Really? Pickpockets are your main concern? You don't hang around NCr that much if minor thievery is your main concern lol.
Don't ever go to NCR unless you've already decided its ok that your gear is up for grabs. If it is, then don't be afraid, sometimes you'll walk, sometimes you won't.
Gear really isn't all that precious anyways, losing it is at most an inconvenience. To some, they revolve their entire gaming experience around inconviencing others. If you don't wish to engage these fellows, don't hang around NCR.
Oh but I would like to see some anti thieving builds....