Got Gadgets?
Of course you do. Why else would you be reading my blog? I routinely walk around with iDevices, Android devices, cameras, gps units, chargers, cables, batteries, etc. Normally these items are in my pocket if they are small enough or in my computer bag if they are larger items. When I travel I almost never check my luggage. If I do check a bag, it's a bag of clothing and never a bag with gear in it. At the same time my carry on bag has to be small enough to fit under the seat in front of me. Since I'm now tasked with carrying more and more devices for work and having to carry a smaller bag due to the ever decreasing space under the airline seats I'm always looking alternative ways to carry stuff. I read a review from a friend of mine on the Scottevest line of clothing. I've seen "geek wear" before and had no interest in integrating gadgets into my clothing. I still don't have any interest in "wearable tech." However, I am very interested in clothing that is simply designed to carry more of my tech gear. That's exactly what Scottevest jackets/vest are to me.
It's my 3rd carry-on
Scottevest jackets have on average 20+ pockets in them. They are designed to carry today's portable electronic gear and at the same time not showing visible bulges. That last part was pretty hard for me to believe. That was until i got one. The Scottevest clothing doesn't just have a bunch of pockets, It has a bunch of pockets that are carefully laid out to provide optimum storage and accessibility while providing minimal visible bulge. They thought of the little things. For example the two inner breast pockets are see through on the inside so that you can see and operate touch screen devices. Also you can run a set of earbuds through the inside of the jacket up to the collar where there is a special set of flaps to completely hide them when you're not listening to music/making calls. They put a screen cleaning cloth in one of the inside pockets on a string to allow you to quickly wipe your touch screens or camera lenses. There's even a pocket large enough to carry a tablet like the iPad. I first thought: "NO WAY will that not show from the outside!" While I don't really plan to carry my iPad 2 in my jacket, I did have to try it. OMG! It actually does fit and doesn't show from the outside.
What's in my pockets?
To date I have carried my: Kodak Zi8, Motorola Atrix, Mophie Air iPhone 4 Backup Battery, Holux GPS module, iPad stylus, keys, iDevice sync cables, iPad charger, boarding pass, passport, business cards, 2 ink pens, cash, and yes on occasion an iPad 2 🙂
Added security
While on my latest international tour I realized that the Scottevest has an additional benefit. It allows you walk around with gear that isn't showing to the general public. Granted, it doesn't hide a DSLR, but it can hide just about every other valuable that you're carrying.
The Bottom Line
Is that while I have jackets that I like to wear, the Scottevest has become my new favorite travel jacket. They come in a variety of styles and materials for both men and women.
You can check them out here.
There are always other options 🙂 :
Terry,
This looks excellent for a photo trip to Africa. Thanks for the info.
Stan
A must have! I have one on order now.
What about lenses? Cary the DSLR on a Black Rapid strap, and tuck the accessories/lenses away? I bet you would see the lenses though…
I did carry my 10.5 Fisheye lens in one of the outer pockets without issue. However, a larger lens is likely just too bulky/heavy.
Can you have a larger/heavier device in a pocket (iPad) and NOT have the jacket zipped up (in the front) and it still not have items visible to the general public?
To a point. after you start moving it will probably be pretty obvious you have a large item that isn’t flowing freely like the other side of the jacket.
I was ready to bite but Amazon reviews are pretty negative.
I have the light vest. Carry iPad with it’s cover no problems and lots of other stuff. Haven’t taken it off since I got it. Have yet to fill all pockets but does eliminate a purse. It will be wonderful for my next trip also.
The material for light vest gets dirty fast but washes fine.
No negative comment. Zippers could be better.
To date I own the overcoat, windbreaker, ballcap, 2 travel pants, and 1 cargo pants. I still don’t have the courage to vacation travel without luggage yet. I will say that the pockets are all hidden nicely so that having your pockets picked is a lot harder. And yes, its legal to put it all on the conveyor belt for xray for the TSA folks for later storage in the overhead. How much did you pay for the privilege of taking luggage on a plane? My only problem is at my age where did I put those pills? Take a look at their site for people who went around the world without luggage.
I forgot to mention they run a one item sale 5 times a week at 20% off. Couldn’t afford it otherwise.
I have the Fleece 5.0 and the Travel Vest and love both of them. Still trying to find a good pair of headphones to wire in them so if you have any suggestions on that it could be a good follow up entry to this!
I just returned from a trip to northern Arizona and southern Utah, my first long trip wearing the ScotteVest Revolution jacket. It was a breeze going through TSA – just remove the jacket and put it in the bin with shoes – and a pleasure to wear as a jacket or vest. The jacket, with or without sleeves, is lightweight and compressible enough to carry along in a backpack or camera bag, for those days when it was required in the cool morning air but not necessary as the days warmed up. The SeV is definitely a keeper, unlike many of my photos from the trip.
Is that a 70-200 in your pocket Mr White?
…….or are you just pleased to see me?
Joking apart looks like a great way to get one back on the 5Kg limit on carry on with budget airlines here in the UK.
I ordered the Fleece 5.0 after seeing it in both MacWorld and MacLife (15% off codes at both places). It arrived quickly from the Chicago area. When I tried it on, I stuck my right hand in the main pocket (one that every jacket has for your hand) and noticed the pocket was ripped away from the seam at the bottom of the jacket. Boo Hiss. I chatted with online support who asked me to call. They were very responsive and apologized and after answering a couple of questions they agreed to send out a new one right away – they even asked if I was going on a trip and needed it immediately and would have overnighted it if so. Anyhow, UPS shows the replacement will arrive Monday (with a mailer to return the old one) and I’m really looking forward to it.