Do I need more than pants with a security pocket (zipper) for my solo journey in Naples?

I think you would have more cause to worry about pick pockets in Barcelona. We found Naples to be a wonderful and lively city. We are alert in all cities but never had any security pockets or money belts nor did we feel uncomfortable walking around Naples. Enjoy the city.

If u plan on public transit it is especially a good idea to have a money belt or neck pouch in use, imo.
Most busses etc are crowded and that can be when the crime occurs.

Hi Sam, your post made me laugh - in a good way :) (Based on your post, I'll presume? you are a man. Some women have a nickname - Sam.)

Since you have already traveled about in other big cities, touring Naples should be okay. Practice awareness and keep a big city attitude. If wearing a money belt (tight & secured under your clothing) makes you feel better, then go for it. Make sure the clips are secured.

I've been to Sicily but not Naples. On that trip, I carried a (medium) leather cross body purse - zip closure and a good safety strap. No issues. My friend carried a purse and had no issues either.

In the last couple of years, I've discovered Kipling - which has a ton of bags/totes/luggage to choose from to meet a person's travel needs. Most are very lightweight and can hold a ton - your daily stuff and purchases along the way - without worrying about carrying too many little bags. They have unisex bags.

I saw many men carry (small, messenger type) bags in Sicily, Northern Italy and Rome.

[side note:] On my first trip to Rome, I used a money belt, pinned it for extra security. But, I began using a mini Hedgren cross body to store some extra Euro, card and Passport.) It is my preference to carry my PP. Varies for everyone. I secured the bag under my jacket/coat.

I'm not a backpack person, but for those who may be, I thought this unisex bag https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/jump/product/Nylon-Backpack-With-Rfid-Protection/1000467651?colorId=NS1003537&pos=1:52&Ntt=backpack was nice and a good idea. Of course, secure the zippers.

The zippered compartment for your valuables are facing inside against your back. This is the same material as my mini Hedgren I often reference. It's easily concealed under a jacket or coat. I have been using a Kipling zipped tote for my dailies.

[adding:] Oh yeah, my friend and I did ride a couple of buses in Sicily. They do get crowded. We just went to the back of the bus and stood against the "wall of the bus" facing the travelers. As someone mentioned, just be more careful on buses/trains anywhere, really.

Edited to correct a sentence that was confusing. lol.

Unless it's a locking zipper, no, it's not good enough to be 100% confident.

No.
Wear a moneybelt under your clothing for your bank cards and extra cash and ID.
When I was there, we were on the Circumvesuvisana train to Pompeii, and we saw a couple of young guys with a camera that they hadn't been holding a minute before when they walked down the carriage looking at people.
They got off at the next stop.
I was "felt up" on a city bus at rush hour, but they were after my well-padded self, not my bag, as far as I know. :)

Sam,

A pocket with only a zipper is not a "security pocket". Where is the zippered pocket located on the trousers? To provide an example, one of my former colleagues was pickpocketed while travelling on the Metro in Rome a few years ago. His wallet contained a "substantial amount of cash" and was in a zippered front pocket (he wouldn't tell me the exact amount), and he said that he "didn't feel a thing".

I'd suggest keeping your daily cash in the zippered pocket, but the bulk of cash, credit cards and Passport in a Money Belt.

Personally, I would suggest hiring a driver and a Brinks truck.

Seriously, wear some type of moneybelt.

I have been using an Eagle Creek Hidden Pocket for over 25 years. (Not the same one.)

Money belts are like insurance. They give peace of mind and it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

I also use zipper front pocket behind a real pocket just for daily cash

I carry all important documents and credit cards in a neck pouch under shirt when traveling between cities.

Otherwise I leave items room safe

Are neck pouches pick pocketed or a grabbed? I always wondered that.

The pickpocket dangers of Naples are probably overblown. You have just as much chance to be pickpocketed there as any other European metropolis, which is to say “a pretty good chance!”

I traveled for years with awareness, confidence and keeping stuff in a snug front pocket being my only protection. It was fine until one packed Paris Metro train where I suddenly felt someone’s hand. It was as close a call as you can have, and I was a paranoid mess afterwards. You should upgrade. I got a little black zippered pocket thing that loops through your belt and can be tucked in your pants or your front pocket if you’re in a place where you’ll need to access it. The peace of mind is worth everything.

I have preferred the 'hidden pocket' which I can access easily while seated at a restaurant and can put back SOME while seated = and then just adjust it.
I have a money belt and haven't used it - Cant access it easily (have to open shirt) - the mid-section of the body normally doesn't have such material in cotact, so it is noticable.
It seems I'm outnumbered by the 'money belt' people above.

Get a money belt on one of those packs that you put on your hip under your trousers (and through your belt loops).

I like the "hidden pocket" far more than an actual money belt.
It's just more comfortable for me. No need to be any more cautious in Naples than Rome, Florence, etc.

But, if you can hire a robust bodyguard, always do that... it makes people wonder, "who's that important person over there?!?"
:-)