Over the years some customers suggested additional features for our Tropical Vest. The most frequent requests were for an easily accessible and secure cell-phone pocket, another D-ring, and a notebook-and-pen pocket. Our new Equatorial Vest is exactly like our Tropical Vest (which we are continuing to manufacture) but with those three additions. Some customers prefer the original Tropical Vest because its numerous pockets can be used for a cell phone, notebook, and pen, and those customers don't want the chest pockets. Both vests are machine washable and made in America.
Our vests feature padded shoulders to improve comfort while carrying a tripod and a snap belt to distribute weight evenly when pockets are loaded up with items. The pockets vary in sizes, from an inner zippered security pocket to large pockets that accommodate binoculars, the largest field guides (including Sibley), water bottles, and other items you need while birding, hiking, or enjoying the outdoors. Customers also tell us that these vests are perfect for animal training, photography, outdoor recreation, and other activities. The fabric is luxuriously soft and durable, dries quickly, and weighs only 15 oz., taking up little space in your suitcase.
EQUATORIAL VEST FABRIC
12 Big Pockets: 2 chest pockets 9.5 x 12 in.
2 pen/small notebook pockets 4.5 x 4.25 in.
1 security pocket 4 x 7 in.
2 zippered pockets 8 x 9 in.
2 pockets with Velcro flap 5.5 x 7.5 in.
2 waterbottle pockets expand to 5 x 8 in.
1 back pocket 8 x 14 in.
The vest was given the name "Equatorial" because of its unique fabric. Customers wanted a functional, lightweight, non-rustling vest with lots of big pockets that was comfortable in hot weather. Weighing only 14.5 oz., this lightweight fabric has a 40+ UPF rating (even when wet) and high-tech Moisture Control System®, which rapidly absorbs and moves moisture away from your skin, allowing the garment to dry quickly. The soft mesh lining has a cooling effect and allows the vest to be easily and comfortably worn over other clothing. The vest packs down to very little space when traveling, and it is machine washable.
OTHER FEATURES
The shoulders are padded to improve comfort while carrying items on your shoulder, such as a tripod or camera bag. There is a D-ring on the front below the left shoulder pad for sunglasses or anything with a strap.
The pattern-maker's challenge was to find a way to distribute weight away from the neck and shoulders and from the front and back when the pockets are loaded up with heavy items and the vest is worn open. A snap belt in the front can be used to distribute weight evenly when the vest is not zipped up. The snap belt is conveniently secured to the vest, when not needed.
The special collar protects the neck when using items, such as binoculars and cameras, that have neck straps. There is a loop inside the collar for hanging the vest up on a hook.
Slide slits on bottom of each side of the vest allow for easy movement when walking.
The 2 large pockets on each side of the chest are called the "Bino Pockets" because large items, such as binoculars, can fit in these roomy pockets and are easily accessible. Inside one Bino Chest Pocket is a hidden, zippered pocket for a passport and wallet.
There are 2 small pen/notebook pockets at chest level on the front of the vest. The wearer's left pocket has the pen pocket, which can hold two pens/pencils. The rest of the pocket and the wearer's right pocket have a velcro closure, which can also be worn open for easy access to a small notebook. The small pockets can also be used for a cell phone.
Also on the front, there are 4 more pockets, also easily accessible, in which you can put field guides, snacks, and other gear. Two of these pockets are zippered and two have Velcro closures.
On both sides of the vest there are mesh waterbottle pockets with elastic at the tops to hold the bottles securely.
In the back of the vest, there is an over-sized, zippered pocket for large items.
Most customers use the Equatorial Vest year-round. It can be worn over shirts in the summer or sweaters in the winter. There is no other vest on the market like this one!
The shoulders are padded to improve comfort while carrying items on your shoulder, such as a tripod or camera bag. There is a D-ring on the front below the left shoulder pad for sunglasses or anything with a strap.
Slide slits on bottom of each side of the vest allow for easy movement when walking.
Most customers use the Equatorial Vest year-round. It can be worn over shirts in the summer or sweaters in the winter. There is no other vest on the market like this one!
bigpockets.com