David, thanks for the feedback on the ScotteVest. The more I look
at it, the better it looks. A few questions.
Given that most of the pockets are inside, should a person order
the next size up from what they normally wear for a jacket? I
imagine that when the pockets are filled, it could bulk up quite a
bit. With outside pockets, the impact would be minimal but when
the bulk is added inside, it would, I think, be like adding 20
pounds around the waist! I did notice that they encourage people
to order a couple of sizes and then return the one that does not
fit.
Don't bother ordering the next bigger size unless you are getting zip-in fleece lining (for the jacket). The jacket and fleece liner already seem generously cut; I assume the vests are cut the same. I originally got the XL jacket fleece system, thinking the same thing, but found it was just too big for me (sleeves and length), so I exchanged it for the Large and can still load it up with more than i can comfortably carry.
The bulkiest items should go in the outside pockets. Slimmer and smaller stuff inside. Be aware that some of the internal pockets expand into adjacent pockets if you open the zipper/velcro between them, making 2 smaller pockets into one larger pocket. And some of the outer pockets are accessible from inside via zippers/velcro closures as well.
My preference is to transport my lenses and camera bodies in a carry-on photo/laptop backpack, and smaller gear/accessories in the eVest jacket, but if I can't carry-on a bag big enough for the gear (e.g. tiny planes with no overhead or under-seat storage) then I carry one camera and reasonable-size lens with a shoulder strap around my neck like a tourist, a body and one or two other lenses in the jacket (and sometimes a laptop in the jacket, too), plus other accessories in the jacket. As soon as I reach my destination airport, I put the laptop and bodies/lenses back in the backpack that I've retrieved from the baggage claim.
I also keep my (expensive) tripod head in my carry-on bag or jacket, and put tripod legs in luggage to be checked through to my destination. If they lose the bag, it's easier to quickly replace tripod legs from a local camera shop than to replace a high-end tripod head that uses takes Arca-Swiss quick release plates.
Since I am not a news photographer and do not need rapid access to
my equipment, the inside pockets would, I think, provide even
better security than having items stored on the outside.
I like the jacket (nylon version) but it would probably turn out to
be too warm where as the vest (cotton) should be cooler - any
comments? You mentioned that the sleeves unzip from the jacket but
would that be enough to make it wearable in a warm place.
I've never tried the cotton vests or jackets, so I can't assure you they'll be cool enough for hot weather. But most airports (at least in U.S. and Europre) are-conditioned.
I did notice that they encourage people to order a couple of sizes
and then return the one that does not fit.
Yes, their customer service is pretty good. I suggest that you try the lightweight one for size and thermal properties during warm weather; you have 30 days to return or exchange it.
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