Want to be purse free...

I had one once for one trip. They look nice, neat, and smooth on the models BECAUSE they have nothing in the pockets. Fill the pockets and they look dumpy and dorky. You have to keep them buttoned or lose some of the security features and then they can be hot. Personally, I think this is one item that really tags you as a tourists. I still prefer to carry a small (about ipad size) shoulder bag. But don't carry much extra either. I always thought they looked like a good idea but after one trip went to the Goodwill.

PS - Just noticed your name. How do I keep this next comment from being inappropriately sexist? We both had the vests that year. The breast pockets for her were not usable because they added inches where additional inches were not needed. For another figure type, it might be OK. Both the inside and outside upper pockets added unwanted bulk. However, it make me look better or so she claimed.

I like the idea but I wonder if it might look kinda dorky, especially if you have bulky stuff in the pockets, though maybe not so much in black. Can you try one on before you make a commitment?

We both have them, use them in certain situations, and like them. As long as the pockets are not over filled the "dorkyness" factor is not really a problem.

I have worn a travel vest I bought at Magellans on overseas trips in many European countries for years. I agree with earlier comments that it is not extremely fashionable. However, I find the benefits far outweigh any fashion negatives. I do not worry about being pick pocketed, I don't have the hassle of carrying a heavy purse, and I love being purse free. Another advantage is that l don't have a purse counting as my "personal item" on flights.

I'm trying to visualize a travel vest. Is it like a fishing vest with multiple pockets and a big back pocket for rain gear? I guessing that a "travel vest" is a visual banner saying I'm a tourist.

Well I realized I look dorky with or without. The travel vests being discussed are like Scottevests, which don't have visible external pockets and are designed not to show bulges when used for normal items. Not multi-pocketed fishing or safari vests, like the local is wearing in the photo thats on the home page here - the one with the sign for Corniglia.

I wear mine mostly when in transit on planes, trains, buses, where anyone who cares would know I'm a tourist, not so much touristing around town, where I don't need to carry much anyway.

I really don't want to insult anyone who wears these, but they scream tourist. And are the opposite of chic or fashionable. They might be OK for hiking around the countryside, but in the cities??? I really wouldnt want to wear it in warm or hot weather. Give me a crossbody bag and a neck pouch any day. Still hands free.

Admittedly it was 2004, but I saw all kinds of locals wearing these in Poland. Mind you they were all men of a certain age.

Andrea, your post brings to mind the Czechoslovakian brothers, those "wild and crazy guys" in the early days of Saturday Night Live, with their multiple plaids...
Cynthia

It is not at all unusual to see many older men in Europe wearing a vest. There are many things other than a vest that identify one as a tourist. It's really just a matter of personal preference.

Certainly not ideal in warm weather.

FYI, just saw a similar style at Costco for about $20-$30. Fewer pockets, I believe.

Mind you they were all men of a certain age.

So those of us men of a certain age should fit in well?

Seems like every discussion here about avoiding "looking like a tourist" ends up with the admonition that it doesn't matter, locals will always know, or more likely, don't care.

The pictures of the Scottevest look like they would go with Tilley hats. The Scotte catalog images look like they are showing vest without stuff in the pockets. How do you keep the vest from looking lumpy. My fishing vest with externally accessible pockets is definitely lumpy when pockets are filled with fly boxes, leaders, strike floats and shot.

Well, as the OP I have to come clean -- I must to admit that what is triggering this purchase is not my next European trip but a visit to a big US university where we'll attend a football game. And the latest security thing at these games is that people cannot bring in typical backpacks or even a purse, unless it is the dinky 4x6 inch cross body type. The carry bag that is allowed is a clear plastic thing, which I don't own. So I figured before I throw away money on a clear plastic tote bag (that I can't imagine ever using again!) just to carry the two unopened water bottles I am allowed to bring and my wallet, etc., maybe I will just put the money towards a vest that I might actually have some practical use for after the game.
Anyway my apologies for listing this under European travel. I did that because that's where I found the travel vest discussions from years ago. Thank you everyone -- I will go look on the Costco website. If they have a travel vest, I will be really excited! I find Costco offerings are typically well-curated, and I can generally count on them to be pretty high in quality & value.

Your clarification clarifies your query. The stadium rules make sense in light of their need to screen people for contraband or weapons. With that being the case, having a shoplifting type garment may create some questions or at least require a body pat down search if they don't have a TSA like X-ray scanner.

