Multi-pocket travel vest?

Most of our international travel was between 2000 and 2010. I noticed that many locals wore "travel vests", so I purchased one while in Venice. In the years since, I have found it to be really handy for everyday wear, not just while traveling, because of the many pockets. I don't usually carry super-heavy things in the pockets other than an extra camera lens, filters and extra camera battery now and then. I've never experienced any problems entering secured areas or in airports. Occasionally, I would wear my vest to work before I retired and would be teased by a co-worker for wearing a "fishing vest".

Vests are definitely quite warm. When you wear a vest you get more circulation to your arms and legs, so they are great for layering when it's cold.

When I'm out being a tourist, I just carry my phone as a camera, a couple of kleenex in my pocket and a plastic disposable water bottle. The water bottle isn't heavy and is easy to carry. I can set it down when I'm taking pictures or just recycle it if it's really in the way.

If that's too ultralight, how about a messenger bag? Something like Patagonia's "Half Mass." They can be carried in front easily and don't count as a backpack for museums.

Personally think they look awful. But personal taste is in the eye of the beholder. May be handy if you really have a lot of stuff to carry. Over the years we learned, like packing, so we really don't need as much "stuff" as we use to carry. We carry about the same amount of stuff as we would if traveling to our downtown area. Don't know why Americans are so addicted to carrying water when you can buy water anywhere? And drinking fountains are everywhere in Rome. I don't think there is a middle ground although some vests do look better than others. Do what you are most comfortable with doing.

Donald, we've used Scottevests on our last three trips to Europe, and on domestic travel too. We've sold others on using them as well. I don't think they look tacky, as they don't have any bulging outside pockets on them, and don't look at all like one of those safari vests. Really, they're just a sleeveless jacket and what's tacky about that? In fact you can get jacket versions with the same kind of storage features. They also make a lighter weight version for warmer weather. One of the pockets is fitted with a strap that helps secure a normal-sized water bottle.
We don't load them up and wear them daily while touring around. Sometimes, just a camera, phone and daily-use wallet, and the hidden secure pockets are perfect for that. The vests distributes weight evenly, and it often is enough of a substitute for a sweater, or jacket, so it serves that purpose as well. Never had an issue at a museum or anywhere, as they just look like normal clothing, and you're not at risk of knocking something over when you turn around. And yes, I see locals wearing vests all the time, (maybe not fashion conscious young folks, but enough). Most useful for when you are in transit and can keep tickets, papers, books, etc handy.

I also have a Scott vest and I Iove it especially on travel days. I have my daily cash and travel documents securely stashed but easily available. It's not so good for warm weather so I have a light vest for summer in southern Europe. I probably already look like a tourist so that part doesn't bother me.

Tourist fashion has been discussed at length on other threads too, but I think the vest can look good (if that matters to you) if worn well. After all, how good you look in something has less to do with the article of clothing itself but rather, whether or not it fits you and how good of shape you're in. I personally don't spend much on clothing, and in fact, spend more on the alterations because I fall in between sizes and sleeves, etc., are always just a bit too long, so nearly everything I wear, from jackets, pants, shirts, etc., all need to be altered in some way. But I agree that the vest is a good alternative to a day bag. And unlike a bag, where someone might try to grab it from you, etc., it's less likely someone will try to take your vest off.

Hubby and I both wear a Scottevest in Europe. We tend to travel there in late Oct into November. I find it comfortable if it's not overloaded. We don't carry water bottles, we use the fountains. Mostly I use it for Iphone, daily cash, camera (If I am using one)
Phrase book and sunglasses. Some of this stuff is not real valuable (also wear a neck wallet) but the vest keeps me hands free and from losing stuff. It does have a lot of pockets, so if you distribute everything I find it more comfortable than carrying anything that has to be over the shoulder.

I've often thought travel vests impractical since I tend to run warm, and there is no way I'd put on a vest or sweater or jacket in the morning and not want to take it off during the day, unless it was steadily cool. Most days it warms up, in particular in high or shoulder travel season. With that, the convenience goes away for me.

Donald,

I always pack along my venerable Tilley Travel Vest and it's the most used and most valuable part of my travel kit. I like the "Pebble" colour. I load it up with a variety of gear including an extra lens for my camera, P&S camera, water bottle, umbrella (if it looks like rain), etc. I don't care if others don't think it looks good, as it works for me.

It's especially useful when going through airport security. I place my wallet, watch, iPhone in the pockets and then just put the Vest into the plastic bin. That makes the process quick and easy. Once through security I retrieve the valuables such as the wallet and then wear the Vest onto the aircraft.

That particular Vest is made of a lightweight material, so I don't find it to be a problem in hot weather (I typically leave it "open" and don't zip the front in hot weather). It provides a bit of "layering" for cooler days which is also a benefit. I should add that if it's very heavily loaded, it does "weigh" on the shoulders a bit. It's guaranteed for life, so if I wear it out I'm sure they will send me a new one.

I've tried ScotEVest but found they don't work as well for me as this product.

Also consider an inexpensive sport coat. Lots of pockets, looks good, easy to pack, will help with warmth a bit. And you can use it when you get home!

Ken, I know but $189? Where can I get it at discount?

Frank,

I doubt you'll find a discount, although at times they have various items "on sale". Given that it has a lifetime guarantee, I felt the cost was reasonable. That Vest is likely my most valuable and most used travel accessory so I didn't mind paying $189. I work it hard with a lot of heavy gear such as camera lenses and so far it hasn't worn out. If / when it does, I'm sure they'll send me a new one.

Well I decided to give a vest a try on my spring trip to Italy, so after reading all the comments above I searched the web and decided on a "Tropiformer" jacket by ScotteVest. I can say that the jacket is well made and the concept is ingenious! The Tropiformer has more pockets than I can probably fill and the sleeves come off very quickly as one unit (their held on by magnets), it is light weight and I took a 2 mile walk in just the vest in 72 degree weather and did not get to hot! I will write a report on the vest after I take a 5 day trip to Phoenix in December to see if it is going to work out for me.

(Important note: if you go to the ScotteVest web site and click on Tropiformer jacket one of the models wearing the jacket is the "Woz" of apple computer fame, I guess he is on the company board, how can I resist trying out a jacket that is endorsed by my favorite brand of computers! LOL!)

Donald, I hope I'm not too late but I'm a proponent of wearing a vest. The last time I went to Europe I bought a vest through Amazon; sorry RS, they beat your prices. It is a Humvee Cotton Ranger vest, paid around $25. It has 6 pockets on the front, three with zippers and three with Velcro; plus two Velcro pockets on the inside. I kept my passport, euros, credit cards, other ID, camera, etc on my at all times. Unfortunately it does not have a place for a water bottle. It is fairly light weight, I was in Central Europe in August and never got uncomfortable. It is also machine washable. I noticed Humvee does make several different vests; if you have not already purchased one perhaps Humvee will have what you are looking for.

If you have not left for your next trip I hope you have a good time.