Today, we’re going to be covering one of my favorite topics — how to travel safer and smarter! Regardless of how careful we are with minding our belongings, none of us are immune to forgetfulness or leaving our belongings unattended for just one second as we shift our focus to something else nearby.
While traveling, we can all be a victim of pickpocketing, stolen purses, or stolen luggage. You better believe it, there are really scummy people out there who make a living doing this kind of dirty work.
With that in mind, safety and security should always be front and center in your mind, especially if you’re a female solo traveler, a mom traveling with kids, or even if you’re traveling in a group. You’ll want to do whatever you can to not leave you or your belongings vulnerable when traveling through busy cities and transit areas.
Here’s where the travel vest comes in to save the day! It may not seem the most fashionable choice at first glance, but vests have come a long way since their first debut! Today, we’re not talking about those bulky flyfishing vests that your grandpa used to wear; we’re talking about stylish, versatile, and functional travel vests.
As with everything else, there is no foolproof way to guarantee 100% of your items are going to be protected, but a women’s travel vest sure does a heck of a good job at fighting off thieves!
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👉 IN A NUTSHELL: My top travel vest pick is the SCOTTeVEST Best Travel Vest!
Table of Contents
BENEFITS OF WOMEN’S TRAVEL VESTS
Every savvy traveler should consider investing in a women’s travel vest with hidden pockets. Why? Because it’s one of the safest, most convenient methods of carrying your money, tech, and any important documents that you’d be devastated to lose during your travels. Here are a few reasons why I love traveling with a travel vest.
HANDS-FREE
I don’t know about other women out there, but I love to travel in dresses or yoga pants. The problem? These things never have pockets, so we’re always forced to carry a purse or bag with us.
Well, with a well-designed travel vest, you can ditch that everyday purse, shoulder bag, or fanny pack. It’s one less thing to carry or worry about, which is always a plus!
I find this especially useful in airport security (TSA) situations. Simply take off the vest (with all your belongings already safely stowed away), walk through the metal detector, and slap that vest back on. No more fumbling with loose items individually placed in the plastic bins.
While traveling, I usually have a carry-on and travel backpack on, which leaves me no hands (or back) to carry my mini backpack/purse. Ding ding ding, the travel vest can replace that mini backpack (at least until I get to the hotel and drop off my other bulky bags).
LIGHTWEIGHT AND FUNCTIONAL
Most of the best travel vests out there are designed to have lots of hidden pockets so that you can easily locate items pretty effortlessly when you need them. They are also constructed to be lightweight and functional so that you aren’t traveling from place to place feeling hot, bothered, or weighed down.
SPACIOUS AND VERSATILE
Women’s travel vests can fit typical travel items such as phones, cameras, keys, passports and documents, but they can also hold things like baby essentials, lotion, toiletries, sunscreen, books, iPads, and much, much more. They’re literally perfect and ultra-customizable for any type of traveler.
SECURE
Most importantly, travel vests are made for security. Not only are there plenty of external pockets for easy access to things, but there are usually a few interior pockets as well.
We all hear about luggage theft and purse robberies often, and we certainly don’t want to be a victim of that! With all those hidden interior pockets and personal belongings kept close to your body, it’ll be really hard for thieves/pickpocketers to get the best of you.
A few of the women’s travel vests on this list even have RFID-blocking pockets, which means they prevent thieves and credit card skimming technology dead in its tracks.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE PERFECT TRAVEL VEST
There are tons of women’s travel vests on the market, but not all of them are created equal! Here are some things you should consider before you get your new travel vest
- The durability of the material – Better material, longer lasting!
- Quick-drying material – You’ll probably want this if you’re going to be in tropical climates where rain is possible.
- Water-resistance / Stain-resistance – You’ll probably want this if you’re going to be in tropical climates where rain is possible; stain resistance is great if you’re traveling with kids!
- Wind-resistance – A travel vest with wind-breaking features will keep you warmer than one without.
- Number of pockets – Consider the number of interior and exterior pockets. Interior pockets definitely provide more security.
- Anti-pickpocket features – This feature is probably best if you’re going to be traveling in high foot traffic areas like airports, bus stations, trains stations, etc.
- RFID-blocking technology – If security is your main concern, look for RFID pockets that prevent thieves and credit card skimming technology from getting the best of you.
