Windows Phone Thoughts: Technology And Warmth Enabled? SCOTTEVEST Indoors And Out!

Features Explained
Before I bought my first SCOTTEVEST, the list of features on their site seemed a bit daunting. However, once you've used some of them you can explain them a lot easier than the Website's glossary definitions let on. The following features are present on both the Tactical 4.0 as well as the Ultimate Hoodie I'll talk about in the next few pages. Whether you opt to go with a top-of-the-line vest, such as the Tactical, or something more relaxed, like the Hoodie, you'll be sure to enjoy some of these features.

Personal Area Network (PAN),
SCOTTEVEST uses this term to describe the mechanism that allows you to easily route wires through your garment and connect up various devices. Traditionally this would be headphones to a music player, but it could also be a wired headset for a cell phone, or (in the case of the optional Solar power accessory for the Tactical 4.0) power cables for your devices. On the Tactical 4.0, the PAN runs from the right outside pocket up the lining and exits through a small hole right at the neckline, as well as other small holes located in other pockets on the jacket. Since earphones are the primary use of the PAN, I'll explain how they wire up. On the picture below, you can see the thicker white part of the wires on the left side of the picture - this is that pesky little divider that separates the cord for right and left earphone channels. It's placed right above the opening of the PAN.


Figure 4: Earphones exiting the PAN

The lining of the jacket that normally touches the back of your neck flips up (it is secured with Velcro) and the earphone wiring is easily threaded in the crease. Simply fold down the lining and press the Velcro together, and the earphones are secure. SCOTTEVEST also provides loops to loop earbuds through to keep them from falling into the middle of the jacket, and "bud buckets" (small pockets) that the earbuds can be placed in while not in use. The loops are a great idea, but the bud buckets generally don't hold for long if you're moving around. This is mildly annoying, but the loops stay put. Perhaps deeper bud buckets in the future would alleviate this problem.


Figure 5: Lining folded back into place.

Magnetic Pocket Closures
Small, very powerful magnets are dotted throughout the jacket in the openings for the pockets. These snap closed after you withdraw your hand to keep your gear from falling out. This feature is what allows me security when I casually put my coat down on my office chair or take it off in a hurry when I get home. While these are 100% goodness on the Tactical 4.0, on the Ultimate Hoodie they seem to be a bit too strong. The lighter fabric appears to dampen the magnetic strength less than on the Tactical, and thus, more strength is required to pull the pocket open. It doesn't require Superman's assistance, and is really only obtrusive on the zippered diagonal pocket at the top of the jacket.


Figure 6: Diagonal breast pocket on the Ultimate Hoodie. Both the Hoodie and Tactical 4.0 have this pocket, with a vertical zipper that is easy to use and helps prevent items from slipping out if you should bend over.