Wherever in the world you’re visiting, chances are you will want to go out and about to get some sightseeing done. Let’s be honest, when you want to document your experience, you will need to take some accoutrements along for the ride. Sometimes you might opt for a daypack to carry around belongings like your cameras, IDs, or cellphones. This can be cumbersome especially if you want to keep your items safe from local pickpockets or scam artists. Also, if you wish to collect souvenirs, you will need some help from a bag. Well, it’s possible that ExOfficio’s Fastport jacket may have conquered the need for a daypack. With its overabundance of pockets, it just might amaze you how much this sucker can hold!
Not only is the Fastport jacket stylish, but its pocket system is super cool. There is a nifty network of pockets found on the inside of the jacket. Each pocket has an ideogram next to it suggesting the pocket’s intended use. On the upper-right panel, you have smaller pockets for balm and sunglasses. I have tested these pockets out with lip balm and sunglasses. The depth of the balm pocket is definitely conducive for a lip balm, but I discovered you can also carry a partial row of dimes in it as well. The sunglasses pocket is can be used for any number of small items, but after wearing this I became accustomed to making it the home for my sunglasses.
The top left panel houses a clear window that is touch sensitive. This is a fantastic feature if you want to fiddle around with your smartphone or advance a song on your iPod playlist. I found it impressive how well my touch conducted through the window when I texted my wife inside the pocket. Fun stuff!
The bottom left panel has a larger pocket to accommodate a water bottle. When I tried this out, I noticed that the best fit water bottle shouldn’t exceed the size of a bottle that can fit in a bike’s water bottle cage. When you unzip this pocket, a mesh bottle holder folds out and securely holds your water bottle. There is a pocket intended for cameras, but for smaller-body cameras. Don’t expect to stuff an SLR into this pocket. The pocket below is intended for passports. Sure enough, when I put my passports in there, it felt like a good fit. The passport pocket also contains a keychain strap inside it.
Now, what I think is the crowning jewel of the Fastport’s pocket system is the extra-large pocket located in the very back of the inside of the jacket. This pretty much replaces your need to carry around a money belt. I stuffed this pocket with money, credit cards, checks, and passports. I thought this was a fine excuse to leave the money belt and daypack at home. Even filled to the gills, it wasn’t obvious that I was carrying around money or passports.
After wearing this pocket-lover’s dream jacket in many settings, I decided I really liked it a lot. It’s very inconspicuous if you want to carry around small, everyday things without being bothered with a bag. I think ExOfficio made a fine garment that can not only keep you warm, but can also help you carry stuff you simply can’t go without.
Highlights:
• Many useful pockets
• Stylish
• Warm, locks in warmth
• Built-in money belt
• Stain resistant
ExOfficio Fastport jacket is available on Amazon.
All photos by Anthony Frohlich
Note: ExOfficio provided me with a product sample for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced by the company.