- Comfort, movability, and breathability – are you going to be doing activities like hiking or jogging in your travel vest? If so, look for a travel vest that allows breathability.
BEST WOMEN’S TRAVEL VESTS (ALL WITH POCKETS!)
SCOTTeVEST Women’s Best Travel Vest
TWE RECOMMENDED CHOICE
This is the newest product of the SCOTTeVEST product line and there’s a lot to love. They basically took everything they learned in designing top-selling travel vests for over 20 years… and took it to the next level.
The SCOTTeVEST Best Travel Vest has become an airport essential for me — it’s made flying and traveling so much more painless. Besides the 14 interior pockets and the 10 exterior pockets that grace this lightweight vest, I’m a huge fan of the glasses chamois and the magnetic exterior pockets!
- Pocket Count: 24 Pockets (14 interior pockets and the 10 exterior pockets)
- Material: Dobby Pongee 100% Polyester with Teflon™ Treatment (this is a high-quality fabric!)
- Has a velcro-closure RFID blocking pocket, a pocket for your tablet, built-in keyholder and glasses chamois (wipe), and lots more
- Stain and water-repellent
- Features side-seam zippers so you can sit comfortably while the vest is zipped up and full of stuff
- Good for: Summer, Spring, Fall
WHY ARE SCOTTEVESTS SUPERIOR TO OTHER BRANDS OF VESTS?
For over 20 years, SCOTTeVEST has designed super-functional clothing with tons of innovative pockets and unique features. With any one of their travel vests, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your gadgets and essentials will always be organized and within reach.
Their vests feature lots of pockets. But not just randomly placed pockets. These pockets are all strategically placed to enhance organization, security, and overall functionality.
Here are some staple pocket types you can find on many of SCOTTeVEST’s travel vests:
- Exterior pockets
- Interior pockets
- RFID blocking pocket
- Cell phone pocket
- Tablet pocket
- Travel documents pocket
- Glasses pocket
- Key holder
As you can see, there’s a dedicated pocket for almost everything you’ll be carrying around with you! Utter genius-ness.
SCOTTeVEST Women’s Featherweight Travel Vest
TWE RECOMMENDED CHOICE
This lightweight women’s SCOTTeVEST Featherweight Travel Vest features an incredible 16 pockets to hold everything you need while traveling, working, hiking or simply running errands.
You can stay organized with a document pocket, passport pocket, an attached eyeglass chamois and even a large pocket big enough for an iPad or other bulky items. With this vest, I highly doubt you’ll have anything left to carry in your purse!
And in terms of security, the specially engineered RFID wallet pocket prevents thieves and credit card skimming technology from getting the best of you.
- Pocket count: 16 Pockets (8 interior pockets and 8 exterior pockets)
- Anti-Pickpocket
- Wind and water-resistant
- Lightweight and breathable
- Good for: Spring, Summer
👉 Looking for the same great travel vest for men? Check it out here: SCOTTeVEST FEATHERWEIGHT VEST – MEN’S
SCOTTeVEST Women’s LightEST Vest
Best For Lightweightness
If you’ve been a SCOTTeVEST fan for years, you probably already know the Featherweight Vest… and you’ve probably also been asking them to make it even better. Well, they listened.
The LightEST Vest is essentially the new answer to everything fans loved about the original Featherweight, with an even lighter, softer design and 16 thoughtfully placed pockets.
This is the SCOTTeVEST I’d reach for in the summer because it gives you all that extra storage without feeling like you’re wearing a traditional travel vest. It’s also great for flights when you want to keep your essentials close without adding another bag or getting overly hot sitting in your airplane seat.
Just like the Featherweight, the pockets are where this vest really earns its keep: there’s an integrated RFID pocket, a back pocket with access from either side, a phone pocket hidden inside one of the chest pockets, and a dedicated sunglasses pocket with an attached cleaning chamois.
And, because apparently SCOTTeVEST fans asked loudly enough, it’s finally available in purple!
Patagonia All Seasons Hemp Canvas Vest
Women’s travel vests are an essential fashion item for any adventurous traveler. Patagonia knows this and has designed the All Seasons Hemp Canvas Vest to be the best of its kind.
This vest is made from a lightweight, yet durable hemp canvas fabric that is perfect for all seasons, making it perfect for year-round use. The vest is designed to fit snugly and comfortably around the torso while giving maximum flexibility with minimal bulk and weight so women can move freely and easily during their travels.
