I'm growing tired of my current EDC confguration of a fannypack, and 2 nite-ize pouches (one for cellphone, the other for leatherman/maglight/scissors/hemostats) plus assorted goodies stuffed in my pockets.

I'm debating between getting a fatboy "manpurse" to stuff everything in for EDC or using a cargo vest like the workman's vest from Duluth Trading..

Anyone got an opinion? ( I know, stupid question) <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I wear a vest at work (5.11 type), mostly to conceal items (I am a plain-clothes LEO). I find that too much weight in the vest is uncomfortable. I also work where it is cool. If I travel to warmer parts of the Bay Area, the vest gets uncomfortably warm. On the plus side, I find that all of the pockets are great for organizing all of the light-weight things that I carry (business cards, LED light, nitrile gloves, hand wipes, notepad, pen, etc.). The heavier items are on my belt, in front pockets, or in a shoulder holster.

I have worn a pilots survival vest for a few days. I found it very comfortable, and capable of carrying more weight. But due to its design and look, it is probably not practical for EDC (unless you are a military pilot).

Vest or Pack?? Well it all depends.. I use both, and several types of each.
For activities that have the most activity, most chance of loosing items and the most chance that I will need the stuff, I prefer a vest. I use two types. As a Disaster Responder for the Red Cross, I was in New Orleans for 3 weeks. Hot, and total confusion. I moved constantly. A bag of any sort would have been left behind. With the vest, I could reach each item individually. Just open the right pocket and grab. With a shoulder bag, I would have to dig for the item and like as not, something else would get knocked out. I once dropped my (very expensive) ham radio while digging for a GPS. Just noticed the radio in the mud as I walked away. One item, one pocket. Works for me (and you can bet I use lanyards). For hot weather I have a fishing vest which is mostly screening with pockets. But for “normal” I use a “Quite modified” nylon fishing vest which has better pocket arrangement. You will need to experiment to find what works for you.

If I am working in a vehicle (I operate a very sophisticated communications truck), I use a “Range Bag”. Sort of like a duffel bag, but much more rugged. Made for carrying guns and ammo to the range. Opens easily from the top. I can set it on the floor, on the seat or strap it to a wall and still get to things easily. When I change trucks, I just grab it and go. Shoulder bags and backpacks are a nightmare in a vehicle. The straps get tangled in things and they are difficult to work with. They keep falling over and the contents spill out and fall down between the seats.

My major carry bag is a good quality back-pack. It is modified so I can clip the range bag on the front. If necessary, I can walk a long way. It contains my daily needs items like a small sleeping bag, ¾ length pad, change of clothes etc. Stuff that usually remains behind someplace during the day. Hopefully it and I will spend the night together. However the range bag or vest has all the items I really need. Water, meds, communications gear, gps, gloves MRE's and such.

So my suggestion is to get a cheap fishing vest and give it a try. Use it when you are engaging in your most mobile activities. Keep the shoulder bag for more controlled and “social” events.

nomad

Last year my rain-jacket finally died. I opted to try one of the "ScottEVest", which I had my eye on for some time (as a gadget addict). Since I was replacing my rain jacket I went with the Black Tactical 3.0, they were having a deal on it w/ the fleece liner.

The sleeves on the jacket come off, hence the vest. I don't wear it to the office much, at least in the summer. However, it is a great asset when I travel, as I can keep all metallic items in the vest and just chuck it off into the security scan.

What I like: Relatively inconspicuous for carrying a lot of stuff. I keep mine packed with small FAK, Zipka, iPod, bandanna, hard candy, granola bar, usually a small bottle of water, pen/paper, spare change & other misc supplies. Due to the construction of the vest, no-one can tell that I have all of that (unless they pick it up, then they wonder why it weighs so much).

Don't like:
- Black was probably not the right color for every-day use. Folks around the office think I'm wearing a bullet proof vest
- Hot. I tend to the warm side for body temp. The extra layer (and black color, and probably the weight of gear) make it warm.
- As a jacket w/ fleece liner it does not fit well, particularly w/ the fleece sleeves in. In winter I usually have the fleece vest part of the liner and the regular long sleeves.
- Not truely weatherproof - the zippers around the sleeves leak sligthly in heavy rain (no surprise, I didn't buy this for extended outdoor activity).

Even with those drawbacks, I still overall like this thing. I'm debating purchasing one of the lighter weight versions for nearly everyday use, except in summer. With the very high humidity here none of the high-tech cooling clothing (this vest w/ CoolMax, UnderArmor, etc.) seem to work well, no place for the moisture to "wick" away to when the air is so thick.

thru much trial and error and countless backpacking trips later i find the rather affordable columbia vest (like the one's at REI) to be extremely useful. even in really warm weather its quite comfortable. best thing is, it takes the load out of your pants pockets/backpacks/etc. and puts everything within easy reach. after a half hour you don't even feel like you're wearing anything. i'm sure there are better quality vests out there but i love mine.

Those are nice items on that website. Wow. You can literally carry your EDC, FAK, BOB in pants and jacket. Problem is price. That is Wow also.

Are you using one of the Columbia fishing-type vests, with the usual little cargo pockets sticking out all over it, or the more "low-profile" Venture II Vest?

i have the original Venture vest (not the venture II). honestly, it has a few too many pockets for my taste but i really like that button/zipper option thats missing on the venture II. i'd actually like to have them both as the lower profile of the V II is much more stylish for everyday use.
here's the one i have:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductD...vcat=REI_SEARCH

Thinking in terms of urban camo, a purse/ messenger bag/ breifcase is going to stand out less than a multi-pocket vest.
Plus, there is often more empty space to stuff things in a bag--a newspaper, jacket or whatnot.

tro

I was looking at some of the comments about the vest vs pack or fanny pack from last summer, and looking at some typical fishing vests. I came across this hybrid vest/backpack. It's is like a crossover, it has ample pockets like a traditional fishing vest, but, also has a padded waistbelt, so if you're carrying a more significant load, it's not all on your shoulders. It looks like it would be relatively comfortable. Anyone used one?



You can find info on it at:
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/...rch&feat=sr