ride safer travel vest review

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Our Review of the RideSafer Travel Vest

Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Kelly

We’ve been on several trips with young children, and we were curious how we could conveniently travel with a car seat. We weren’t sure if we should bring our own car seat or rent one abroad. We were recently gifted the RideSafer Travel Vest to use for our trip to Europe, and it was an absolute game-changer .

The RideSafer Travel Vest was portable, lightweight, and easy-to-use. Instead of lugging around a clunky car seat, we were able to easily pack the RideSafer Travel Vest in our carry-on luggage. We primary used public transportation in Europe, but we used the RideSafer Travel Vest for a few short taxi rides. It was really easy to use on-the-go. In this post, we’re sharing our full review of the RideSafer Travel Vest .

Disclosure: I was gifted the RideSafer Travel Vest in exchange for an honest review. I am not a certified child passenger safety technician and I cannot make claims about the safety of this product. This post is for informational purposes only and reflects our personal experience using the product. This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

About the RideSafer Travel Vest

The RideSafer Travel Vest is a crash-tested and safety-certified travel car seat . It meets or exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints (FMVSS213). The travel vest works by bringing the seatbelt down around the child, instead of boosting a child up as you’d see in a traditional car seat. 

The RideSafer Travel Vest is available in a variety of sizes . You’ll want to pay careful attention to the product specifications to choose the right vest for your child. Based on our daughter’s age, weight, and height, we used the size Small vest . 

The size Small vest weighs just 2 pounds, 12 ounces . The large vest weighs 2 pounds, 15 ounces.

The RideSafer Travel Vest is legal in the United States. Be sure to check your state requirements. Prior to travel, you should make sure that it meets legal specifications in other countries.

We personally used the RideSafer Travel Vest in Europe, although it has not been certified in Europe. We found this review helpful when we were deciding if we should take it to Europe. Please be sure to use your own discretion. 

You can purchase the RideSafer Travel Vest on their RideSafer website .

You can also purchase the RideSafer Travel Vest on Amazon . 

We took the RideSafer Travel Vest with us for our trip to Europe. We traveled to France and Spain, and the travel vest was extremely easy to use.

Before we left on our trip, we first practiced using the travel seat at home. One thing I really liked about the RideSafer Travel Vest was the fact that we could email the company and receive feedback on the correct use of the travel car seat. I sent the company some photos of our daughter buckled in our car with the RideSafer Travel Vest, and they were very kind in giving me feedback about how to make sure she was properly restrained. This gave us confidence before our trip, because we knew how to correctly position the RideSafer Travel Vest. I really appreciated the company going the extra mile to make sure that we were correctly using the vest!

Once we were in Europe, we were able to use taxis with the knowledge that our daughter was properly restrained. The RideSafer Travel Vest was very easy to use on the go. While we were waiting in the taxi line, we would place our daughter in the RideSafer Travel Vest. Once the taxi arrived, all we had to do was properly buckle her in the car. It took us just a few minutes to get her in the car, which was great!

(These are our personal opinions.)

• One of the major benefits of using the RideSafer Travel Vest is that it is lightweight and easy to pack . We were able to easily place the travel car seat in our backpack. Instead of lugging around a heavy car seat, we were able to easily roam across Europe without it taking up too much space in our very limited carry-on allowance. We also packed it on our day backpack. If our legs were feeling tired and we wanted to take a taxi back to the hotel, we had the RideSafer Travel Vest conveniently with us.
• I also really liked that we could put on the RideSafer Travel Vest while waiting for a taxi . Instead of spending a lot of time installing a car seat every time we took a taxi, we could do half the work while waiting in line. Each time we needed a taxi, we would put the vest on our daughter. Once the taxi arrived, it didn’t take too long to safely secure the vest. Using the RideSafer Travel Vest was super time-efficient!
• Finally, the RideSafer Travel Vest was fairly easy to use . We watched videos on how to use it correctly, and once we had it down, it was very straight-forward.

• Purchasing the RideSafer Travel Vest is an additional expense . At the time of this writing, the RideSafer Travel Vest costs $169 (not including shipping). You probably already have a regular car seat for your child, so you’re really paying for the convenience of having a smaller car seat. In my opinion, I think it’s worth the cost if you plan to use it multiple times.
• We had to learn how to properly use it . We found it pretty straight-forward to use, but we had to take the time to learn how to properly use it.
• Even though it meets or exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints, it may take some time to get adjusted to the idea of a vest.
• The RideSafer Travel Vest has minimal head support, so we didn’t think it was a great option for kids that like to take naps in the car. 

Our Verdict

Here’s our personal thoughts about the RideSafer Travel Vest:

The RideSafer Travel Vest is a travel “car seat” that is legal to use in the United States. At under 3 pounds, the RideSafer Travel Vest is lightweight and easy to pack for travel. The RideSafer Travel Vest can be easily stowed in carry-on luggage, and the RideSafer Travel Vest is easy to use. 

We are so glad that the RideSafer Travel Vest exists! It made traveling to Europe with a 3-year-old so much easier. Safety is definitely a priority when we travel, so we were happy to know that we always had a harness restraint with us should we need one. (We never had to depend on renting a car seat or ordering a taxi ahead of time that had one installed, only to find out that there were none available.)

We would definitely recommend the RideSafer Travel Vest to others based on our experience!

If you’re traveling with young kids, be sure to check out our complete list of our favorite products for traveling with babies and young children . We’ve personally tested all of the products on this list!

Disclaimer :  We always strive for content accuracy.   Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.

Hi, I’m Kelly!

After studying abroad in Spain, I became passionate about international travel. Since then, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 36 states within the United States. When I’m not travel blogging, you can find me hiking, reading books in Spanish, or playing cribbage. I hope my blog inspires you to see the world!

• Products , Safety , Transportation

RideSafer Travel Vest Review: Is It a Practical Solution for Families?

• January 19, 2022

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, our family can receive a little extra spending cash for our next adventure, at no cost to you. Read my privacy policy and disclosure here.

The RideSafer Travel Vest promises to make travel with young children significantly easier, while also keeping them safe. It is an alternative to a travel car seat for vacations or taxi trips around town.

I couldn’t wait for my children to get big enough to safely start using this travel vest car seat! I expected it to revolutionize our maneuverability during travel. However, it is not quite as simple as it seems, and there is a learning curve to truly take advantage of its practicality.

So does the Ride Safer Travel Vest live up to all of its promises as a car seat alternative?

I say yes – but with a few things to know.

What is the RideSafer Vest?

Most people think of the RideSafer as a wearable car seat, as though it adds a secure 5-point harness, but this isn’t exactly true. It would be more accurate to call it a wearable booster seat.

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The vest functions by essentially bringing the car’s seat belt down to the right place for a young child to use.

Seat belts work by locking up in a crash, holding your body in place. They contact the strongest points of your body (your hips and shoulder) to safely distribute the force of the crash on you.

The RideSafer threads the seat belt through the vest so that it is contacting your child’s shoulder and hips, just like seat belts are designed to do. With extra padding and structure, it will distribute the force in the safest possible way. Whereas a booster brings your child up to the seat belt, a kids seat belt vest brings the seat belt down to your child, and with added protection

And to clear up a little confusion, it is called the RideSafer, not the Safe Rider Vest, the Ride Safe Travel Vest, or the Rider Safe Vest. And the company that produces the RideSafer harness is called Safe Ride 4 Kids.

Who can use a travel car seat vest, and why would you?

The RideSafer can be used by children at least 3 years old and 30 lbs. (There are actually 3 sizes, covering kids up to 110 lbs and 14 years old.)

The primary advantage of using this vest is the portability. This thing is under 3 lbs. and about the size of a folded sweatshirt – it can go places that a car seat cannot… like your backpack.

This makes it ideal for travel, because it is a huge pain to bring a car seat along on a trip (for a child who is old enough not to use it on the plane). But I personally do not want to compromise on safety just because we are traveling. We use a lot of taxis – from the airport, around the city, out sightseeing – and this vest makes it possible to do all those things safely, without having to bring a car seat everywhere we go.

This vest is also a great solution for car-free families who live in the city. Rather than bringing a car seat for the taxi every time you need one, you can bring this vest and keep it in a backpack.

Is the RideSafer Travel Vest legal?

The RideSafer Vest is a FMVSS 213 certified child restraint system. This means it is a legal restraint within the US, although some states are a little finicky with their definitions. You can look up how the manufacturer responds to your specific state laws and regulations here .

Keep in mind that all countries have their own certification processes, and child safety equipment – car seats included – are often only certified in one place. It’s not that the safety standards are necessarily higher and they wouldn’t pass them, but the certification process is such that most companies are either certified in the US or the EU (or another country, for that matter), but not for both.

RideSafer does have an EU-certified version for sale to customers in Europe. Canadian customers can get a US version, but technically should have a doctor’s note as it is regulated as a child car harness for special needs ( see more info here ).

Generally, when you travel, you can legally use your child restraint from home so long as it is certified within your home country (as the RideSafer is in the US).

There are a few countries that require visitors to use restraints that are certified in their country, but enforcement of this is pretty unrealistic. For these countries (Australia is the biggie), it wouldn’t matter if you had a travel vest or a car seat; if it is a US product, it technically isn’t approved.

Is it as safe as a car seat?

Nothing is as safe as a rear-facing car seat, and ideally any child under 5 should be in a full 5-point harness car seat.

That being said, the mechanics of the RideSafer and a forward-facing car seat are very similar. The body is held securely in place, but the head is not.

The vest comes with a tether which is is recommended for younger or smaller children when using the RideSafer. The tether holds the whole upper body in place, making it act more like a 5-point harness. This also prevents slumping to keep the child in a safe position.

A 3-year-old still has a head that is proportionally too large for their body, meaning there is greater risk of injury or death than if that child were rear-facing. But the RideSafer with the top tether is a very safe choice, similar to using a forward facing car seat.

Why not just get a booster seat?

Boosters are not inherently travel-friendly. They can be just as bulky as a regular car seat. However, these days there are some extremely portable booster seats on the market. Two traveler favorites are the Mifold (which literally folds up to the shape and size of a clutch handbag) and the BubbleBum or Hiccapop inflatable backless boosters. And these are fabulous options for older kids. We have a BubbleBum that we love for our now-5-year-old.

All boosters are rated for kids 4 years old and at least 40 lbs. When we decided on the RideSafer, it was for our 3-year-old.

But beyond the manufacturer’s rating, car seat technicians generally recommend that you wait until at least 5 years old to use any kind of backless booster – travel or otherwise.

Why? Boosters require your child to sit correctly of her own volition. Booster seats allow your child to lean forward, squirm down, lay sideways… basically, your child needs to be mature enough to sit correctly at all times for the seat belt to work. Most parents find that realistically only happens after 5 (and much later for some kids).

The RideSafer Vest holds your child more securely in place. It is not as immovable as a 5-point harness – a really squirmy child could still get themselves into an unsafe position. But, especially with the tether, it offers a lot more structure to keep most kids sitting safely for the entire ride.

What is it really like to use?

It turns out the experience of using the RideSafer Vest is a little bit more complex than it sounds on the surface.

For one thing, getting the vest on is more complicated than I expected. We got the hang of it pretty quickly once we had it all adjusted for my 3-year-old, but it is not something she could put on and buckle by herself.

The trickier part is actually getting the seat belt positioned correctly. This is something you will want to practice at home in your own car before trying it out in a taxi! It’s not that it’s particularly complicated, but it took some getting used to before I felt confident that we were actually doing it right.

Coming from my experience of using car seats, I expected it to fit snug in order to be safe. This isn’t necessarily the case. According to the manual, it is okay if there is a gap in the waist, if the harness straps are loose, if the shoulders don’t touch the top of the vest, and if there is some bunching around the lap belt. All of this felt really nerve-wracking for me, but when you think about the mechanics of how the harness works, these things will not impact it.

What does matter is that the belt is threaded properly so that it contacts the shoulder and the tops of the thighs, and that it does not ride up while you’re traveling (there is a crotch strap to help with this, although my daughter found it very uncomfortable and was fine without it once we got good at positioning her right).

This was the biggest problem that I had with the vest, actually. I just didn’t feel completely confident that I was doing it right, which is kind of ironic since about 90% of car seats are used incorrectly, and this is significantly more straightforward to learn than proper car seat installation.

Here is the process we used while out and about:

• Put the vest on my daughter and buckle it while waiting for the taxi to pull up
• Have her climb in and sit in one of the seats with a shoulder belt (if there are lap belts only, you must use the tether)
• Remind her to sit up straight and put her back flat against the seat
• Pull out the belt far enough to have extra slack and buckle it
• Feed the lap belt into the two clips on the thigh pads
• Pull it tight, and then feed the shoulder belt into the top clip
• That’s it! She’s ready to go!

We would always have the tether with us, and check to see if there was an accessible spot to tether. It was a bit more work, but it added an extra level of safety. Not all cars – particularly older ones – have a spot for a tether.

Because the RideSafer is best with a shoulder belt, and we had a car seat for my younger daughter, I spent most of our first trip with the vest squished in the center seat between my two children.

While the RideSafer is much lighter, smaller, and more portable than a car seat, you still need to account for the space it takes. I did not have room for it in our day bag/diaper bag, so my daughter carried it. We got her a little toddler backpack, which would hold the vest, her water bottle, and a snack.

Bottom line: Is the RideSafer Travel Vest worthwhile?

Yes. I absolutely recommend this vest for families who travel with preschool-age children (from around 3 to 6).

I wouldn’t want to replace my everyday car seat with it, for a few reasons. It is more work to put on and deal with than keeping a car seat installed. It keeps my child low in the seat, and she gets bored quickly when she can’t see out the windows. It does not offer the same level of protection as a full-structured car seat with a 5-point harness.

But I love to have it available as a backup, to lend to grandparents or other caregivers who don’t have a car seat, to use in situations where we need to get three kids in a single row (this can fit easily along with 2 car seats), and especially for travel.

I will continue to use the RideSafer Travel Vest until my daughter is old enough to switch to safely using a travel booster, at least age 5. To me, two years of convenience during our travels is well worth the price tag.

to pin for later:

Originally published August, 2020. Updated January, 2022.

EXCLUSIVELY FOCUSED ON TRAVEL WITH BABIES AND TODDLERS.

I’m Dani.

I want to help you prepare to have the best trip ever, because of – not in spite of – bringing the baby. read more

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2 thoughts on “ridesafer travel vest review: is it a practical solution for families”.

Great post. Would your out your kid in a mifold? I’m reading mixed reviews on the safety of the mifold.

Great question, Mike. Honestly, probably not. I’ve researched the mifold a lot, and have found the same mixed reviews – and critically, car seat experts tend to be the ones that don’t like it or trust it. I would consider it for an older kid (like 6+), but at that point I would more likely get a bubblebum. Until they turn at least 5, I’m planning to stick with the RideSafer (unless something better comes out in the meantime).

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Review of the RideSafer Travel Vest for Children

What is the Safe Traffic Systems RideSafer Vest?

How many times have I been asked if I think a family should take their car seat on vacation when they’ll “only need it a couple of times”? Particularly in a taxi when they know they’ll be legal without one? ANSWER: Plenty.

But for those who will be traveling mostly by train or public transportation during their trips–when the ability to travel light makes a great difference in their travel plans and bottom line, it’s an understandable question.

