a most practical vest
I've had photographer's vests and they've always been too hot and too heavy. The real reason I wanted this kind of vest was to be able to carry some photo equipment on hikes. I don't really need 30 pockets as some photo vests seem to have. With the current trent to smaller photo equipment, I think this Silver Ridge Vest fits the bill perfectly. It is light and has plenty of pockets for my needs and it is cool! I've worn it comfortably on a 90 degree hike so far. It fits well too, much better than photo vests in my experience. Trust a good clothing maker to make a better vest than a camera case maker! Good clean stitching too.

lots of pockets
I'm about to go on a long trip and needed something to carry all my things. I hate when your sweat collects near your wallet and other things in your pant pockets. At first I tried a good fanny pack with air ventilated mesh, but I felt really hot and sweaty on whatever part the pack covered. This vest seems light enough to wear in somewhat warm weather if you keep the vest open and if you zip up it could still warm you in slightly chilly weather. It's still not ideal for very warm and humid climates, but I can't think of anything else that would allow me to carry as many things as I want as comfortably. I'm short, 5'6", but broad shouldered so I never know when to get a medium or small. I guess I should have known since it was a vest that I should have gotten a small, but I originally got a medium and found it too big. Small is perfect. For t-shirts, I usually have to go for medium because smalls are too tight.

Very Good Vest
I ordered several vests from various vendors and kept this one as the best of the lot. Living in Florida, I like its versatility and light weight, but sturdiness. I also prefer the collar, particularly when on the water. Multiple pockets - useful for travel with passport pocket. Overall, an excellent buy. Consider ordering slightly larger - I am a 46 and the xl is fine and comfortable but not alot of extra room.

Excellent vest
This Columbia vest is very nicely made of material with a good hand. The pockets are pretty well designed, though bigger pieces of Velcro would make them more secure. The hardware (snaps and zippers) are good quality.Compared to other travel vests, it is not very "dorky". I think it runs slightly small, so if you are barely a medium, for example, go to large. (I'm 5'8" and 155lbs, and the medium fits best over a T-shirt or light shirt.) This was my first order to Altrec.com, and it was promptly shipped and the item as described, or better.

Great vest for traveling and taking pictures.
The vest met my expectations. I came just as advertised. I have several Columbia items and love them all. I would recommend this vest to anyone wanting a travel vest that will hold the necessary items that are necessary in airports and taking pictures.