Shoot me first vests

[VinnieD]

It's just a fishing vest. It's handy for when you need to carry a lot of stuff. Also frequently seen on campers, hunters, hikers, nature walkers etc. Along with some cargo pants it's probably quite handy to be able to distribute your gear evenly around your body rather than lug one big pack.

Yes it looks a bit out of place in an urban environment but I see plenty where I live, though it's not uncommon to see someone walk into a mall straight from a morning of fishing or hiking here. A vest from a 3 piece suit would likely draw more attention around here if it's not Sunday.

I think really on younger people they'd look out of place, especially if they don't look like the outdoorsy type. I think the key to wearing one of these vests is to look like you're supposed to be wearing one. Wear it with a hat, cargos, and hiking boots you look like you just came from having a good time outdoors. Wear one with a T shirt and jeans with a multitool on your hip and you look like a handyman who needs more pockets. Wear one with slacks and a button down shirt, yeah you look like you've got something to hide.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

I was at the Fair last week, and I didn't see a single guy wearing a SMFV or a fanny pack. But it looked like about one in five of the older, fat, white guys (I resemble that statement, btw) was wearing the same thing. Khaki cargo pants, a hawaiian print shirt, hiking boots and a broad-brimmed hat. My poor kids kept losing me in crowds of them. Between the cargo pants and the shirt, you could conceal a veritable arsenal without anybody seeing it. And it seems to have become common, if not exactly fashionable.

-Mb

[Blacksmith]

I was at the Fair last week, and I didn't see a single guy wearing a SMFV or a fanny pack. But it looked like about one in five of the older, fat, white guys (I resemble that statement, btw) was wearing the same thing. Khaki cargo pants, a hawaiian print shirt, hiking boots and a broad-brimmed hat. My poor kids kept losing me in crowds of them. Between the cargo pants and the shirt, you could conceal a veritable arsenal without anybody seeing it. And it seems to have become common, if not exactly fashionable.

-Mb

Sometime around 1997 I noticed that the off duty "uniform" for the military leaders was khaki cargo pants and a blue collared button up shirt (formal) or T-shirt (informal). CCW on post is a big no-no. So you might be overestimating the number of carriers. Or I am underestimating something else.

[ancient_serpent]

So what are peoples thoughts on the "shoot me first vests" SMFV? AKA the vest that hides your gun while you look like a photographer from the 1980's with no camera but everyone that shoots knows it's covering your gun vest?

I have been unable to find anything where a person wearing a SMFV was shot first, so just urban hype?

I think they look retarded unless you're actively (as active as it gets) fishing or carrying a huge camera around you neck. IMO it's also unnecessary for CCW. My normal load out is a Kimber CDPII Pro in a MS Versamax II, 2 spare mags on my support side hip, sure fire E2D Defender, CS AK-47 folder, and a small Gerber dagger. All under a regular shirt, no one the wiser. A good belt makes all the difference in comfort and concealability.

[Jeriah]

I own an "artist's vest" from Flax, an art supply company. My girlfriend when I was 15 got it for me, loaded up with a teenager's ideas of survival supplies (a snakebite kit, cheap lensatic compass, and some Polaroids of her making out with one of her hot friends). I wore it on a college field trip to Mexico, where the locals made fun of me because I looked like I was on Safari. (OK, so the outfit was rounded out by a tan boonie hat and a big camera, so I don't blame 'em.)

Since then, I've only worn it a handful of times. Once was to dress up like a photographer so I could get into a GWAR concert at Cane's in Mission Beach (San Diego). It was a 21 and up show, so I couldn't buy a ticket, so I just printed the word PHOTO on a piece of red construction paper, put it in the plastic holder for my fishing license, and pinned it to the vest. Brought my dad's old Nikon F, got in no problem, and shot a few rolls of B&W for the beginning photo class i was in. About halfway through the show, someone made a "no more photography" announcement (I wasn't the only one shooting), so I had to go stash the camera at home (fortunately only a few minute's walk away) and come back for the rest of the show.

The other time I've worn it, actually two years in a row, was as part of a Steve Irwin costume, with a rubber stingray pinned to the chest.

So basically I'd only wear a vest like that if I was okay with looking totally goofy, or in fact, if that was the point. I've considered using my artist's vest as a hiking vest, since the pockets are pretty convenient, but I'm pretty sure it'd get too hot. Also a lot of the pockets would be covered by the pack straps. I still keep it in my closet, and in fact just pulled it out and put it on (over a T-shirt and boxers), and yup...still looks goofy.

The other problem of course is that over a tan Utilikilt, a tan vest sort of makes it look like you're just wearing a beige, sleeveless dress. Once my 5.11 OD kilt gets here I may see how it looks with that. But yeah...probably still like a douche.

Also, I can't carry in IL, so that aspect is moot for me.

[DialM]

Raises an interesting question. What's a good way to go for CCW without standing out as either someone carrying or looking like your mom can't dress you that's mid-way between the suit vest and an IWB holster and a long t-shirt. Anything out there that's urban/suburban and summer enough to work in that fashion middle ground without standing out as the guy in long-sleeve flannel in August? It seems to me most options I've heard for CCW either fit into the "I have a decent build that hides it when I'm wearing a long t-shirt" or something that screams out obvious to those who know what they're looking at because it's fashionably awkward in some way or another.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Sometime around 1997 I noticed that the off duty "uniform" for the military leaders was khaki cargo pants and a blue collared button up shirt (formal) or T-shirt (informal). CCW on post is a big no-no. So you might be overestimating the number of carriers. Or I am underestimating something else.

