The 10 Best Safety Vests With Pockets
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in April of 2017. There's no reason a high-quality safety vest shouldn't also come with pockets, which allow you to keep writing instruments, cell phones, and any other tools needed for your job within reach at all times. The options we've selected feature the same bright, highly visible colors and markings as non-pocketed versions, but they let you carry around all sorts of things, freeing up your hands. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. TR Industrial Class 2
2. JKSafety Classic
3. Radians Heavy Woven
Editor's Notes
December 16, 2020:
Although these options with pockets tend to be a little bulkier than some safety vests, we've found both trim as well as beefed-up choices, so there's one for all needs. As for lightweight choices, we nixed the 3C Products Class 2 over concerns about its long-term durability, instead selecting the Salzmann 3M Working. Like the Safety Depot High Visibility, it comes in a wide range of colors, including black, although it has more reflective strips — at almost double the price.
There's also the simple Neiko Neon Yellow. It has only two pockets, but it's very wallet-friendly and comes in several large sizes. The Neiko model was made to meet ANSI/ISEA Class 2 safety standards, whereas the Salzmann and the Safety Depot do not.
As to more feature-heavy models, the TR Industrial Class 2 and the Radians Heavy Woven remain reliable choices for most. In fact, both are made to Class 2 standards, and both feature 3M reflective detailing. We kept the DeWalt Surveyor Vest, as well, on the strength of its segmented tape that has a contrasting trim, its mic tabs, and its sturdy construction, but note that when they say loose fit, they mean exactly that.
Finally, for walkers and joggers, we removed the Freemove Ultralight in favor of the Fixinus Ultralight. It has a large front zippered pocket for your phone or keys, but the best feature offered by this LED vest is its glowing tubes that offer both static and flashing modes. And because it's rechargeable, this vest won't drain your wallet over the long run.
March 07, 2019:
Luckily for everyone working in construction, warehouses, and outdoor jobs, there are plenty of safety vests with pockets to choose from, but we still think the TR Industrial Class 2, the JKSafety Classic, and the Radians Heavy Woven are all top choices. They each provide excellent visibility and more usability features beyond mere pockets, and they're made well, to boot. Because these are somewhat heavy duty, we decided to add a less souped-up model, the Freemove Ultralight, for joggers and walkers who need less bulk and fewer extras. It's also made not to bounce around, so feel free to get out there and move in it. Finally, we decided to keep the DeWalt Surveyor Vest despite issues with sizing. True, it runs incredibly large, but it's loaded with practical embellishments and is made for the long haul, so it's still one to consider.
Special Honors
Qore IceVest The Qore IceVest has got most options beat when it comes to features, since it offers cooling and warming capabilities, tearaway shoulder straps, an adjustable tool belt with pockets, and more. It doesn't come in as many size options as some, but it's machine washable for hassle-free care. qoreperformance.com
Uline Class 2 Deluxe The Uline Class 2 Deluxe is available with or without pockets, but whichever you select, you can expect a relatively slim silhouette without the bulk of some choices. They're priced affordably considering their robust construction and can easily be ordered in bulk, should you need to keep your whole team safe. uline.com
Seco 8365 Class 3 Because it was created with input from those with actual surveying experience, the Seco 8365 Class 3 ticks all the boxes, from comfort to usability. In fact, it has a padded collar to keep it from hurting your neck, along with dual mic clips and pockets on both the inside and outside. surveying.com
4. Fixinus Ultralight
5. Salzmann 3M Working
6. KwikSafety Big Kahuna
7. Neiko Neon Yellow
8. DeWalt Surveyor Vest
9. Misslo Reflective
10. Safety Depot High Visibility
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.