Well, guess what? For those who will be traveling with a child 3 years old and 30 lbs. on up, I say yes, leave that car seat behind. Take this instead.

Meet the “Wearable” Car Seat Alternative for Children 3 Years and Older Riding in Motor Vehicles

Because I’ve been recommending the Ride Safer travel vest since before the first edition Travels with Baby was published, I was delighted when Safe Traffic System offered me one of their first new & improved models released to the public for review purposes (with no promise of positive review).

I tested ours out with each of my children to see how it worked at different sizes. Here’s what I found.

The RideSafer children’s travel vest at a glance:

• A safe alternative to car seats or boosters for children over 3 years and 30 lbs.
• Small fits children 34″ to 52″ tall, 30 to 60 lbs.
• Large fits children 45″ to 57″ tall, 50 to 80 lbs.
• Meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213) for use in cars
• The Deluxe / RS2 models can be used with either shoulder seatbelts or lap belts in conjunction with a top tether anchor point (tether is included).
• The RS3 model (less expensive) does not include the tether and must be used with shoulder safety belts only.
• An optional crotch strap is included.

Find it online at:       SafeRide4Kids            Amazon.com

What’s changed? You might still see some old copy around assuming all that’s changed are the colors. However, the new version offers a better range of fit, with small accommodating smaller children (it used to fit from 38″ tall and 35 lbs.).

Also, the newer models have one belt buckle rather than two. The new belt paths are also a little easier / faster to use, and the optional / removable top tether strap enables you to use it quite securely in a center seating position where applicable (more comments on this below).

Favorite features of the RideSafer travel vest:

Your child can actually wear just the RideSafer travel vest (minus the head rest and optional crotch strap) and buckle into a taxi, rental, or relative’s car safely, allowing you to travel with little more than a padded vest in the side of your carry-on bag.

It weighs only 3 lbs.

The removable padded head rest adds comfort for long drives.

Kids can actually recline in back seats that offer the option.

For bigger families requiring multiple car seats or a combination of car seats and boosters, this also makes it much easier to fit three children across the back seat even if two are still in proper car seats.

That alone could save you some money on rental car upgrades or having to request a minivan taxi rather than a standard cab.

If you plan to use the CARES flight harness for a child 3 years or older, this is your perfect on-the-ground companion and car seat replacement. Zip it into the side pocket of your checked suitcase or carry-on and it will be handy on arrival.

No expiration date: I can’t pass up this opportunity to point out that, unlike other car seats, the RideSafer has no expiration date. Which means it doesn’t become gradually less safe through years of use, and it doesn’t need to end up in a land fill a few years from now.

Carpooling with kids: If you carpool with other people’s children, you can use this as a space-saving back-up to an extra high-back booster seat you can simply stuff under your seat. And as mentioned above, you can fit three kids across smaller back seats when at least one is wearing the travel vest.

How to use the RideSafer travel vest for children:

1. Slip the RideSafer travel vest onto your child.  

Then close the heavy Velcro front panel, then click the belt and adjust, as you would do with a safety belt.

Optional: Add the height-adjustable head rest for comfort (it’s not there for safety).

2a. With shoulder belts:

Have your child sit in the seat and open the appropriate shoulder belt cover (as shown), then route the shoulder belt through the metal guide.

Then route the lap portion through the two slots on your child’s lap (as shown below). Buckle the seat belt, pull up the shoulder belt to tighten as needed.

2b. With lap-only belt and tether:

Hook the tether strap (included) to the two metal latch loops on the shoulders of the travel vest. Have your child sit and route the lap belt through the two guides on the lower portion of the vest, then tighten the belt. Attach the other end of the tether belt to the corresponding anchor point in the car and tighten the strap.

Why you might not want the RideSafer travel vest:

While it sounds great that you can use this with lap-only belts as well as shoulder belts (unlike safety boosters), you are only supposed to use it with lap belts when a top tether may also be used.

In the wider world of travel, many lap-only belts you encounter will be in older vehicles that pre-date car seat tethers.

Depending on the vehicle and your child’s size, he may have trouble seeing out the windows. For kids that get car sick, this could be a problem.

On the flip side, kids who get car sick riding in side position seats may have the advantage when able to use the RideSafer vest in the center position (with a shoulder or lap-only belt and tether) and enjoy a better view out the front window.

Find the RideSafer travel vest online at:  SafeRide4Kids            Amazon.com

Other considerations of the RideSafer travel vest:

Also, on my 40″ tall child the back straps had some slack, and there is no way I see to shorten the straps.

However, she seemed plenty secure when belted in with both shoulder belt and lap + tether strap configurations.

The design doesn’t allow for “slack” in the front of the vest where the safety belt guides are, so I don’t think this is a safety concern.

As far as fit is concerned overall, many parents have reported that the large was REALLY large on their children.

Considering that the small overlaps in size up to 60 lbs. or 52″ tall, you might go with the small unless your child is already well into the second size range.

As you can see, it’s also a great fit for my lanky 6-year-old.

Bottom line and my suggestions

Yes, kids, my own included, continue to surprise us with their love of the “astronaut vest.” In fact, I was in hysterics watching as my oldest daughter insisted on wearing our vest with the head rest attached even as she did her homework at the kitchen table.

As a grown-up traveler, however, I feel a little silly about the double dose of American flags printed on the shoulder belt covers.

Still, both kids love it enough to fight over who gets to wear it. I love it enough to wrestle with getting a second for our family for upcoming travels.

Since I always like to include a few suggestions to the manufacturer for future enhancements–and in case anyone wants to jump on board with a “Travels with Baby edition.” Here’s how I would improve upon this already great travel product:

Reverse the openings of the Velcro shoulder strap covers. This will make it much easier for the older children to thread the seat belt through by themselves.

Create an adjustment to shorten the back straps a little for the smallest children (now available in the newest model per my suggestion!). 😉

Find the RideSafer travel vest online at:   SafeRide4Kids            Amazon.com

Others you might consider:

The Diono RadianRXT is a folding car seat , which can be used from birth, and later converts to a belt-positioning booster seat. With its narrow width and FAA-approval, it is airplane-cabin friendly when used forward-facing (seat height makes it tricky to recline rear-facing in narrow seat rows). When not needed it folds and can be carried by a shoulder strap. Read all about it in Best Convertible Car Seats for travel.

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Review of the WAYB Pico Folding Car Seat

Best Safety Booster Seats for Travel

Review of the Bubble Bum inflatable safety booster

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RideSafer Travel Vest

The Ride Safer Travel Vest is a wearable booster seat alternative for children. It works by bringing the seatbelt down to your child’s level rather than boosting them up. While we suggest its use for children aged 5 and above, the manufacturer approves it for those as young as 2. Offered in four sizes, the vest accommodates a variety of age groups/child sizes. It’s a great option for tight 3 across configurations since it only takes up as much space as the child does. But it’s not as easy to use as a traditional car seat.

You frequently use Lyft/Uber/Taxis.

You travel often., you need to fit 3 across, your child is below 5 years of age., you want something easy to use., 4 different sizes, lightweight and comes with a backpack, our review of the .

Manufacturer’s minimum age is 2, our minimum age recommendation is 5+, can be used until child fits the seat belt properly (10-12)

A wearable booster alternative

Ideally from 5+, but can be used with younger children when needed

Stand Out Features of this Car Seat

The RideSafer Travel Vest comes with an optional top tether. There are a few circumstances in which you may wish to utilize it. If you have a tight 3 across situation, having the top tether attached means you can leave the vest hanging in the vehicle and the child can get in and out of the vehicle a little more easily. If you are using the vest because your child is above 65 pounds, but too young/too immature for a booster, the top tether will help keep them sitting up. If you have a vehicle with a lap-only seat belt, the top tether must be used.

The vest comes in 4 different sizes. There is some overlap between the heights and weights of the size options. You can find a detailed size chart  here . The Extra Large Size can even work for teenagers/small adults if they are unable to sit properly in the seat belt alone due to medical conditions/disabilities.

As we’ve mentioned in this post already, this vest is only 1.5 pounds! It comes with a cute mesh backpack to carry it around in. It can be a great option for carpooling as it’s easier for your child to carry to school than a backless booster would be.

Seat is good for you if 

This seat only weighs 1.5 lbs and comes with a backpack to carry it in. This makes it the lightest option available for booster age kids. It works well in most vehicles and is easy to use after some practice.

This seat is much smaller than a traditional car seat or booster. You can easily pack it into your carry-on luggage so that you can have it ready upon arrival in your destination. It’s also easy to carry around if you’ll be mostly using public transportation instead of renting a vehicle.

You can’t get anything smaller than  this vest . If you have a tight 3 across situation, it may work well to have your oldest child in the center seat with this vest. In most vehicles, this would allow you to have 2 narrow car seats in the outboard seating positions. For other 3 across car seat options, check out our post  here .

You have a higher percentile child who has reached 65 pounds before they are mature enough for a booster.

Occasionally we see kids reaching 65 pounds before they are old enough or mature enough for a high back booster. In these circumstances, we find that the Ride Safer Travel Vest is a good option since there are no longer any conventional car seats that harness a child above 65 pounds. The vest has an optional top tether that can be used to keep the child sitting upright. You are also allowed to lock the seat belt if needed.

Use caution if

We don’t recommend using it below 5 years of age in most circumstances, but there are some exceptions. If your child has reached 65 pounds and they are below 5 years of age, this vest is a better choice than a booster since it does have the top tether anchor to help keep them in place. If you are using Ubers/Lyfts and will sit by the child at all times, the  Ride Safer Travel Vest  may work for a child younger than 5 as well. It would depend on the child and if they are able to sit properly with constant reminders or not.  Wayb Pico  may be a better option for younger children; you can see our review of that seat  here .

The Ride Safer Travel Vest is not as easy to use as a traditional harness car seat or booster. With some practice, an older child should be able to get themselves in and out of the vest. BuHowever,randparents and other caregivers may find this vest challenging to use in comparison to other options.

Quirks to be aware of

Not as easy to use as a conventional car seat.

This seat has many advantages over conventional seats like its ability to work in most 3 across situations, its lightweight design and its higher weight limit. However, placing a child in it can be a bit challenging initially than a harness seat is. Though with practice, it becomes more manageable over time.

Harnessing Information

Installation information, airplane use.

The RideSafer Travel Vest cannot be used on an airplane. It does not have FAA-approval. It is still a great option for traveling though, because you can easily fit it into your carry-on luggage or backpack so that it’s ready for the child to use on arrival at your destination.

SITS Bottom Line

The RideSafer Travel Vest is optimal for those who frequently use ridesharing services or taxis, as it is lightweight at 1.5 pounds and comes with a carrying backpack. It’s also an ideal choice for travelers because of its compact size, which fits easily into carry-on luggage, and its adaptability for public transportation use. For tight vehicle seating arrangements, this vest is perfect due to its compact nature, allowing for a snug 3-across seating configuration. Additionally, it’s a beneficial option for heavier children who surpass the 65 pound weight limit of conventional car seats before they’re mature enough for a booster. The vest is equipped with a top tether, making it a suitable option for older vehicles with lap-only seat belts. Overall, it’s an option that will work well in situations when a conventional car seat will not be a good choice. However, the vest may not be recommended for children under 5 years of age unless specific circumstances apply.

Similar Car Seats

Notable differences:

Specifications, safe traffic system, product information.

Weight: 1.5lbs

Width: as wide as the child who is using it

Rear Facing Limits

Forward-facing limits.

Height: 35-48"

Weight: 30-60lbs

Head Height Rules: child must have vehicle head support to at least the top of their ears

No Back Booster Limits

Highest belt guide settings, high back booster limits, other important details, expiration limits, crash replacement policy.

replace after a moderate or severe crash

Ride Safer 3 Travel Vest Review

Small: 30-60 lbs., 34-52”, and at least 3 years of age

Large: 50-80 lbs., 45-57”

• Adjustable height straps on back for better fit
• Adjustable buckle
• Easy to take with you on trips with the CARES harness
• Weighs just
• Highly Portable

Ride Safer 2 vs. Ride Safer 3

There are two versions of the Ride Safer Travel Vest: version 2 and version 3. The main difference between the two is that ver. 3 is for vehicles with lap/shoulder belts only. Essentially, you will only be using the Ride Safer (RS) with newer vehicles, so it makes a great vest for traveling with if you’ll be using rental cars since they turn their fleets over so quickly. The RS2 can also be used with a lap-only belt and when used with one, requires the use of a tether. The RS3 takes all the guesswork out of how to use the vest: you use it with a lap/shoulder belt only. No muss, no fuss with tethers or crotch belts. As usual, a picture explains things better.

Why might you need a Ride Safer Travel Vest?

There are lots of everyday situations where a vest like this would be handy for a parent to throw into a backpack for a child or into a backseat for another parent to use during carpools. It’s very lightweight and small enough not to take up precious amounts of luggage space; since it’s just 1.2 pounds, those parents who travel internationally won’t have to worry as much about carry-on weight limit issues. To give a little perspective, it weighs less than a typical plastic bottle of water you’d buy at the airport.

Is it easy to use?

What do kids think?

They don’t seem to mind the design of the vest. My 57″ dd thought the vest was comfortable but at age 10.5, she’s a true tween and very image conscious. I’m quite sure a year ago she wouldn’t have minded the look. My 13 yr old ds, who is a space geek, thinks it’s not so bad.

Is it safe?

I never thought you’d ask. Vests fall under the same federal regulations as carseats do, FMVSS 213. So yes, the RS3 is certified to meet FMVSS 213. And because the child sits on the vehicle seat itself, the child has a lower center of gravity so head excursion is reduced, as is knee excursion because there’s no carseat behind the child pushing her forward.

Is it FAA-approved?

No. Since airplanes have lap-only belts and since the RS3 can only be installed using a lap/shoulder belt, it should be stowed in your carryon luggage on an airplane. If you want a restraint for the airplane, the CARES harness is also highly portable and works well in conjunction with the RS3.

Can I wash it?

The soft fabric is spot wash only, no machine washing.

• So portable!
• Only 1.2 lbs.
• Adjustable both in width and in length
• Spreads crash forces over a wide area
• Kids like it
• Great for narrow situations
• Lack of side impact protection
• Stiff buckle difficult for independent kids to unbuckle themselves
• Not made in USA

The Ride Safer Travel Vest is available in various sizes at Amazon.com

I remember when the original Ride Safer Travel Vest came on the market years ago. Everyone, CPS professionals and parents alike, wondered if Safe Traffic System, Inc. and its product were for real. They’ve persevered in a very tough field and continued to make improvements to their products bringing us to the Ride Safer 3 . Kids love the design of the vest and are comfortable in it. Parents love the vest because it’s so highly portable and easy to travel with, not to mention easy to fit in a tight 3-across situation where nothing else will work.

Thank you to Safe Traffic System, Inc. for providing the Ride Safer 3 for our review.

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Do you think this is a good option for a 4 yr 4 month old that’s 46 lbs and 44″? Or do you think she’s still too young and should be harnessed? I know the specs say 3 yrs minimum but the CSFTL review says kids closer to 5 yrs are better suited. Thank you!

