If you’re a frequent traveler, then you know how difficult it is to pack outer layers of clothing. Be it a hoodie or lightweight jacket! So you always end up struggling with accommodating your bulky warm outer layer. But with a travel vest, this struggle can actually come to an end.
The right kind of travel-specific vest does more than just cease to be a heavy liability. No doubt, it becomes your best buddy during your long traveling days. Even during warm, humid climates as well as when in urban destinations. With that in mind, let me discuss all the valid reasons why you should invest in a travel vest.
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Why Buying and Packing a Vest for Travel Is So Important
Maybe you have never worn or even seen a travel-specific vest before. Or maybe the design is just not to your liking. I mean not all such vests look stylish or visually appealing, right? Except if they’re on the list of the best travel vest 2020.
But let me tell you that these vests are more useful and practical than they appear to be. So how about I discuss all the possible reasons why you should consider buying one for your next urban or hilly adventure.
1. They’re Like Additional Carry-On Luggage
Extra carry-on bags and travel vests have a lot in common. The latter offers additional storage space. Along with hidden zippered compartments. So that means you’re dealing with additional packing space. And this comes in handy even when you don’t have a lot to carry.
Choosing budget-friendly airlines means flying in a restrictive manner. A few good examples are RyanAir, Spirit, and EasyJet. So, at such times, you can load up your vest. It’s a great way to save baggage fees if you ask me. Just think of it as an extra, free carry-on bag.
Just make sure you choose one that is equipped with enough storage space. Don’t go stuffing your things into a vest that’s not well-equipped to accommodate that much. So additional sneaky storage is a must.
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2. They Keep Everything Organized For Long Flights
Have you ever used packing cubes? If yes, then do you like how they save space? Most likely, correct? Then your chances of appreciating the extra room a travel vest with pockets provide are also high. After all, a travel-specific vest is much like a packing cube. But for the body. And it sounds cooler!
Let me tell you that a vest during long flights feels like a blessing in disguise. It gives you accessibility to the things you might require during travel. Instead of packing these things away in your carry-on bag that’s resting in that overhead compartment.
Stuff like headphones, earplugs, charging hub, water bottle, pen, phone, book or kindle, etc. When long flights are a part of the experience, then you want a few essentials to be at your disposal. There’s no harm in loading up your vest with such things. And don’t forget, your boarding pass and passport are going to be in there too.
So no more having to struggle with disturbing others when trying to remove something from your carry-on bag all the time.
3. They Keep You Warm
Yes, lightweight travel vests with pockets are useful in terms of storage and accessibility. But one of the most important reasons for buying them is to keep yourself warm. After all, they’re versatile outer layers of clothing that offer warmth and comfort. It feels like a jacket but without the constriction. You don’t even have to deal with uncomfortable sleeves in this case.
Wear the vest with a nice, comfortable long-sleeved shirt. So you can keep the temperature of your body stable when traveling. This is very useful when your travel experience includes going from one place to another by plane or air-conditioned bus.
4. They Store Your Belongings Safely
The best feature of just about any good travel-specific vest is the inclusion of hidden pockets. These pockets are the most practical when it comes to keeping all your stuff organized and secure. The secret pockets do a great job of storing your belongings safely.
The chest pocket, more often than not, is zippered. So you can place your passport and cash in it without a worry.
The whole idea here is to prevent tragedies like theft. Nobody really knows where these hidden pockets are and what’s stored in them. It becomes harder for a pickpocket to figure out where your cash is stored and how to steal it. You can be a smart tourist and not just an average one.
The many pockets allow you to keep your precious belongings safe and secure. Pickpockets might be able to reach your backpack zipper or back pocket. But they definitely cannot get to your hidden vest pockets. So your adventures can be trouble-free.
Choosing The Best Vest for Travel
Don’t all travel-specific vests look similar? That might be the case. But, in terms of practicality, they aren’t. The convenience one vest offers is not the same as that of another vest. So it’s better if you know what you’re looking for when buying this outer layer of clothing and protection.
The top priority, without the shadow of a doubt, should be protected. And by protection, I mean the vest should protect your belongings from external factors. This means a waterproof or at least water-resistant material construction. More often than not, this is made using synthetic fabrics.
When traveling during cold weather, go for insulating or heavier materials. And also buy a vest designed with a hood. Speaking of which, did you know there are vests built using fabrics that block UV light?
Then comes the structure of the vest. This means the number of pockets. Are there enough small-sized pockets for storing tiny items like keys? How about accommodating larger stuff? There are some travel vests outfitted with compartments for storing electronics like tablets. Then a few are also well-equipped to hold beverages.
I would also like to mention that vests with organizational features are also very popular. They enhance accessibility and comfort even further. Simply by providing headphone wire and charging cord ports.
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Conclusion
For a traveling junkie, a thing like the best travel vest is certainly a very comfortable and lightweight choice. This keeps your hands free. Plus, you get access to whatever you might need during your journey.
And the best part about such vests is that they’re built to withstand tough conditions. This includes harsh weather, rough use and abuse, and the test of time.