The Vest Thread

U

untamed

Joined
Jan 7, 2003
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Let's talk about classic but functional man gear here: the hunting or photo journalist vest. Something that useful never really goes out of style, right?

I was seated next to an elderly gentleman on my daily commute today. He happened to be wearing the same kind I got as a hand-me-down from my dad years ago he wore in 70's. Good memories of stuffing them with lots of goodies and EDC stuff from my teens. I must admit the design is a bit dated and there might be some better and modern styles out there today. It's similar to this one -

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A few weeks ago over at the ESEE subforums, they offered a product from Eotac. Nice!

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Doc13's pic from this thread - ESEE EoTac Vest

So what's yours?
 
Consensus among many concealed firearms carriers is that such vests advertise " Shoot me FIRST!".

I like vests for layering and prefer velcro fasteners to snaps and, of course, a good YKK main zipper...no buttons ever again, still have one but won't buy another. Can live with snaps on a front storm closer. I like an inside zipper chest pocket for card/ID case.

My kicking around the country vest has two (2) subdued patches- " Molon Labe" and "Infidel Strong" on left and right chest. Have subdued American Flag on left breast of another...all for grins. My vests run from a DU fleece, to heavy cotton to farm store 12oz stonewashed duck. Aging simply adds character.
 
I've got a few that I like. Two are just field jackets with the arms cut off and the third is an insulated one from Timberland that's ok.

I'm a little puzzled as to why someone wearing a vest would be shot first?
 
Blais said:
I'm a little puzzled as to why someone wearing a vest would be shot first?
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It's predominantly the garb worn at IDPA matches and the like. Supposed to be popular among the CCW crowd. As such, they think that everyone else notices the vest and thinks gun (because they do).
 
Photographers don't use them much anymore because today's digital cameras and zoom lenses mean a lot less gear to carry around.

So, if he's not a photographer, then why is that guy over there wearing that vest thing with all those buldging pockets? Gun? Could be. Probably is. Those vests just scream gun.
 
Gollnick said:
Photographers don't use them much anymore because today's digital cameras and zoom lenses mean a lot less gear to carry around.

So, if he's not a photographer, then why is that guy over there wearing that vest thing with all those buldging pockets? Gun? Could be. Probably is. Those vests just scream gun.
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I'd probably be more likely to think "Flies? Bobbers? Could be. Probably is." To me they scream fisherman but maybe I'm weird.
:D
 
I like my carhart vest. It's perfect for wearing in the fall and most of the time in the winter. It has two patch pockets on the front and two on the inside. Outside of this I don't usually wear a vest in the summer. I do like that ESEE vest pictured in this thread.
 
I have been looking at vests on and off for a while now. The problem as mentioned is the shoot me first look of many of the pocketed (tactical) vests. The reason I would like a vest is to carry gear, not so much for the warmth. I am not trendy enough to pull off the nice satin back or leather vests. So as it stands I am vestless
 
I think vests are like some hats, they look good on some people and not on others.
For me they don't say: "he's got a gun".
The only time I wear a vest is when I'm fly fishing.
 
killstew said:
I am not trendy enough to pull off the nice satin back or leather vests.
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I didn't know you needed to be trendy...

My vest is part of my EDC.
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Wear one (Duluth) on the job on a regular basis. Carries a lot of stuff you dont have to go back to the truck for or would otherwise be hanging on your belt.
Business cards, ID, flashlight, pens, markers and highlighters, notebook, cell phone, tape, camera, magnifier, calculator & whatever else I think I might need before I go up four stories or on a roof.
They are not designed for CCW and the only CCW function it would have is to cover a high ride belt holster. Since I dont carry on the job that is moot. They come in heavy canvas and lightweight vented & work for me even if my wife hates them.


Tom
 
Gollnick said:
Photographers don't use them much anymore because today's digital cameras and zoom lenses mean a lot less gear to carry around.

So, if he's not a photographer, then why is that guy over there wearing that vest thing with all those buldging pockets? Gun? Could be. Probably is. Those vests just scream gun.
Click to expand...

I disagree. There is still A LOT of gear that a pro-photog needs to carry. Filters, cards, batteries, wide lenses, long lenses, tripod, mounts, manuals, remotes, light meters, etc. Unless you're a sport or portrait photographer, a vest is one of the most practical options since backpacks are not easy access.

Vests are also popular with freshwater fishermen.

I think it completely depends on the the location. Is the guy wearing a vest out in the woods or on the corner of Broadway and 5th?
 
Hubby wears an old lined Levi or a Wrangler denim vest. He has a fleece vest in his bag. Hope he doesn't get shot, because he keeps my knives sharp. Not likely, they are not concealment vests.
 
I post on some gun forums too. They are quite popular with the CCW crowd.

If I saw someone wearing a vest like that, I would immediately think, "Gun!". If they were knee-deep in a river with a fly rod, or sporting one of those massive Hubble style cameras, it is slightly different.
 
Maybe I am coming from a slightly different part of the world. Over here, not all vests want to advertise shooter/gun nut/tactic meister.

After some digging, the Scott E-Vest looks very functional. The sleeves are removeable. Not too crazy with pocket overload though.

Tropical

Essential Travel

Travel

Anybody have one? How's the load comfort and weight management?
 
If I saw someone wearing a vest like that, I would immediately think, "Gun!". If they were knee-deep in a river with a fly rod, or sporting one of those massive Hubble style cameras, it is slightly different.
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Exactly.

I forgot that fishermen do wear similar vests... when they're out fishing. But not when they're shopping at the mall, going out for even a casual dinner, taking in a movie... well, maybe if the feature film is A River Runs Through It, but not in general.

The problem is the external pockets. You can get very nice holsters which look like vests (i.e. are made for concealed carry) which have no external pockets at all. They look like something a guy might wear casually in the spring and fall and don't draw attention to themselves. Why not use something like that?
 
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I've got one of these Filsons.
One of the most versatile garments I have.
Warm enough to wear alone in cool weather, and thin enough to layer under any piece of outerwear I own when it's really cold.
Plus, it's built like the proverbial Brick Sh*thouse.
Lenny
 
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