I am very interested in the RS2 for my autistic son as currently he is able to get his chest harness and the shoulder strap off of him in every car seat we have tried. I don’t think he would be able to defeat the tether system but the Ridesafe website says the RS2 is only for kids up to 60lbs. He is 6 and already 58lbs. Would the RS2 still work? From some of the other comments it sounds like the RS2 and RS3 are for the same size kids…

If you check the Safe Ride 4 Kids website you’ll see size small is 30-60 pounds and large is 50-80 pounds. RS2 is for use with shoulder belts and lap-only belts (with a tether) and RS3 is for should belts only. I also got an update–they are releasing a booster called Delighter Booster to be used with either of the vests, in August 2016. (The one included for the EU market is currently not sold separately, and the vests are not crashtested with other booster seats).

I have a very wiggly 5.5 year old. I tried him in a booster for a few days but he’s nowhere near ready for it. He’s almost outgrown our Nautilus and Radian so I was looking at a Frontier, but with 3 across, this looks like a better option. Will this work for a very wiggly kid?

@Kate, it’s certainly something you could try, but it’s really only the vehicle’s seat belt holding him in place. The Ride Safer 2 Vest has tether attachments that would help, but until he’s able to really sit well, a harnessed seat is the best route for him. An inexpensive option for the grandparents’ cars would be the Evenflo SureRide/Titan 65. It has taller harness slots than the Radian, a weight limit of 65 lbs., and costs less than $100. Wal-Mart has started carrying a version of the Titan 65 .

My son has low muscle tone and is not “booster trained” but sits up fine in his frontier and Radian. His issue is climbing up into the car seats. His physical therapist suggested this seat for him. He is also big for his age (almost five). He is 51 lbs and 44 inche. Would this be a good option for him? I would love to have something he can use for multiple cars since he rides with both grandparents and I hate to shell out anther 400 for two new radians. Thank you!

Ride Safer Travel Vest Review

This summer, my family visited Italy and France, staying in rural areas in both countries ( see my post on Tuscany with Kids ). While the trip was beautiful, staying in rural areas requires a lot of driving. Car time with a 4-year-old can be stressful, and safety is not something I ever want to skimp on. This is why I chose to bring the Ride Safer Travel Vest on this trip. Read on for my honest review of this booster seat alternative.

Nicole Abiad

Expat, Mother, Traveler, Educator I am a seasoned traveler with a firm belief that adventure doesn’t stop at parenthood! Through advice, reviews, and research, I hope to help you continue your adventures and share the gift of travel with your family!

What is it?

The Ride Safer Travel Vest is a convenient and compact alternative to car/booster seats for children three and up. While traditional booster seats bring the child up to the seatbelt, the Ride Safer vest brings the seatbelt down to the child.

To use, the child wears the vest, which is securely fastened using a metal hook and sits directly on the seat of the car. The seatbelt then passes through a series of metal loops on the vest, which positions the shoulder strap correctly for the child’s size and secures the lap belt along the upper thighs, avoiding abdominal injury in the case of an accident.

Why I Chose it

I take car safety very seriously and refuse to let my feelings on this issue wane while I travel. I have tried numerous car safety approaches while traveling, but none seem to work well. Traveling with a full-sized car seat is cumbersome, and even though I purchased a travel bag with backpack straps, it was still hard to lug around. The easiest option if you are renting a car is to rent a car seat with it, but I have NEVER had good luck with this. The seats are always dirty and of questionable quality, and the rental agencies charge far too much. The last time I did this, I ended up purchasing a brand new car seat because I couldn’t in good conscious keep my daughter in the rental one. Good thing it was time to upgrade her infant seat at home anyway.

Knowing that we would drive a lot on our trip, I knew I needed to find another option. While my daughter, at four years old, technically falls within the safety limits of a standard booster seat, I know it would not be safe for her. She cannot sit straight in a seatbelt with a harness, and she would slump out of it as soon as she fell asleep. The selling point for me for the Ride Safer was the back tether which helps keep the child upright even while they sleep.

How I Used It

Before our long trip, I used the Ride Safer vest on a short weekend trip as a test run. The first thing I noticed was how tiny my 4-year-old looked in the seat. She was very low and could not see out the window, and she suffers from motion sickness, so this was no good. Not long after we started driving, she got sick.

Knowing this and that children legally have to be in an elevated seat in Europe, I started looking into options to use the vest with a booster seat. It is stated by the manufacturer that you absolutely cannot use the vest with a seat that also uses the seatbelt for fastening. However, they make a booster seat with which you can use the Ride Safer Travel Vest because it uses ISOFIX to attach to the car. Unfortunately, their seat was sold out, so I communicated with the manufacturer about using the Chicco GoFit , which also uses ISOFIX. While they could not state 100% that this combination would be safe because they had not crash-tested it, they did confirm that the Chicco GoFit uses the same fastening method as their booster and should function the same.

With this knowledge, I decided to purchase the Chicco GoFit to use with the Ride Safer Travel Vest. While bringing a booster did not make this combo quite as portable, it was smaller than a car seat, and I felt safe with the decision. We just carried the booster on the airplane with us and stored it in the overhead bin.

I definitely felt that my daughter was safe in the Ride Safer vest. It was sturdy, fit well, and placed the seatbelt where it should be. It took a few tries to fully understand how to place the seatbelt, but we were good once I got it. Pro tip – make sure the lower portion sits on the upper thighs and not the stomach.

The back tether worked exactly as I wanted, keeping her upright and seated where she needed to be. When she fell asleep, she would slump down as she does in a car seat, and the tether kept her body upright. She would have just fallen over if she had been in a regular booster.

The Ride Safer vest comes with a removable neck support which, to me, does not seem well designed for a smaller child. I wanted to use it for neck safety, but the back portion was too thick, pushing my daughter’s head uncomfortably forward. She complained about it so much we finally just removed it. This was mostly a problem when she fell asleep because she had nothing to rest her head on, so it would just flop around.

Even with a booster, she still could not see out the window. This is quite the problem if you have a child with motion sickness. Thankfully the pharmacy had an Italian version of Dramamine available. This is no fault of the vest, just an observation of why a full car seat may have been better at this age.

Final Thoughts

I 100% think the Ride Safer Travel Vest is a fantastic option for older children.

For younger children like mine, I like the idea of the Ride Safer vest, but I think it depends on the trip you are taking and how much driving there will be. For intermittent car use or taxi rides, this is a fantastic option. It folds up very small and can easily fit in a backpack. However, for more car usage, it may not be the best option. The discomfort of sleeping and the low seating position makes it a bit too uncomfortable. If I could go back and redo this trip, I think I would have purchased a cheaper car seat when I arrived in Italy and then found a local charity to donate it to after. It probably would cost less than a car rental agency and provided a bit more comfort for the amount of driving we did.

However, the Ride Safer vest will stay in my rotation for shorter trips and when my daughter is a bit older. In my opinion, it is far safer than a standard booster.

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Ride Safer Delight Travel Vest Review: Best Toddler Travel Car Seat / Booster Seat Alternative

by Mommy And Me Travels | Product Review | 12 comments

Having kids means that at one time or another you will be on the hunt for a portable car seat for travel that is easily used for taxi rides, uber travel, and shuttle transports that will keep your children safe while at home or traveling around the globe .  

(This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this article.   Click here to see my disclaimer . )

Ride Safer Travel Vest Overview

The Ride Safer Travel Vest is an alternative to booster seats because it is a portable car seat for 3 year olds + and over 30lbs (this is the small ride safer vest).  This car seat vest comes in 2 sizes, small and large.  The RideSafer is a unique childrens safety vest that makes sure the seat belt for kids is properly aligned by having design elements that are optimized for vehicle seat belts to ensure correct fit and protection for your child.

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Using the Ride Safer Car Seat Harness

The small delight travel vest is a travel car seat for 3 year olds and older that is also over 30lbs.  Before using this car seat harness you need to ensure that your young child will sit properly in their seat for the entire ride.  I was able to accomplish this with my youngest by using the optional (also highly recommended by us) top tether strap.  The tether strap kept my little man from being able to lean forward and play while in the ride safe vest. 

This travel toddler car seat is so comfortable that my little man fell asleep on our most recent 45 minute Uber ride from the airport to our cruise ship. (Grab your 7 day cruise family packing check list here for your next trip).  The tether strap kept him upright and ensured he was still in the proper position in case something unexpected happened during our ride.

Getting Ready for Your First Trip with the RideSafer Travel Vest

Since we only use the ride safer delight travel vest while traveling, we like to ensure that the vest is properly fitted the night before our flight (no the vest is not certified for air travel).

We pull out this lightweight toddler car seat and place it on our little one.  I adjust all the straps to ensure that the lower panel is over the tops of his thighs.  We also choose to use the optional crotch strap so that the back doesn’t ride up while in use (this is purely for our little ones comfort).  After adjusting the travel car seat vest we head out to our car and have him sit in a regular seat to make sure everything is positioned correctly before our trip.  Once you get all the kids seat belt vest straps properly configured you can now remove the vest (don’t move any straps) and store in your carryon luggage for use when you land at your destination.

How to use the Ride Safer Vest

We like to use Uber/Lift when available at our destination and when not available then taxi’s.  If you have a traditional car seat you will have to wait for the vehicle to arrive before you can have your child ready to go.  That is not the case with the ride safer delight travel car seat vest .  Once we order our Uber/Lift or taxi, we then pull out the lightweight travel vest and get our son into it.  Since we have already pre-adjusted all straps it is easy to have him slip it on and get buckled up. 

How to install the Best Travel Car Seat for Toddlers Once the Car Arrives 

• Place your little one in the seat (our preference is on the side with a shoulder strap) and buckle the seatbelt as normal.  
• Feed the seatbelt through the vest leg and shoulder metal clasp.  
• Finally, secure the tether strap to the anchor point and the hooks above the shoulders. Pull tight to remove an excess slack.  (This is optional but as stated above, highly recommended by us)

Now your little one is secure and you are ready to go.

Are you ready to purchase your own Ride Safer Travel Vest yet?  Buy here on Amazon as it cost you nothing but helps Mommy And Me Travels keep providing free content.   Safe Rider Delight Travel Vest

Also don’t forget to check out all of our must have family travel items before your next trip.  Or get your kids excited to travel with the best travel boxes for kids here .  

Pros and Cons of the Safe Rider Delight Travel Vest

• Material is well made and built to last
• Perfect for a family on the go as a travel car seat
• Compact and takes up very little carryon space
• Lightest toddler car seat
• Feels more secure than a regular booster and provides more support for your kiddos
• Adjustable sizing allows for multiple year use 
• Optional Tether makes this mommy feel like Josh is  extremely secure
• Maintains proper seatbelt positioning 
• Available in 2 sizes to ensure proper fit
• I know of nothing else that is as light, secure, and compact as this travel car seat vest
• Can take some practice to get the hang of adjusting just right
• The optional headrest takes up a lot of space that we don’t see as a required piece (as you see we didn’t mention it anywhere else on the review)
• Not permitted to use on airlines
• I don’t care for the travel bag provided, I recommend using something more compact like a medium packing cube
• If your child is not a willing participant in getting the vest on it becomes a tiresome task
• Not certified for European travel without regular booster seat

Final thoughts on the Lightest Toddler Carseat: Ride Safer Delight Travel Vest

I’m sure you can tell by now that we love the Ride Safer Delight Travel Vest and find it to be the best travel car seat for toddlers.  We are so happy that we found this product and have used it several times as our go to portable travel car seat.  We feel this to be the safest and most convenient alternative to using a heavy traditional car seat or hoping that one we rent at our destination is clean, accident free, and properly installed. 

We understand that is might seem a little pricy at first, but if you like to travel or even if you just need one for occasional carpooling I cannot recommend this travel vest car seat enough.  It is a perfect choice as something to keep in your purse or backpack while you are out exploring and need to have something on hand that you can easily secure your child with. 

If you live in a place like New York City where many families don’t keep a car, it is perfect for those pop up times when you need to hail a cab.  Want to check out other options that are a little cheaper?  Explore and shop the range of mifold compact, safe and portable car booster seats. Ideal for travel .

Need other travel advice?  Check out our articles on:  20 Ultimate Packing Tips and Tricks for Family’s ,   12 Tips for Road Trips With Toddlers

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12 Comments

What a great product. Thanks for sharing such a great review

Oh this is so interesting. I have many nieces and nephews and am always stressing about how to transport them. This would be so handy, instead of figuring out carseats!

Always safety first. super important that kids are save no matter where and what vehicle they are in xx

With a toddler and a baby coming soon this is so helpful! I love knowing reviews of products like this

We love our new travel vest. If you have a new baby on the way and your oldest will be 3 it will definitely help you manage when traveling and need to take car seats. Feel free to ask any questions you might have.

When I saw the photo of the little one in the travel vest, I thought of my nephew. Looks like an interesting gift for kids!

Definitely a perfect gift for parents that travel. I was hoping to help those people needing Christmas ideas for friends or family as the holidays approach.

I remember those days when I used to travel with my children. Now my younger is 14. I will share that post with my sister in law as she traveled with my baby niece.

Thanks for the detailed review and the installation steps. Since we travel a lot in New York, as you said the vest will be definitely helpful when we use the cab.

This is perfect for those that travel and want to ensure that their kids are secure in taxis. Completely agree it would be great for your travels in New York City.

I’ve traveled with the car seats before, many times through the airports. It’s not easy. I had no idea this was even a thing. It says certified for use in motor vehicles in the USA which surprises me with how particular car seat safety is here. My boys are both in boosters now, so they are pretty easy to take with us. But I wish I would have known about this when they were younger!

There is a large size version on this vest if you are traveling and don’t have an inflatable booster. I have found that even my eldest prefers this over his travel booster as he states it is more comfortable than the travel booster we have for him.

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RideSafer Delight Travel Vest Gen5 Review

RideSafer Travel Vest GEN 5

The RideSafer Delight Travel Vest is an updated version of the Ride Safer Travel Vest, which came in two versions: the RideSafer Travel Vest 2, and the RideSafer Travel Vest 3, or RSTV 2 and 3.  While both versions were quite similar, there were some notable differences between them .  Today’s version of the vest is lighter and has a lot to offer.

The RideSafer Gen5 combines some of the best features from the previous versions in an updated form that’s even smaller and lighter than its predecessors.

CSFTL Quick Stats

Size: Small

• Ages: 3-6 years. This is the manufacturer’s minimum age.  CSFTL doesn’t typically recommend this vest for children quite that young – we’d suggest it for Littles who are closer to their 5th birthdays and older.
• Weight range: 30-60 pounds
• Height range: 35-50 inches tall

Size: Large

• Ages: 5-10 years
• Weight range: 50-80 pounds
• Height range: 45-57 inches tall

Size: X-Large

• Ages: 8-10 years old
• Weight: 80-110 pounds
• Height: 47-62 inches tall

The vest is also available in size XS.

We have some concerns about the XS (that’s why we’re mentioning it after introducing the larger sizes), it’s not our first choice for restraints for a child who is that small but we do understand that families who ride in taxis a lot or travel internationally are using them so we want to acknowledge that this niche product does exist and share the age, weight, and height guidelines for its use.

Size: X-Small

• Ages: 2+ CSFTL doesn’t typically recommend this vest for children quite that young – we’d suggest it for Littles who are closer to their 5th birthdays and older.
• Weight range: 22-44 pounds
• Height: 30-45 inches tall

Measurements

• Weight: about 1.5 pounds

Carpooling Essentials

RideSafer Gen5

The latest version of the RideSafer is Gen5.  Like previous versions, the latest version can be used with or without the top tether, though we’ll always advocate that the top tether be used.

