Stealth Gear Extreme Urban Photographers Jacket Vest Review

Verdict
Specification

Will Cheung recently tried out the Stealth Gear Extreme Urban Photographers Smock and Trousers. Now it is the turn of the Jacket for a field trial.

I tried the XL-size jacket, even though I can usually get away with large for most things. I did try the L-size jacket but took the option of the next size because I prefer to have a fleece as my next layer and a Large just made everything a little tight. Despite going to an XL, the jacket hung fine and the shoulder pads were in the right place.

It is the thoroughness of the Stealth design team that shines through in its products. Obviously I don't know them personally, but I get the impression that they listen to customer feedback and make improvements and innovations from comments received. The rubberised, dimpled shoulder pads are one good example of a nice design touch and they certainly help to stop the camera slipping off one's shoulder.

I think another clever design touch is the elasticated memory card holders. There are several, even though you could argue that nowadays with memory cards having capacities of 16, 32 or 64GB, the need for spare cards is not as it once was.

Elasticated memory card holder.

Leaving aside the two memory card holders, I counted ten pockets on the jacket's outer and that does not count the large storage created by the Sit Anywhere Sheet in its stowed position. That’s plenty and with several of those pockets secured by zips, there is no lack of secure storage for your wallet, keys and so on.

There are plenty of pockets for your gear.	Sit Anywhere Sheet.
A hood offers extra comfort and protection.	Side zips to allow access to trouser pockets without opening the jacket.

The two main pockets on the front of the jacket are deep enough to stow something like a 70-200mm f/2.8. They are expandable too so can accommodate a DSLR with a modest lens attached. I do like the option of being able to carry lenses around in pockets because it is so much more convenient and less obtrusive than a camera bag.

For comfort and protection, this jacket performs admirably and there is so much versatility it is untrue. I wandered around the urban and rural landscape feeling perfectly comfortable and ready for photography.

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL

Stealth Gear Extreme Urban Photographers Jacket Vest: Specification

Price	£229.99
Contact	www.stealth-gear.com
Phone	0845 652 0013
Sizes	Small 40in, medium 42in, large 46in, X-large 50in, XX-large 53in
Material	Outer shell is polyester micro suede and has TPU lamination to give waterproofing and breathability. DuPont Teflon treated to repel dirt. Outer shell is designed to be rustle-free. It is 100% polyester micro suede. 100% nylon reinforced panels that are waterproof, windproof and breathable
Comfort	Side two-way zippable vents give more comfort, flexibility and make getting it on easier Arms zip off to give a photo vest for warmer weather use Internal phone, credit card and pen pockets. Two fleece lined hand warmer pockets, with zip and storm flaps Two large mesh internal pockets Sit Anywhere Sheet (SAS) - This feature can act as a pocket when not in use. Side zips to allow access to trouser pockets without opening the jacket Elbow and shoulder pads - removable Anti slip shoulder pads for extra grip Taped seams give waterproofing Adjustable cuffs with elasticated inner storm cuff Strengthening on the back to cushion photo rucksack Sit anywhere sheet – acts as a pocket when not in use All pockets are waterproof Corduroy collar for comfort and to cushion camera strap Choice of hoods, fastened with press studs. Two hoods and a mesh face net are supplied