Need a jacket or waistcoat to help carry your camera gear? Check out our guide to the best photo vests available...
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The best photo vests might not be the cutting edge of fashion, but they will save your bacon when you've got a lot of kit to carry. We've rounded up the best photo vests available to help you choose the best vest for you.
While the best waterproof jackets for photographers and the best rain covers for cameras might be better equipped to handle sudden downpours of rain, the best photo vests are designed for pure practicality and ease when you're on a kit-heavy photoshoot. With pockets aplenty to choose from, photographers can easily store away their memory cards, spare batteries, lenses and more – the hardest part will be remembering where you've put everything!
Being able to keep all of your photo gear on your person can be crucially important, especially if you're in a situation where you don't want to carry around a camera bag. Plus, a photo vest or photo jacket that's designed with wildlife photography in mind is usually constructed from quiet fabrics that won't rustle. Plus, it'll also feature slits and openable flaps that should help make crouching down easier. Some photo vests or photo jackets will even come with a hood with a wired peak, which is designed to keep the rain off your face as you watch for your subject.
Deciding on whether you want a traditional photo vest sans sleeves or a photo jacket is the biggest decision you'll have to make. However, if you already have a trusty waterproof rain jacket, then we'd recommend going for a photo vest.
(Image credit: Future)
1. Domke PhoTOGS Vest
The original (and best) photo vest is back!
Specifications
Color: Khaki
Material: Cotton
Size: XS to XXL
Reasons to buy
+
Machine washable cotton
+
Huge rear pockets
Reasons to avoid
-
Not waterproof
Domke is the photo vest that has been worn by professional photographers for decades. The PhotoTogs disappeared for a number of years, but is back on sale again - providing the traditional desing that many of us have loved. This is the vest that accredited pros were given at the London Olympics. A big attraction of this vest is the two huge back pockets, in which you can stow away lenses until you need them. There are 12 pockets in all, and a detachable vinyl-windowed holder into which you can put your ID or press pass.
(Image credit: Humvee)
2. CampCo Humvee Safari Photography Vest
Best vest for travel
Specifications
Color: Khaki, or black
Material: Cotton
Size: XS to XXXL
Reasons to buy
+
Seven different sizes
+
21 pockets
Reasons to avoid
-
Not waterproof
A traditional-style vest that is made from 100% cotton, which will appeal to those working in warm conditions, or who want something that is washable. This budget option boasts that it has 21 different pockets - ensuring that every accessory you can think of can be stored away its place
(Image credit: Humvee)
3. CampCo Humvee Combat Photo Vest
Best budget photo vest
Specifications
Color: Khaki, green, or black
Material: Nylon
Size: XS to XXL
Reasons to buy
+
Breathable mesh
+
14 pockets
Reasons to avoid
-
Not waterproof
As the name suggests, this Humvee vest has a more military appearance, compared to the Safari option in the company's range. This is made of nylon and breathable mesh panels, for use in all conditions. There are 14 pockets available for storing your gear.
(Image credit: PortaBrace)
4. PortaBrace VV-M Videographer Vest
Best waterproof vest for ENG and location video
Specifications
Color: Blue, or black
Material: Waterproof Cordura fabric
Size: S to XXL
Reasons to buy
+
23 pockets
+
Tough waterproof fabric
Reasons to avoid
-
High price
This vest is designed for use by professional videographers in mind. It has 23 pockets to cater for the needs of those involved in electronic news gathering - for brick batteries, walkie-talkies, tools, and much more. This has a robust feel, and made with cordura to ensure it is waterproof - but comes with a pro-level price to match its credentials.
(Image credit: Future)
5. Lowepro S+F Technical Vest
A great lightweight, quick drying, breathable jacket
Specifications
Color: Black
Material: 400 denier nylon
Size: Small/medium or Large/X-Large
Reasons to buy
+
Modular system
Reasons to avoid
-
Only two sizes made
-
No longer made, so becoming hard to find
This is a modular system that needs to be used with one of Lowepro’s S+F belts – so the vest itself is just one element of the purchase. You can fit any of Lowepro’s utility bags, pouches, filter holders and so on to the vest. It works well, but can prove pricey.
Choosing a photo vest
Why you can trust Digital Camera World
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
1. Find the right size:
Most of the sizes available will be as expected, but if you're in doubt then you might want to size up – many of the vests will have drawstring waists and adjustable cuffs.
2. Pockets galore: The most useful thing about the best photo vests is how much they can carry. Some even have pockets that are big enough to hold a lens or two!
3. The sound of silence:
If you're a wildlife photographer, you'll know how important it is to invest in wildlife-friendly clothing. Look for a neutral color that won't attract attention and a rustle-free fabric without any noisy hook-and-loop (also known as Velcro) fastenings to be as stealthy as possible.
Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. He's also the team's man-at-arms when it comes to camera bags, filters, memory cards, and all manner of camera accessories – his lab is a bit like the Batcave of photography! With years of experience trialling and testing kit, he's a human encyclopedia of benchmarks when it comes to recommending the best buys.
