For photographers traversing the great outdoors, finding the right way to carry essential gear can make the difference between capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment and missing the shot altogether. While traditional camera bags and heavy backpacks offer plenty of protection, they can often slow down workflows, requiring cumbersome unpacking every time a lens or accessory needs to be swapped out. Enter the photography vest—a classic alternative that brings key equipment directly onto the user’s person for rapid access. Among the most popular options on the market is the CampCo Humvee Safari Photo Vest, a product that trades high-end luxury for raw practicality and a remarkably accessible price point.
Priced around $60 to $66 / £60 to £66, the Humvee Safari Photo Vest targets budget-conscious shooters who need extensive storage without breaking the bank. While it lacks the premium feel and specialized weatherproofing of high-end outdoor apparel, its primary selling point lies in its staggering capacity. Boasting no fewer than 21 pockets of various shapes and sizes, this vest is engineered to keep core camera kits, cleaning tools, memory cards, and personal items within arm’s reach.
Humvee by CampCo Safari Photo Vest: Specifications and Pricing
Available in two primary colorways—Khaki and Black—the CampCo Humvee Safari Photo Vest caters to a broad demographic by offering an impressive seven sizes, ranging from XS to XXXL. Constructed entirely from 100% cotton, the vest tips the scales at a modest 21.6 oz (612g), striking a balance between lightweight wearability and durable structure. While its recommended retail price sits at $66 / £66 in both the US and UK markets, clever shoppers can frequently find the vest discounted even further through various online retailers.
The wide range of available sizes is a notable advantage, though sourcing some of the less common sizes can occasionally prove challenging due to fluctuating stock levels at major retailers. When compared against alternatives like the Moment Exposure 10L Vest—which retails for roughly $120—the Humvee is roughly half the price while offering more than twice the storage capacity. For photographers prioritizing sheer pocket space and rapid gear retrieval on a strict budget, the CampCo offering presents a compelling financial proposition.
Design and Handling
Drawing heavy inspiration from traditional fishing apparel, the CampCo Humvee Safari Photo Vest is built for versatility, marketed for activities ranging from family outings and camping to shooting, hiking, and photography. Upon ordering a Small size following CampCo’s official sizing guide, reviewers noted that the chest area ran approximately seven inches too large. However, for those intending to wear the vest in hot climates, a looser, baggier fit can actually be advantageous, promoting increased ventilation and airflow.
The vest’s cotton material is complemented by rugged metal accents, including functional D-rings and a carabiner. To combat hot weather, the back panel incorporates a ventilated mesh design, ensuring that heat can escape during strenuous hikes or long hours spent waiting in wildlife blinds. Heavy-duty zippers and reinforced seams in high-stress areas further enhance the vest’s physical durability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of active field use.
Storage is undeniably the vest’s defining characteristic. With 21 distinct pockets distributed across the garment, users can stow everything from passports and smartphones to spare camera batteries, lens caps, and compact memory card cases. However, unlike some modern technical vests or specialized photography backpacks, the Humvee does not include a dedicated laptop sleeve or compartments designed for hydration bladders.
Security and organization vary across the 21 storage spaces. The vest features two open, unsealed interior pockets alongside a large, buttoned pocket hidden beneath the rear mesh venting. Additionally, a zippered pocket sits on the inner lining against the back panel; because it can only be accessed by removing the vest entirely, it serves as a secure hiding spot for passports, cash, and other vital valuables.
Performance in the Field
Weighing in at 21.6 oz, the cotton-based CampCo vest is slightly heavier than sportier, cycling-inspired alternatives like the Moment Exposure 10L. In practical application, however, the minor difference in baseline weight is negligible compared to the load being carried inside the pockets. Because the Humvee offers such a vast array of storage compartments, users can meticulously distribute the weight of their gear, balancing the load evenly across the torso to prevent fatigue during long days in the field.
While the vest lacks the sleek, tailored aesthetic of more expensive technical gear, its breathability makes it exceptionally well-suited for warm environments—living up to the "safari" namesake. Compared to other photography-specific garments on the market, the Humvee stands out for its sheer volume of storage. Among photography-focused vests, only specialized videography options like the much pricier PortaBrace VV Vest offer comparable pocket counts, while traditional alternatives like the Domke PhoTOGS vest feature fewer pockets, albeit with more heavily padded compartments for delicate glass.
Hardware functionality is generally robust, centered around a chunky, heavy-duty two-way main zipper that connects the front panels. The large plastic teeth ensure the zipper slides smoothly without jamming or splitting under tension, while the two-way design allows the wearer to unzip from the bottom or top to fine-tune ventilation on the fly.
Out of the 21 total pockets, only four feature zipper closures, while the majority rely on secure Velcro tabs. The exception is the oversized rear pocket, which measures 11 by 7.5 inches and is secured by dual metal snap fasteners. While unpadded and primarily intended for maps, notebooks, or lightweight rain shells, this rear pocket is surprisingly spacious enough to accommodate a professional telephoto zoom lens like the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, though carrying such heavy glass there sacrifices comfort.
Furthermore, many of the front pockets utilize elasticated openings, allowing them to stretch to accommodate larger smartphones or compact lenses before snapping tightly shut to secure the contents. Combined with the integrated D-rings and loops for hanging tools, keys, or accessories, the vest offers an astonishing degree of customization for field photographers.
Verdict
The CampCo Humvee Safari Photo Vest makes no secret of its budget-oriented nature. It does not boast luxury fabrics, advanced wax-treated waterproofing, or the precise, high-end stitching found on premium apparel lines. The plastic zippers can feel slightly clunky, and the sheer abundance of pockets can occasionally make it challenging to remember where specific items have been stowed during fast-paced shoots.
Nevertheless, for wildlife photographers, outdoor hikers, and sports shooters operating in demanding environments, the Humvee delivers unmatched practicality for the price. By keeping core camera accessories, cleaning kits, and spare batteries instantly accessible without the need to constantly dive into a backpack, it streamlines the creative process. For those willing to trade high-end aesthetics for maximum utility and affordability, the Humvee Safari Photo Vest remains a remarkably effective field companion.
