Blaklader Workwear Bantam Kangaroo Vest, XLarge - 8-Ounce Cotton - Stone

I love the work vest. It beat an apron with straps which all that I have found pull on the neck when the pouches are filed.Reason for only 4 stars is that I expected a little heavier cloth, a better hammer loop and I wish there were a few more pencil pouches.

I moved to another country and lost my previous carpenter vest. This arrived sooner than I thought and is exactly what I need. It is a quality product that holds the tools I need to have with me as I move about working. It also does so in comfort. I cannot speak about durability as this is only used by me for small and medium-sized projects and not everyday activity. However, it seems as though it is strong and durable enough to last several years in the field. Also, the material is not so closed as to not allow breathing in humid weather. In other words, not a sweat box. This is an excellent product especially for the price and I recommend this not just for those in the carpenter profession but also those who love to dabble in it, coming from a finish carpenter in my previous life.

I purchased the XXL and could barely get it zipped. A XXL typically fits me with some extra room to spare where an XL will fit me once before it's washed, then it's too tight to ware. The XXL Vest that I received fit me more like a XL would after a dozen washes, even using the extended zipper. So tight that I could sit down with the vest zipped. I did like the vest for the little bit that I wore it.The snap on the upper left hand pocket pulled through the fabric. Not a deal breaker for me but I returned it never the less. If it would have fit, it would have gotten a 5 star review from me.

I am 5'11"" and weigh 178. I ordered a medium. I tried a more expensive work vest with straps. It was uncomfortable because the weight of small tools and tape measure constantly pulled it forward. I purchased this Blaklader--what a difference. My only regret is wasting money on the strap one. This one fits fine--not snug, easy to move and a bit of "room to grow." A benefit is no straps as a dangling "pig-tail" can be dangerous around equipment. Further, this breathes comfortably. Pockets in back make it easy to equalize the weight. If/when this one wears out, I will be back. It is by far the best!

I love this thing, it fits well and even has a double zipper too add 3 inches in case I decide to put on some weight.I have the bad habit of using a pencil or tape measure then put it down and look for it when I need it again, and even if I remember I have to walk around the shop to get it. So often I had 10 pencils around the shop but no more. I have room to put my tape measure in one pocket, a 4" square in another, cutting tools in a third one. I also set all my portable power tools like sanders, biscuit cutter, some routers with a 5" piece of 1" hose that fits my shop-vac hose so I need the socket and driver to tighten the hose clamps. Of course I could never find it now it's next to my pencils in a chest pocket. That vest was the best buy, and on top of that my wife thinks "I look cute" in it.

My husband is a rancher/farmer, he prefers to wear a vest rather then a jacket. this vest is expandable to XXL - which you can see the two zipper sections in the front. Kinda Hokey! That along with the thin material I would rate it a 2. It gets a 3 because its my husband likes the idea of it. Handy pockets but it's not designed for warmth. The color isn't good as it shows dirt easily.

I've worn out 2 or 3 Skillers work vests and would gladly continue with them, but sadly they seem to be out of business. This Blaklader vest is a suitable replacement. I like the integral double zipper that allows for layering on cold days. I do not like the hammer loop. It often takes two hands to slip my hammer into it. I will retrofit my Skillers rigid hammer loop onto it and be happy as a clam.

Love this vest, wish I bought one years ago, it is a must have when working indoors so your tool belt doesn't bang into walls, cabinets, doorways... buy one you will thank me! buy larger than you think, I take an XL in shirts/jackets, and glad I bought the XXL.