Cfolk Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

I use Photo vests all the time in Africa or any other "Bush" type environment, but I don't think I would use in Sicily. If you're only using to get through security that's one thing, but it's not very good looking for Europe. Unless you want to look like a "press" photographer I wouldn't use in civilization.

Charley

latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

Thank you again for all the advice. I was not planning on wearing the vest in Sicily. I was thinking it would be useful for carrying extra items that I did not put in my carry on. I do not want to stuff my carry on to the point it might not pass the airline carry on criteria. Most of these would have little to do with photography. My only photographic items would be an OM D-E 10 with the pancake 14-42 lens and possibly the small 40-150 zoom.

Thanks again for the great advice on this outstanding forum.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

When I travel my "carry-on" is a LowePro backpack that barely fits in the overhead compartment, stuffed with my camera gear (and a couple essentials such as change of underwear, toothbrush, etc., just in case I get separated from my checked bag).

I also often wear a vest with additional camera items. Except that I buy cheaper fishing vests ($15-20) instead of photographers vests ($35-120). They work just as well!

Something else you might consider, depending upon how much gear you need to take, it's often possible and might be a lot easier to ship some of your gear via Fedex, DHL, etc., to have it waiting for you when you arrive. Most hotels will accommodate that, too, both coming and going. It's often a lot cheaper and safer than checking a bag with the airline (but actually might end up traveling with you anyway, since airlines often also carry cargo).

le boecere

If the op is a North American, of Caucasian persuasion, (s)he'll "stand out in a crowd" most anywhere in the other hemisphere...especially, Africa.

No?

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Use mine on trips to Europe, Caribbean, Russia, Mediterranean and Africa without issues at airport security. My vest has either button down/snap closures of velcro closure on all pockets so it is easy to slip off at the security checkin and place in a bin for processing by the scanner. Have never had an issue, although have been occassionally asked if my iPad was in the vest, which it was not as it was in a seperate bin prior to being asked. Find my vest most useful on walkabout safaris in Africa. One comment I would make if you do use a vest, do NOT use a Camo vest if visiting certain African, east European countries or Middle Eastern countries. You will raise suspicion and will be questioned most likely.

le boecere

You are so very correct on all your points about the 1980's era Banana Republic vest. I'd not seen the Scottevest, until Jerry mentioned it, here. Well worth researching (although the magnets concern me...as does the price). With the pockets on the inside, I would think it might be less attractive to the eyes and hands of thieves.

le boecere

Thanks for posting this, Jerry. I don't really worry about people staring at me, but I do like to be less attractive to the hands of thieves. The SCOTTeVEST is definitely worth researching, for several reasons; but especially because the pockets are on the inside...very few on the outside.

http://www.scottevest.com/

_Van

le boecere

Dunno how this got re-posted.

Newsbob Loc: SF Bay Area

We have done a lot of traveling over the past few years and my experience is that every airport's security procedures are different. Furthermore, even the individual security official's interpretation of the rules can be different. And then there are the airline folks who sometimes are lax, but other times are very strict.

I usually use a fanny pack while fly, so it's easier to reach my earphones or Chap Stick, rather than search through the overhead compartment. Only once was I told it counted as a personal item in addition to my computer bag. This airline guy at the boarding gate wouldn't let me board the plane. So I simply took off the pack and stowed it in my carry-on. It's never happened again.

So give it a try. In the words of Donald Trump, "Whatcha got to lose?"

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, I like the inside pockets

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I'm not a fisherman but I use a fishing vest. Pockets everywhere and it works very well for me. A vest is a very good idea if you'll do lots of walking far from your vehicle. Everything from lenses to batteries and memory cards... a very good idea.

Al Bruton

I have done that in the past and while it is legal I have had lenses broken and items dissapear. I now use a "Think Tank" roller bag, with a vest inside for later use. Putting you big lens in a vest for flying could lead to an expensive disaster. I can put two bodies, a 150-600, 2 smaller lenses and lots of additional gear in the roller bag that is overhead legal. I don't have to lug it through the airport, which is a bonus. When I go on trips to shoot underwater I can put my housing, all my ports, camera bodies and 3 smaller lenses, chargers , etc in the roller. My strobes, batteries and other needed items go in a Pelican case in the body of the plane. Camera bodies and lenses are never out of my sight.

rob s Loc: La Mesa, CA

Don't forget the cargo pants! Lots of choices but I've taken to wearing US Army ACUs. Extremely comfortable and hold pretty much all I need apart from the lenses in my very compact LowePro Fastpack 100.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

On our recent trip overseas, I had a raincoat with about 15 pockets (zippered inside and out) and my husband had a jacket that turned into a vest, also with about 15 pockets. Both were from Scottevest. I wouldn't recommend filling ALL the pockets, but it was a great way to carry all those extras that won't fit in your bag, or that you want close to you (like your passport). Have nothing in the pockets of your pants or shirt. We didn't have to empty the jacket/vest pockets in security...just put in the bin along with your clear "liquids" bag, laptop/iPad, belt (even money belt/pack if wearing one) & shoes. No questions asked. If you carry a camera in a case, don't have any liquid lens cleaner in it.

Here's another tip. I saw several people wearing a small pouch around their neck...just big enough for their passport, driver's license, one credit card, and boarding passes. I will look into that the next time we travel overseas. You can't believe how many times they ask for those things (and the credit card will buy you food while you wait for your plane to take off). Be sure to put your credit card in one of those RFID cases (like the one your driver's license comes in...at least here in Michigan, if you buy an enhanced license so you can cross into Canada with no hassle, then the license comes in a protected case.).

Good luck and have a great trip! Post some pics when you return!

Make sure your carry-on is unlocked and you have nothing in your pockets (that's what the vest is for)

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I wondered about the magnets as well...but they proved to be no problem at all.