Hey Everyone,
I’m new to this forum and fairly new to the backpacking world. I’m looking to add a vest to the equipment list, but was looking for some advise on features or materials I should be looking for. I’m looking for some extra storage space which I can easily access on the go. I was looking for some input on what I should be looking for regarding materials and pockets for a lightweight yet functional vest. Any input would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks for your time.

I think we need more details about what conditions you're going out in. Where are you located? Where do you hike? What temperatures do you encounter? What kind and how much precipitation? Are you confident in your ability to keep gear dry?

From what you wrote, it would appear that you conceive of this vest mainly as a handy storage space, in other words what interests you is a vest with many pockets or pouches, not necessarily a vest that keeps you warm or dry.

Is that a reasonable interpretation? Would this vest be something you wear along with a traditional backpack on multi-day hikes? On day hikes? By itself as your only 'pack'? In summer? In winter? In rain? What sort of gear are you trying to keep handy? A few protein bars? Water? Extra clothes?

Without more information it is hard to home in on what you are thinking you might need.

For backpacking, I wouldn't buy a vest for "storage" unless it had more than one function, such as also providing insulation. The vests I've seen are made of canvas so provide little if any warmth. I'd also be worried that wearing a vest with lots of lumpy items in it under your backpack will be very uncomfortable due to the bumps under your pack harness. Ouch! Besides, you'll have to take your pack off to access the vest.

Several companies, including ZPacks and Mountain Laurel Designs, make very lightweight belt pouches that will take care of extra accessible storage and weigh a lot less than a vest full of pockets. You can access a belt pocket without removing your pack. I have a detachable belt pocket from ZPacks that I use to carry my essential fishing tackle. It weighs 0.75 ounces. For 1.5 ounces you can get two of them that can be used with or without your pack. ZPacks also has a larger size pocket that weighs 2.9 oz. It can be used as a pack lid, a chest pack, a fanny pack or an over-the-shoulder satchel and will probably hold as much as or more than a 16 oz. canvas fishing vest. The price is a lot less, too! I also have one of their shoulder strap pockets that I use for my camera.

I have both these pockets (I got the big one for my grandson). My only relationship to ZPacks is as a very satisfied customer.

This all assumes that, while you are moving, you really, truly need to access more items than will fit in the belt and/or shoulder strap pockets that come with most packs.

Thanks, that sounds perfect. I'll check it out.

I've got what I think you are looking for. I wore it when I worked in the film business. But, it's not something I'd wear hiking. I'd do what OM suggested and get a couple of lightweight belt pockets. Winter campers in Canada often wear a small pack with essentials in case they fall through the ice while on a lake or river, but they are usually pulling a sled with all the rest of their gear.

That is correct. I'm down in SW Florida, so most of the hikes end up in swampy conditions. I've found some after getting out and trying some on that I think will serve me well. Thanks