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In the first parts of this post, I’ll list the requirement an ideal metal detecting vest should have.
I list them and discuss their pros and cons. You can pick anyone you like. There’s an overwhelming number of them. I hope this article helps you sort them easily.
On the second part, I’ll talk about the best jackets to wear while your hunting during the winter.
Table of Contents
Requirements for an ideal metal detecting vest
An ideal metal detecting vest should have many pockets where you can place your tools, extra batteries, phone, water, snacks…
The chest pockets should have Velcro closure to prevent items from falling when kneeling to dig a target.
Some of the pockets (on the sides…) should be an open cut for easy access to tools that you use frequently. And it should have a large dump pouch.
An easy to wear vest is what every detectorist wants. Having many buckles to snap and unsnap is boring.
The vest’s size should be adjustable. And it’s recommended that the straps are soft for the shoulder’s and the sides’ comfort.
Mesh makes the vest breathable and lightweight, which is good for metal detecting in hot weather.
But it’s not as sturdy like other types of cloth. It may be torn or wear out because of friction.
Which one is the best?
Many detectorists chose to wear camo vests. However, because you’re not going to hunt deer you don’t need to be invisible.
During the hunting season, orange safety vests are better than camo.
You’ll be clearly visible to hunters and you won’t be mistaken for a deer. The reflective strips definitely help in low light conditions.
Safety vests may also help you when you’re hunting the parks or sidewalks, people will think you’re a worker. And won’t ask you why you’re digging.
Pick one of these if has many pockets.
You can also find vests with an integrated backpack. They’re good if you have many tools to carry with you.
Fishing and hunting vests are OK for metal detecting. For the latter, you don’t need the shell loops.
Why do we use vests?
What’s the point of using vests? Can’t we just use a pouch and a belt?
Attaching your tools and finds on a belt can work. However, it isn’t very comfortable.
Under the weight of your tools, the belt and pants will keep sliding down.
And you’ll have to keep pulling the pants up every few steps (a belt with suspenders doesn’t suffer from this problem).
The vest will allow you to distribute the weight of your tools more evenly.
And to make the weight distribution even better, use a harness to help you lift the detector.
You can if you want, attach your pinpointer with a retractable lanyard to your belt and place the trowel on the other side.
Jackets
Lightweight vests are good for summer hunting. In the winter, you’d want something thicker.
There are many features that an ideal metal detecting jacket share with a vest, like being comfy and having many pockets where you put your finds and tools.
It should also be breathable, lightweight and allows you to move freely, you definitely hate walking like a Robocop.
It should provide you with enough warmth and waterproof to protect you in wet weather.
When metal detecting in the open, you’ll be exposed to the wind. Therefore the jacket has to be windproof.
Make sure the zipper can be covered with studs or Velcro.
It must not let the heat escape. Therefore, the waist, wrist, and neck should be tight and comfortable.
Although it’s not a requirement, it’s good to have an attractive metal detecting jacket.
If you hate wearing many layers of clothes like an onion in the winter, heated jackets are the solution for you.
Their batteries could last for a few hours depending on the usage.
Some of them are washable. The temperature is adjustable.
it’s a could a good alternative for the annoying multilayer clothing.
In addition to that, early mornings are frosty and it warms up at mid-day. You’ll overheat and you’ll start sweating.
So you have to take off some of your clothes and carry them on your hands, which is not comfortable.
You need two free hands to dig and recover the targets.
The thermal vests don’t suffer from this problem because the temperature is adjustable.
But you don’t have as many pockets as in the vest. So wear your vest on top of the jacket.
Final thoughts
I hope this guide helped to pick the perfect vest and jacket for metal detecting.
You can find here a guide for the best detecting pants and a guide for boots.
If you have any questions leave them in the comments.
Happy hunting.