicious-looking, or uncomfortable.

Now Bob, on the other hand, loads his vest with cameras and big lenses. The garment isn’t miraculous—you can probably find a pocket to hold a cantaloupe, but you can’t hide it. Still, airline personnel haven’t challenged him, despite his lumpiness.

Foil the pickpockets, purse-pickers, and bagsnatchers

The interior zippered pockets are pickpocket-proof. The outer ones are darn good, too; their zipper tabs are small and partly hidden beneath a flap. Scottevest loaded, I can walk the meanest streets securely with my hands empty and swinging free, without a purse. Without a worry. It’s a lovely sense of freedom when you don’t have to worry about your stuff.

The jacket is excellent

The Scottevest jacket is excellent on multiple fronts:

1. It carries a lot of stuff.
2. It carries that stuff securely (pickpocket-proof).
3. It carries the stuff invisibly.
4. Eliminates the need to carry a purse.
5. And the usual benefit of a jacket, warmth.

Plus, it looks nice. Mine is a beautiful red. When it arrived, a tag said color could rub off onto light clothes. So, regretfully, I threw it into the washing machine, certain its smooth lines would pucker and curl. Nope! It washed perfectly; did not even need ironing. Its smooth cottony fabric looked neat and trim. It still does, after being carried, squashed, packed, and loaded. I’m surprised how much I like it.

My only quibble: the points of the high collar poke my neck. A snap on each side would end that irritation (Hear me, Scottevest?) It’s also pretty expensive at $175, but think of what it saves: multiple checked bag fees and stolen stuff. The peace of mind is well worth it.