Which Scottevest Women's Jacket to Buy?
#1
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Which Scottevest Women's Jacket to Buy?
Love the idea of having a jacket with lots of pockets. My current jacket doesn't have enough. We're heading to Italy in October and am debating between getting the Scottevest Essential Travel Jacket (collared, zip off sleeves) vs the Go-2 Jacket (stand-up collar, zip off hood). Am not going to use a purse.
1. How heavy is the Go-2? I usually bring a fleece jacket to wear under a heavier jacket to have options.
2. Is either flexible enough to tie the jacket around your waist (I'm rather petite)? I do this alot with current jackets. It doesn't work to have all your valuables in your jacket pockets if you get too hot, take it off and lose track of it!
3. How rain-resistant are they?
4. Do they have outside front pockets? From the reviews on the site, I wasn't sure. This would be critical in my book.
5. Is this the only jacket you would bring (not counting fleece)? I would wear it on the plane.
6. Are they easy to stuff into a lightweight day pack if needed? My current REI jacket goes into its own stuff sack so is warm and lightweight..just not enough pockets.
Lots of questions...but one is $120 and the other $175 so it would be a travel investment for the future.
Thanks for anything you can tell me!
1. How heavy is the Go-2? I usually bring a fleece jacket to wear under a heavier jacket to have options.
2. Is either flexible enough to tie the jacket around your waist (I'm rather petite)? I do this alot with current jackets. It doesn't work to have all your valuables in your jacket pockets if you get too hot, take it off and lose track of it!
3. How rain-resistant are they?
4. Do they have outside front pockets? From the reviews on the site, I wasn't sure. This would be critical in my book.
5. Is this the only jacket you would bring (not counting fleece)? I would wear it on the plane.
6. Are they easy to stuff into a lightweight day pack if needed? My current REI jacket goes into its own stuff sack so is warm and lightweight..just not enough pockets.
Lots of questions...but one is $120 and the other $175 so it would be a travel investment for the future.
Thanks for anything you can tell me!
#2
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Depending on when and where you are going in October, the quilted one certainly and the other probably, would be way too warm. Mornings can be crisp, but by mid-day most days, you won't want or need any jacket at all unless you are from Florida or cold-natured.
Now watch their be record cold and winds, just when you are there!
Now watch their be record cold and winds, just when you are there!
#3
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Hi Leslieq-
I am happy to provide some answers to your questions.
1. The Go-2 Jacket is one of the heaviest jackets we have for women as it has a quilted lining.
2. Both jackets can be tied around your waist, however if you have all of your essential items, (money, passport, important documents) we always recommend that you keep them safely on your body.
3. Both jackets are water resistant and treated with a Teflon coating to prevent stains. We do not use water proof zippers, we have found they can be very stiff and hard to work with.
4. Neither have the exterior chest pockets, both have exterior hand warmer pockets by the waist.
5. We will be coming out with our Kelly Jacket( women's version of our new Transformer Jacket) which might be a nice option. It is relatively light weight, you could layer a fleece under it, and it easily transforms in to a vest. This jacket will be available in May.
6. The Essential would be easier to stuff in to your day pack, the Go-2 is a heavy winter jacket.
I would suggest looking in to the Kelly when it is available!
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact our CS department. 866-909-8378 or [email protected]
I am happy to provide some answers to your questions.
1. The Go-2 Jacket is one of the heaviest jackets we have for women as it has a quilted lining.
2. Both jackets can be tied around your waist, however if you have all of your essential items, (money, passport, important documents) we always recommend that you keep them safely on your body.
3. Both jackets are water resistant and treated with a Teflon coating to prevent stains. We do not use water proof zippers, we have found they can be very stiff and hard to work with.
4. Neither have the exterior chest pockets, both have exterior hand warmer pockets by the waist.
5. We will be coming out with our Kelly Jacket( women's version of our new Transformer Jacket) which might be a nice option. It is relatively light weight, you could layer a fleece under it, and it easily transforms in to a vest. This jacket will be available in May.
6. The Essential would be easier to stuff in to your day pack, the Go-2 is a heavy winter jacket.
I would suggest looking in to the Kelly when it is available!
