What to wear/pack... Part 7
Nov 17th, 2008, 09:55 AM
#221
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Jacket/vest update:
First of all, I really like the look of the jacket. It is black and looks nothing like the "fisherman's vest" I originally bought. I would wear it with almost everything I usually travel in and it would look fine. Keep in mind that I don't get dressed up to travel, no heels or fancy clothes, usually black pants or dark jeans, sweaters, casual jackets, etc. It is also Teflon coated and would be water resistant.
The big test was if I could get my 55-200 lens for my DSLR camera in one of the pockets, and I CAN! And it doesn't look like the Michelin man, either. I haven't fully loaded it up, and the truth will come when I do that and go out to take pictures, have guide books and maps, etc. in there.
I don't use an IPod, so haven't tested that part of the jacket, the system to thread your wires through.
There are indeed many pockets, of all sizes, seems it would be very convenient while traveling.
I do not see a pocket that I think would accommodate a laptop, which I think someone mentioned.
I am short and the sleeves are just a little too long, which I will hem about 1 to 1 1/2 inches. There is an inside cuff that won't show even if I hem it.
The only problem is that one of the zippers is not working properly. I called Magellan's and asked how to return it, and get another one, and they are sending the new one out in 3 days and I will return this one in the same packaging. I was very happy they were so helpful and no questions asked at all. Honestly, I didn't do anything to it, just examined it all over to see that all was well, and one of the zippers was zipped up to the top but the bottom was gaping. So, if I do get another one and there is another zipper problem, I would not think it was well made and would send it back for a refund.
As for size, I ordered a large based on their measurements, particularly the waist measurements, since that is a problem area for me, and I also wanted to be able to layer under it, but also not have it so thick I couldn't layer over it. I could have easily worn a medium, but not sure if that would allow for layers underneath and might show the lens bulge too much. I think I would actually call them to discuss size if your measurements, like mine, don't exactly follow one size in the chest, hips and waist.
I like the collar, it is not one of those stand up things, which I find irritates my neck, but it is close enough that wind would not be much of an issue, especially with a scarf.
Without the sleeves, it is comfortable and fits fine and looks nice.
So far, I say two thumbs up, despite the cranky zipper. I think Magellan's would make it right even if I wore it for a short time and then had problems.
Hope this helps. I'll update after I get the new one.
First of all, I really like the look of the jacket. It is black and looks nothing like the "fisherman's vest" I originally bought. I would wear it with almost everything I usually travel in and it would look fine. Keep in mind that I don't get dressed up to travel, no heels or fancy clothes, usually black pants or dark jeans, sweaters, casual jackets, etc. It is also Teflon coated and would be water resistant.
The big test was if I could get my 55-200 lens for my DSLR camera in one of the pockets, and I CAN! And it doesn't look like the Michelin man, either. I haven't fully loaded it up, and the truth will come when I do that and go out to take pictures, have guide books and maps, etc. in there.
I don't use an IPod, so haven't tested that part of the jacket, the system to thread your wires through.
There are indeed many pockets, of all sizes, seems it would be very convenient while traveling.
I do not see a pocket that I think would accommodate a laptop, which I think someone mentioned.
I am short and the sleeves are just a little too long, which I will hem about 1 to 1 1/2 inches. There is an inside cuff that won't show even if I hem it.
The only problem is that one of the zippers is not working properly. I called Magellan's and asked how to return it, and get another one, and they are sending the new one out in 3 days and I will return this one in the same packaging. I was very happy they were so helpful and no questions asked at all. Honestly, I didn't do anything to it, just examined it all over to see that all was well, and one of the zippers was zipped up to the top but the bottom was gaping. So, if I do get another one and there is another zipper problem, I would not think it was well made and would send it back for a refund.
As for size, I ordered a large based on their measurements, particularly the waist measurements, since that is a problem area for me, and I also wanted to be able to layer under it, but also not have it so thick I couldn't layer over it. I could have easily worn a medium, but not sure if that would allow for layers underneath and might show the lens bulge too much. I think I would actually call them to discuss size if your measurements, like mine, don't exactly follow one size in the chest, hips and waist.
