I discovered travel vests fairly recently and I'm obsessed! Although I lug around a huge purse in my daily life, I want to be much more unfettered when I am traveling and focusing on shooting great photography for the blog. Usually I just carry my camera bag while traveling. I love havng a travel vest because some of the vests come with so many pockets that it's almost like wearing a purse on my body. Also, the pockets make organization easy, and the vest is also super cute layered over one of my little black travel dresses.
Check out my top 10 picks for my favorite travel vests below!
Travel Vest - Pricing Table
Travel Vest | Name | Price | # Color Options | Sizes | # of Pockets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$ | 2 | XS to 2XL | 21 | |
| $$$ | 1 | Large | 10 | |
| $ | 12 | S - L | 4 | |
| $ | 29 | S - 3XL | 4 | |
| $$ | 5 | S- XXL | 17 |
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TRAVEL VEST
# of color options
Most of the vests on this list are available in khaki but most come in more than one color. I found out for you know how many color options are available.
Cost
Cost is almost always a factor in the shopping process. Many of the vests on this list are similar in price, we'll let you know which ones are a bit pricier.
# of Pockets
Some of the vests come with just 4 pockets, others coming with over 20. Check below to see how many come with each.
Sizes
I found out for you the sizes that are available for each vest. Some of the vests range up to 3X in size.
THE BEST TRAVEL VESTS
2 Color Choices
$$
XS to 2XL
21 Pockets
CampCo's HUMVEE Cotton Safari Vest is so cute that I would wear it anywhere, whether I am traveling or not. It comes with 21 pockets for generous amounts of storage space, you won't even need your purse when you have this baby on.
It's available in black or white and all the pockets are lined with nylon to keep the vest water resistant. Keep in mind that the sizes for this vest run large to allow for extra pocket room. This is a great lightweight vest that has enough pockets to replace your backpack. It's super convenient because all your items are easily accessible, no more fussing and digging into your backpack while you are on the go.
This is sturdy vest that features zippers, velcro and snaps. This is a great photographer's vest and well suited also for travelers, hikers, geologists, birding enthusiasts, the list is endless. This is my #1 pick for the best travel vest because it is super functional, much more stylish than some of the other vests on this list and very reasonably priced.
1 Color Choice
$$$
Large
10 Pockets
This is my #1 pick for the most stylish vest on this entire list. The Baviera Quilted Travel Vest is available in dark brown and features 8 secret, interior pockets. This is the perfect to outsmart those pesky pickpockets! It's guaranteed for a full year and is light weight and water resistant.
This vest has won international awards and can be worn for travel. It features a clear smartphone pocket with plastic so you can check your phone without even taking it out of the pocket. Baviera's vest is conveniently machine-washable.
You won't look like a geeky traveler in this stylish and flattering travel vest. I love that there is a chest loop up front to hold earphones or glasses. The waist is adjustable, the flap in the back unzips if you prefer to remove it and it has shape flattering princess seams. This jacket is not meant for tropical climates, it a better fit for 60 degree weather and below. The sizes of this jacket run small so you probably want to purchase at least one size larger.
5 Color Choices
$$$
S- XXL
17 Pockets
SCOOTeVEst's Travel Vest is definitely more focused on function than on style. It is available in five different colors: black, red, gray, khaki and hunter green. It is finished with a Teflon treatment which is resistant to water and stains and constructed from a lightweight, wrinkle-resistant poly fabric.
It features 17 pockets and is super gadget friendly. ScotteVest specially engineered a custom weight management system to balance the weight throughout the vest as to prevent back or neck pain.
There's an oversized interior pocket thats big enough to store an ipad comfortably which is pretty incredible. I love that there are 2 zippered handwarmers pockets, 2 chest pockets, and a large zippered back pocket. They've thought of everything as there is also an extendable keychain, pockets within pockets, and a water bottle holder.
3 Color Choices
$$
S - 2XL
9 Pockets
The fabric breathes well and dries quickly. HUMVEE's Cotton Ranger Vest is made of 100% Cotton and is available in black, khaki and olive. It's built to last and features 9 pockets.
Also featured are a hideaway hood, mesh back, large inside pockets, wallet pocket with safety zipper. This sturdy vest is built to last, its literally ready for battle! It's used by US Forces all around the world so you know thats its top of the line. This is a great summer, spring or fall vest since its thin, not really suited for the winter time.
It's not physically heavy but its definitely sturdy. If you want to vest to be more fitted on your body, use the accompanying waist snaps. If you need a vest that's going to withstand any kind of of travel situation, check out this pick from HUMVEE!