RideSafer Gen5 backpack

The RideSafer Gen5 has a very sporty, easy-to-use backpack that makes carpooling a breeze.  Our model was quite ready to head out for an adventure!

RideSafer Gen5 and accessories

Our Gen5 included many of the optional accessories, including the top tether and the optional neck pillow.

RideSafer Gen5 buckle

The RideSafer Gen5 includes the latest and greatest version of the buckle.  Previous versions of the vest had buckles that left many a caregiver a bit puzzled at first but this version is the best one yet!

Leave it in the Vehicle

RideSafer Gen5 set up in the vehicle

If you’re using the top tether (and we’d always advocate that you do!), once the vest is adjusted to fit the child, it’s fine to leave it attached to the vehicle between uses (as long as the same kiddo is returning to the same seating position later!).

Fit to Child

4 years old.

RideSafer Gen5 4 years old

This kiddo is closing in her 5th birthday (she’s still 4, though!),  weighs 35 pounds, and is 39 inches tall.  She’s wearing a size small in the Gen 5.  The vest fits her well but she definitely needed help in getting set up for this picture.  We understand that some families may use the RideSafer Gen 5 for their kiddos who are this young so we wanted to show how well it can fit.  We continue to recommend that children be closer to their 5th birthdays before they start to ride in the vest.

5 Years Old

RideSafer Gen5 5 years old

This kiddo weighs 38 pounds and is 42.5 inches tall.  He’s new to using the vest so it took some help from a caregiver to get him set up.  The vest fits him well and we have no doubt that as he gets more experience using the vest, he’ll be more independent when it comes to using the vest properly.

RideSafer Delight Travel Vest: 5 1/2 years old, 54 pounds and 46 inches tall.

This model is 5.5 years old.  She weighs 54 pounds and is 46 inches tall.  She’s sitting on the passenger side of a 2009 Toyota Highlander in the middle row.

The vest fit her well and I was able to get a snug fit around her waist even though she’s toward the lower end of the size range.  The crotch buckle helped to keep the lap portion of the vest nice and low.

Our “sleeping” 5 1/2 year old model shows how the RSDTV tether helps to prevent the body from slouching out of position.

The shoulder portion of the vest had some empty space above her shoulders, which wasn’t an issue, as her seat belt continued to fit well on her shoulder. For a child this age, the tether can provide extra assurance that she’ll remain properly positioned even if she falls asleep.

RideSafer Delight Travel Vest in the center seat of a 2009 Toyota Highlander between a Chicco Keyfit and Graco Headwise.

This child usually rides in the third row because her car seat doesn’t fit between her two younger brothers’ car seats.  The RSDTV allowed her to fit on the very narrow second row seat between their Chicco Keyfit 30 and Graco Headwise.

6 Years Old

RideSafer Gen5 6 years old

Our 6 year old model weighs 73 pounds, and is 47 inches tall.  He’s wearing a size large in the vest.  Like our 4 year old model, he needed some help with getting set up but was able to sit properly once he was buckled in.

Measuring the seated height is done differently for the RSDTV than it is for most safety seats.

Deciding Between Sizes

Torso height is a big factor when it comes to figuring out which size vest works for older or bigger kids.  Measuring a child’s torso height for an RSDTV is quite different than measuring a child’s torso for a traditional car seat .

Instead of measuring from the child’s bum to the top of the shoulders, measure from the top of the child’s thighs to the top of the shoulders.

The optional tether is secured to a clip on each shoulder strap on the RideSafer Delight Travel Vest.

While the tether is optional (and an additional purchase), it may be beneficial.  We know that tethers play a critical role in preventing injuries to children in forward facing harnessed car seats .  Crash dynamics are quite different in a traditional harnessed seat compared to a RSDTV, but it’s likely that the use of a tether will help to manage crash forces.   The tether can also help children who still tend to be a little on the wiggly side or who still struggle to remain properly positioned when asleep remain sitting upright, even if they’re fast asleep.

Neck Pillow

The velcro tabs seem to be placed in such a way where it prevents the RideSafer Delight Travel Vest’s neck rest securing to them.

The optional pillow is designed to increase comfort for a child who may want additional support behind their neck.

Ride Safer Delight pillow

The pillow attaches via velcro strips on the back of the vest. To use the pillow, pull the tabs to expose the rough side of the velcro and attach the base of the pillow.

Inflatable Seat Belts

We were thrilled to see that the RideSafer Delight Travel Vest is approved for use with inflatable vehicle seat belts!  The Delight’s shoulder belt clips were designed to accommodate both traditional and inflatable seat belts, so thicker inflatable belts should fit nicely.  It can also be used in vehicles with a lap only belt if the tether is used and secured to a designated tether anchor.

Delight Booster Seat

Over the years Safe Traffic System received feedback that some kids were frustrated by their inability to see out the window when traveling in their vest.  The Delighter booster seat solves this problem!

The RideSafer Gen 5 is a belt positioning product, which eliminates the need for a booster altogether.

The tether holds the RideSafer Delight Travel Vest in place; the seat belt secures the Delighter until the next time they’re needed.

The use of booster seats with the vests was strictly prohibited… until the Delighter came to market! While the Delighter may be used as a booster on its own, it is the only booster approved for use with the RSTV/RSDTV.

Since the Delighter allows a child’s legs to curve over the edge of the booster seat, it helps many kids feel more comfortable and eliminates the desire to slouch to the vehicle seat edge.

• Lightweight
• Extremely portable
• Easy to use with lap/shoulder belt
• Doesn’t take up any more space in a vehicle than the child’s body does
• Easily adjustable to fit various kids and vehicles
• Can be tricky to thread the seat belt through

Important Information: Where to Find

The convenient storage slot for the manual is right inside the front of the RideSafer Delight Travel Vest.

Manual storage: The manual is a little hard to find at first — it arrives tucked away in its own handy little pocket on the inside of the vest.

Date of Manufacture label:  This label is next to the manual storage pocket on the inside of the vest.

FAA Approval: At this time, the Delight is not FAA approved for use on aircraft.  We very much hope to see that change in the future given how travel-friendly this product is.

Overall Thoughts

The RideSafer Gen5 is an innovative and unique product.  It can function either as a wearable booster or, if the tether is attached, as a kind of hybrid between a harnessed car seat and a booster seat. This makes it a remarkably versatile product for school-aged children.  It’s a dream to travel with, thanks to its small size — simply toss it in your bag and you’re ready to go!  The sizes available fit a broad range of children and the adjustable belt guides achieve a consistent belt fit in the vast majority of vehicles and seating locations.

This review was originally written by Abbie Patterson, former CSFTL contributor. Edits and updates are maintained by the CSFTL Editorial Team.

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RideSafer Travel Vest Review

One of the top questions on every parent of a young child’s mind prior to travel is always: what should we do about carseats? Having traveled around the world with my two kids (ages 4 and 9), I can say without a doubt that one item we have loved having in our bag of travel tricks is the RideSafer Travel Vest .

Review of RideSafer Travel Vest

Crash tested down to 3 years old and 30+ pounds, the RideSafer Travel Vest does not take the place of a convertible car seat for kids who have outgrown their infant bucket seats, but who haven’t met the age and weight threshold for the RideSafer Travel Vest. However, once your child reaches the 3 and 30+ pounds threshold, definitely consider adding the RideSafer Travel Vest to your travel arsenal.

On a recent trip to/from the airport, I decided to strap my nearly four year old into the RideSafer Travel Vest for the ride from our home to the airport. Unlike most car seats which are designed to lift the child up so that the straps fall across their body at the appropriate spots (hence the term “booster”), the RideSafer Travel Vest brings the strap down to the child and secures it in the appropriate spots. Although the number of straps and clips may appear daunting at first, it is a very quick and easy process, having done it many times before.

One of my favorite things about the RideSafer Travel Vest is that it travels in its own little carry on pack and fits easily in your luggage or swung across your shoulder.

Our family ended up loving the RideSafer Travel Vest so much that we have it in both small (pictured above) and large , which is typically for children over 5 and 50+ pounds. Indeed, when my oldest son was in first grade but my youngest was still in a convertible, I used the RideSafer Travel Vest for when we needed to carpool and bring another child along with us. Three kids can easily fit in the backseat if using the RideSafer Travel Vest, even if one of those car seats is a convertible and the other is a high back booster!  We have also used the RideSafer for any number of taxi rides in large cities where we otherwise would not need a car seat and it’s a convenient item to just keep in my trunk, in the event we want to safely transport another child.

For more car seat reviews, check out our full write up on car seats: Travel Tips: Traveling with Kids and Car Seats

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Review of the RideSafer Travel Vest for Kids

I don’t like to lie to my kids, and I rarely if ever do. So, when we grabbed a taxi cab during a trip to Florida and had to ask Princess Two to “pretend” to be five-years-old, when she was only four, we were in that gray area. A very gray area that she couldn’t quite understand, and nearly lost us the taxi cab ride. Apparently in Florida, and many other states, car seat laws have changed for taxis, they’re now required for children under the age of five to ride in child safety seats. I think this is GREAT…if you’re traveling with a car seat or if the driver has one with them. This was not the case for us, at least not on this trip since we were going on a cruise and literally would only need it for the ride to and from the airport. Enter RideSafer , a portable travel alternative to car seats and high back boosters.

Review of the RideSafer: A travel safety vest for kids

The RideSafer is an alternative to car seats and high back boosters. Since I despise traveling with car seats, this portable alternative seemed like a necessary product to have for our future travels.

• The RideSafer travel vest is a legal alternative and meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. It’s important to note the vest was designed for children 3 years old and up who can sit forward facing.
• There are two sizes for the vest – a small fits children 34″ to 52″ tall, 30 to 60 lbs. and the large fits children 45″ to 57″ tall, 50 to 80 lbs. While there are two size for the vest, they will both grow with your child as the straps are all adjustable.
• RideSafer travel vest includes tethers, which are metal hooks above the shoulders that are then connected to the built-in safety tethers in cars. I have to admit, I feel a bit safer using the tethers than what a typical booster seat provides.
• Both models allow for a crotch strap to be added. This is not required for use as long as the child is mature enough to sit upright during the entire trip.
• The RideSafer travel vest comes with a removable head rest. I found this option to be great for nap-time in the car and with younger kids, I can see the comfort value in using this on a more regular basis.

• Using the RideSafer is a great way to create more space for additional passengers. Both my girls and I could comfortably sit in the back seat on since we could rid the car of the bulky booster seats and car seats.
• When they say the RideSafer is portable, they mean portable. I was easily able to slip the RideSafer canvas bag with the vest, headrest and tether straps into the pocket of my carry on. (I have since started putting them in my kids back packs when they go home with someone after school as well. It’s so much easier than having to lug in the booster and leave it in the classroom. And, for my older Princess who is mortified that she’s still required to sit in a booster, it prevents any school booster seat drama.)
• We haven’t taken our kids on on train rides just yet, but this travel vest will come in very handy when we do. It can be used in planes and trains and automobiles.
• Simple enough a kid can do it (with a few lessons). My girls are pretty independent and like to do things for themselves. When it comes to buckling up, they own the task. With a few lessons they were pros. It is a little difficult for younger kids to buckle up though since inserting the safety belt straps requires fine motor skills.
• An added perk to the RideSafer travel vest is that they’re reusable. Car seats age with use, making them less safe. In other words, you can’t always use hand-me-down car seats. This is not the case with the RideSafer.

Overall, this is a great product to use at home and when you’re traveling. We’ve already removed the booster seat from the car for Princess One and use it exclusively at home now. Easy to grab and go before we jump on the plane.

I highly recommend the RideSafer. Here is a quick video to show you just how easy it is to use (thanks to Princess One for helping demonstrate).

Have you used the RideSafer before? What was your experience with it?

RideSafer provided one travel vest for this review. After reviewing it, I purchased a second. They are that good.

Elaine Schoch is an award-winning travel writer, wine judge, American Wine Specialist and certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET II). At Carpe Travel she shares wine travel destination guides for ALL WINE LOVERS – from novices to experienced pros – to help them plan their wine adventures, arming them with insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines.

14 Comments

I think my spacial thinking would be seriously challenged.

What a great concept! I’m sure the portability comes in handy (its been awhile since I’ve had to worry about that) and this is a really neat idea!

Oh my. All those instructions, I think it might be easier to not have kids! (just kidding) Maybe one day I’ll be a pro at this.

I have to admit, this is way easier to do than installing a car seat. I break a sweat each time I have to do that.

No doubt kids love this Elaine. Great idea.

This sounds like an amazing product! I loathe traveling with car seats, too, so this seems like something I need to check out! Thanks for this review!

Nice. Will buy one for my baby.

I had no idea products like this were available for cars! My daughter is to young, but good to know!

I wish I had known about it much earlier. They’re so much easier to travel with!

Looks great for travelling – less lugging around!

Yes, it’s soooo much easier to travel with. You can just slip it into your bag or child’s backpack.

Why is it that all the cool stuff comes out after you need it? That looks like something that would be so useful for a traveling family.

I know! We have another year or two with them but they would have been SOOOO helpful two years ago…

We’ve been using these for travel for five years. About a year or so we upgraded to the bigger kid version. These are great when traveling domestic or international but I can’t imagine using this every day. It’s simply not as safe as a five point booster (which my 8.5yo) still uses as his main seat. But it’s great for bringing along an extra kid or when my son is the extra one as it can fit in the middle seat as long as there is a shoulder harness. Also in the list of cons, it’s time consuming to thread in the seat belt into three places every single trip, there are no cup holders or headrests, there is no “boost” to see out of windows, and it’s tedious to get in and out of if there are a lot of errands and such. But it’s awesome for when we’re flying and traveling light.

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• Travel Vests >>

Ride Safer Travel Vest Review

Kid Sitting Safe is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

There are many different types of car seats, and although everyone with a child needs them, it doesn’t mean they are affordable or last a long time. The truth is that children have to go through a few car seats in the course of growing, so that they can stay safe in the car. There are rear-facing seats, front-facing seats, and booster seats.

However, recently there have been new developments in car seat safety, and the Ride Safer Travel Vest is now an acceptable choice. There are many reasons why this type of vest is great for the car and your family.

The most important reasons are that the vest is easy to travel with and can be taken virtually anywhere. It’s simpler to use when you have a child that needs to be using a booster seat, due to the fact that it doesn’t take up as much room and you can fit 3 of them in your car’s back seat. It is nearly impossible to put three car seats or booster seats in your car, as they are too bulky. The vest can also be utilized on children with special needs and is designed to get kids to sit properly in standard seat belts.

The RideSafer Travel Vest is suitable for kids 30lbs and up and meets or exceeds all US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards. There are different versions of the vests in various colours and they are available in two sizes, small (30-60lbs) and large (50-80lbs). More on this below in our Ride Safer Travel Vest Reviews.

How a Travel Vest Works

A Ride Safer Travel Vest is a restraint system that reduces the forces from a collision so that they do not cause harm to your child. They are designed with a rigid back that attach to the seat and seat belt holders that attach to the vehicle belt so that it is correctly placed across your child’s body.