Sorry, not going to click on your link because you lost me at the words "travel vest". However, I already know what these newer vests look like - athleisurewear with tons of hidden (and not so hidden) pockets. So many pockets, that instead of providing peace of mind, I think they look designed to cause stress as you try to remember which of the 57 pockets in your vest actually holds the credit card you need to pay for your train ticket. Yeah, no thanks. If you have that much crap to lug around, it may as well be in a purse. If you are worried you'll be pickpocketed, then get a PacSafe purse.

But if all you want is to be purse-free and carry just a few essential items, I've found a Shold-It scarf is great for that. Looks like any other infinity scarf out there. I've got a solid color Shold-It scarf, but have found knock-offs on Amazon and Etsy for less money and in different patterns and made from different weight fabrics - heavier for Autumn/Winter and lightweight for Spring/Summer. I use them sometimes at home if I don't feel like carrying a purse. The pockets on mine are all big enough to hold the following: money clip w/ cash; credit card, transit pass, passport, lipstick. In my heavier weight Autumn/Winter scarf I can also hold my iPhone. The iPhone weighs down the thinner Spring/Summer weight scarves, so they don't lay right around my neck. In that instance, I might still use my scarf, but I'll carry my iPhone in my hand, in a wristlet, or stick it in the front pocket of my jeans. Since half of Europe seems to be running around wearing scarves (both women and men), it really doesn't stand out the way a travel vest does.

When we went to the 2016 UEFA Championship in Paris, a number of French policewomen were stationed at the entrance gate with instructions to physically pat down and wand every single female trying to get through the gates. The policewoman who patted me down was shocked that my scarf had a hidden pocket, not to mention that it held so much. She'd clearly never seen one before because she called over some of her female colleagues to show them and they loved the scarf. So it got the stamp of approval by Parisian police as a fashionable way to be purse free but still carry a few essentials.

Looking for one's items in pockets . . .my husband wears jackets for much of the year outside the time that one would actually need a jacket because he stuffs all his pockets so full of his crap. Refuses to carry a man- bag but will take 20 minutes to load and unload his pockets!! one of those Scott e-vests would be his life's dream. Can't let him see that they exist!!!

A couple of thoughts:

First, cut down on stuff. Is this something you can't live without? For me, chapstick and reading glasses are a yes. I also carry my phone and a small amount of cash. The less you carry, the fewer pockets you need to carry it. If you reduce the stuff, any light jacket or rain shell should have plenty of pockets.

Second, don't confuse a travel vest with security. No matter how clever the design, it's a safe bet thieves have seen it before and can get into it easily. Anything you would rather not lose should still be secured inside your clothes unless you need it readily available. I've used various hidden pockets, moneybelts, neck wallets, leg wallets. I have a pile in my travel gear. Right now I prefer a neck wallet worn under one arm (strap over neck and an arm). I find I have more room under my shirt or sweater now than under my slimmer fitting pants.

Let's construct a self-evaluation checklist to determine whether, apart from travel vests, we meet the required "chic or fashionable" standard. A significant upgrade in my wardrobe must be in the works once tests results are available.

Thinking back to my RS early spring tour of Greece. I can think of at least 4/5 women, excluding me, wearing vests. They were Scottevests and Columbia ? brand vests. These women were the thinner women, well traveled women, 3 with husbands. Their vests were black as were their tee-shirts/blouses (one also had a light vest to wear when wearing light colored clothes). These vests did not have outside obvious pockets. I don't think they looked any more like tourists than others, but they seemed more polished with accessories, IMO. When you wear the same color under the vest as the vest, they are not too noticeable. I, too, had a vest, fleece from LandsEnd...not a travel vest, but dark gray with zippered seem pockets, and two large open interior pockets...not designed as pockets. Handy pockets on occasion. But I wear vests (or blazers) instead of cardigans anyways. You don't have to use every pocket, but it is my opinion they would be nice to have, particularly to keep CC separate from money. Well dressed women with vests vs older people in shorts...I'll take the vested people anytime! ;) Wear what you feel comfortable in, and forget what other people think.

Since you want to wear it to a football game, I think it's a good idea. More additional uses than a clear bag. I'd wear it for a quick trip to the store or to walk the dog.

Fleece jacket with pockets. Bottles of water go in sleeve until you get to seats. wallet in pocket. done

I don't wear one of those vests with multi pockets not because they "scream tourist" but because I don't need it. They may very well scream tourist (so what?), I have tourist written all over me anyway in Europe.

