Question on vests

SilverFoxKnows

SilverFoxKnows

Joined
Sep 25, 2002
Messages
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I've been looking at Cabela's. I like the look of the safari vest but I'm wondering if I really need 18 pockets. Any experiences with the safari vests? I was also looking at some of their hunting/fishing vests. Would they make good everyday wear or are they too specialized? I need a few big pockets but I don't carry that much stuff. No cell phone/PDA/pager/handgun. I carry just enough stuff that my pants pockets get crowded. Thanks for the help.

Frank
 
I've always found that fishing vests, with lots of pockets, are an illusion of utility. If you fill the 894 pockets, or even half of the pockets, the vest weighs about 250 pounds. They're a back ache waiting to happen. A vest with just a couple of pockets makes a whole lot more sense.

I ended up buying a Driza-Bone riding vest a while back, and love it. I get a couple of good sized pockets, and a couple hand warmer pockets. The vest is flannel lined. The black model is actually quite stylish looking, and the whole setup is nicely waterproof.

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http://www.simplyoz.com/go/xdba
 
Granted . . . I don't use all the pockets of mine either but, especially when travelling, I love the Domke phototogs vest. It is the most comfortable vest I have tried due to the mesh shoulders and back.
 
I gotta agree with Buzzbait on this one. You really don't need that many pockets. Lay out everything you actually use and find a vest that fits the need.

Paul
 
I never use all the pockets - that would get too heavy. I somethimes load down my vest - particularly when I'm NOT allowed to carry a pack. The BIG advantage is that I can put what gear WHERE I want it, not is some other pocket, because I have a choice
 
I have a couple of the Cabela's vests and one from Orvis. The Cabela's vests are excellent value for the money - and just because the pockets are there, doesn't mean you MUST use ALL of them each time you wear it! ;)
 
With vests the only problem I have found is that some of the less expensive ones do not have collars. A very important but highly underrated piece on the garment! If you load all those pockets, the vest is weighted and those without collars cut deeply into the back of your neck. Not brutally painful but very annoying. I have one from Wally world that is very functional not too many pockets and it is the one with no collar. When in the woods I have moved away from vests to a sturdy fanny pack. These hold my med kit, fire starters and various other daily use items. Very handy and I dont have the amateur journalist look either! My two bits worth.
 
My friends call me "pockets" from being a long time vest wearer. I do indeed load up pretty full on most of my vests. And it is equally a requirement as much as it is a want. If you do not require concealment of various hardware, try the one made from Columbia clothing company. This sand colored GRT (nycot?) fabric model has a stand up collar with both snap button and zip up capability. The only one that I have ever found with this feature. It is not as long in length as the photojournalist vests and looks a bit more classy. I' d call it a tavelers vest. Another is made by Woolrich. Tan lightweight nylon with light cotton ticking lining. For a dressier look, you may want to try the house brand of Campmor mail order. This is a shorter dress style vest with a slight western accent. This sand color vest can be reversed inside out to an instant black dress version! It uses elastic loop and buttons. Campmor has a few other vests as well.

For a bit cooler weather, the Cabelas or the Woolrich cottons is the way to go. Mine are still going strong after 10 years! Except for the collar starting to fray on the Cabelas :(

NOTE: you' ll be looking for reasons to fill all those pockets...:)

Nakano
 
Lately I have been wearing a Royal Robbins 5.11 tactical vest, undoubtedly the best vest to carry gadgets around in. It's heavy weight and well made. Two large, reinforced pockets on either side permit concealed carry or for other items as well. Check it out at http://www.511tactical.com
 
Did it occur to anyone that you fit a certain profile (operator- operator wannabe--photographer) which you probably don't want to broadcast?
I dunno, I used to wear an orvis vest religiously until one time I noticed that the 4 guys I was walking around with looked exactly the same as me. Crew cut, vest, pc incorrect shirt, jeans & boots. The Usual suspect outfit.
SO-
Now I wear slacks & a blazer. Blazer holds enough stuff, and you become invisible in plain sight. Oh, I let my hair grow a bit also.
Its not for everyone, but I don't want to stand out one bit...
 
Originally posted by capacitygear
Did it occur to anyone that you fit a certain profile (operator- operator wannabe--photographer) which you probably don't want to broadcast?
...snip...
Click to expand...

When I'm wearing my vest, I'm usually wearing a blaze orange ID vest over it, have a set of headphones on (behind the head), and either a ID type cap, or a hardhat with my name and ID on it. Being ID'ed because of a photo vest is the LEAST of my problems. Then again, I'm usually within, oh, 20 yards of a few police officers, and have had time to ID myself to them (and them to me), becuase I'll be working with them
 
well, I'm on teh job myself and I understand that there are certain times when a tac vest is the best thing to wear (esp. w/ ballistic protection) but I am alluding to down-time, when you might not want to be noticed...
 
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