Women Travelers - Scottevest and Busty Figure

Am a plus-sized busty woman who is looking to purchase a Scottevest for safaris later this year. The purpose is to be able to carry as much as possible on my body so my luggage/camera gear comes in under 20kg. Since just one of my lenses is 6 pounds by itself, the more I can carry on me, such as netbook, external hard drive, etc., the better.

Since Scottevest doesn't have women's sizes above XL, I'm looking at the men's lines. I love the storage of the Expedition Jacket, but not sure if that's too much for S. Africa/Zambia in Aug/Sept and Tanzania/Kenya in Nov. I tend to run warm, and often wear just light sweaters when everyone else is in coats.

For thermal, I'd likely be better off in something lighter, even just a fleece, but I don't think the fleeces such as the Ultimate Hoodie Microfleece would be enough. Like the versitility of the Tropical Jacket, or perhaps the new Lightweight Vest, but again, not sure that's going to get me the desired results.

As you can see, I'm a bit lost. I'd appreciate any suggestions! Love to hear from some other women who have also purchased into the mens' sizes how they fit and work for plus women.

I bought a ladies size and will say that if you're going to load it, buy up a size. You may want to pick up the vest, then wear fleece or whatever underneath that for warmth. That gives you another pocket or two, as well as layers to better control temps. The vest is sometimes too warm, but I just deal with it to keep those pockets handy.

Can't address the plus size issue but I did try on a women's and mans vest both size S. The differences I noted were that the men's size was three or four inches longer - which meant that the pockets were a bit bigger and the overall cut was a bit bigger, but I would have been quite happy with the mans version. I wanted a jacket though and bought it online as there was a good discount.
If there is a place near u that carries them it would be best to try them on in the store (I think the store near near was Magellans a travel store).

Thank you both - huge help!

Several people have commented in reviews, and when I've asked elsewhere, about the sizing sometimes being a bit small. Always good to know, and since it will be loaded up, at least for boarding flights, does make a difference. Nice to know about the length. I'm seriously short (under 5'), so will have to take that into consideration.

Wish I had a store nearby to try on, but alas they are limited that way. Fortunately, unless buying on one of their clearances, their return policy is generous.

GoingAway - fabulous suggestion. In fact, in looking more at their selections, thinking about getting the Fleece Jacket, then putting a photographers vest (not SeV) over it. That way, I can control the thermal with the fleece (with zip out sleeves), have the carrying capacity, and when no thermal is needed, just wear the photog vest for... photog. Think the hybrid solution will give me the necessary flexibility and storage without me ending up with heat exhaustion.

If anyone else has input, glad to accept it!

I just looked online at the woman's scottevest this morning and it comes in sizes up to XXL.....

http://www.magellans.com/store/Shop_by_Brand___ScottevestWO814?Args=&Partner_ID=E3232#

I just looked online at the woman's scottevest this morning and it comes in sizes up to XXL.....

http://www.magellans.com/store/Shop_by_Brand___ScottevestWO814?Args=&Partner_ID=E3232#

Unfortunately, the measurements for that are still a bit small :blush:

Unfortunately, the measurements for that are still a bit small :blush:

I'm sorry - I *do* understand! I just started looking at the scottevest and haven't figured out the measurements yet to see if I'd need a men's size or not;) I'm usually so hot traveling - the thought of wearing a carry-on bag makes me sweat to think about......

If you aren't interested in warmer jackets, we do have a lot of products for warm weather. Light weight vest, tropical jacket (with removable sleeves). A little something for everyone! ;) Whatever you choose, sounds like you will have a BLAST on your Safari!

If you aren't interested in warmer jackets, we do have a lot of products for warm weather. Light weight vest, tropical jacket (with removable sleeves). A little something for everyone! ;) Whatever you choose, sounds like you will have a BLAST on your Safari!

Thank you! Is this Liz talking? :)

I am looking at the Fleece 5.0 and the Tropical Jacket. Just have to decide now! You have been great to deal with in this process.

Now if you'd just add women's plus sizes... :D

I ordered and returned a woman's size jacket (Magellan's) and ended up with a decent fit with a men's size.

I also had the advantage of being able to try on some Scottevest mechandise that co-workers had bought.

I am happy with the men's jacket (the lighter one with zip off sleeves) and it travels well. My jacket is a men's "L".

Just to update for anyone else in the same situation, the 30% off Father's Day Sale started today:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/1222184-scottevest-30-off-sale.html

I would concur with what others have noted that their women's sizes tend to run a little small.

I have one of their women's jackets and one of their men's jackets. I love them both and think they are a travel essential. However, I will note, that the more stuff you're trying to carry in the pockets, the smaller the jacket will feel, so you may even want to order one size up in the men's if you are going to try to carry a bunch of items in the jacket. Plus, I will note that the men's jacket feels slightly tight around my hips (I suppose since it's not cut for a woman's body), so if you are particularly curvy, you may also want to consider that when choosing a size.