Scottevest Windbreaker from Magellan's

The Scottevest line of products has earned its fair share of attention from travelers, and rightfully so. Its dozen or so hidden pockets ease the travel experience especially during a time when airlines are pinching travelers with fees for heavy or large carry-on bags. Overseas travelers know this is a favorite practice of airlines who often restrict carry-on bags to a laughably small size and hard-not-to-surpass weight restriction (since bags often weigh a half-dozen pounds even empty).

The lightweight jacket has stolen the scene, but Magellan’s has a windbreaker version that is perfect for cooler climates or breezy evenings. It has all of the standard hidden pockets that Scottevest loyalists have come to love making it the ideal travel favorite. For those who are not familiar with this great line of outerwear, this jacket comes with 20 pockets perfect for storing small or heavy items. When using this on a hike or skiing, it’s great for goggles, gloves, snacks, or sunglasses.

When traveling, it’s ideal for storing heavy items like cameras, batteries, or even something as large as an iPad. It really lightens the load of your carry-on without making your jacket look like the Michelin man. Thanks to Scottevest’s weight management system, the design of the jacket keeps the weight evenly distributed so you don’t topple over.

This polyester-nylon blend jacket is breathable and water-resistant. It features clear touch fabric allowing you to use touch screen devices like iPhones or iPods without unzipping the pockets. That’s especially convenient for those who like to listen to music on the go since there is a special pouch through which to run a headphone wire or cell phone cord.

Various pockets include one with a clip and space for eyeglasses and another for your identification or business cards. Separate pouches for cameras, magazines, and cell phones are specifically designed with their size in mind. There is even a special pocket for a pen. Special padding is in place to protect expensive electronic devices, which is especially important when not wearing the jacket because it’s easy to throw it down on a chair or in a security checkpoint bin in haste.

Travelers not taking loads of clothing or heading on a quick day trip can actually fit all of their gear into the specially designed pockets of their jacket making this the ultimate carry-on bag.

When on a long overseas trip, I often place small items that I know will add weight to my carry-on bag in my pockets when checking in and going through security since I know the extra weight will cause ticket agents to check my bag. Be careful, agents in Sydney, Auckland, and Zurich are especially strict (I have had bad experiences there and wish I had this jacket to help disperse the weight).

I have been wanting to try these jackets for awhile, but could never figure out the right one for my travel patterns. Magellan’s has a full line of Scottevest jackets including this windbreaker jacket. There’s a perfect size, color, and version for all types of travel whether business or adventure.