This correct belt placement together with the in-built five point harness distributes impact forces across your child’s chest, not just specific points. The five point harness is similar to those found on a child car seat. The Ride Safer Travel Vest works much like a roller coaster harness that goes over your shoulders to secure your whole upper body to the seat.

So in summary, as well as the additional conveniences the vests provide compared to a child car seat the Ride Safer Travel Vests provide the following safety features:

• Lowering the vehicle seat belt to the correct position. This provides the same result as a belt positioning booster seat that raises the child to the correct seat belt position.
• Lowering the impact force and distributing it across the body to reduce isolated pressures. This is achieved by the energy absorbing foam within the vest.
• Lowering the child’s center of gravity provides safer distribution of forces.  Since the child is sat directly on the vehicle’s seat instead of being elevated as with a booster seat they have a lower center of mass. This helps protect the child as a lower center of mass can decrease lower extremity injury risk while also allowing the impact force to distribute across stronger areas less likely to break.

The video below courtesy of SafeRide4Kids provides an excellent review of the Ride Safer Travel Vest. The demonstration takes you through the safety features of the vest outlined above as well as the different vest types that are outlined in our Ride Safer Travel Vest Reviews below.

https://youtu.be/PHyge9fbKdg

Ride Safer Travel Vest Reviews

There are two main types of Ride Safer Travel Vest in this review: Type 2 and Type 3. Each type has slightly different features, which are summarised in the table below:

The vests are reviewed in further detail below, with 3 options for the Type 2 vest and 2 styles of the Type 3.

To assist you in choosing between the two different options we have taken advice from the manufacturer: The Ride Safer 2 is the most popular and recommended for younger children because it is a certified child restraint system and comes with the tether. The tether can always be used for additional upper body protection in addition to your vehicle’s lap and shoulder seat belt. The Ride Safer 3 is more suited to older children that would normally be in a booster seat. The adjustable straps on the back of the Ride Safer 3 would be more useful to you in this instance.

RideSafer Type 2 GEN3 Travel Vest – Black/Grey – Small

This cool contraption is designed to work with the regular seat belts found in the car’s back seat. The item comes in many different colors, which are perfect for a little boy or budding fashionista. The product is also lightweight and easy to transport from place to place.

• Lightweight
• Certified Child Restraint System to Federal Standards
• Absorbs shock
• Can use with entire seat belt and ensures proper positioning
• Good for short trips
• Fastens securely and includes tether strap
• Comes in different colors
• No head support
• Not good for driving long distances
• Can only be used if child is above a certain weight

Although this item is great to run errands around the city, you’ll still need a sturdier seat when you’re going on a long trip. This is because there are no safety features for when the child is sleeping or not sitting in the proper position.

Safe Traffic System Travel Vest Type 2

This vest looks quite official, but it is really easy to use. There is head rest, to keep a child comfortable when they are sitting back and relaxing, and the vest has a tether support that can be used with shoulder or lap belts, whichever you have access to and will help the child sit securely.

• Helps kid sit up safely
• Comes in different sizes and colors
• Has a shoulder tether for more support
• May be hard to get off of child
• Child may not like it

This is an item that is easy to carry around to utilize at all times. However, some kids just don’t like it. This may be because they aren’t big enough to fit into it comfortably, or they may not like the headrest or something else. However, with practice and use, your child may get used to it and like it more, so hang in there.

Ride Safer 2 Travel Vest

This vest comes in especially handy if you have a child with special needs. It fits in all automobiles due to the narrow design, and it meets all safety requirements to be able to be utilized in motor vehicles.

• Can be used with any type of seatbelt
• Narrow to take up less space
• Additional head rest
• Places child in a safe position at all times
• Kid may grow out of it fast
• Belt may move around when child moves

Some report that this belt is too flexible. This can be easily remedied because it can be fitted on the middle and shoulders to get a good fit. Remember, this vest should take the place of a booster seat in a pinch, so it has to be able to ensure that a child is sitting up in a way that the seat belt can protect them. This product can do just that and more.

Safe Traffic System Travel Vest Type 3 Booster Seat, Pink, Large

This Ride Safer 3 comes in 5 different colours: pink, black, yellow, grey or blue. The main difference with these vests compared to the Ride Safer 2 versions is that they do not include the tether strap. However they do include adjustability on the back of the vest, which allows you to adjust the shoulder fit of the vest to suit your child.

• Great for use with older children instead of a booster seat
• Ensures correct positioning of vehicle seat belt on your child’s body
• No neck support – for longer journeys a booster may be more comfortable

Safe Traffic System Ride Safer Travel Vest Type 3

This version of the Type 3 Safety Travel Vest comes in 3 different colour options: choose either black, grey or yellow. The Ride Safer 3 vest also comes in two sizes, either large or small.

• Convenient and ultra portable
• Allows 3 kids to fit comfortably on the back seat whilst wearing the vests. Many cars are too small to fit 3 booster seats next to each other.
• Adjustable shoulder strap to provide a perfect fit.
• No tether strap included – choose the Type 2 Ride Safer Travel Vest for your younger ones.

Ride Safer vests are crucial to those that need to be able to have a seat for their kids that is easy to travel with. These vests are lightweight, can transfer shock impact so children don’t get hurt in the event of a crash, and you can pack them in bags when you are on the go. They are highly rated by many, and are among the top car seats used in some places. For more details on other topics that can affect your child, take a look at some of our recent articles on  Kid Sitting Safe .

The vests mentioned above are all great, and come in handy, depending on what your needs are. The RideSafer Type 2 GEN3 Travel Vest is great to use with all types of seatbelts and comes in colors that can please anyone’s tastes. They are tested, durable, and easy to put on children.

The Safe Traffic System Travel Vest Type 2 is best used with a lap belt type seat belt only, but has an attachment that takes care of the shoulder part. Besides that, it is also tested for safety and can keep your child safe in a car, airplane, or even in a taxi. Finally, the Ride Safer 2 Travel Vest is almost exactly like the Type 2 vest, only made for narrower bodies and areas. It can also be used with lap belts only and is great for children that have autism or other special needs when they are going from place to place, or even need some help riding the school bus. The only thing to be mindful of is if your child is the correct size and weight to use one of these vests.

For your older children there is the Ride Safer 3 Travel Vest, which provides the added functionality of the adjustable shoulder strap. Once the kids are old enough for a booster seat the tether strap that comes with the Ride Safer 2 may not be necessary for you and so this version would be more suitable.

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Robert is a father of a young daughter and has developed an expertise in child car seat safety. He is a keen supporter of the use of child safety systems having seen his daughter come away from a side impact collision unscathed due to the use of a child car seat. When he's not spending time reviewing child safety systems he works as a Technical Manager on major construction projects.

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Ride Safer Travel Vest Review: it will change the way you travel with kids

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This review of the Ride Safer travel vest is written by certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Melissa Conn and may contain affiliate links.

We’re all about experiences over things, but sometimes things come along that makes the experiences a thousand times more enjoyable. That’s my overall impression of the Ride Safer travel vest car seat – for our family it has become an indispensable piece of travel gear as we’ve gallivanted around the globe with two young children. In this Ride Safer travel vest review, you’ll get my complete, honest opinions as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and a mom.

We have now used two different generations of the Ride Safer Travel Vest, the Ride Safer Delight travel vest and the current Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5 . Within the current generation we own three of the four sizes and in this review I’ll share photos on a variety of kids. We’ve spent many years with our vests, so I’ve had plenty of time to get acquainted with them!

You may have seen parents in Facebook groups refer to it by a range of almost-correct names: safe rider vest, rider safe vest, ride safe vest, rider safe travel vest, rider safety vest… I’ve seen pretty much every combination but the only correct one is Ride Safer Travel Vest.

Keep reading (and watching!) to learn how to use the Ride Safer travel vest, its pros and cons and how to decide if it’s right for your family. I’ll also share some information about the companion TravelSmarter booster seat.

DEAL ALERT! Save $11 off the Ride Safer Travel Vest with coupon ‘ VOYAGE ‘

Here’s a quick video review of the Ride Safer travel vest:

What is the Ride Safer travel vest?

The Ride Safer travel vest is a wearable booster seat alternative for young children up through tweens. It works by bringing the seatbelt down to your child’s level rather than boosting her up.

Your child puts the vest on (like a clothing vest) and then you secure it using the industrial-strength velcro panel and metal buckle on the front. Once you get in the car, you’d buckle the seatbelt as usual but then thread it through the seat belt guides that are included on the lap and shoulder portions of the vest. The Ride Safer Travel Vest has fairly rigid support through the body, unlike a traditional booster seat that has no body support.

It meets or exceeds all crash test requirements and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for harness restraints, meaning the Ride Safer travel vest is legal throughout the US. It is still considered a booster seat, allowing much more mobility than a harnessed seat. You’ll have to use your judgement regarding your young child’s maturity and ability to stay in the proper position for the whole car ride.

There’s also an optional top tether that should be used whenever possible to limit head movement in an accident. It also help to keep younger riders from reaching for a toy or slumping when asleep in this kids seat belt vest. Having forgotten the top tether piece on a recent trip, I can tell you that it’s an essential piece (even for kids who are old enough for a traditional booster seat).

Who should use the Ride Safer Travel Vest?

According to the manufacturer specifications, the Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5 will fit the following ages and sizes:

Ok, but what ages and sizes should use the Ride Safer Travel Vest?

As I mentioned in the introduction, we’re fortunate to have used two generations and several sizes of Ride Safer travel vest over the course of many years and many rides.

2023 update! In previous versions of this review I expressed frustration that the Gen 5 vest ran much larger than Gen 4 and didn’t fit kids as the size chart indicated. I’m thrilled to say that the manufacturer, Safe Traffic Systems, responded to sizing feedback and quietly change the design! The changes are significant enough that I wish they’d given it a new name or generation number. This is especially worth noting if you owned a previous vest or have been considering one for a while.

In the photo below, the original Gen 5 is on the left and the new Gen 5 vest is on the right. As you can see, the new version has a much wider range of length adjustability! The diamond-shaped panel can slide up and down along the harness and the velcro tab that determines the vest’s length can be affixed either to the diamond or basically anywhere along the back strap. On the old version we only had about 2″ of Velcro to work with, which translated to very little length difference.

Here’s a comparison of the XS vest at its largest setting along with the new Gen 5 and old Gen 5 smalls at their smallest settings – don’t worry, you’ll see them on real kids in a minute! The XS Ride Safer Travel Vest has some additional considerations so look for that in the next section. In the middle you can see that I’ve also crossed the buckle over to the far side of the vest, which is now permitted to get a better fit on slim kids.

Here’s the updated Gen 5 Ride Safer Travel Vest size small fit. My cute nephew is 5 years old and around 43″ with an average build, while my sweet niece is 7.5 years old, around 46″ and slim. With the improved adjustability, an average sized 4 year old should be able to use the size small. I tried the small on my 9 year old – around 48″ and 60lbs – but it was too small on her.

Not ready for the Ride Safer yet? Here are some great travel car seats for 3 year olds and 4 year olds to consider instead.

Many parents ask if they should buy the small or large Ride Safer Travel Vest for their child (there is no medium vest). Here are updated pictures of my own kiddos using the size large vest. At 48″/60lbs (left) and 53″/75lbs (right), the large fits great! My son still has plenty of growing room as well.

Ride Safer Travel Vest X-Small review

In this section, I’m going to address the Ride Safer XS vest that was released in 2022. It’s a bit of a different product and there are a host of considerations that aren’t as important for kids old enough to use the small through XL sizes. Remember, it’s still safer for kids this age to be rear facing in a convertible car seat .

If your kiddo is already 4, scroll down to the next section.

Ride Safer Travel Vest small vs x-small comparison

First, let’s look at a comparison between the Gen 5 Ride Safer Travel Vest XS (left) and the Small (right) and spot the differences:

The overall concept is the same, but there are some critical changes here! First, the XS is obviously smaller. This photo shows the XS on its largest setting and the small on its smallest setting, and there’s still a pretty big difference. There’s just isn’t a ton of room on the back of the XS for the velcro torso length adjustment, so it has a much narrower range than the small.

Second, the small has a metal buckle at the waist while the XS has a similar buckle attached at the chest pads and only velcro at the waist. If you’ve never had one of these vests in your hands, the velcro is incredibly strong so don’t be concerned that kids are going to mess with it, nor that it would open in a crash. But that metal buckle on the chest? Genius.

It remedies the biggest issue with size small for smaller kids, which is that the shoulder straps can easily slide off of slim shoulders. I’d love to see this change on the Ride Safer Gen 6 vests! Not only does that “chest clip” give a better fit but it also prevents kids from deliberately getting out. Could a determined child unfasten it? Surely. But it’s an important first line of defense!

Finally, you’ll see that the shoulder belt guides on the x-small travel vest are exposed while they’re covered with fabric on the small. While the velcro on those flaps is pretty flimsy, I miss them on the XS. In their absence, curious fingers may be more inclined to play with the shoulder belt and potentially remove it from the guide.

Ride Safer Travel Vest XS fit to child

I’m excited to have a tiny new model to show off the XS vest! This little lady is just over 2 and on the short side. You can see that the XS fits her nicely. If she had been more compliant I would have used the crotch strap as well (more on that later).

On the topic of curious fingers, let’s meet our second adorable XS vest model: my 3.5yo nephew – these photos were taken a few years ago, and you’ll see above that he’s now comfortably modeling the size small. At 3 he was 37.5″ and 33.5lbs – exactly average for height and just a little above average for weight. In these photos he was probably around 39″ and 35lbs – nearing the top end of the size range for XS.

He juuuuust fit into the XS (right) and the crotch strap was very helpful for keeping the vest low with the lap panel on the tops of his thighs. By contrast, the small was so baggy through the shoulders that when he was fed up with modeling he slid his tiny shoulders through and pulled the whole thing down.

Is the extra-small Ride Safer Travel Vest right for your child?

And therein lies rub… a child doesn’t need to be 100% booster-ready to use the vest, but he still needs to basically be a calm and compliant child even if a vest or other car seat makes him grumpy.

The XS Ride Safer Vest is marketed for 2 and 3 year olds, but that’s precisely the age at which kids beginning pushing boundaries and asserting their independence. Some kids, like my daughter photographed above at the same age, are total rule followers and will just sit where you place them and how you place them. Others – perhaps the majority – at 2 or even 3 will wiggle and squirm, sometimes for discomfort and sometimes to get a rise out of their safety-minded parents.

While my little niece looked like the perfect model above, before getting that picture she spent about 30 minutes sitting on the ground saying “I don’t like it!” when I showed her the vest. She wasn’t willing to put it on at all until after both of her older siblings had modeled for me. If you’re considering using the vest for a trip with a young or sensitive child, give yourself plenty of extra time to get them comfortable and situated.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the CPST community is split on whether or not the XS vest should exist. Yes, it passes Federal crash testing both with and without the top tether. However, crash test dummies don’t move . In deciding whether or not your child is ready for the vest, you have to be honest about her behavior and developmental level.

There aren’t many situations where I’m inclined to steer parents to the XS vest versus a traditional travel car seat or the WAYB Pico , but here they are:

• You have a calm, compliant, petite 3-4 year old and will be doing the sort of travel that just doesn’t work with a traditional car seat (like full-time travel )
• You’re taking a 2 year old on a car-free vacation that only requires a taxi / Uber from the airport and an adult or teen will be sitting next to the toddler in the car

While the crotch strap is optional for all ages, I strongly recommend its use with the XS vest. Kids this age are prone to wiggling and the strap ensures that the lap belt stays nice and low on the thighs. Between that and the “chest clip” it’ll also remind kids that they’re in a car seat and shouldn’t be frolicking around the car.

