Does a 'shorty' photo vest exist?

No, not for a short person. I'm looking for something akin to a Fly Fishing vest, at least as far as length goes. I was using a Domke Photogs vest. Great quality and design IF you don't wade in waist deep water, kayak, even canoe. It was so long that it seemed to always be hanging in the water (no so good for lenses!).

I've looked around on a few websites but have found nothing of shortened length. I would like something that would only come down right below chest level - that would primarily hold grads, polarizer, pencil/paper, memory cards, batteries, etc. No heavy duty hauling. If I'm setting up in 12-18" of water I have to leave my camera bag/backpack on dry land, maybe 20-30 yards away at times. I cram my shirt pockets full of filters, etc. but it never seems to fail that the one thing I want after I get out there is back in my bag. I would love to have something I could load up with accesories, but still be able to kneel down in the water or get waist deep if necessary without danger of getting it wet.

Has anyone ever seen such an animal?

I'm away from my home computer (and more importantly the stored favorites), so I can't be specific. However, there are a couple of vests that might qualify. I considered them for uses you cite, but ultimately rejected the idea. It's simpy too easy to dunk the bottom of the vest. I finally settled on a small variety of "canoe" bag with a shoulder strap. It seals watertight, but keeps things handy.

I live near a Cabelas. They have a couple of fishing vests on what looks like a great sale this week; starting at about $30. Since you site a fishing vest, would an actual fishing vest work for you?

Nathan

I don't know if the pockets would be sized right, but I'll take a look on Cabela's website. Thanks.

Hi Bill,

If you decide to go ahead with even a shorty vest, do yourself a favor based upon my experience: Put all your lenses and electronics in ziploc bags before you put them in the vest, then be very sure to seal them securely each time you take out a lens or put one in. Even if they are empty, you should seal the bags so you don't get water in them, rendering them useless for the next lens change. Been there, done that, know the drill.

Thanks Hank for the tip. I'm really not planning to use the vest for lenses as much as just for some accesories. At most, I might throw one extra lens in just in case. I don't change lenses a lot - use the 18-35 probably 50% of the time, and the 35-70 maybe 35% of the time. Whatever the case I'll be sure to use a Zip-loc. I'm probably more likely to carry a flash than lens, and I'll be sure to do the same with it. Thanks again.

For a real lightweight vest, one that I pack in my backpack to use for day hikes, I have what I think is called an upland bird hunting vest. You could probably look for that at a Cabela's too I imagine. Randy

My first photo vest was a fishing vest from Walmart, $15. Smaller vest = smaller capacity. It worked just fine until I got too much stuff.

Thanks all for your suggestions. I may take a look at Walmart Buck. That sounds about right if it's short enough. I'm not looking for much space, just enough for filters, memory card, and extra battery, etc. This is not to take the place of my bag, just to have some extras with me while I'm wading, hence the length issue.