This insulated All Seasons Hemp Canvas Vest has plenty of work-specific pockets and is lined with smooth taffeta which slides easily over layers.
It has five large pockets on the front of the vest, providing plenty of storage space for items such as wallets, phones, or keys.
And because it’s Patagonia, you know this is one stylish investment that will last for years and years to come.
- Pocket count: 5 Pockets (all exterior, 2 zippered)
- Abrasion-resistant yet warm and breathable construction
- Made to be roomy to accommodate a wide range of movement and layering
Charles River Apparel Women’s Pack-n-go Vest
Designed for unencumbered movement, the Charles River Apparel Women’s Pack-n-go Vest is made for both style and comfort.
I find this vest to be a great layering piece for any season, and with features like full-zip styling and zippered welt pockets for storage of valuables, it also serves as a great travel vest. Additionally, this piece packs easily into its own pocket for convenience on the go.
It’s very lightweight, perfect for those warmer seasons, and also pairs well under jackets in colder weather. When you’re not traveling, you can use this vest for running errands, going to work, or even walking the dogs. All your necessities will fit in these spacious pockets!
- Pocket count: 4 Pockets (2 zippered pockets on the outside and 2 open pockets on the inside)
- The fabric has a 4-way stretch for comfort and mobility
- Packs into its own pocket for easy packing on the go
- Flattering fit
Okay, but what if you’re looking for something warmer? Here are some of my favorite options for travel vests that provide a bit of warmth too.
Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff Vest
Best For Packability, Functionality, and Warmth
This functional, windproof, water-resistant vest has it all—plus it keeps you warm.
The Nano Puff Vest uses incredibly lightweight and highly compressible 60-g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation for the best form of warmth without making you feel weighed down. One of the best features about it is how small it packs down to!
Its durable water-repellent finish ensures that it is both water-resistant and breathable in even the worst weather conditions. The adjustable drawcord hem allows you to adjust for your desired fit, while elasticized cuffs provide extra coverage against cold winds.
Some of my favorite features include the two zippered handwarmer pockets and the internal zippered chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop. So many functional pockets!
With such amazing features, it’s no wonder this Patagonia women’s travel vest has become one of the best on the market!
- Pocket count: 3 Pockets (2 exterior, 1 internal — all zippered)
- Lightweight and super packable
- Drawcord-adjustable drop-tail hem seals in warmth
SCOTTeVEST Fireside Fleece Vest
This is the vest for when you want actual warmth without giving up the legendary pocket organization SCOTTeVEST is known for.
The Fireside Vest combines a cozy, insulated design with SCOTTeVEST’s signature Pocket Science®—the company’s famously obsessive approach to designing pockets that are actually useful, thoughtfully placed, and easy to access.
In other words, these aren’t random pockets slapped onto a vest just so they can advertise a high pocket count!
The warmth is the highlight for this one. It’s a great layer for chilly flights, cool-weather sightseeing, and shoulder-season trips when you don’t need a full winter coat but definitely don’t want to freeze while walking around a new city.
We won’t go through all the pocket placements, but basically, it’s a warm travel vest with SCOTTeVEST’s legendary pocket engineering built into it. If you’re already a fan of the brand’s organization and security features but need something warmer than their lightweight options, this is the one I’d look at.
- Pocket count: 15 Pockets (5 exterior, 10 internal)
- Made with soft fleece, wrinkle-resistant, machine washable
ALTERNATIVES TO THE WOMEN’S TRAVEL VEST
Zero Grid Infinity Scarf with Hidden Pockets
Unlike other boring scarves that only serve to keep you warm, the Zero Grid Travel Scarf comes with built-in zipper pockets with button snaps at either end which let you customize the look and fit of the scarf.
The patented design of this infinity scarf with pockets provides not only warmth but also endless ways to wear it. You can turn the scarf into a wrap, shawl, hoodie, travel blanket, you name it!
Want more travel packing tips? Read More:
7 Cute Walking Shoes Perfect For Travel
10 Best Carry-On Travel Bags For Your Next Trip
Cadence Capsules For Travel: Are They Worth The Money?
The Most Comprehensive Carry-On Packing List for Summer Travel
The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Europe
25 Top Travel Gadgets That Will Make Your Next Trip So Much Better
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The ex officio vest needs snaps between the top and bottom of the zipper or it flaps open