When possible, I also recommend using the top tether. With that piece the Ride Safer Travel Vest passes the same testing that’s required of a forward-facing harness. Furthermore, you’re really limiting how much your young child can squirm out of position. In some countries (generally in the developing world) there are no top tethers, so keep that in consideration as you decide whether or not to travel internationally with the XS RSTV.

Finally, if you have no alternative but to use the vest and you think your child will try to wiggle too much you do have the option of locking the seatbelt at the retractor like you would when installing a car seat. Many countries (like Mexico ) don’t have that “switchable” retractor as a standard unfortunately but it’s mandatory in the US and Canada.

XS Ride Safer Travel Vest in the car

So how does the vest do when you put an actual child in the car? It was actually pretty good for my little nephew at 3.5 and average height!

You can see that I managed to pull the vest down pretty far so that the lap panel is flat on his thighs. I’ve used the top tether and the crotch strap to limit the wiggles. If he had a little more room in the vest, sitting “criss-cross” would help the lap panel sit even flatter.

He’s right near the top of the size chart for the XS vest, and because he’s 3 he had no tolerance for trying the small in the car. It’s also worth nothing that in this vehicle he doesn’t have the appealing red button of the seatbelt buckle right next to him, but he would in a sedan or other bench seat. I’m confident that this little guy wouldn’t mess with it once told, but only you know how your child will handle that situation.

This is in a different vehicle, but you can see that the fit on his sister at age 2 is… less good. In theory this works: the lap belt is flat on her thighs and the shoulder belt crosses near her collar bone. But because she’s very small and the seatbelt is mounted high in this car, it hits her right in the face! There’s a good chance that she would (understandably) move the seatbelt out of position after a few minutes because that can’t be comfortable.

Safe Traffic Systems offers the Travel Smarter backless booster seat that can be used with any size vest to improve the seatbelt fit. As you can see here, it does exactly that! There’s no chance of the lap belt riding up onto her “soft belly” and the shoulder belt is more appropriately positioned. She’s also able to benefit from the car’s advanced safety features like side curtain airbags since she’s higher up.

You can read my Travel Smarter booster seat review for more info. It’s incredibly light and comes with its own backpack that also fits the vest inside.

If you feel that the XS Ride Safer vest is right for your family, you can buy it here and save $11 with coupon ‘VOYAGE’.

How to put on the Ridesafer vest for kids

When you open the Ridesafer travel vest backpack, you’ll see a few different parts and you’ll need to make some adjustments. The great news is that you can fit it to your child before you need to use it in the car.

The components included in the box are the vest, a sometimes-optional crotch strap, the optional-but-highly-recommended top tether, the truly optional neck pillow and a convenient carry backpack. We ditched the pillow after just one use and the crotch strap once our kids got a little bigger.

Putting the vest on is pretty intuitive: open the buckle and the very sturdy Velcro panel in the front, then have your child slip his arms in. Tug the vest down, fasten the Velcro so that it’s snug but not uncomfortable and then fasten the metal buckle, adjusting the strap length as necessary – there’s no way that vest is coming undone on its own! To get the length right, turn your child around and open the Velcro on the crossing straps on his back. Adjust the vest until the bottom flap on the front is resting on top of his thighs (since it will hold the lap portion of the seatbelt in the proper position), then refasten the Velcro straps on his back.

The final (optional) step is to the thread the Y-shaped crotch strap through the two slots on the back of the vest on the bottom (one on each side), then pull between the legs and fasten snugly through the slot at the bottom of the front. While the crotch strap is technically optional, it’s important for preventing younger riders from “submarining” (sliding down and out of the vest).

We stopped using the crotch strap around 4.5-5 years old. It’s not long enough to use all the way to the top of the size range, but it’s also not necessary at that point.

You can see a hands-on demo of putting on the Ride Safer vest below:

How to use the Ride Safer vest in the car

The Ride Safer travel vest is very easy to use once you get it on your child.

Here are the basic steps to use the Ridesafer vest:

• Put the vest on the child, making sure that the lower panel is over the tops of the thighs. It can help to “fan out” the two sides of the lap panel so that it sits flat.
• Have child sit in the car and fasten seatbelt as normal.
• Feed the lap belt through both metal guides in the lap panel of the vest, then pull snug across the lap. Don’t over-tighten the lap belt or it may start to bunch in the guide on the side away from the buckle.
• Open the Velcro shoulder pad on the side where the should belt crosses and feed the shoulder belt through that metal guide, then pull snug and close the shoulder pad.
• Attach the optional but highly recommended top tether to the shoulder straps using the two metal hooks (above the pads), then attach the other end to the car’s top tether point and pull the tail to remove slack .

If you’ll be using the Ride Safe travel vest in your own car or a rental car, you can leave it attached to the car when you get out! Just unbuckle the seatbelt and remove it from the lap belt guide on the buckle side before you unbuckle the waist strap. You can leave the tether attached at the shoulders and even leave the seatbelt threaded through the shoulder and the other side of the lap! As you become more experienced with the vest, it’s a real time saver.

Ride Safer travel vest FAQs

Yes, as long as it’s used in accordance with the directions the Ride Safer travel vest is legal in the United States. Please see more information on Europe , Australia and Costa Rica for additional guidance if you’re traveling to those places.

Yes, it passes FMVSS 213 testing just like all other car seats in the United States.

No. If your child is under 40lbs, the CARES harness ( full review here ) is an excellent complement that can be used on planes.

The RSTV is permitted in Canada as a medical device with prescription.

The Ride Safer Travel Vest has only been crash tested an approved with the Travel Smarter backless booster seat . Using it with any other booster seat (inflatable or otherwise) may be unsafe and in some cases illegal.

RideSafer Travel Vest Review Impressions

Bottom-line upfront: we liked it enough to take it with us for a full year of travel. Yes, its that much of a game-changer. Now having returned, I have no regrets about that choice.

Now for my full thoughts: The Ride Safer vest is an awesome product that really delivers on its promise to make traveling with preschoolers and older kids easier without compromising safety. We took it to Europe without ever testing it at home, which was a risk for sure, but I figured it out pretty quickly. Our son barely complained during any of our car rides, though he’s generally pretty easygoing about car seat safety and is accustomed to riding in a forward-facing harness most of the time at home.

When we used it during our gap year trip, it was perfect for taxi rides in the cities because I could just roll it up and put it in our day bag. We also used it for some very long road trip stretches, and found it to be solid overall. There were times when our daughter slumped more than we would have liked when sleeping, and early in the trip the shoulder straps seemed a hair too long for her; however, a little gap at the shoulders isn’t necessarily a concern. In our long-term testing, she never complained about comfort despite some drives of 6 hours in a single day.

Overall we’re very satisfied with our decision to bring the Ride Safer rather than our usual travel car seat. For kids who are mature enough and big enough to fit, we whole-heartedly recommend it in situations like ours where traveling light is the only practical solution .

It’s also a great alternative to a booster seat for taxi or Uber riders living in major cities or families on extended trips at age 4+, especially when many families would otherwise allow their children to ride unrestrained. Just throw it in the included backpack and let your kid carry it around! We’ve also found it indispensable for fitting 3-across in our small car when Grandma comes to visit.

If your child is younger or smaller, take a look at the WAYB Pico , which is an excellent folding car seat with a 5-point harness. If you travel infrequently and will just be taking a single flight and then renting a car, one of these travel car seats might be a good fit for your needs.

The RideSafer travel vest is also sometimes prescribed for children with special needs, especially now that there’s a size Extra Large available. It can be a great choice for older children and even teens who have outgrown the tallest harnessed car seat and still need more support than a traditional booster seat can offer.

What we like:

-Feels very well made

-Design has multiple fail-safe mechanisms

-Extremely compact (takes up less than half of a preschool-sized backpack)

-Easy to use, takes less than 3min to put on the vest and get the seatbelt in place (assuming your kid is a willing participant)

-More torso support than a backless booster, avoids booster rider slumping when asleep

-Adjustable sizing so it can last for several years

-Wide range of sizes now available, from XS to XL

What we don’t love:

-Can take some practice and tweaking to get the fit of the car seat vest  just right

-Crotch strap is almost too short for many kids, though its use is not required

-Getting the vest on the kid and then the kid in the car can get to be tiresome if you’re doing it several times per day, every day, for a whole year

-Lots of parts to keep track of (for a city family using the vest in a taxi, you can leave the headrest at home and save tons of space)

-The optional headrest is more trouble than it’s worth

-Not permitted to use on an airplane, so for a child under 40lbs you’d need to buy a CARES harness to make the airplane seatbelt safe

-Kids can’t see out the window (can be used with the Travel Smarter booster seat to give them a lift)

-The 2023 version now has a 5 year expiration, while earlier versions had a 10 year expiration

Final Thoughts on the Ride Safer car seat vest

As you can see from my impressions above, there is room for small changes or additional features; however, our impression is overwhelmingly positive. I was especially pleased that, when used with the top tether, the car seat travel vest prevented slumping out of position while sleeping. If we had just brought a booster seat, our daughter would have been in an unsafe position. Moving from two bulky car seats to none on our gap year was absolutely epic (we use this one for our son since he was 6 years old by then – full review here ). I honestly don’t know how we could have managed without the Ride Safer travel vest .

While the Ride Safer vest is a little pricey for an item most families will use only occasionally, if your family travels often with older preschoolers or young school age children I can’t recommend it enough. It would be a fantastic choice for car-free families with kids ages 4 and up as well, as you can easily shove it in your purse or backpack for unexpected taxi rides.

We feel confident that the Ride Safer offers a safe alternative to either lugging a huge car seat around a city or relying on an unfamiliar car/driver to maybe offer car seats. Ready to buy your own Ride Safer vest? Get it directly from Safe Ride 4 Kids for amazing customer service and fast, free shipping! Use coupon ‘VOYAGE’ to save $11 on your order.

Not sure what car seat to bring for travel? Find the best travel car seats by age

Our friends at Safe Traffic Systems and Safe Ride 4 Kids sent me several Ride Safer travel vest for kids to review; all opinions are my own. 

What to read next

57 thoughts on “ride safer travel vest review: it will change the way you travel with kids”.

What a greta piece of travel kit. Having just returned from a trip where I had to take a car sat for my two-year-old and a smaller travel booster for my four-year-old I feel your pain having to lug bulky seats around in the past. This type of solution is brilliant for traveling families. It does look very secure too and maybe not so easy to wriggle out of as the travel seat I took with me on my last trip! Thanks for sharing this on #MondayEscapes

I really wish they had come out with this when my girls were younger, it certainly seems like such a huge help with travel – especially taxis and such! Excellent idea, and I’ve got to share this with some friends who still have younger kids.

I’ve been biding my time until Jacob was old enough! It’s a really innovative solution. Thanks for sharing!

What a great invention. Definitely a game-changer if you don’t need to carry a car seat or a booster. I’ve been keen on using Hertz with AAA code to get a free car seat with each rental.

Great idea but I appreciate you pointing out what you love and what could need more improvement #fearlessfamtrav

It’s a really interesting idea, but it seems just a wee bit too complicated and uncomfortable to fully replace a booster seat, especially for longer journeys. Also, I worry about it becoming too warm during summertime. Thanks anyway for bringing this to my attention. #FearlessFamTrav

If a child is truly old enough to use a backless booster, something like a bubble bum would be a great choice; however, my personal minimum for that would be 6yo AND not falling asleep in the car. Sadly I see so many pictures of booster riders who fall asleep and basically lay down sideways – not adequate protection in a crash, not even close.

The vest is really great for families whose kids are riding in a forward-facing harnessed seat, but who are basically willing not to squirm too much in the car.

Do you know if it can be used with only a lapbelt? We are going to Sri Lanka soon and can’t find a van that has shoulder belts so looking into different options since we won’t be able to use the high back booster.

Hi Kaylie, no it needs a shoulder belt. We’re in Panama now and have had a few van rides in which the kids just used the lap belt. Sometimes that’s the reality. We’ve found Uber cars to have better safety features than traditional taxis or vans, but I’m not sure if Uber is available in Sri Lanka. How old is your little one?

I had no idea anything like this existed! We make yearly trips to visit family and this would be so much better than lugging around a car seat! Thank you so much for this post!

Wow, it sounds brilliant. Definitely something we will invest in when we go abroad with the girls. It has always worried me about what to do with car seats and this seems like the perfect solution. I love that it doesn’t take up too much space. Nat.x

This is so interesting – I’ve not seen one of thes ebefore .So much lighter than a car seat and having to lug around. #familytraveltips

Thanks for such a comprehensive review! Can you share the dimensions of the item folded up and in a proper stuff sack? ie what is the smallest it can be? THANKS!

I don’t have the dimensions offhand (no soft tape with me while traveling!) but I’d say perhaps like a 2L soda bottle without the neck part?

This is not true – a ride safer vest can be used with just a lap belt PROVIDED the tether is used – the clip anchoring between the shoulders and the bolt or latch mandatory in most cars.

You are correct that it can technically be used with a lap-only belt in that situation, but I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a car today that has a lap-only belt AND a top tether. Alternatively, you could buy the EATAL accessory to mimic a tether point, but many cars don’t have a suitable tether point at all. I think that for 99% of parent out there, the best practice is to use it with a lap-shoulder belt if one is available. We found many cars in Thailand and Morocco that have lap-shoulder belts outboard and lap-only in the middle (no top tethers in ANY position), and I would rather not have parents remember only partial information and misuse the product. In that situation, the safest position for the child is outboard with a lap-shoulder belt.

Looks like the Amazon Prime code doesn’t work anymore – I’m getting “The promotional code you entered cannot be applied to your purchase.” Any chance you have a new one?

How was the comfort level for long drives? Also, it seems like the child wouldn’t be able to see out of the window. Was that an issue?

This is a very interesting alternative… My three year old is still rear facing in a convertible, so I am hesitant to downgrade in terms of protection, but It would be extremely convenient when traveling. Something to definitely consider!

I wholeheartedly agree! We kept our older one rear-facing until 4 and the younger one until 3.5, but at that point we went off traveling full-time and the Ride Safer was by far the best option for that lifestyle 🙂

Super excited to have found this option – this + Bubble Bum are good options for my two kids. Will look into the links.

They’re both awesome products! We started using the Bubblebum for our older one at 6yo. We started using the Ride Safer around 3.5yo but only because we were traveling full-time and a regular car seat just wouldn’t have worked. But for a more “normal” family travel schedule, I think the Ride Safer vest is a great choice starting around 4yo 🙂

I didn’t knew about this gadget until now and I’m glad I read your post.

Hopefully you’ll get a chance to try it out! We’ve loved it for traveling light 🙂

We’ve been thinking about purchasing one of these. Thank you for the information!

You won’t regret it, the Ride Safer vest is super handy once your kid is old enough to use it!

We travel about half the year with our daughter who is about to be the perfect age/size for this!

It’s perfect! We did find that our petite girl fit better once she was between 3.5 and 4yo. How big is your daughter?

