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Around these parts, warmer weather is starting show up in fits and starts. Sure, we can’t really leave the home these days (at least for another month, it seems), but maybe you just want a light layer for lounging out on the patio – and to be ready for when you can actually head out and do something? If so, then the SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest is a great candidate for you to check out.
Now, I will say, if you are not a fan of a multitude of pockets, then something from SCOTTeVEST is not for you. Then again, you’re reading us, so you’re probably on the multi-pocket bandwagon. The great thing about the SeV stuff is just how well-designed things are and capable of hiding that multitude of pockets. I of course first became aware of the brand back in the early podcast days due to Leo Laporte, and picked up my first product – a Tropiformer Jacket – almost a decade ago.
When we wrote about their newer products earlier this year we focused on their jacket, but this vest was also hiding in the wings. Since I was thinking more about layering (in the cooler temps) and then moving to warmer weather, I requested the SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest. And frankly, if you’re thinking about using it for travel, well, a vest is a good way to add that capability to carry a ton without feeling like you’re layering up to walk in your own personal sauna.
In many ways, the pocket layout of the SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest feels very, very similar to my Tropiformer jacket, in that I instinctively knew where to toss the various items without really looking. There are a few differences, of course. For one, you’ve got a small RFID pouch, where you could put, say, your passport or RFID-equipped credit cards to prevent them getting skimmed.
Secondly, and most importantly to my use case, are the inclusion of two chest pockets on the front of the SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest. It’s just super handy to be able to toss something in the outside pocket (say, a phone or sunglasses) without needing to unzip the vest. Thirdly, on those handwarmer pockets, there are actually some small zippers to help you sort of self-organize within the context of the larger pocket. Finally, and certainly not the least, you’ve got two small slits on the sides, which helps – when you sit down – for the vest to not bunch up. This, combined with the small dip the tail of the vest does, ensures that the vest stays in place and looks good.
Another item worth noting is that the SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest has a Teflon coating on it, which of course will help to keep you dry if you get caught in a quick spring shower. I’ve had that happen a little bit, and of course it works as advertised. Back when I was going into the office, I was wearing it as a layer under a jacket, and it worked a charm. Once into the office, I generally kept it on, as I didn’t feel like it was making me overly warm.
That’s key, as most people are going to view the SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest as an item for, well, traveling. With something like this, you can load up the pockets, and not necessarily need to carry a backpack (which is what I did with my Tropiformer when we were touring in Italy). I’m going to say that this could actually be a decent camping item as well. For me, I tend to have a variety of things that I’m moving between shorts and pants (depending on weather and day) that could just live right in the vest, and be a grab-and-go sort of an item. Yes, it’s a synthetic material, so you’ll want to watch those embers at the fire pit, but that’s true for a LOT of outdoors gear.
If you’re thinking the SCOTTeVEST RFID Travel Vest sounds great for you for when we can all travel again, you can get it directly from the brand for $135. If, on the other hand, you want sleeves (that can be removed), check out the jacket lineup (which hovers around $200) for a similar pocket assortment, just a mix on the styling. Personally, I’ve been a fan of SeV for over a decade, and items like this vest keeps me firmly in that camp. scottevest.com
Thanks for the write up!
Scott