Keep it under your coat

The best quality practical, multi-pocketed coats come from Barbour. Their heritage range includes fashion-forward pieces such as this women's jacket; made from heavy-duty waxed cotton, it could comfortably accommodate documents, iPod, paperback book and a bottle of water

Waxed cotton jacket, £249, from Barbour, 0800 009 988 Photograph: PR

The high street is also awash with what we can charitably call homages to Barbour - look out for corduroy collars and waterproofed heavyweight cotton. This khaki- belted jacket will create shape around the waist to counteract the bulges where you've stashed your swimwear and a kaftan or two

Khaki jacket, £49.50, www.gap.eu Photograph: PR

For a dash of classic style, stick with a camel overcoat, albeit one with wrist-deep pockets for added storage

Camel coat, £175, Banana Republic, 020 7758 3550 Photograph: PR

Men are also well-served by the military trend, and Debenhams reports a 200% rise in sales of this five-pocketed casual jacket in recent months, though you would have to be a nifty packer to get much in the tiny shoulder pocket

Cotton bomber jacket, £25 (on sale) Debenhams, 08445 616161 Photograph: PR

The Asos coat nods towards military without going overboard - it's a good-value purchase with room for all your bits and bobs

Military jacket, £75 at asos.com Photograph: PR

This coat from Howies is pricey, but not only does it have seriously generous storage space, it's also guaranteed for 10 years

Hand me down jacket, Howies, £400, howies.co.uk Photograph: Joe Morse/PR