I like the collar, it is not one of those stand up things, which I find irritates my neck, but it is close enough that wind would not be much of an issue, especially with a scarf.
Without the sleeves, it is comfortable and fits fine and looks nice.
So far, I say two thumbs up, despite the cranky zipper. I think Magellan's would make it right even if I wore it for a short time and then had problems.
Hope this helps. I'll update after I get the new one.
Nov 17th, 2008, 10:01 AM
#222
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Therese, sorry, I posted without checking, and it was you that mentioned the laptop fitting in the back. It does not have that. Or at least I can't find it! I'm going to check the website and will get back to you with what I find out.
Nov 17th, 2008, 10:19 AM
#223
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OK, I have checked the Scottevest site and found a jacket that mentions a back pocket that could hold a small laptop. The one I have does not have such a back pocket. The one I saw on the site is the Scott Jordan jacket and appears to be much heavier than mine.
Nov 17th, 2008, 11:26 AM
#224
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Challiman, it's specifically the vest, not the jacket, that has the back pocket that one could (potentially) fit a laptop into.
Great news on being able to fit your lens into one of the pockets, and still not look too bulky. The overall styling of the coat looks like it would be a bit more forgiving of a slight bulge, as it's not quite as fitted to begin with.
I actually prefer the stand up collar style of the vest, and wouldn't need to store any single items that were all that bulky, so would probably go with the vest.
Great news on being able to fit your lens into one of the pockets, and still not look too bulky. The overall styling of the coat looks like it would be a bit more forgiving of a slight bulge, as it's not quite as fitted to begin with.
I actually prefer the stand up collar style of the vest, and wouldn't need to store any single items that were all that bulky, so would probably go with the vest.
Nov 17th, 2008, 12:41 PM
#225
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Therese,
Looks like they have several kinds of jackets and vests, all different options, so hopefully we'll both have what works best for us.
I do see the vest you are talking about and remember that I couldn't get that page to give the descriptions or features. I had trouble with it again today, but finally see it. It does indeed have all the features you mentioned, and probably is a bit more feminine than mine, but I just can't tolerate those collars.
Could you elaborate on your big travel plans for next year? It sounds very exciting. Where all will you be going and for how long?
Your traveling and packing wisdom is greatly appreciated.
Looks like they have several kinds of jackets and vests, all different options, so hopefully we'll both have what works best for us.
I do see the vest you are talking about and remember that I couldn't get that page to give the descriptions or features. I had trouble with it again today, but finally see it. It does indeed have all the features you mentioned, and probably is a bit more feminine than mine, but I just can't tolerate those collars.
Could you elaborate on your big travel plans for next year? It sounds very exciting. Where all will you be going and for how long?
Your traveling and packing wisdom is greatly appreciated.
Nov 21st, 2008, 03:12 PM
#226
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Travel Jacket/Vest update:
The package arrived and I was anxious to check the zippers, since I'd had the one zipper that didn't work when I got the first one. All zippers work fine.
In each pocket there is a little card that has suggestions for how that pocket can be used.
The fit, as mentioned earlier, is good, a little roomy, which allows for layering underneath, but not so bulky I couldn't layer on top. The sleeves zip off easily and are even labled right and left.
The sleeves are just a little long, maybe an inch, and easily hemmed if I decide to do that.
This jacket has all sorts of techy stuff, a place to put your iPod or MP3 player, and run the cords inside the jacket and into the collar. That isn't a feature I'm interested in.
What appeals to me is that it is black, will go with most of my travel clothes. It has pockets that I can put my extra zoom lens in so that it will be handy. It has document pockets, change pockets, an eyeglass pocket, and places for ID and passports, etc.
I like the length, it hits below the waist and about mid hip, which is good for me since I'm short and they don't offer it in petite.
So far I am very pleased with the jacket. I first intended to get just the vest, but this can be worn either way. The regular vest, as Therese says, can even hold a small laptop.
I can definitely get a lot of stuff in the pockets. I'll try it on my next trip, in December, and let you know how it actually works.