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact our CS department. 866-909-8378 or [email protected]
#5
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I bought the lightweight vest and found it to be quite tight in my usual size, especially with all my stuff stashed in the various pockets. I should have listened to the company's suggestion to size up, if you are on the upper end of the sizing chart specs. (I tell myself it's a great incentive to lose a few pounds. In the meantime, I don't often zip it up!) Don't know if the jackets run the same way, but just saying.
#6
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Leslie,
Is this your first trip? Are you sure you want to plan to carry all your "stuff" in jacket pockets? How securely do the pockets close?
This is what I carry with me in my travel purse:
water bottle
camera
small notebook and pen
cell
street map
guidebook (probably won't anymore with a smart phone)
tissues (travel size for when the toilets have no TP)
cards
tiny pill container for asprin, etc.
room key
travel umbrella if it looks like rain
and a couple more small items
don't even take a full wallet, just the cards
I can't imagine having all that in jacket pockets and I especially can't imagine tying a jacket around my waist in Italy unless I was hiking somewhere.....
For October, I would take a light sweater and a wind breaking/waterproof layer. Highly doubtful you would need more.
Hope this helps!
Is this your first trip? Are you sure you want to plan to carry all your "stuff" in jacket pockets? How securely do the pockets close?
This is what I carry with me in my travel purse:
water bottle
camera
small notebook and pen
cell
street map
guidebook (probably won't anymore with a smart phone)
tissues (travel size for when the toilets have no TP)
cards
tiny pill container for asprin, etc.
room key
travel umbrella if it looks like rain
and a couple more small items
don't even take a full wallet, just the cards
I can't imagine having all that in jacket pockets and I especially can't imagine tying a jacket around my waist in Italy unless I was hiking somewhere.....
For October, I would take a light sweater and a wind breaking/waterproof layer. Highly doubtful you would need more.
Hope this helps!
#7
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Just wear and over the shoulder purse instead of packing everything into a vest.I fly to Europe everyweek for work and have NEVER seen any women on my flights wearing one of these vests. Just saying...
#9
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Thanks, Dayle and dutyfree. No, not my first trip. I started with a travel purse and lately have been bringing a backpack to carry extra jacket, water bottle, binocs, etc. At home I've lately been hiking with stuff in my pockets plus binocs around my neck.
Am intrigued with idea of jacket with LOTS of pockets, but share your concerns about the practicality of tying jacket around my waist with all the stuff in it. Am sure there will be many times when the jacket is too hot and I want to either stuff it in backpack or tie it around waist.
This trip I really want to travel light and am thinking of these alternatives.
Thanks so much for your advice; am really taking it in!
Am intrigued with idea of jacket with LOTS of pockets, but share your concerns about the practicality of tying jacket around my waist with all the stuff in it. Am sure there will be many times when the jacket is too hot and I want to either stuff it in backpack or tie it around waist.
This trip I really want to travel light and am thinking of these alternatives.
Thanks so much for your advice; am really taking it in!
#10
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You mentioned that you are petite, so maybe this isn't a concern for you. Myself, I have to be careful about how much stuff I "stuff" into various upper pockets, for fear of looking linebacker-esque. I read a product review on a blog (I don't remember which one) where a guy reviewed his use of the vest. He said he ended up looking like a cross between Inspector Gadget and a terrorist.
I completely feel your desire to travel lightly, though. I agree with the suggestion to go with a cross-body bag and carry just what you need. It's secure, it's hand's free, and you don't have to worry about carrying it should you be too warm. You'll have access without needing to put anything down. Plus, I have to have something that is attached to me - not for security so much, but to assure I don't set it down and leave it behind. I can see myself taking off a jacket at lunch and walking away without it.
I completely feel your desire to travel lightly, though. I agree with the suggestion to go with a cross-body bag and carry just what you need. It's secure, it's hand's free, and you don't have to worry about carrying it should you be too warm. You'll have access without needing to put anything down. Plus, I have to have something that is attached to me - not for security so much, but to assure I don't set it down and leave it behind. I can see myself taking off a jacket at lunch and walking away without it.
#11
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Leslieq-look at the Baggelini line of purses. They were designed by flight attendants at my airline and they have everything that you would ever want in travel purses.You can purchase them online and I have actually bought alot of different styles at Marshalls and TJ Maxx lately.They have some really great cross body purses that can hold water,umbrellas and guidebook.
Personally,I use a Longchamps pliage over the shoulder purse as it holds EVERYTHING when I travel but it doesn't keep your hands free.
