I'm travelling to Italy in the summer. I realize it will be warm, and I was wondering about the utility of a jacket with multiple pockets to stuff gadgets, passport, cash, cards, phone, etc. Would posters here recommend any particular jacket for warm weather, or would they recomend money-belts, neck pouches and the like. My concern is accessibility to the gadgets, cash, cards as needs arise. A jacket sounded more reasonable than stashes deep inside one's clothing. Any ideas, thoughts, or recommendatoins would be gladly heard. Thanks.
Scot
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
It's very likely going to be too warm to wear a jacket in Italy in the summer. Jacket pockets are also not the best defense against pick pockets.
A money belt, or similar item, worn under clothing, is what's most often recommended here, for the items you can't afford to have taken. Here's why http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneybelt.htm
Cash for the day does not need to be kept in the money belt.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9247 posts
The word "pick-pocket" is your main clue. These folks pick things out of your pockets, therefore, keeping important things in those said pockets is not a wise thing to do. They remove items without you ever feeling a thing.
Secondly, it is hot in Italy in the summer, so why would you want to wear or carry a jacket around with you all day.
Please read some of the many, many posts and threads on here about how to keep your valuables safe. Jacket pockets will probably not be discussed.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
313 posts
You shouldn't plan on the jacket as the answer for your valuables -- you'll be too warm. You should really do the money belt for your cards, passport, and the bulk of your cash -- the most valuable things. Even a waist-style money belt can get warm, and I'm considering trying a different type of pouch this time.
I sew velcro across the opening of one of my husband's FRONT pants pockets, and he carries a wallet with only a day's worth of cash. (The chances of a pickpocket opening the velcro on my husband's front pocket are quite slim, but even if able, they wouldn't get much!) We each do carry a very small daypack, which is where the camera and phone go (if we're both carrying one).
We don't really need more gadgets than that.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Read the replies about jackets then the one about a vest. The difference is only your arms aren't sweltering with a vest. Carry camera in shirt pocket or paw.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
The "stashes deep inside one's clothing" are not to be accessed in public - ever. They are for security of things you absolutely cannot lose - passport, credit cards, extra cash, etc. You'll swelter in a jacket or vest loaded down with stuff. It's better to keep your true valuables truly safe and carry a day's worth of cash (and maybe a credit card) in an accessible pocket.
Posted by
Atlanta
1358 posts
As far as the velcro on the pocket goes, don't depend on that. My husband was pickpocketed in Prague, and he had velcro on his pocket. He was pushed by a group of men when getting on a train, he knew that they got his wallet, but they had it out and handed it to someone off of the train before he could turn around. Just goes to show you how professional these people can be. The most you can do is just cut your losses by only having your walk around money for the day in your wallet or your pocket.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
A jacket will be way too warm and uncomfortable. Perhaps a light weight travel vest is more in order. Check out SCOTTEVEST products at:
As an alternative, I have also used cargo pants with hidden zippered pockets.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9247 posts
Just wear a messenger bag. A good portion of the people around you will be wearing one too.