The package arrived and I was anxious to check the zippers, since I'd had the one zipper that didn't work when I got the first one. All zippers work fine.
In each pocket there is a little card that has suggestions for how that pocket can be used.
The fit, as mentioned earlier, is good, a little roomy, which allows for layering underneath, but not so bulky I couldn't layer on top. The sleeves zip off easily and are even labled right and left.
The sleeves are just a little long, maybe an inch, and easily hemmed if I decide to do that.
This jacket has all sorts of techy stuff, a place to put your iPod or MP3 player, and run the cords inside the jacket and into the collar. That isn't a feature I'm interested in.
What appeals to me is that it is black, will go with most of my travel clothes. It has pockets that I can put my extra zoom lens in so that it will be handy. It has document pockets, change pockets, an eyeglass pocket, and places for ID and passports, etc.
I like the length, it hits below the waist and about mid hip, which is good for me since I'm short and they don't offer it in petite.
So far I am very pleased with the jacket. I first intended to get just the vest, but this can be worn either way. The regular vest, as Therese says, can even hold a small laptop.
I can definitely get a lot of stuff in the pockets. I'll try it on my next trip, in December, and let you know how it actually works.
Dec 3rd, 2008, 07:45 AM
#227
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Hi Therese,
I have been a longtime reader of these forums (first-time poster!), and I have to say your threads on packing light are my favorites. You mentioned a 'round the world' trip beginning in Paris in January - I just wanted to implore you to start another packing thread and let us know how you plan to tackle that trip!
Thanks,
Lisa
I have been a longtime reader of these forums (first-time poster!), and I have to say your threads on packing light are my favorites. You mentioned a 'round the world' trip beginning in Paris in January - I just wanted to implore you to start another packing thread and let us know how you plan to tackle that trip!
Thanks,
Lisa
Dec 3rd, 2008, 10:29 AM
#228
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Wow, your first post ever, and it's to ask me to start another packing thread? <blushes profusely> I can hardly refuse under these circumstances. And as it turns out I am starting to think about it, as I've got another trip and Christmas to get done in the interim, so don't want to leave it until the last minute.
I'll post a link here once I get the new thread started. A bit swamped today, so unlikely to start before tomorrow.
I'll post a link here once I get the new thread started. A bit swamped today, so unlikely to start before tomorrow.
Dec 3rd, 2008, 10:59 AM
#229
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Oh, and an important update to post re the backpack-style bag that I purchased way back when, anticipating that I might use it for the trip described in the present thread. Here are the specs:
Victorinox Standard Traveler 3.0 Standard Overnighter. As per eBags.com it weighs 3 lbs and measures 21" x 13.25" x 5.5" (before unzipping an exansion panel that makes in 7.5" deep). It's got backpack straps that look pretty comfortable but no chest or hip strap.
I ended up not taking it, as the backpack straps were too long for me to use comfortably, particularly if I had it fully loaded. Rather than return it, though, I kept it with the assumption that my 18 year old son (who is a good 6 inches taller than me and much, much stronger) could use it. And use it he did, on a Thanksgiving holiday trip to Austin, TX. The rest of us had rolling bags, and he had the backpack. He didn't bother to use the backpack straps, but did mention several times that he really liked the bag overall.
So, good on me.
Victorinox Standard Traveler 3.0 Standard Overnighter. As per eBags.com it weighs 3 lbs and measures 21" x 13.25" x 5.5" (before unzipping an exansion panel that makes in 7.5" deep). It's got backpack straps that look pretty comfortable but no chest or hip strap.
I ended up not taking it, as the backpack straps were too long for me to use comfortably, particularly if I had it fully loaded. Rather than return it, though, I kept it with the assumption that my 18 year old son (who is a good 6 inches taller than me and much, much stronger) could use it. And use it he did, on a Thanksgiving holiday trip to Austin, TX. The rest of us had rolling bags, and he had the backpack. He didn't bother to use the backpack straps, but did mention several times that he really liked the bag overall.
So, good on me.
