Even better, do something a la ThinkTank where you can silence them if you’d like, but can have them close tight when you need to boogie. A definately a water (read sweat) proof pocket for documents, maps, etc.

Ok, just to blue-sky it a bit. How about something across the shoulder blades into which you could slip a flexible solar panel. Run the cord into a pocket and charge batteries, etc while you bake in the Tunisian sun.

On the inside of the back make a pocket deep enough for a CamelBak or some other bladder (heh-heh bladder) device for personal hydration.

Maybe we could have velcro in only one or two spots, above the chest pockets. It might be nice to have some kind of name tag spot to velcro on when on “Official” work. Also, it could act as a kind of modular small pocket with a window for photo-id – removable is a must though.

Lapels might be nice, for times when you want to secure the strap or a camera bag. Personally, I wear the vest for immediate access to small accessories. Large lenses go into a camera bag as I don’t like the big bulk in pockets. Inside pockets, lots of them, like four or more. My vest has an inside pocket on the back, presumably for the really important stuff.

Snaps, buttons and heavy flaps seem to work for securing stuff in pockets.

I’ll try to think of more.

No velcro, I promise. And I’ll do my best to protect the nipples of everyone involved.

Two deep, big pockets at the front, large enough for a 70-200mm zoom. Perhaps some sort of drawstring or elastication to tighten it up and stop it bouncing around. Breast pockets for memory cards, large enough also for phone and/or GPS etc. (sorry for those with breasts, I’d never considered that as a problem Wilsonian but can see how it would be). External hip pockets for spare batteries (large enough for BIG batteries). Secure, water-resistant inside pockets for wallet, passport etc. Other internal pocket for notebook with attachment loops for pen/pencil. External shoulder pocket with soft material inner for temporarily holding filters, polarisers etc.

Here’s my deal-breaker: No frickin’ Velcro. It’s a marvellous invention but you want to draw attention to yourself in a quiet location then Velcro’s the ideal tool. Seriously, burn that velcro.

Light grey perhaps? Not fussed about colour but not khaki and definitely, 100%, NOT camouflage Try to make it look like something other than a photographer’s jacket. Large, rear pocket for map/guidebook with access at the side so you can reach around to access. Second hip pocket for water bottle.

OK, I’m going into stream-of-consciousness fantasy mode but having a decent, workable jacket like this would make my life a lot more comfortable so come on David. Get the job done. And keep away from that Velcro. Seriously!

That´s at least my dream combination..You have your stuff all over your body, it´s accessible and leightweight..not like with your backpack that has 2 kilogramm by itsself

I’d go for medium grey, as Jeremy said a good blue would work. I’m not sold on the black unless you make it very, very vented. Us, uhm, lets say “stout” guys don’t need to be wearing a giant sponge.