I finally scored a 5.11 Vest for a decent price. this thing is Perfect! Especially when over a light jacket (doesn't look out of place). I can hold EVERYTHING from my edc bag with a CRAP LOAD of room to spare. I can even take everything out of my pockets and add it to the vest. Weight distribution is fantastic! Looks more like a safari/photo vest than a CCW vest.
I've got a 2XL vest like that, that I bought on sale when I was really 3XL. Now that I'm down to 1XL I may try it over a jacket. For summer, I've got a Tilley's Vest, which is expensive.
I vest carry all the time using a Filson Mackinaw Wool Western Vest Whilst it may not be traditionally tactical or have 20 pockets, it does not get noticed by over officious law enforcement types
Another option if you want a carry vest without drawing attention is Concealed Carry Clothiers . An uncle of mine has one for his job, and they're well constructed. Not a buttload of pockets, but I think you can use the 5.11 BBS accessories as well as their offered ones to organize your gear in the carry pockets.
My wife ordered my beloved Filson wool vest from Abelman Clothing last year. It was the cheapest source she could find, plus they threw in a t-shirt (which is how I remember the name!). Yep, this looks like it: http://www.abelmanclothing.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=20
I dont care what it looks like. I usually don't EDC with a vest. I do have a rothcoTactical load bearing vest. If it will make your family happier (i know it won't), there are some vests that look really cool (at least probably for us) that have a vented mesh backing that may be a great alternative for you, if you do find it hot. I am a small guy and when I wear my jumbo or jumbo clone it looks overwhelming. I don't care. If you are ever in S Fla look me up. I will get the wife and kids and we can take a walk in a park and get some stares
In hindsight, I think this is how I started my EDC journey! Ok, the military didn't help with the LBE belt and stuff :evil: I found this company called Duluth Trading a good # of years ago - I bought the black vest with all the pockets. 2XL tall http://www.duluthtrading.com/search/searchresults/86072.aspx?feature=product_13&kw=vest&processor=content I got mine in black and it did a great job. I am not sure why, but I am much more of a 'bag/pouch guy' now. I've worn the vest just a few times in last few years...I agree with others, a hoodie under it, and no one questions what you got in it.
I picked up a Timberland fleece vest from costco. Its pretty nice. Gives me two side pockets and one chest pocket. Its warm too.
I used to wear a vest all the time (except during the summer, too hot). I wore a vest through high school, the phrase "don't give a crap" summed up my fashion sense very well, however. I've since had to transition to belt EDC because of my work uniform, but I still keep a couple of vests around. I've actually slimmed down the number of items that I EDC on my person enough that I don't have an item for several of the vest pockets now, its all in my backpack/BOE.
i wear a vest from coronado thats really sweet when i ride my bike its nice and the two inner pockets are kevlar lined so they dont show any outline 'read concealed carry'. has a zipper pocket for my wallet and is really tough and thick
I found what I thought was an increadible vest, espically for hot climates it had mesh all around it, however they are not available for us EDC folks. If someone knows anybody that can make one like one it had lots of pockets. They looked like it would be real efficent if it was available in adult sizes. It was called a ranger veat and it was only in small childrens sizes. They were available in the gift shop in Stone Mountain National Park's gift shop.
I bought a 24-7 vest from Major Suplus and Survival. Used to wear a photojournalist vest all the time. The 24-7 conceals underneath my light coat, and is comfortable without being too hot or awkward. I will add it to my daily wear. It has quite a few pockets (my old one had 24, and I lost stuff in it) but I am happy with the quality, overall.
For the money,I say you can't find better than this! All season comfort, and tremendous capabilities. It has 2 nalgene size bottle holders, CCW pockets, everything you could want. Even a big pocket on the lower back, and a bigger on on the inside lower back! 5.11 Tactical vest DO NOT PAY ATTENTION TO THE PRICES ON THIS SITE! $70 is about what I usually see, but I got mine off ebay for approx $25 from a guy who wore it once and didn't like it. His wife thought it was a fishing vest. :lolhammer: and would someone please tell me how to directly post a pic?
i wouldnt edc one unless it was on the thinner/lighter side and i could wear it under my shirt, generally when im at home and go out randomly i dont wear a whole lot so no pockets, i usually carry around a neck bag and it works well but i have been thinking about carrying a vest or even a fanny pack for some time but weight is a bit of an issue and bulkiness is another i dont want to wear something uncomfortable sloshing aroung
