Travel waistcoat recommendations please

I can pack most of my gear in a size #1 Scierra bag which complies with carry-on size regulations but is hopelessly over the 5kg limit. If challenged, I would like to be able to repack most of the gear into a waistcoat - just leaving my Ike housing in the scierra, which weighs in nicely at 4.5 kgs.

So, has anyone any recommendations regarding suitable waistcoats?

This one caught my eye http://www.orvis.co.uk/store/product_choic...&pf_id=3669

I think that is a lot of money for a vest you only wear on a plane.

I just recieved this one by ebay. The zippers need a bit grease, but other then that it looks very sturdy and is made from rather tough cotton. Will see it's first job in april, to the red sea.

What do Domke jackets cost in the UK; I have one of those.

Thanks for the link Gerald. It looks a good jacket but but to me, the front pockets look a little small.

Loftus, the Domke jackets are great. Thanks for your suggestion but at £140.00 ($280.00 near as dammit) here in the UK that is a lot of money...

Any other suggestions?

I got one in Singapore for $25 USD, with a lovely fake Nikon logo:

It looks so stupid in teh airport but i can fit 2xD200 bodies, 60mm, 10.5mm, 105mm, 12-24mm, 70-180mm, 80-400mm in the pockets, if i have to. I weighted it with some check in girls that were laughing at me, 27kgs! They had a canon branded one at the same price that looked a little better, but it was canon, so no!

The only thing i would change about it is making the flaps on the pockets longer, and add more velcro so that i don't have to worry about stuff falling out.

In my laptop bag i carry a thin lightweight bag, once im in duty free i chuck the waistcoat in the bag.

This one caught my eye http://www.orvis.co.uk/store/product_choic...&pf_id=3669

I looked this up on the US site but found it nowhere.

Just available in the UK??

Thanks for the link Gerald. It looks a good jacket but but to me, the front pockets look a little small.

What do you want to put into it, my 100mm usm macro disappears in it very nicely....Apart from the velcro pockets, there is also a zippered one underneath that folds out.

I know people who swear by ScotteVests for travelling (www.scottevest.com), but to me they seem to be going more for hiding the obvious pockets (stealthing your valuables) vs. maximizing space. Fewer, bigger pockets, seamed from the inside, basically.

Still expensive, too.

To give an idea of the capacity:

I just had a go with my vest: putting all my lenses in it except the one on the camera.

those are the 100mm macro, a 70-210 f4 (similar size to the 100mm macro) a 15mm FE, kit lens, 50mm f1.8 , 2 pocket harddrives and 2 diopters (250D/500D). Not all pockets are filled (the one in the back could fit a big tele, if not for the weight.

It looks like this:

If I would work on an airport, and knew about weight limits I would laugh very hard....it just looks so obvious. Does this really work !?! I am flying from Amsterdam with Transavia.

........

If I would work on an airport, and knew about weight limits I would laugh very hard....it just looks so obvious. Does this really work !?! I am flying from Amsterdam with Transavia.

I don't see anything wrong with it. I mean if you weigh 150 pounds and where a vest holding 30 pounds of stuff, how is that different than a person weighing 180 pounds ?

I got one in Singapore for $25 USD, with a lovely fake Nikon logo:

I'm looking for a photo vest and the price looks right at $25. By incredible coincidence, I'll be in Singapore in September.

Care to share where in Singapore you bought it?

Thanks.

Ellen

Hi Ellen, I bought it at Allan Photo in the Sim Lin Centre 1st floor.

Hehe, i might have to ask you to pick some small stuff up for me too, if you're on your way to Bali

hmm... I've always wanted to wear cowboy chaps... Wonder if I could get some extra pockets sown on the chaps... Might be able to carry my entire camera setup, but you think it might be too conspicuous at the airport security check?

Pak, if you make it, get two, i want one.

Hmm, i think it's time to change my avatar. Now that i have seen Dean's Magnum, PI loverug multiple times i feel kinda sick.

Pak, if you make it, get two, i want one.

Simon, but if you do wear one, this time, don't forget to wear trousers underneath the chaps...

Hi Ellen, I bought it at Allan Photo in the Sim Lin Centre 1st floor.

Hehe, i might have to ask you to pick some small stuff up for me too, if you're on your way to Bali

Hi Simon,

I had to google Sim Lin Centre to learn about it. I'd sure love to visit what appears to be a huge electronics shopping place when I'm in Singapore. However, Ultimate Dive Travel has me scheduled to arrive at 1:00 AM in Singapore and depart at 9:35 AM the next morning on my way to Bali. On the way back home, it's only a little bit better. I arrive in Singapore at 5:05 PM and depart at 9:15 AM the next morning on my way back to San Francisco. Hmmm, maybe I should ask him to schedule me for more shopping time in Singapore

I'd be happy to pick up things for you, but it better not be heavy. I guess I'll accept a brand new D300, though, in courier fees

All the best,

Ellen

Haha, oh dear.

I'd gladly buy you a D300, but it appears you don't have time

Maybe you can email them at Allan Photo and get a jacket mailed to your hotel. They are pretty good with stuff like that. Although, for D300's etc, it's cheaper in the US.

I'd gladly buy you a D300, but it appears you don't have time

 

Maybe you can email them at Allan Photo and get a jacket mailed to your hotel. They are pretty good with stuff like that. Although, for D300's etc, it's cheaper in the US.

Believe me, if you were planning on getting me a D300, I would make time to pick up all the things you need in Singapore

But since they're cheaper in the US, it would be a waste of pounds or dollars or whatever their unit of currency is over there.

That is a great idea to have them mail it to my room! If you'd be able to furnish me their email address or web site address, I'd sure appreciate it.

Ellen

Alan Photo Trading

No.1 Rochor Canal Road

#01-38 Sim Lim Square

Tel: 6336 0922

Fax: 6338 0269

Email: alanfoto@singnet.com.sg

Web: http://www.alanphoto.com.sg

Simon,

Thank you so much! I've been wanting a photo vest, but didn't really want to pay big $$$. This will be perfect.

I'll contact them to see if they are still have the vest.

Ellen