Outdoors

Vamoose jacket tucks and folds into a backpack

Vamoose jacket tucks and folds into a backpack
Vamoose's jacket and poncho are designed to quickly fold into a 3-liter backpack
Vamoose's jacket and poncho are designed to quickly fold into a 3-liter backpack
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The eVent three-layer Vamoose poncho packs three functions into one garment
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The eVent three-layer Vamoose poncho packs three functions into one garment
In addition to transforming into a backpack, the Vamoose poncho can act as a shelter
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In addition to transforming into a backpack, the Vamoose poncho can act as a shelter
Vamoose's jacket and poncho are designed to quickly fold into a 3-liter backpack
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Vamoose's jacket and poncho are designed to quickly fold into a 3-liter backpack
The backpack includes bungee straps for increased carrying capacity
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The backpack includes bungee straps for increased carrying capacity
The jacket includes a hood and adjustable cuffs
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The jacket includes a hood and adjustable cuffs
The hood on the Vamoose jacket adjusts around the wearer's head
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The hood on the Vamoose jacket adjusts around the wearer's head
The Vamoose poncho
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The Vamoose poncho
The jacket/poncho and backpack share a large pocket, giving you easy access in either configuration
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The jacket/poncho and backpack share a large pocket, giving you easy access in either configuration
The Vamoose backpack has adjustable shoulder straps, strap pockets and an elasticized sternum strap
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The Vamoose backpack has adjustable shoulder straps, strap pockets and an elasticized sternum strap
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Designers seem to love convertible, multifunctional backpacks, as evidenced by designs like the Glyde Gear Fly and WalkBag. They don't mind the occasional convertible jacket, either – just look at the weird-but-real JakPak. The Vamoose jacket is both. Similar to the Xip3, the jacket transforms into a backpack when not needed for rain and cold.

Because it's built with name-brand eVent fabric, we'll think of the Vamoose as a waterproof-breathable jacket that moonlights as a day pack. The three-layer jacket is equipped with a large external pocket for carrying small items like sunglasses, water, sun block, snacks and cell phones. Within a few seconds, that pocket turns into a main backpack compartment when the jacket is folded into itself and reversed into a small, 3-liter rucksack. You have a jacket to carry the basics when it's cold, windy or rainy and a backpack for when fast-moving mountain weather changes the outlook to warm and sunny.

The hood on the Vamoose jacket adjusts around the wearer's head
The hood on the Vamoose jacket adjusts around the wearer's head

In addition to the main external pocket, the pack has strap pockets for additional small items and a bungee cord for strapping things in.

As a jacket, the Vamoose appears to be a quality water/windproof design. The 750 g (26.4 oz) jacket features a built-in adjustable hood, taped seams, storm flaps and adjustable cuffs. It's cut extra long for added protection and is roomy enough to layer under.

The Vamoose jacket isn't a bad idea for short hikes and outings where there's a chance of rain or cooling temperatures. Hikers would usually prepare by packing a water/windproof jacket into a separate backpack, so the Vamoose could eliminate the need for two separate pieces of kit while maintaining that level of preparation. Longer, more gear-intensive outings will require more space than the small Vamoose pack provides though.

In addition to transforming into a backpack, the Vamoose poncho can act as a shelter
In addition to transforming into a backpack, the Vamoose poncho can act as a shelter

In addition to the jacket, Vamoose also offers a poncho. The poncho features the same eVent construction and backpack transformation as the jacket, but it can also be stretched into a flat sheet and used as a tarp, sunshade or gear cover. The video below shows it being switched over from shelter to poncho to backpack, and also shows the jacket in action.

Both the jacket and poncho retail for £285 (approx. US$450) each.

Source: Vamoose via Outdoors Magic

Vamosse loop

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5 comments
5 comments
Rich Mansfield
$450!!! You've gotta be kidding me!
The Skud
Clever, but way too costly. Plus, if you fill it before going out in sunshine, where do you put most of the stuff when you find it is getting cool?
clivezz
An overpriced jacket that folds up so can wear it like a backpack that you can't really use as a proper backpack because you may need to use it as a jacket. Brilliant!!
AceInfinity
@clivezz - The backpack is the pouch on the front when warn as a jacket. As a backpack, it didn't look entirely full even with the rest of the material inside of it. If you wear it as a jacket, you have more space.
Aloysius
@The Skud, clivezz
The video answers your concerns. The jacket's pocket becomes the backpack's main cargo room.
So it's cold, you put on the jacket, zip open the jacket's single pocket and fill it with lip chaps, extra clothing, snacks, etc. If the weather turned and the sun comes out, you take off the jacket and convert it into the backpack. Zip open the backpack, and rummage among the lip chaps, extra clothing, snacks, etc. for your sunglasses, and put it on. Zip close the backpack and swing it onto your back and go on your way.
Conversely, it's sunny. You zip open the backpack and put water, snack extra clothing etc in it. Later on, a light rain falls on you. You take off the backpack, convert it into the jacket, and put it on. You zip open the jacket's single pocket, take out some snack for some energy, and go on your way.