This looks like a smart idea for traveling with our 3 year old. We have mifolds for our older kids but they complained that the seat area was uncomfortable. The vest would have solved the uncomfortable seat problem.

I’ve heard that the mifold can be uncomfortable and that the belt fit for some kids in some cars isn’t great :-/ If your older ones are booster-age and mature, I’d look into the Bubblebum . But for your younger one, the Ride Safer vest should be good (we liked the fit better closer to 4yo than 3yo for what it’s worth).

Would love to try this out, likely with our older one. Will need to wait a little for her to grow a little bigger 😉

I’d definitely wait until 3.5 or even 4 🙂

I’m a little concerned that my daughter – who is generally uncomfortable in car seats – will not find this comfortable, but am willing to deal with that in exchange for not logging a big car seat around. Thanks!

Traveling to Spain in October and this will be our first trip my daughter meets the requirements for this product. Excited to see how it compares to lugging a big seat with us.

I was wondering the same, sounds like a great product.

Sooo looking forward to when my little guy is big enough to use this!

Such an awesome tool! Wish I knew about these sooner.

There was nothing like when I first started traveling!

Thank you so much for the very thorough review and videos. I am getting ready to take 2 preschoolers on a trip from Atlanta to multiple cities in China for a month. On our way back to Atlanta, we will be in L.A. for a few days with a friend who has 3 kids in car seats, so, I have been looking for suitable child restraints that won’t destroy my back or my sanity. I would love to try the RideSafer Delight on my kids (both are on the taller side) since my youngest will just turn 3 while we are in China. Since I don’t think that we would use them much after the trip and since they are pretty pricey, I’ll try asking around to see if anyone in my area has one that I could borrow to test fit. Thanks again for the post!

I’m really excited because my oldest just turned 3 last month and we’ve got a Euro trio coming up that this would be great on!

Is there any way this cam be combined with bubble bum so kids can look out of the windows?

I live in San Francisco and think just about every friend here has one of these. I’m still holding out, based on price – but really appreciate the lower weight limit than other travel friendly (Uber/Lyft friendly) options for preschoolers, as my little one won’t hit 40 pounds for a long time. When we’ve borrowed one though, she seemed like she was swimming in it (at 34 pounds). You mentioned that too – so seems a common complaint – would be curious to know more from others. Thanks for all the details!

Can’t wait until my daughter is a little older/heavier to use this!

How convenient for rentals and taxis!

We are just starting to outgrow our carseat for flights and this would be such the perfect option!

We got one for our older girl when she was 3, traveled in Kenya with it… Now waiting for our youngest to hit the age/weight requirements so she can start using it too!

Amazing! Out of curiosity, what’t the seatbelt situation like in Kenya?

It says it’s not approved for use in Europe?

The previous version was approved for Europe, but the manufacturer is still going through the certification process for the updated vest.

Great idea but I appreciate you pointing out what you love and what needs work.

This is such a great option for travel! I really wish we had this when we went away last year instead of lugging our little one and the car seat with us! We are very excited to give this a try.

I can’t imaging doing a gap year with a regular car seat – you guys are troopers! I’m glad we waited until our daughter was old enough to use the vest. Hopefully you guys will have a Ride Safer vest in your future 🙂

I appreciate the review! I am interested in one of these when my daughter is old enough

The extra small size goes down to 20lbs. 30 lbs isn’t the minimim

Thanks for stopping by! Please see my updated Ride Safer Travel Vest review for more information on the XS. And while it is technically is rated to 22lbs (the Federal minimum for forward facing), there’s virtually no situation in which it’s an ideal restraint for that size child. Even in the most tricky of circumstances, I’d sooner put a 22lb child in this car seat that only weighs a little more than the vest.

Safe travels,

Hey Family travellers!

We just came back from travel with the family. Its was tons of fun ! The only issue we had was the transport ie safe taxi with car seat as we didnt have a car. Any tips on safe travels? We tried one company but they only have airport transfers.

It really depends on where you’re going. Is there a particular destination you had in mind?

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WhizRider Vs. RideSafer Travel Vest: Which One To Pick?

Being an active parent is essential, but it certainly gets daunting at times. Going out for a family trip with your kids, sightseeing, or just for visiting their grandparents, the main priority of a parent is always to ensure that their child is safe.

Whether you take a rideshare or a taxi, travel vests such as WhizRider or RideSafer save the hassle of carrying a car seat or a booster seat without sacrificing or compromising your children’s safety while traveling.

A Quick Comparison Table

Here’s a snippet of the key parameters between the two vest types:

Key Differences Between WhizRider And RideSafer Travel Vest

Even though they have certain similarities, the subtle differences on the other hand are interesting to look at, which makes them so different from one another despite serving the same purpose.

• Specifications

WhizRider comes in two different sizes: small and large.

The small size is for children who are 3 years old, or older and the large size is for 6 years old kids or older. Ideally, the preferred height and weight are 37.5” – 49”, 30lb – 55lb for small, and 47” – 57”, 47lb – 80lb for the large size.

The chest diameter is mentioned to be a maximum of 25”, and 30” respectively.

RideSafer is available in four different sizes.

Extra small size is for 2 – 3 years old weighing 22lb – 40lb and height 29” – 40”.

Small size is for 3 – 6 years old kids weighing 30lb – 60lb and height 35” – 40”.

For 5 – 11 years old kids, the large size is available, requiring weight to be within 50lb – 80lb and height 12” – 17”.

Finally, there is the extra-large size available for 9 – 14 years old children, weighing between 80lb – 110lb, and height 14” – 19”.

Also Read: Differences Between Kyte And Dreamland Sleep Sacks .

Safety is the most important factor for every parent. The WhizRider was crash-tested based on The United States federal regulation standard, regulated by the NHTSA.

To ensure safety, each batch of the product created undergoes testing with the dummies representing kids of different ages.

On the other hand, when it comes to the RideSafer Vest, is American-certified with an FMVSS 213. It has been tested with a 3-year-old test dummy allowing it to get certified starting from this range.

• How Do The Vests work?

WhizRider function by adjusting the seat belt to s correct position for children to use it properly.

In order to prevent submarining or sliding forward, the leg loop is used.

Furthermore, the incorporation of reflective bindings keeps the kids visible while getting in and out at night time.

Conversely, the seat belts in a RideSafer function by getting locked in a car crash in order to keep the body in place.

It is more like a wearable booster that causes the car seat belt to lower down to a position that is good for kids to use.

The shoulders and the hips, two of the strongest point of our body, get contacted by the vest for the sake of distributing the force created due to a crash.

Additionally, the incorporation of a tether acts like a 5-point harness and maintains the upper body in order to prevent slumping.

• How To Use The Vests?

According to the official website, there are just five simple steps to use the Whizrider. Firstly, place the vest on the kids, and the second step is to ensure that the leg loop and the chest’s buckles are snapped shut.

Thirdly, put the child’s seat belt on and fasten it once they are in the back seat, and then attach the leg loop clips and lap belt to the steel. Lastly, put the steel shoulder clip on the shoulder belt from the car.

As for the RideShare, put the vest on first, of course. Make the child sit on a seat that has a shoulder belt and ensure that the child is sitting straight up keeping their back straight.

Next, buckle the belt after extending it sufficiently long to have additional slack. Insert the lap belt into the 2 clips on the thigh pad. The shoulder belt should then be fed into the top clip after being pulled snugly and done.

Here is an explainer video for you!

• Convenience

Due to the incorporation of the harness-style system into the vests, it takes around 10 seconds to put on, and another approximately 10 seconds to secure the child in the seat. That roughly makes up 20 seconds in total to be safely secured.

However, using RideShare is a bit more complex than anticipated. Correctly positioning the seat belt is a tricky part that needs to be practiced to be able to do well when outdoors.

WhizShare comes with a handy pouch. Being the most close-packed car seat (about the size of a medium coffee cup), it can be condensed down and squished into the backpack.

RideSafer includes a backpack, a neck pillow, a crotch strap, a tether, and an “Air-infused polymer padding” under the seat belt to prevent any bruising.

Which Travel Vest Is Better For You?

Without a doubt, travel vests are necessary for all parents who have young children or toddlers. So, which one should you get? The comparatively cheaper WhizRider or the expensive RideSafer with 10 years lifetime?

On one side of the argument, if you plan on using it for a long period of time, then RideSafer certainly is value for money. On the other hand, if you want something compact, much handier, and easier to carry, then go for WhizRider. Both vests will keep your child safe and secure.

Also Read: Graco Extend2Fit Or Nuna Rava Car Seat ?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, RideSafer vests are legal in countries that comply with US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

No, RideSafer vest is not currently legal in Australia.

Yes, RideSafer can be used legally in California.

Technically no. It’s not certified to be used in Europe. However, travelers can use it if their stay in the country is within 6 – 12 months.

In conclusion, both vests make life easier by eliminating the need of carrying bulky car seats and boosters everywhere you go. The winner of the WhizRider vs. RideSafer argument varies from person to person according to their taste and preferences.

With the added benefit of portability, and at the same time, not having to compromise the safety of children, these travel vests have certainly changed the lives of parents all around the globe.

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Ride Safer Travel Vest with Zipped Backpack-Wearable, Lightweight,... › Customer reviews

Customer reviews.

Ride Safer Travel Vest with Zipped Backpack-Wearable, Lightweight, Compact, and Portable Car Seat. Perfect for Everyday use or Rideshare, Travel, and Rental Car. (Small/Blue)

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

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Best Vests of 2024

To add warmth on those chilly days, we break down the season's top vests from down and synthetic insulation to fleece.

Switchback Travel

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

For getting outdoors on cool fall and spring days, it’s hard to beat a vest. This simple layering piece adds warmth to your core and is cozy, compact, and cheaper than a full jacket. But, like all sectors of the clothing industry, vests are varied, ranging from casual to performance and including a variety of insulation types. Below we break down the best vests of 2024, including our favorite down, synthetic, merino wool, and fleece models. For more background information, see our  vest comparison table  and  buying advice  below the picks.

Editor's note: This round-up was updated on May 31, 2024, to add more insight into our testing approach , ensure all offerings are represented accurately, and remove a couple of discontinued products from Smartwool and The North Face.  

Our Team's Vest Picks

• Best Overall Vest: Patagonia Down Sweater Vest
• Best Budget Vest: REI Co-op 650 Down Vest
• Best Vest for Active Use: Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated Vest
• Best Casual Vest for Everyday Use: Patagonia Better Sweater Vest
• Best Down Vest for Winter: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse

Best Overall Vest

1. patagonia down sweater vest ($229).

Popular for both casual and active use, Patagonia brings it all together with the Down Sweater Vest. In terms of warmth, the vest is filled with 3 ounces of premium 800-fill down that will keep your core nice and cozy (it’s also certified to the Responsible Down Standard). The nylon shell fabric looks and feels great, repels light moisture, and comes in a wide variety of colorways, from muted to bright. Bonus: With the most recent update, the Down Sweater Vest's shell is now made from recycled fishing nets, adding to the all-around appeal. From wearing it around the city to hiking and using it as a  midlayer  for skiing, this vest pretty much does it all.

Most of the changes Patagonia incorporated during their most recent update to the Down Sweater collection were positive. In addition to the clear sustainability slant, the latest Down Sweater Vest uses a little more down than the past-generation model (3 oz. vs. 2.4 for the prior version), weighs around an ounce less, and has a slightly thicker and loftier look. We’re also big fans of the new interior drop-in pockets, which are a nice place to stash items like a hat and gloves. The biggest downside is cost: At $229 (a notable $50 more than its predecessor), the Down Sweater Vest is an undeniably steep investment. But it’s hard to beat the build quality and versatility, which is why we’ve kept it at the top of our list for 2024. See the Men's Patagonia Down Sweater   See the Women's Patagonia Down Sweater

Best Budget Vest

2. rei co-op 650 down vest ($100).

REI Co-op’s in-house brand consistently churns out performance outerwear at substantially lower prices than most big brands. The 650 Down Vest is no exception, offering a legitimately warm layering piece for $100—less than half the cost of the Patagonia Down Sweater above. This vest isn’t super technical and doesn’t have the high-end look and feel of the premium alternatives on this list, but it’s a fantastic value overall.

What do you compromise by going with the 650 Down Vest? It uses lower quality 650-fill down compared to the Down Sweater’s 800-fill—which means less warmth for the weight—but this isn’t hugely important unless you’re counting ounces or heading into the backcountry. In addition, its boxier fit and roomier dimensions result in a slightly less polished look. But on the bright side, REI holds its own in terms of sustainability, with RDS-certified down (for humane treatment of birds) and recycled, bluesign (read: ethically sourced) materials. All told, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better down vest for the price. See the Men's REI 650 Down Vest    See the Women's REI 650 Down Vest

Best Vest for Active Use

3. arc'teryx norvan insulated vest ($180).

When it comes to vest insulation, you have two main options: down or synthetic . Down is known for its superior loft and warmth-to-weight ratio, while synthetic insulation is the best choice for breathability and weather resistance. Thus, if you’re in the market for a vest to wear during active pursuits like running, nordic skiing, and ski touring, synthetic is the way to go. You'll also want to look for breathable shell fabrics, built-in stretch or stretchy side panels, and a snug fit. Within this category, we like the Arc’teryx Norvan Insulated Vest best: Specifically designed for runners, it cuts the chill with a light dose of Coreloft synthetic insulation (40g), and its Fortius Air 20 shell keeps air flowing when your heart rate gets high. Tack on a low 3.5-ounce weight and a design that stuffs into its own pocket, and the Norvan Insulated is just about as good as it gets for high-output use.

But the Arc’teryx vest falls short in terms of weather resistance—its air-permeable shell does little to cut the wind, and the thin insulation only offers enough warmth for mild weather or consistent movement. It’s also worth noting that the Norvan Insulated has very little storage—just a pocket on the rear hip—and isn’t particularly durable. For a better all-rounder, check out the Patagonia Nano-Air Light Vest , which features a thicker shell fabric, roomier dimensions, and three generously sized pockets—though it'll cost you an extra $19. Both are wonderfully breathable and supple vests for active use, and a final decision will come down to your objectives and priorities. See the Men's Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated Vest   See the Women's Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated Vest

Best Casual Vest for Everyday Use

4. patagonia better sweater fleece vest ($119).

The down and synthetic vests above are quality insulators, but fleece wins out for coziness and everyday appeal. And no design puts it all together better than Patagonia’s iconic Better Sweater Fleece Vest. For a reasonable $119, the Better Sweater combines plush, moisture-wicking fleece insulation that provides solid warmth for most mild and spring days with a classy, knitted exterior that wears incredibly well around town. It’s not an active piece like the Arc’teryx Norvan above, but breathability is surprisingly good for lower-output uses like hiking and downhill skiing. Added up, it’s a highly versatile and affordable design that looks great around town but can easily pull double-duty for light outdoor pursuits.

All that said, fleece isn’t the best option for serious performance use. In testing the jacket version of the Better Sweater, we found that drafts were easily able to seep through the fairly porous outer knit fabric—we needed to add a shell overtop on gusty days, even in otherwise mild conditions. In addition, you can get more warmth for less weight with options like Patagonia’s Down Sweater above or Arc’teryx’s Cerium Vest below. And a final knock is that fleece tends to pill and will require regular maintenance to maximize its lifespan. But for excellent comfort and everyday appeal at a low price point, the Better Sweater Vest is hard to beat. See the Men's Better Sweater Vest   See the Women's Better Sweater Vest

Best Down Vest for Winter

5. the north face 1996 retro nuptse vest ($230).

