Martha -

First, I love your signature quote.

Now, as for vests...

I use a Filson surveyors vest, "Style 8" (C.C. Filson Co., Seattle),
going back to the early 1970s. I'm hard on field clothes; I'm now on my
second one.

Four front pockets (2 snap-button lower pockets, 1 upper open pocket, 1
upper open, 4-compartment pocket for pencils, thermometers, etc.;
Inside front: 2 big pockets (used mostly for small field guides, GPS);
and one huge back pocket (used for maps, big field guides, water
bottle, gloves or cap when it gets warm...)

The material is a very sturdy cotton, nearly a light-weight canvas.
Color a medium tan fading to pale tan.

I've looked occasionally at "birder" vests but none of them have been
as sturdy or had as many pockets. Thus I have no direct experience with
other products. Filson has an outlet store in Seattle near Union
Station.

In cold weather I use a Filson wool coat: four outside front pockets,
similar to the vest; one inside pocket; one huge back pocket.

Doug

*******************
Douglas Canning
Olympia, Wash
dcanning at zhonka.net
*******************