Personally,I use a Longchamps pliage over the shoulder purse as it holds EVERYTHING when I travel but it doesn't keep your hands free.
#12
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hanability, just cracked up at your description of the Inspector Gadget/terrorist comparison. LOL!
Dutyfree, am going to check out the Longchamps. I do have a Baggalini purse, but not that one.
Starting to think about going back to the purse idea after all, based on suggestion you all have made.
THANKS AGAIN!
Dutyfree, am going to check out the Longchamps. I do have a Baggalini purse, but not that one.
Starting to think about going back to the purse idea after all, based on suggestion you all have made.
THANKS AGAIN!
#14
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REI also has some great cross body bags, or sMall messenger type bags or shoulder bags with a long enough strap to wear 'cross shoulder. But i cant buy a bag unless i try it on first. Perhaps you live near an REI?
#16
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We travelled for 4 months a year ago with only carry-on - partly because of the Scottevest Tropical jacket/Vest. And we didnt look like linebackers at all. Not the most fashionable vests, but since we were in hot countries, not going out to fancy restaurants, etc., they were fine. Looked reasonable for travelling, useful for walking through the bush, etc. And best of all, held a lot of stuff and could just be lifted off to put through security without having to empty pockets, have little bags, etc. I'd highly recommend them.
#17
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Carlux and Leslie,
From the descriptions of these jackets above, I still think they will be WAY TOO WARM for the time of year you plan to travel and you will end up NOT using it most of the trip.
PS - Rome is not Burma or Africa. Honestly, I would be embarrassed to wear one in one of the most fashionable cities of the world. Just saying....
From the descriptions of these jackets above, I still think they will be WAY TOO WARM for the time of year you plan to travel and you will end up NOT using it most of the trip.
PS - Rome is not Burma or Africa. Honestly, I would be embarrassed to wear one in one of the most fashionable cities of the world. Just saying....
#18
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Dayle, so it sounds like I will NOT need a heavier jacket in October. Maybe just a rain jacket w hood and a sweater or fleece to wear under it? I'm not a fashionista but more of an REI type dresser. Have some black travel pants and am going to try to have a few tops and sweaters to mix and match. Bringing only hiking shoes on the plane and have some great Naot black flats that will be good for walking around the little towns. We do want to get out in the countryside for some walks/hikes, too. As we're also going to the Cinque Terre, want to have some hiking shoes to wear there. Thanks for your tips!
#19
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Leslie,
I'm an REI dresser too, as I live in the Utah mountains and enjoy backpacking, hiking, etc. Layers are the key to comfortable dressing on a trip - I'm sure you would agree. But in Italy, I like to make them more "city" layers than "hiking" layers. Sure, have the hiking type essentials for the Cinque Terre, but go with a nice rain jacket, sophisticated sweater (that goes with everything) for the rest of your trip destinations.
Check on the current trail conditions and open sections in the Cinque Terre. I saw an article yesterday that said they are working hard to be ready for tourist season, but right now the only section open is the Via d'Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola (paved and flat). They also mentioned that other hiking in the area was open, but not the rest of the more famous trail.
The shoes sound fine. Be sure your flats have a good supportive sole. All that walking on the cobblestones and pavement will have your feet aching at night!
Buon viaggio!
I'm an REI dresser too, as I live in the Utah mountains and enjoy backpacking, hiking, etc. Layers are the key to comfortable dressing on a trip - I'm sure you would agree. But in Italy, I like to make them more "city" layers than "hiking" layers. Sure, have the hiking type essentials for the Cinque Terre, but go with a nice rain jacket, sophisticated sweater (that goes with everything) for the rest of your trip destinations.
Check on the current trail conditions and open sections in the Cinque Terre. I saw an article yesterday that said they are working hard to be ready for tourist season, but right now the only section open is the Via d'Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola (paved and flat). They also mentioned that other hiking in the area was open, but not the rest of the more famous trail.
The shoes sound fine. Be sure your flats have a good supportive sole. All that walking on the cobblestones and pavement will have your feet aching at night!
Buon viaggio!
#20
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leslieq: I've travelled extensively with both a scottevest and scottejacket.
If you were to get the scottejacket, I would suggest the Revolution Plus which has more pockets, especially those outside chest pockets which I found essential for travel.
That said, the scottejacket may be too heavy for Italy in October.