12 Color Choices
$
S - L
4 Pockets
I absolutely love that this vest comes in light pink! In fact there are 12 fun colors to choose from, theres even a pink camouflage color! I also give KOGMO's utility vest bonus points becomes it is available with a hood. After a long day of travel and trekking, sometimes I just want to hide my face and disheveled hair. The hood isn't detachable so make sure you purchase the version of the vest without the hood if thats what you prefer.
This vest is 100% cotton and is machine washable. 4 vests pockets are included with this vest, you can adjust the waist with a drawstring and the buttons are snap buttons. Two deep pockets are featured at the front of this vest. It runs a little small so plan accordingly!
29 colors available
$
S - 3XL
4 Pockets
LE3NO's Anorak Vest is available in 29 fun colors so any fashionista will be able to find a color to fit her perfectly. It's available with or without a hood and one of the versions features faux fur lining if you are planning on wearing this vest to colder climates. This vest features a military look and it layers easily over a tanktop of shirt. It's even cute over a fun little dress.
This vest isn't too bulky and its pretty true to size. The waist is drawstring adjustable and it just covers your butt (good for little butted people like me!) This is a very versatile travel vest but it doesn't feature a plethora of pockets so you may still need to bring along a backpack with this vest.
3 Color Choices
$$
S - XL
6 Pockets
White Sierra's Traveler Vest features UPF fabric which protects your skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays. The best is fully lined with mesh and features a secret velcro pocket inside to hold your phone or valuables.
This vest fits quite well and you can easily slip it on over a t-shirt or flannel. There are only pockets in the front so if you are carrying a lot of stuff it can cause the vest to be slightly unbalanced in weight. It features solid construction and like many of the travel vests featured here it runs small, so you might want to purchase a size larger. This is a great basic travel vest and its available in khaki or gray.
2 Color Choices
$$
XS - S
11 Pockets
Exofficio's Flyq Lite Vest is available in both Black and Light Khaki and is made of 100% Nylon. It features 11 secret pockets on the inside of the vest that keep all your valuables close at hand. Whats great is that there are customized pockets to fit items such as pens, chapstick, sunglasses, IDs, cell phone, water bottle and more.
If you want to cinch in the vest and make it form fitting, all you have to do is tighten the elastic bungee hem. I love the collar on this vest, its lined with microfleece. This is a highly intelligent vest and features clear panels so you don't need to memorize where you stored each item. Love it!
23 Color Choices
$
XS - 1S
4 Pockets
Damn I love the look of the model in this vest. Make me want to get an all white jumpsuit to wear under this vest also! Columbia's Benton Springs Vest comes in a plethora of fun and super girly colors for you to choose from, perfect for layering.
These vests are 100% polyester and and close with a zipper. Whats also great is that the material of this vest is super breathable, and it not only reflects your body heat to keep you cool but its water resistant.
This vest is meant to keep you warm and you can easily throw it over a hoodie. It's the perfect vest for a wintertime vacay! The vest is unlined and runs long, its very flattering if you are trying to hide a little extra poundage in your tummy or thigh. It's a high quality vest at an affordable price!
3 Color Choices
$$
XS - XL
3 Pockets
Last up is the brand Columbia again with their World Trekker vest. It's quite different from their Benton Springs vest and is much more about function over style.
It is available in just three colors basic black, gray and khaki and is 100% Nylon. It features Omni-Shield Advanced Repellency and the interior is mesh lined. There's even a pocket designed specifically for your passport, this is truly a travel vest.
The waist is adjustable and the inside pockets feature both zipper and velcro. This is a lightweight vest with conveniently sized pockets. If you plan to layer it with several layers, make sure to go with a larger size. Again, Columbia brings it with a high quality vest.
Best Travel Vest for Hot Weather
3 Color Choices
$$
XS - XL
3 Pockets
For the summer heat, we love this travel vest from Dealwell. It comes in 7 earth toned shades and is made of durable 100% cotton. It's comfortable, light, and easy to pack. It's a perfect miltary style vest for daily travel wear with a turn down collar.
It's super classic and fashionable and makes you look sleek and stylish on a hike or touring around a new city. It's available in sizes Small to XXL and is considered medium weight. The zippers are gold toned and the two zippered pockets in the front will fit your phone.
The sizing is American but it still runs slightly small so you might want to size up to be safe. It's not thick or lined and is perfect for warm weather. I also love it because it covers my butt 🙂 I don't have a huge booty.
KailaYu.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. All prices on this site may change and those considered valid are displayed on Amazon.com
