fotogfile

Hi, was wondering if the well traveled landscape/nature photographers could add their thoughts regarding what vest they have found the most helpful when having to take numerous lenses and potentially even a couple different camera bodies on a long hike into the wilderness?

Thanks much in advance!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

My all time favorite is the Domke Photog Vest, which is out of production. Depending on your size, you can find them on E-bay or Amazon.

Whatever vest you get, do not get one in black. It gets very warm.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Carrying lenses or bodies in pockets would require a sturdy vest with large pockets. I got a nice, traditional vest from TravelSmith, and I got a nice non-traditional vest from ScotteVest. The ScotteVest looks like a normal nylon vest, but it has loads of pockets, and everything is stored inside, rather than outside in traditional pockets.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=nikon+105mm+micro&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xdomkw+photo+vest.TRS0&_nkw=domkw+photo+vest&_sacat=0

Recent Domke sales on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=nikon+105mm+micro&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xdomkw+photo+vest.TRS0&_nkw=domkw+photo+vest&_sacat=0

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Got this one after seeing a friend with one. Very comfortable and light weight. Love it! Also have the TravelVest that jerry noted. The BigPockets version has larger pockets PLUS mesh side pockets for water bottles, etc.

https://www.bigpockets.com/catalog/big-pockets-equatorial-vest

Silverman Loc: Michigan

"Peak Design" also have great Camera Sling straps too.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Looks good! Like bags, backpacks, and tripods, there is always a better vest waiting to be purchased.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Years ago I bought a fishing vest from Walmart and drew a pattern off it. I then adjusted the size and locations of some of the pockets to make ones that would fit my stuff. I then made the vests out of lightweight nylon and mesh so it would be cooler. Works!

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I own 2 of these and love them.

dashone

A word of caution about a lot of vests out there: they use Velcro pocket closures. When opened, as you all know, they make a distinct and, more often than not, loud sound, putting
many birds, animals, some kids into flight mode. Or otherwise upsetting/ruining a “natural” scene. That “rip-low-screech” noise will also not make you very popular with fellow photogs in a bird blind.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Cotton Carrier for two cameras with lenses attached.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I just buy cheap fishing vests at Walmart or Big 5 Sports. $20 or less, lightweight and lot's of pockets for small items (batteries, memory card cases, filters, yada, yada). Nothing big or sturdy enough for most lenses or camera bodies, though. Pretty lightly made, they wear out and I replace with a new one every two or three years.

For macro work I have a LowePro vest fitted with various modular lens cases and pockets, that might be more like what you want. You can configure the LowePro however you want, combine it with a belt that can be fitted with even more pouches and pockets. There might even be a way to combine it with a backpack or shoulder bag (though I haven't done that).

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The cooler the better .....Some of the military vests also work well - from military surplus stores ....some of the better fishing ones can be OK too.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

I carry my D800 with an f2.8 24-70mm, and sometimes a D90 as a second camera on a Cotton Carrier with a couple Adorama Slinger lens cases attached. The Cotton Carrier locks in and centers the D800 on my chest and eliminates neck and back strain. A second camera can lock in a second attached holder on the side. I attach Slingers on the side straps to hold lenses and accessories. The cameras disconnect from the Cotton Carrier with a quarter twist for instant access and safety straps prevent damage if the camera should fall from my hands.

Other advantages of the Cotton are that the cameras are not swinging on neck straps where they can collide with nearby solid objects. The Cotton allows me to carry my cameras all day long; something I could not do with any of the vests and straps I have used in the past because of my neck and back problems. For travel, I can walk around in foreign countries without the worry of someone grabbing a camera out of my hands, since on or off the Cotton it is always physically connected to me via the safety strap. Also, the Cotton Carrier has a front pouch that contains a rain cover for your camera that can come in very handy.

B&H has a Cyber Monday special at this URL:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Shop-by-Brand-Cotton-Carrier/ci/4/N/4294255798/phd/4288591778?origSearch=cotton+carrier

https://www.adorama.com/brands/Cotton-Carrier?origterm=cotton+carrier&searchredirect=true

paddywillshootyou

I am a pro concert photographer and quickly switched away from a vest setup to a dual camera body sling system from Black Rapids and love it. I have a zoom on one and a prime lens on the other side. I dont miss a shot due to changing lenses. The cameras slide up to shooting position quick and easy.

BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

This sounds like the best way to go. There are two or three companies that make dual body slings, including BOS which recently sent me an ad.
Bud