jack

I second the other commenters who want to hear how it stands up to wear and time.

Also, does anyone know how it fits someone who’s rather tall? I’m 5′ 11″ and regular jackets and tops often fall too short in the sleeves. I think I could live with it, though, to get all the other great features. I can always layer a longer-sleeved sweater or shirt underneath if necessary.

Doesn’t feel heavy or look lumpy even when full.

So handy for travel not only because I can keep all these things in the coat instead of my carryon, but it also allows me to bring a laptop bag and a small suitcase (my one bag plus personal item) and not try to cram a purse into my luggage for evenings when I go out.
I have the black version and think it looks fine with business clothes (anything from a suit to business casual) or even jeans. Wouldn’t wear it to a formal event but I don’t go to many of those!

However, to be fair, there are occasional times when having all your stuff in coat pockets is awkward — during a plane flight, when checking a coat at a museum, when going to the restroom in a restaurant. Because of this, I did still sometimes carry a very small purse.

Still, I loved my coat and happily stowed in it (in addition to the usual stuff) an umbrella, a scarf, small purchases, a small water bottle, and once even the smooth, thin sweater that my husband had been wearing. With that last, the coat did bulge, but it was worth it to have our hands empty.

The Scottevest travel vest is a trimmer more fitted design. The coat would be great if you travel a lot or walk/use public transportation at home & the temps are such that you need a coat. I would think if you wear the coat fully loaded that would be enough extra insulation! I have a regular trench with zip-out lining & I think I used it with the lining once last winter.

But probably a good idea for those who CAN manage their pocket inventory and don’t want to carry a bag.

As for me, I love my purses (all 5 of them) and never had an issue with either comfort or security (then again, I come from Romania, where you very quickly learn how to keep your bags safe in public; I guess I have anti-theft training ), so I’ll stick with that.

Recently I had to buy long pants for my son, and we both questioned why there was a zippered pocket on the side seam of the pants leg (at the thigh), and immediately concluded that it’s less “risky” there then in a pocket closer to the “reproductive” zone.

For similar reasons, I think it is best to keep electronics at a distance when at all possible.