Scotteevests

I haven't used one but anything that has zipping pockets on the interior of clothing should be sufficient from a safety point of view. Pickpocketing a crime of opportunity so you really just need to remove that opportunity with zippers and hidden pockets.

I usually wear a moneybelt under my clothes for things I don't need access to during the day and slacks that have a zippered pocket hidden just inside regular pants pocket. That way I can access my credit card or larger billed cash just by 'reaching in my pocket' even if that pocket is hidden away behind a zipper. If the zipper is closed then inside my actual pocket you'll find gelato money, some change, gelato receipts and maybe yesterdays tickets. I learned the hard way that trying to just use a money belt has the potential of making you look like pervert if suddenly have to fish around in your pants - hence the external zippered pocket. I know many people use the neck pouch instead for the same reason.

My concern would needing to wear a vest everywhere despite the heat or dress of an event. Also I would hesitate to put anything of value into an outer layer that can be left somewhere or lost. If you hike around Pompeii in a vest in July you will want to take it off when you sit down. I often where a fleece layer but I don't zip anything of value into it - except maybe sunglasses - because it can left behind at a cafe or on a bus/metro/train/taxi.

My $.02, whatever works for you is the right solution,
=Tod

My husband and I have several and have used them for years. My husband likes the vests with zip-off sleeves. They are expensive, but usually there are 40% off sales twice a year, one at Xmas. I have also bought them on EBay, much less expensive, and in great condition. Note that the sizes seem to run small. Many of the jackets and vests are somewhat heavy. I have worn the featherweight (lighter) vest in August, and left it unzipped, not feeling too hot. In winter, I have worn the vest under a winter coat. As a woman, I then do not carry a purse, as I also have a Bandolier phone case, which has a neck strap and side snap pocket. However, my passport is always right neck to my skin, in an Eagle Creek silk neck passport case.
I generally do not take my vest off throughout the day.
So to further address your question, I think the vests are great for phone, sunglasses, ear pods, chargers, meds, and wallet, but I would never take mine off in public. However, I do really like the vests when going through passport controls and security checks, when it is a pain to have your passport under your clothes, as you're required to show it frequently.
Many travel stores carry Scottevest, but in limited styles, so maybe you can try them on in person. The quality is excellent.
Around home, we really like the men's zip hoodie, ( like a soft sweatshirt.) I liked my husbands so much that I bought a men's small for myself, as they don't have a women's style.
Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

I bought a ScottEVest Jacket with removable sleeves a few years ago and still use it on a regular basis. I took it on a trip to Europe a few years ago and it worked quite well, although I found that it wasn't warm enough on cool nights. It seems to be a good quality product although the zipper failed soon after I bought it and the company wasn't interested in fixing it, so I took it to a local tailor. They're a bit pricey but they certainly accomplish what they're designed for.

I normally use a Tilley Vest for travel by air. It has lots of pockets and is fairly light and comfortable.

I have had a Scotti Vest for years, however I only use it to get through security and passport control. It is very convenient for that. Once I am incountry, I go back to my everyday crossbody purse with zip closures and have never had a problem. Have a great trip!

Yessir, I'm a Scott E Vest devotee! Bought a featherweight vest, for me for our Florence/Rome/Salerno/Taormina trip this last April. Lot of trains, train stations, need my hands free and this did the job. Plenty warm too, even down to 50 degrees or so. Not sweaty until you would get to 70. For Switzerland I'd probably get the thicker one.

Only thing is I have to be consistent as to what I put in what pocket, because by switching it around I tend to forget!

Great information about the vests! We didn’t know if my husband also needed a money belt but I think he will carry one. He is older & I didn’t want him fumbling for things. Anything to make things easier! I appreciate the feedback. We found my husband’s on eBay & it is quite nice.

I have a Scotteevest jacket, they are secure, and great for the amount, and size of things you can put in one. The drawbacks though are that they are really cool to cold weather solutions, the temp gets above 60 deg F, you will not want to wear it. Also, given the material needed for multiple pockets, it will weigh (empty) easily 2 to 3 times what a regular jacket will weigh, can be a problem depending on how light you want to pack.

I rarely take mine anymore on trips, I first limited what I need to carry when I go out, so a simple jacket with an inside zipped pocket that fits my passport, maybe my phone, works just as fine, other than that I only have a very thin wallet with one card and a little cash.

ScotteVest website has a sale ending tomorrow 9/9
https://www.scottevest.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooJ6QjQ95mCbCbWoSX2vi20-pWMfRW2eBUYVBDI8ARtfjq1pvgC