I would suggest that you get a scottevest instead. Get the men's (I don't like the women's because it's fitted at the waist and that cuts down on the space for carrying things). Definitely get at least a size up because you need to fill out all those pockets and form-fitting is the last thing you want.
In cold months, I've worn both the scottevest and the scottejacket to operas and concerts. Nobody cares what kind of outerwear you are wearing, unless you are going to some formal ball. With the scottevest, I have a longsleeve black blouse that goes on underneath, then the black scottevest, and then a colorful scarf draped around my neck which hangs down both sides and it covers the pockets in front. Looks formal enough with black slacks.
The inside pockets are especially secure and I carried my passport (when not in use in airports, etc., otherwise, it can fit in one of the outside chest pockets), and all sorts of other necessary secure items in the inside pockets. In the outside pockets, I would carry sufficient cash for the day, one credit card, and things like day transit card. There's a key ring in one of the outer pockets. I have a two-stick memory stick holder that I attach to that keyring and therefore don't have to worry about losing any data or photos. Even my netbook fit into the largest pocket on the inside. Those pockets are a marvel. I'm certain you can think of all sorts of your personal things to stick in them!
The scottevest and scottejacket were especially lifesavers on those budget European airlines which allow only one carryon (a purse or a computer bag constitutes one carryon). I once went through Luton Airport looking like both the Hunchback of Notre Dame and the Fat Lady in the Circus with my scottevest and my scottejacket stuffed full - but I had <i>one</i> carryon - my 21" suitcase!
Besides the numerous pockets, the great advantage of the scottevest is that it leaves your hands free - and you dont' have to worry about carrying an outside bag.
If there is a store near you that carries the scottevest, I would suggest that you visit it and try the vests and jackets for size. Otherwise, I've found the scottevest people to be very helpful (Hi, Liz!) and very accommodating. You can always send the vest or jacket back and request a better fitting one.
BTW, I also have a Rick Steves Civita backpack, which is extremely light, and the scottevest fits in there with no problem, along with my netbook, charger, and other "stuff". (Also black, of course).
Hope this helps you a bit in your decision making.
If you were to get the scottejacket, I would suggest the Revolution Plus which has more pockets, especially those outside chest pockets which I found essential for travel.
That said, the scottejacket may be too heavy for Italy in October.
I would suggest that you get a scottevest instead. Get the men's (I don't like the women's because it's fitted at the waist and that cuts down on the space for carrying things). Definitely get at least a size up because you need to fill out all those pockets and form-fitting is the last thing you want.
In cold months, I've worn both the scottevest and the scottejacket to operas and concerts. Nobody cares what kind of outerwear you are wearing, unless you are going to some formal ball. With the scottevest, I have a longsleeve black blouse that goes on underneath, then the black scottevest, and then a colorful scarf draped around my neck which hangs down both sides and it covers the pockets in front. Looks formal enough with black slacks.
The inside pockets are especially secure and I carried my passport (when not in use in airports, etc., otherwise, it can fit in one of the outside chest pockets), and all sorts of other necessary secure items in the inside pockets. In the outside pockets, I would carry sufficient cash for the day, one credit card, and things like day transit card. There's a key ring in one of the outer pockets. I have a two-stick memory stick holder that I attach to that keyring and therefore don't have to worry about losing any data or photos. Even my netbook fit into the largest pocket on the inside. Those pockets are a marvel. I'm certain you can think of all sorts of your personal things to stick in them!
The scottevest and scottejacket were especially lifesavers on those budget European airlines which allow only one carryon (a purse or a computer bag constitutes one carryon). I once went through Luton Airport looking like both the Hunchback of Notre Dame and the Fat Lady in the Circus with my scottevest and my scottejacket stuffed full - but I had <i>one</i> carryon - my 21" suitcase!
Besides the numerous pockets, the great advantage of the scottevest is that it leaves your hands free - and you dont' have to worry about carrying an outside bag.
If there is a store near you that carries the scottevest, I would suggest that you visit it and try the vests and jackets for size. Otherwise, I've found the scottevest people to be very helpful (Hi, Liz!) and very accommodating. You can always send the vest or jacket back and request a better fitting one.
BTW, I also have a Rick Steves Civita backpack, which is extremely light, and the scottevest fits in there with no problem, along with my netbook, charger, and other "stuff". (Also black, of course).
Hope this helps you a bit in your decision making.