I have tried the photo/fisherman vest before and I couldn't get the gear I wanted to fit around in a comfortable manner. I like the MOLLE vests that I used in the Army and they worked well. As far as air travel, I have been doing more of that lately. I can't seem to figure out what is or isn't allowed on any given day. Ever since 9/11 I have carried a ball point pen tucked in the button crease in a polo shirt. It can be sharp enough to do damage while in flight. I would not want to carry anything that may even be construed as survival gear on a commercial airline. No need to attract attention these days. Do I feel vunerable and kind of naked without my normal EDC while flying? Absolutely....But I don't have a better solution.