These smart clothes are full of pockets so you can leave your bag behind

The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you’ll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Whether it be a backpack or a messenger, bags are a great way to carry around all the belongings you'll need throughout the day. 

But sometimes, carrying a bag can be over-encumbering or an added responsibility you don't need when you just want to be able to move freely. 

While stuffing an abundance of things into your pants pockets or simply leaving items behind might seem like the only option, there is a solution — SCOTTeVEST.

Founded in 2000 by Laura and Scott Jordan, SCOTTeVEST became the bridge between apparel designers and consumers' needs for modernized functionality in clothing. The idea came about when Lauren grew tired of carrying around all of Scott's gadgets — portable cameras, chargers, and mp3 players — in her purse. Since carrying a purse of his own, Scott created the "eVEST," a fisherman's vest modified with extra pockets.

Today, SCOTTeVEST has evolved into a full line of smart apparel for men and women with an abundance of thoughtfully placed pockets. Smartphones, cameras, wallets, tablets, and even laptops can be carried inside.

While Scott's original eVEST lives on through updated options like the Q.U.E.S.T. Vest, you'll also be able to buy hoodies, fleeces, jackets, pants, polos, sport coats, lab coats, hats, and even underwear. Yes, you can now walk around comfortably in just your undies without having to leave your phone and wallet behind.

If you're looking to ditch your bag, SCOTTeVEST has all the pocket you'll ever need.

Shop all apparel at SCOTTeVEST now.

SCOTTeVEST sent over a few pieces for the Insider Picks team to try out. Check out our thoughts and impressions, below:

Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter: SCOTTeVEST Travel Fleece Jacket 8.0

When I first heard about SCOTTeVEST, I thought it was an absolutely brilliant idea. I went with the Travel Fleece 8.0 because fleeces are generally very useful. They're perfect to wear on cool fall days or as an extra layer of warmth during the heart of winter. I also like to keep a fleece for in the office because the AC is sometimes a bit much. After wearing the Fleece 8.0 for about two weeks, I can say that it is by far the most versatile jacket I've ever owned.

My SCOTTeVEST arrived at the perfect time to put it to the test. I was going to a concert that night and didn't want to carry the bag I brought into work. I loaded the fleece with my phone, wallet, keys, a bottle of water, sunglasses, portable battery, and charger. Even though I wasn't at full capacity, I was very impressed with how much I could carry comfortably.

Initially, I was concerned about how it would look when loaded up with stuff, but I found it to look just fine. The jacket itself is actually very stylish. The silver zipper and reflective 3M accents that run along the two front chest pockets and across the back make the jacket stand out, literally. And, if it's too hot for a full jacket, you can remove the sleeves and continue to utilize all the pockets.

Buy the SCOTTeVEST Travel Fleece Jacket 8.0 now, $200

Malarie Gokey, Insider Picks Guides Editor: SCOTTeVEST Chloe Hoodie

I've been wanting to try out a SCOTTeVEST hoodie for years. In my former life as a tech journalist, I used to carry multiple phones, wearables, and other devices on me regularly, and there were many times during camera shootouts that I wished for extra pockets. The Chloe Hoodie has pockets to spare — 14, to be exact. I can fit multiple phones, a tablet, camera, sunglasses, keys, pens, and my wallet in the hoodie's pockets without any trouble. The key leash holds my keys securely, and there are even special holders for headphone wires, so you don't get tangled up. It's also very warm and cozy, so I imagine it'll be my travel companion during the winter months. The purple color looks deep and rich, and the fluffy cuffs and hood lining give extra warmth where you need it most. I really wish I'd bought one of these years ago.

Buy the SCOTTeVEST Chloe Hoodie now, $100

Brandt Ranj, Insider Picks Associate Editor: SCOTTeVEST Q.U.E.S.T. Vest

I’d heard of SCOTTeVEST Ultimate Pocket Vest for years, but after trying one, I can say it’s something you have to see (and wear) to fully appreciate. The idea is simple enough: Wear a vest that has a lot of pockets so you don’t have to carry a bag, but the execution is pretty wild.

The pockets, all 42 of them, are meant for gadgets of various sizes, from a small cable to a full-sized iPad. To fully take advantage of the vest, you’d need to carry thousands of dollars worth of tech on you, but it works just as well if you’re carrying a phone, external battery pack, bottle of water, a couple of sets of keys, and a sandwich. There’s no dedicated sandwich pocket, but with the space you’re allotted, there’s certainly room for one.

It’s easy to imagine such a useful piece of apparel being way more functional that fashion-forward, but the Ultimate Pocket Vest manages to look and feel nice, too. Nobody will think twice about whether you’re carrying around a couple of iPads and enough charging cables for all of your family and friends. Taking full advantage of this vest would be a challenge, but even if you use 20% of the pockets, it’ll end up being well worth the investment.

Buy the SCOTTeVEST Q.U.E.S.T. Vest now, $175