You guys know journalist/photographer/safari jackets?

fulloflead

fulloflead

Joined
May 3, 2002
Messages
6,192
Hey, take a look at this photo.


I'm looking for one in XL in black but I don't know what the darned thing is called so I can do searches and shop for a deal on one.

You recognize this thing, right? This is what you see journalists, photographers, people on safari wearing all over the world - when ever there's news from "the field", etc.

I've always liked these things and, like you, I like to carry a lot of crap in my pockets.:D

So, how do I scour the internet and comparison shop these? What the heck are they called? What are the top brands? Do they come in different weights and with different features?

I like to be an educated and stingy shopper. Can you help me out?:confused:

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The company bought some vests from Cabelas. Pretty nice, with lots of pockets. Not sure of the exact model, but it might be one of the fly fishing vests. There's also a model called "Safari Vest" - might be what you're looking for.

Filson has some similar vests too, but much more expensive.
 
EDC forums. They'll hook you up with the best brands pronto. Those guys over there carry TONS of "gear."
 
Keep in mind that a safari jacket is meant for harsh conditions, not strolling around sleepy Southern parts of the country. :) The coverage and carrying capacity is to ward off thorns and animals. Not heat.

Many sports jackets now besides Duluth Trading have extensive pockets and are more appropriate -- if not quite so dashing -- to wear. (I just got the Duluth T. denim presentation jacket myself.) See Orvis for some good stuff. Or L.L.Bean.
 
Try Tilley Endurables

The "Different Drummer" (below) may be what you are looking for. As well as their fantastic hats, their clothes are also top-notch. I've got several pairs of their pants and shirts, which I've had for years; they have been with me all over the world (as work clothes) and have held up well. They are expensive, but worth every penny in the end.

MA13-6.jpg
 
mccrob and E.B., those look like some good options. Let me google 'em and look at prices and things.

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Many companies make similar items. Google photo vest, travel vest, safari jacket, bush jacket to find products. I have a vest from Orvis that is nice. They still make it but the one they have now has leather trim. It is called the Zambezi Twill Travel Vest. I also have one made by Woolrich called the Elite Discrete Carry Vest. Companies who make camera bags and tripods also make vests.

I also have safari jackets made by Cabela's and Filson. LL Bean also make a bush jacket.

Here is Tucson, I generally use a vest when the temps get high, but in more "moderate" temps I like a jacket. You are right that it is nice to have all the pockets available to hold you stuff. Now remembering which pocket holds what you need is another problem. :(

Chad
 
ChadHahn said:
Many companies make similar items. Google photo vest, travel vest, safari jacket, bush jacket to find products. I have a vest from Orvis that is nice. They still make it but the one they have now has leather trim. It is called the Zambezi Twill Travel Vest. I also have one made by Woolrich called the Elite Discrete Carry Vest. Companies who make camera bags and tripods also make vests.

I also have safari jackets made by Cabela's and Filson. LL Bean also make a bush jacket.

Here is Tucson, I generally use a vest when the temps get high, but in more "moderate" temps I like a jacket. You are right that it is nice to have all the pockets available to hold you stuff. Now remembering which pocket holds what you need is another problem. :(

Chad
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Thanks! That gives me stuff to look for. I definitely don't want a vest, but the jackets sound good.


Scott Free said:
At one time, an Abercrombie and Fitch safari jacket was THE jacket to have. Really.
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Hmmm. I don't think I can make myself buy a A&F jacket.:D

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Unfortunately the AF of today is nothing like the AF of yesterday. I have an AF safari jacket and also a ladies shooting vest that are at least 30 years old and look great.

Lost World makes a few safari jackets but they seem to be expensive. I think Beretta makes a safari jacket as well. There are lots of them out there. You just need to find one that meets your needs and your budget. (The budget part can be hard)

Chad
 
Always worth a look at seirra trading post as well.
My safari jacket came from the Travelsmith catalog.
Good jacket, only 8 pockets ;)
 
Not sure what your budget is, but www.Filson.com has some very cool stuff. They have a lot of tin cloth clothing. Not cheap, but they seem to be well made and have that Indian Jones look lol. Hope that helps.
 
Check out Scottevest. I have a fleece jacket/vest with removable sleeves. Top notch construction and more pockets than I know what to do with. I once put a check in one of the pockets to pay the dentist. When I went to retrieve it I couldn't find it. I patted my self down and felt the check. I still couldn't get to it. I started to get a little flustered. It took another couple minutes to figure it out.

There's a lot of thought that goes into that line. The right hand warmer pocket is stepped down in the front with an elastic loop to hold a 1 liter bottle of water. They also deep enough to hold magazines without folding. The top inside pockets have zippers with a cutout to snake earbuds up to a raceway in the collar. The shoulders are constructed in a way that helps distribute the weight so when the jacket is loaded, you don't wind up strangling the back of your neck. The jacket I have is slicker then snot on a doorknob.



http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Explorer_Jacket.shtml
 
"Safari jacket" or "travel jacket" or "photographer jacket" will usually turn up what you are looking for. Probably the best ever were from the now defunct Willis & Geiger and searching under "bush poplin" will often turn up good stuff. Bush poplin is a special cotton that I think is as good as cotton gets, except for ventile.
Tilley is good, as is Orvis. The equivalent from the UK is Rohan. But before you buy I'd check out the cloth because they have varying degrees of artificial fibre that you may or may not like.
One of my favourites is from a company called Travelsmith. Not high end but very nice stuff at a good price. All of these companies, except Willis & Geiger, have good websites. Ebay is a good source of resales, but don't outbid me please. I'll be after the xxl stuff. ;)
 
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ChadHahn said:
Unfortunately the AF of today is nothing like the AF of yesterday. I have an AF safari jacket and also a ladies shooting vest that are at least 30 years old and look great.

Lost World makes a few safari jackets but they seem to be expensive. I think Beretta makes a safari jacket as well. There are lots of them out there. You just need to find one that meets your needs and your budget. (The budget part can be hard)

Chad
Click to expand...
I have some old AF. The newer stuff isn't the same. I have a Beretta. Very nice but more dressy. Most gunsmiths and outfitters, like Beretta and Holland and Holland, have nice jackets. Usually too expensive unless on sale, like my Berretta score.
Also check out National Geographic, believe it or not.
 
I have a Safari Vest from Cabelas. I wear it all the time, Lots of pockets. I think it has 16 or so. Good Quality too.
 
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