1leglance
2007 Expedition Trophy Champion, Overland Certifie
http://www.scottevest.com/40_SeV_Fleece_Jacket.shtml
Here is a personal review of one of my favorite new travel toys...
Scott E Vest Fleece Jacket/Vest
First let me say that I bought this with my own money last spring and my recent trip to Peru (winter there now) was my first use of the jacket/vest and most importantly I get nothing from them for this review. It was a last minute choice to take it and I didn't really get to figure out how to best use it...trial and error have been the 2 most steadfast teachers throughout my life.
Next about me...
Technogeek who has travels around the world both by suitcase and backpack.I always have either a daypack or sholderbag with me.
For years my constant companions have been some snacks, emerg. pack, first aid kit, flashlight, pens & notepads, cigar case, tape, electronic toys, camera, tin or sierra cup, bit of parachute cord, umbrella or poncho, playing cards, and such along with some extra space to carry a lunch and choice beverage in case I find a pretty spot to people watch and journal.
My internal Boy Scount has always been in a barroom brawl with his 2 enemies Weight and Comfort when it comes to lugging it all around some neat place all day and half the night.
Into the picture comes ScottEvest and the neat line of clothing with tons of pockets both visible and hidden and the ability to carry lots of tech & normal toys about my person.
As a side note I am 5'8", 190lbs a bit hunchbacked but otherwise Joe Normal...other than I have a fake leg on the left below the knee and use a cane when I travel. This info is only so you can understand my perspective and useage.
Now that I got that out of the way, here are my thoughts.
First impression is that the jacket with zip off sleeves is comfy but oversized. They do say go a size big to make sure you aren't cramped once you fill it up. But it depends also on if you like your jackets tight or looser...these will be a bit looser not matter what it seems.
Assembly quality seems top notch and all the zippers are smooth and functional even with 1 hand. The folks at the factory made sure you would enjoy your first hours with the jacket by making a scavenger hunt out of finding all the little cards in each pocket that suggest useage. This also ensures a squirrels paradise worth of places to put your stuff. For me the jacket had a nice balance between warm enough but still breathes so its not too stuffy when you work up a sweat.
My everyday carry was
On the Left..
1L bottle, camera, money, keys, maps, baby wipes, granola bar x2, mp3 player w/ earphones
On the right for balance...
Travel guide, passports, money, small gifts as we bought them, emerg pocket pack, small flashlight, pda,
Issues,,
I personally can't stand tight collars or pressue on my neck, I found that if I didn't have the jacket/vest zipped a bit at the bottom it hung and tugged on the back of my neck...otherwise fine.
The dual access pockets where great as long as you remembered to put the right items in them...
You can carry so much but you really need to think about what you put where and like all things I am sure with some time and habit finding things would be second nature.
The zip off sleeves are great for when temps warm up during the day but I could never figure out what to do with them if I was already out & about when I took them off..
All in all this will be my new travel jacket/vest...this winter I will play with it somemore and post continued reviews along with info on durability, useage and any new issues.
I think that for the $140 it is a great tool that carries alot and it comfy enough to use as a pillow with the soft fleece.
As always all thoughts welcome...
Here is a personal review of one of my favorite new travel toys...
Scott E Vest Fleece Jacket/Vest
First let me say that I bought this with my own money last spring and my recent trip to Peru (winter there now) was my first use of the jacket/vest and most importantly I get nothing from them for this review. It was a last minute choice to take it and I didn't really get to figure out how to best use it...trial and error have been the 2 most steadfast teachers throughout my life.
Next about me...
Technogeek who has travels around the world both by suitcase and backpack.I always have either a daypack or sholderbag with me.
For years my constant companions have been some snacks, emerg. pack, first aid kit, flashlight, pens & notepads, cigar case, tape, electronic toys, camera, tin or sierra cup, bit of parachute cord, umbrella or poncho, playing cards, and such along with some extra space to carry a lunch and choice beverage in case I find a pretty spot to people watch and journal.
My internal Boy Scount has always been in a barroom brawl with his 2 enemies Weight and Comfort when it comes to lugging it all around some neat place all day and half the night.
Into the picture comes ScottEvest and the neat line of clothing with tons of pockets both visible and hidden and the ability to carry lots of tech & normal toys about my person.
As a side note I am 5'8", 190lbs a bit hunchbacked but otherwise Joe Normal...other than I have a fake leg on the left below the knee and use a cane when I travel. This info is only so you can understand my perspective and useage.
Now that I got that out of the way, here are my thoughts.
First impression is that the jacket with zip off sleeves is comfy but oversized. They do say go a size big to make sure you aren't cramped once you fill it up. But it depends also on if you like your jackets tight or looser...these will be a bit looser not matter what it seems.
Assembly quality seems top notch and all the zippers are smooth and functional even with 1 hand. The folks at the factory made sure you would enjoy your first hours with the jacket by making a scavenger hunt out of finding all the little cards in each pocket that suggest useage. This also ensures a squirrels paradise worth of places to put your stuff. For me the jacket had a nice balance between warm enough but still breathes so its not too stuffy when you work up a sweat.
My everyday carry was
On the Left..
1L bottle, camera, money, keys, maps, baby wipes, granola bar x2, mp3 player w/ earphones
On the right for balance...
Travel guide, passports, money, small gifts as we bought them, emerg pocket pack, small flashlight, pda,
Issues,,
I personally can't stand tight collars or pressue on my neck, I found that if I didn't have the jacket/vest zipped a bit at the bottom it hung and tugged on the back of my neck...otherwise fine.
The dual access pockets where great as long as you remembered to put the right items in them...
You can carry so much but you really need to think about what you put where and like all things I am sure with some time and habit finding things would be second nature.
The zip off sleeves are great for when temps warm up during the day but I could never figure out what to do with them if I was already out & about when I took them off..
All in all this will be my new travel jacket/vest...this winter I will play with it somemore and post continued reviews along with info on durability, useage and any new issues.
I think that for the $140 it is a great tool that carries alot and it comfy enough to use as a pillow with the soft fleece.
As always all thoughts welcome...