I don't know how UK football fans dress for football matches but if it anything like what American football fans wear, a travel vest will look pretty conservative. Depending on the American team, fans wear anything from pirate costumes and cheeseheads to the more exotic.

Normal fleece jacket is a great idea (unless it's hot of course). I can't understand the concept of "travel clothes", especially using camping/fishing/safari attire just for the pockets. How many pockets does a gal need? In any case, all bulging pockets look bad, no matter what type of clothes are being used. The simple solution is to carry only what is absolutely necessary using your existing wardrobe if you want to ditch the purse. Even athleisure/sports type outfits have some limited pocket capacity (with full zippers), which should be enough for keys and a credit card. Can the unopened water bottles be carried in by hand?

We are going to a game in Southern California, so I expect it will be hot and sunny.
I will definately need the water! We will be rambling around on foot for hours before the game, so I don't want to hand carry anything. A Pocket that is temporarily bulging with a water bottle is fine for me! I have a few jackets with pockets that work well for this kind of day but nothing for the hot days.

We are going to a game in Southern California, so I expect it will be hot and sunny.
I will definately need the water! We will be rambling around on foot for hours before the game, so I don't want to hand carry anything. A Pocket that is temporarily bulging with a water bottle is fine for me! I have a few jackets with pockets that work well for this kind of day but nothing for the hot days.

If it's southern California and going to be hot, forget the extra clothing and just get the clear plastic bag. The last thing you need is an additional layer of clothing.

Since the football stadium security wants to be able to see what you're bringing into the game, thus the reason for the clear bag requirement, if you're wearing a bulky vest, they will want to check what's in the pockets. Carry a gallon Ziploc bag with your water bottles, and save your money.

Or, get a cheap thin nylon bag and carry your water bottles in it. When you get to the gate, hold the bottles and stuff the bag into your pocket.

Karen - I am assuming you don't live in LA so until the first of November the vest is going to be very hot. Hotter at the Rose Bowl, then USC, if you are seeing the Chargers you "might" get a light somewhat ocean breeze but I'm not betting on it. And how is the vest going to do if you get pinged going through metal detector?

I see travel vests and think suicide bomber. I'd rather wear a belt bag. But I think the best answer is use a zip log bag or go for the $5 clear plastic bag that looks like a lunch sack with handles.

I'm a proponent of a lightweight bag that rolls up into a tiny wad of nylon when you don't need it. I regularly attend week-long, all-day sporting events at arenas that at least threaten to ban tote bags. (They blame security, but I strongly suspect it's a convenient excuse for protecting their concessionaires from imported food and beverages.) I have paperwork (including the event program) that I need inside the arena, so I am always carrying more than will fit into my purse. If they are being strict, I take the paperwork out of the tote bag and carry it through security in my hands. That has worked just fine, though I obviously cannot guarantee what any particular security guard will do.

The water bottle usually has to be smuggled in, empty. My events are mid-winter, so coat sleeves are available. For a summer event, I guess I'd use a collapsible water bottle.

I would check on the website of the specific stadium/arena that you will be visiting. There might even be restrictions on the size of your unopened water bottles. You can always take one smaller one - even empty - and refill it at the water fountains.

I'm a purse gal, but I have one very tiny cross-body bag specifically for golf tournaments, football, etc. that fits within the stated requirements.

I'm not clear on what restrictions you have entering the stadium. From my experience they go through any bag you bring in.

My favorite hands free item is a small fanny pack with a water bottle holder. (EGOGO travel sport waist pack fanny pack bum bag hiking bag with water bottle holder -Amazon $15) I used one all over Europe this last summer in the awful heat and it was awesome! I could put in my camera, iPhone, chap stick, Kleenex, hand held fan, and my water bottle with me hands free. I felt totally safe since it sad right in front of me, but of course I wore my money belt for cash/credit cards/passport.

Yes, I looked like a tourist, but I will anyway. I don't care!

USC/Coliseum policy (as an example):
http://www.lacoliseum.com/index.php/building-policies/

Please do not conceal items. Have all items clearly visible inside an
approved bag. All Bags must meet Bag Policy guidelines and are subject
to inspection upon entry.

Does the Coliseum policy mean that you will have to empty out your travel vest pockets?

2 weeks ago at football game at the most major football university, I took a rain jacket with good pockets-no problem. Of course, we didn't take water bottles.

To me, the vest might scream "potential suicide bomber"!