billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Not a fan.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I tried one 40+ years ago and found it made moving more difficult,with a bag I could set it down!! my solution was just don't take so much with me , I realized I seldom if ever needed 90% of the contents of the bag/vest.

LeeinNC Loc: Morganton, NC

I used a Domke bag when I was a photographer for the public relations dept. at Georgetown Univ. back in the mid 70's. I liked the way it seemed to conform to my body. I liked it so much, I bought one a couple of years ago. When I slung it over my right shoulder, I couldn't help but to smile.

jcboy3

I use vests. I have a lot of them. Including some Domke vests that are too heavy so I don't use.

Fishing vests have pockets designed for fishing gear; mostly not usable for photography.

Old style photography vests are designed for film photography, which I find less usable for digital photography.

My criteria: light weight, no collar, vertical pockets so stuff won't fall out.

I have settled on Eddie Bauer, and have two (brown, green). Model 0259.

https://poshmark.com/listing/New-without-tags-Eddie-Bauer-lightweight-vest-Size-M-62ab5bdf008b99c94b6c0165

Two pair of vertical pockets on each side, big enough for lenses, filters, etc.

billt1970 Loc: Gambrills, Maryland

I've been using a photographer's vest from Promaster for over 20 years. I love and highly recommend it. In fact I'm modeling it in my UHH profile picture! I'm a large man and wear an XL. I believe that it would also work well for women.

It's still available in tan on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/ProMaster-7563-Photographers-Vest-X-Large/dp/B00091SD36

Keep on shooting!!

BT

cameracj

I used fishing vests for years. When out in Yellowstone in 2016 a wildlife photographer put me onto this company if I was serious about getting a "real vest". They are expensive but well built. Any customization they will do. They have many practical suggestions that I never thought of at the time. I have not regretted paying the extra money to get the quality vest to carry the expensive equipment comfortably. If they can't fit your needs sizing, fit, and usage it is on you.

Just one example that was suggested: I have netting sleeves on the back to hold ice packs to keep you cool in the warm climates. I thought this was ridiculous. After using them I don't even give it a thought of what I thought was ridiculous before.
This is also an excellent way to carry your equipment through TSA. I get positive comments all the time. The vest is my coat. You just lay the vest on the TSA scanning conveyor. This is becoming a trend for frequent travelers, wearing fishing vests as coats so they can pack more items in a sensible manner without paying an additional baggage fee.

Just my opinion and it definitely works for me. For the "I'm not a fan of photo vests" club, I wasn't either. Now it is the only way I travel when flying. When photo shooting you can choose to carry the equipment and weight you desire. It is evenly distributed according to how you personally packed it. Carrying too much weight, on you. Missing a particular lens or filter, on you. My vest has a pocket across the back to carry my tripod. I don't carry my tripod in the vest when flying it is in my suitcase. When I am out a long distance from my car, the tripod is in the pocket and my hands are free.

https://thevestguy.com/collections/photography-gear

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I am not fond of these vests. I can imagine entering an airport or other high security place with one. I have no desire to be tackled by some overzealous TSA agent, handcuffed, arrested only to miss my flight!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The standard photo vest is too "attention-getting" for me, although I do have two of them.

A good choice for a vest is the Scottevest. It looks normal, but it is loaded with pockets.

https://www.scottevest.com/

cascom Loc: Redmond

In the old days, I carried film in mine. I might use 20 rolls for a game. I have one if you are interested.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Look on amazon, they've got numerous brands.

pendennis

I still wear my Domke very often, and it gets split time with a no-longer-sold Cabela's Safari vest. Both have ample pockets, and they're nicely ventilated. I noticed on eBay, though, that some of the original Cabela's vests are selling for nearly $100, BIN, though most are in the $25-$75 range.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

A bulletproof vest would be wiser to wear when doing street photography in some cities.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

In order to keep citizens safe, NY has outlawed the sale of bulletproof vests. They don't want mass shooters to have the protection of these vests. Since wearing, buying, or selling one is illegal, a mass shooter wouldn't wear one for fear of breaking the law.

Unfortunately, average citizens can't wear one, either. However, they can take comfort in the knowledge that the shooter who kills them will probably windup dead, too.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Thanks for reminding me I have a Cabela's safari vest way back in the closet.... I will have to dig it out now !

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Yeah, just like guns, the bad guys never seem to have a problem obtaining them.