Oh, I doubt any of them were carrying. It is strictly verboten at the fair. But that is a matter for another post. However, it was interesting to see how many of us came up with the same basic outfit. I was also simply noting how easy it would be to blend in dressed like that, and how much you could carry if you did. The waistband is completely covered with a loose-fitting shirt. The pants can be loaded up with as much as you think you can get away with, and you still wouldn't stand out too much in the crowd.

-Mb

[MacAttack]

I used one for camera gear.


I felt almost Japanese.

Oh DID YOU NOW? I'd like to hear more! Please be as specific as possible, thanks!

You're worried about my lame stereotypical joke and your sporting that avatar? Out of a movie with so many stereotypical jokes I lost count in the first ten minutes?

And yes I did.

[edited for spelling by Czechnology ]

[silversnake]

I was at the Fair last week, and I didn't see a single guy wearing a SMFV or a fanny pack. But it looked like about one in five of the older, fat, white guys (I resemble that statement, btw) was wearing the same thing. Khaki cargo pants, a hawaiian print shirt, hiking boots and a broad-brimmed hat. My poor kids kept losing me in crowds of them. Between the cargo pants and the shirt, you could conceal a veritable arsenal without anybody seeing it. And it seems to have become common, if not exactly fashionable.

-Mb

This reminds me of the last gaming convention (PAX East) that I worked. Someone needed to point out a volunteer for me and gestured into the crowd saying "he's over there. About 5' 10", overweight guy with a goatee in the black t-shirt and cargo pants." That was like pointing to the herd of zebras and saying "it's the one over there with the stripes".

All about blending in.

[L4tp]

If we're gonna discus fashion shouldn't it be bikinis or little black dresses? That way at least the pictures would be good.

[Doctorr Fabulous]

If we're gonna discus fashion shouldn't it be bikinis or little black dresses? That way at least the pictures would be good.

Note to self: post pics here of me concealing my Glock in a bikini or little black cocktail dress. You asked for it.

[squinty]

If we're gonna discus fashion shouldn't it be bikinis or little black dresses? That way at least the pictures would be good.

Note to self: post pics here of me concealing my Glock in a bikini or little black cocktail dress. You asked for it.

bookmarks thread. waits with bated breath.

[Jeriah]

If we're gonna discus fashion shouldn't it be bikinis or little black dresses? That way at least the pictures would be good.

Note to self: post pics here of me concealing my Glock in a bikini or little black cocktail dress. You asked for it.

bookmarks thread. waits with baited breath.

I also look forward to learning more about Doc Torr's methods of extreme concealment.

[squinty]

I used one for camera gear.


I felt almost Japanese.

Oh DID YOU NOW? I'd like to hear more! Please be as specific as possible, thanks!

You're worried about my lame stereotypical joke and you're [ftfy - Squinty]sporting that avatar? Out of a movie with so many stereotypical jokes I lost count in the first ten minutes?

And yes I did.

[edited for spelling by Czechnology ]

Don't mess with the rice-rager. He's far too sophisticated a bitch to fall prey to our stratagems. Also, he probably knows karate. They all do.

[EricinVirginia]

And while we're at it... sweaters are pretty lame too, especially if they have those leather elbow patches. Now,if it's a 100% wool sweater and you're wearing it during SHTF, then I'm good with sweaters.

Meanwhile... if your man boobs are big enough... or you just want an excuse to see gorgeous cleavage... Bra CC System Article... safe for work

[Ricerageous]

You're worried about my lame stereotypical joke and your sporting that avatar? Out of a movie with so many stereotypical jokes I lost count in the first ten minutes?

YEP. The difference between the two is that the film is obvious parody, where your comment was just hackneyed and lame. Don't worry, I'll just pretend you gave me a heartfelt gomenasai and accept your apology on behalf of my Japanese brethren.

[Ricerageous]

Don't mess with the rice-rager. He's far too sophisticated a bitch to fall prey to our stratagems. Also, he probably knows karate. They all do.

Yes, we all look alike and know one another also. Just because your name suggests we may be somehow related, it doesn't mean you can make that kind of crack without being called out for it.

[crypto]

If we're gonna discus fashion shouldn't it be bikinis or little black dresses? That way at least the pictures would be good.

Note to self: post pics here of me concealing my Glock in a bikini or little black cocktail dress. You asked for it.

bookmarks thread. waits with bated breath.

How often does your breath smell like batin?

[Jeriah]

If we're gonna discus fashion shouldn't it be bikinis or little black dresses? That way at least the pictures would be good.

Note to self: post pics here of me concealing my Glock in a bikini or little black cocktail dress. You asked for it.

bookmarks thread. waits with bated breath.

How often does your breath smell like batin?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMafLdEFgPQ

[Doctorr Fabulous]

If we're gonna discus fashion shouldn't it be bikinis or little black dresses? That way at least the pictures would be good.

Note to self: post pics here of me concealing my Glock in a bikini or little black cocktail dress. You asked for it.

bookmarks thread. waits with baited breath.

I also look forward to learning more about Doc Torr's methods of extreme concealment.

My extreme concealment methods are not ZS/worksafe. You'd be surprised what I can not wear and still conceal a police baton and a 10-22 with a Butler Creek folding stock.

[crypto]

My extreme concealment methods are not ZS/worksafe. You'd be surprised what I can not wear and still conceal a police baton and a 10-22 with a Butler Creek foldign stock.

[yale]

It's urban hype. Didn't you get the memo? Those of us who open carry are gonna be the first ones shot in every scenario.

[Biggin]

I think you're in the wrong thread, Yale.

[Maverick299]

In a site that is geared towards preparedness and utilitarianism don't you find it a little pretentious to be making fun of one of the most utiltarian garments known to man?