Patagonia’s Down Sweater above is a great option for shoulder-season use, but those headed out in true winter temperatures will likely want a bump up in warmth. Enter The North Face’s Nuptse Vest, a substantially built design with a cold-weather pedigree to back it up. This vest is nearly synonymous with the term “puffy” with thick, oversized baffles and heaps of lofty, 700-fill goose down (The North Face doesn’t provide a fill weight, but it feels like a lot). And many love the retro-inspired design, which looks the part in the city or on the trail. For daily outings, cold-weather hiking, or extra insulation during après, the Nuptse is a nice option.

The Retro Nuptse falls short in one key area: versatility. It's one of the warmest and most substantial vests on the list and built to withstand cold temperatures, but that makes it overkill for mild conditions and a bit too bulky for midlayer use. Alternatively, the Down Sweater above can fit reasonably well under a hardshell or ski jacket  and provides enough warmth for most conditions. That said, the Nuptse excels at standalone use, with a robust 40-denier shell and a stowable hood that ensures warmth and weather protection for your noggin. We don't recommend the TNF for serious backcountry endeavors, but as a core insulator for frigid days in the frontcountry, it doesn't get much better.  See the Men's TNF Retro Nuptse   See the Women's TNF Retro Nuptse

Best of the Rest

6. patagonia nano puff vest ($189).

As we touched on above, down wins out in warmth and loft, but synthetic insulation breathes better, dries quicker, and is cheaper. One of our favorite synthetic-insulated vests on the market is the Nano Puff from Patagonia, which also comes in a very popular  full jacket version (as do most other vests on this list). This Nano Puff Vest is sleek and versatile: It’s decently warm, light, packs down small, and looks good for both casual and active use. It’s also less expensive than a comparable down vest and has a noticeably lower profile.

What are the downsides of the Patagonia Nano Puff Vest? The PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation is pretty darn warm but not to the same degree as down, so this vest isn’t built for frigid conditions (it’s ideal for fall and spring and as a layering piece). Additionally, the current model is slimmer than past versions, so you may want to consider sizing up if you’re in between sizes or plan on wearing your vest over bulky layers. But for an active vest with tons of everyday appeal, you can’t beat the Nano Puff. See the Men's Patagonia Nano Puff   See the Women's Patagonia Nano Puff

7. Arc’teryx Cerium Vest ($300)

Arc’teryx’s Cerium collection has been well loved for years, combining high-end materials and excellent build quality in a good-looking package. The latest Cerium Vest follows suit and is high-end in just about every way: You get 850-fill goose down for warmth (the Patagonia Down Sweater Vest above has slightly lower 800-fill), a super-soft face fabric and lining, and Coreloft synthetic insulation in areas prone to getting wet like the shoulders and collar. Arc’teryx also recently tacked on a host of sustainability measures, including recycled and bluesign-approved fabrics, bio-based materials, RDS-certified down, and a dope-dyed shell that uses less energy and water during production than standard dyeing practices. The result is just about all you can ask for in a vest, from weight and warmth to functionality and looks.

We have the Cerium Vest ranked below the Down Sweater for a couple of reasons. The first is cost: $300 is a lot to spend on a layering piece. Second, Arc’teryx’s athletic fit isn’t for everyone, not to mention a vest is often layered over a shirt or light jacket and therefore is best with a slightly looser cut. But if you love the Arc’teryx fit or plan on packing the Cerium along for active use, this vest will not disappoint. With the most recent revision, they also redesigned the zippers and pulls for a more streamlined profile and better durability. See the Men's Arc'teryx Cerium Vest   See the Women's Arc'teryx Cerium Vest

8. Fjallraven Greenland Down Liner Vest ($210)

When warmth-to-weight ratios matter, we’ll stick to names like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research. But for casual use around town, Fjallraven consistently catches our eye with outerwear that merges performance and fashion. The Greenland Down Liner Vest screams quality, pairing well-selected colorways with classic horizontal baffles and a stylish chest pocket with flap and button closure. And like many other vests here, Fjallraven is making efforts toward sustainability, using recycled polyester, organic cotton, a PFC-free water-resistant finish, and ethically sourced down.

With a hefty 13.4-ounce weight and limited breathability, the Greenland is not our first choice (or anything close to it) for active pursuits. Combined with the steep $210 price tag, it’s far from the best value on the market—especially for those who prioritize versatility. But along with the Patagonia Better Sweater above and Classic Retro-X and L.L. Bean Upcountry Waxed Cotton vests below, it’s one of our favorite casual options of 2024. For cold-but-not-frigid shoulder-season weather, the Greenland is a classy, versatile layer that provides solid core warmth for around-town use and light adventuring. If you prefer the added protection of synthetic insulation, Fjallraven’s Expedition X-Latt and Abisko Padded Vest are similarly well built and good-looking. See the Men's Fjallraven Greenland Down   See the Women's Fjallraven Greenland Down

9. Black Diamond First Light Hybrid Vest ($195)

Arc’teryx’s Norvan Insulated above is our top pick for active use, but those looking for a step up in warmth and durability should consider Black Diamond’s First Light Hybrid. Like the Norvan, this vest is purpose-built to keep you comfortable during high-output pursuits: The outer shell is stretchy and allows for decent airflow, you get a nylon/merino wool panel at the back for airflow and temperature regulation, and the highly breathable PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation at the core adds warmth where you need it most. The net result is class-leading performance for heart-pumping activities in the cold, whether you're ski touring, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing.

We do have a few issues with the First Light Hybrid. The first two are weight and price: At 8 ounces and $195, it's relatively heavy and expensive for a synthetic vest that isn’t all that warm, especially compared to down options. This leads up to our next point: The 60-gram PrimaLoft insulation does a decent job if you’re moving but won’t keep you cozy when standing still or in cold weather. Finally, the vest doesn’t block the wind all that well, especially at the back. These downsides hurt the First Light’s appeal for casual use, but they're the primary ingredients that lead to it being one of our favorite vests for serious activity. See the Men's BD First Light Hybrid Vest

  10. Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Vest ($179)

Outdoor Research is known for churning out quality, performance-minded apparel at a relatively low price point, and their Coldfront Down Vest is no exception. For $50 less than the Down Sweater Vest above, the Coldfront provides winter-ready warmth and tacks on additional weather protection by way of a water-resistant Pertex Quantum Eco shell and synthetic VerticalX Eco insulation at the shoulders. We also love the look, which features wide horizontal baffles, roomy dimensions (designed for layering underneath), and a subtle OR patch at the chest. Added up, the Coldfront is a classy yet warm vest that will get the job done both in the mountains and around town.

But compared to the Down Sweater, the Coldfront does fall short in a few categories. For one, colorways are limited compared to Patagonia. Second, at 13.2 ounces, it's a considerable 4.3 ounces heavier than the Down Sweater, although that does come with a boost in warmth. Outdoor Research has been slippery with their numbers, but the last we checked, the most current Coldfront Down Vest features 3.5 ounces of 700-fill down (compared to the Down Sweater's 3 oz. of 800-fill) and a bit of synthetic insulation, which leads us to believe it's overall the warmer piece. It's not our first choice for weight-conscious backpacking or climbing trips, but the Coldfront is nevertheless a warm and versatile vest for everything from resort skiing and snowshoeing to chilly evenings closer to home. See the Men's OR Coldfront Down Vest   See the Women's Coldfront Hooded Down Vest

11. Norrøna Falketind Down750 Vest ($249)

Norway-based Norrøna isn’t a household name in the U.S. like Arc’teryx or Patagonia, but they offer a quality lineup of outerwear that’s purpose-built for demanding backcountry pursuits. True to form, the Falketind Down750 is a decidedly premium piece that works well for everything from cold-weather hiking to bundling up around town. Like the Cerium Vest above, the Falketind is primarily insulated with down but substitutes synthetic at the neck, sides, shoulders, and lower back for better wet-weather assurance. Norrøna also added a hood—not common among vest designs— which adds a good dose of warmth and a nice, cozy look.

As a result of the added features, the Falketind isn’t particularly light for a down vest, clocking in more than 2 ounces heavier than the Cerium Vest. Further, while 750-fill down is fairly high-quality, you can get more premium varieties that are warmer for the weight (and therefore less bulky) within Arc’teryx or Patagonia’s lineups. Combined with the very steep price tag, these downsides are enough to push the Falketind to a mid-pack finish. But we do love the look and feel of this Norrøna vest, and its thoughtful design touches make it versatile for both performance and casual use (which could help justify the cost). See the Men's Norrøna Falketind Down750   See the Women's Norrøna Falketind Down750

12. Cotopaxi Fuego Down Vest ($185)

There’s no shortage of down vests, but the Cotopaxi Fuego stands out to us for a few reasons. First is value: For $185 (a considerable $44 less than our top-ranked Down Sweater Vest), you get a really nice piece with premium 800-fill down and a water-resistant 20-denier shell. Second, it toes the line between our casual and performance categories better than most, balancing Cotopaxi’s trademark retro styling with a functional feature set that includes great storage (two zippered handwarmer pockets and two interior pockets) and a drawcord at the hem. It even stuffs into its own pocket.

It’s worth noting that Cotopaxi is one of just a few outdoor brands (including Stio, REI, and Ibex) that is climate neutral-certified, meaning that they continuously measure their footprint and work to offset (and then reduce) those emissions. This won’t be a selling point for everyone, but it’s become an increasingly important consideration for many consumers in recent years. We rank the Down Sweater higher for its lower weight (by around 5 oz.) and more subdued and streamlined styling, but the latter is largely a matter of personal preference. In the end, Cotopaxi has a ways to go in matching Patagonia’s long-standing reputation for quality and fit, but their Fuego is a well-priced Down Sweater alternative. For a cheaper synthetic option from Cotopaxi with similar styling, check out their Teca Calido Insulated Vest . See the Men's Cotopaxi Fuego Vest   See the Women's Cotopaxi Fuego Vest

13. L.L. Bean Upcountry Waxed Cotton Down Vest ($179)

L.L. Bean consistently hits the mark when it comes to effectively balancing fashion and function, and their Upcountry Waxed Cotton Down Vest carries the torch. Like the Fjallraven Greenland above, the Upcountry Vest is decidedly more casual than performance-focused but looks great around town and can pull double duty for light outdoor use. Starting with warmth, the L.L. Bean is packed with 650-fill down (bonus: It’s hydrophobic) with soft corduroy accents inside the collar and pocket flaps for a nice boost in coziness. And all of the small features are there: The zipper and buttons are solid brass, the storage layout is generous and well executed, and the branding is much less prominent than on other vests on this list.

Deciding on the best casual vest will likely come down to preferences on materials, styling, and cost. At $179, the Upcountry Waxed Cotton Down Vest costs around $30 less than the Fjallraven Greenland above and uses slightly higher-quality insulation, but you forgo some of the ubiquitous down-puffy look. Alternatively, budget-conscious shoppers can save with Patagonia’s $119 Better Sweater Fleece Vest above or Carhartt’s $80 Duck Vest below. But the L.L. Bean’s waxed exterior will fare better over the long term (it will develop a vintage patina look similar to leather), and the thoughtful finishes add a high-end, premium feel. For a slightly more performance-ready option from L.L. Bean that still looks the part for daily wear, check out their Mountain Classic Down Vest .  See the Men's Upcountry Down Vest   See the Women's Upcountry Down Vest

14. Patagonia Classic Retro-X Vest ($159)

Nobody does fleeces better than Patagonia, and their Classic Retro-X harkens back to some of the brand’s original designs. It’s hard to argue with the formula: The Retro-X is cozy, stylish, and adds a noticeable boost in warmth on those chilly fall and spring days. You’ll see this vest (and the full fleece jacket version) everywhere from your local trailhead to the watering hole later that evening, and nobody seems to be complaining. 

As is the case with many Patagonia products, the Retro-X isn’t cheap at $159. You are getting nice extras like a windproof membrane sandwiched in between the sherpa fleece exterior and mesh lining, but the price puts it up against cozier and warmer down alternatives. It’s no doubt a great piece, but there are enough downsides to drop the Retro-X in our rankings. For a more buttoned-down look with a little less warmth, try the Patagonia Better Sweater Vest above. And for a step up in performance, Cotopaxi’s Trico Hybrid Vest uses a unique design with a polyester shell, synthetic fill up top, and fleece along the core and chest pocket for a nice mix of comfort and protection. See the Men's Patagonia Classic Retro-X   See the Women's Patagonia Classic Retro-X

15. Rab Microlight Down Vest ($200)

Rab’s Microlight Down Vest might look relatively unassuming on first glance, but there’s more to this piece than meets the eye. First is weather protection: Rab tacked on several protective measures to help combat the inherently poor wet-weather performance of down, including a tough Pertex Quantum shell, quality DWR coating, water-resistant YKK zippers, and Nikwax finish on the insulation. Other notable features include a close-fitting collar for a little extra warmth around the neck, an adjustable hem for sealing out wind, and pockets that sit high enough to access while wearing a harness or hipbelt. You’ll still want to don a waterproof layer if the skies open up, but the Microlight stands out as one of the most weather-ready down vests on the market and a nice match for summer alpine missions and shoulder-season use in wetter climates.

How does the Rab Microlight Down Vest stack up to our top-rated Patagonia Down Sweater Vest? The Microlight uses lower-quality down (700-fill vs. the Patagonia’s 800-fill) but a little more of it at 4.2 ounces (compared to 3 oz. for the Down Sweater), which translates to a small bump in warmth. On the flip side, the Down Sweater weighs around 2 ounces less, and we prefer the Patagonia’s stuff pocket over the Rab’s separate stuff sack for packing down (the latter is easier to lose). Finally, the Down Sweater is more everyday-friendly with a streamlined look and better colorway selection. But the Rab costs around $30 less and gets the clear edge for demanding outdoor use, making it the better pick for those who value performance over casual appeal. See the Men's Rab Microlight Down Vest   See the Women's Rab Microlight Down Vest  

16. Columbia Steens Mountain Vest ($50)

For those on a tight budget, the Steens Mountain from Columbia is just about the cheapest vest you’ll find. There are no frills here: It’s constructed of a very basic polyester fleece fabric, has two hand pockets, and some versions come in a two-color design with the shoulder/side panel varying from the torso. But Columbia is a respected company in the outdoor gear world, and the Steens Mountain Vest should help add some warmth to your core.

Who should steer clear of the Columbia? This fleece vest will add only a fraction of the warmth compared to a down or even a synthetic model. And although our Columbia products have lasted longer than anticipated, it’s good to have reasonable expectations with gear available at this price point. The fleece eventually will show wear, especially after a number of washings. See the Men's Columbia Steens Mountain   See the Women's Columbia Benton Springs

17. Carhartt Duck Vest ($80)

For winter workwear, it doesn’t get much more classic than the Carhartt Duck Vest. Built with a heavy canvas exterior and lined with quilted polyester, this vest delivers warmth and durability in an affordable package. Whether you’re working outside or looking for a casual piece to keep you cozy, the Carhartt is an excellent example of why we love vests—you can get a bombproof and cozy covering for your core while still maintaining excellent mobility and breathability (Carhartt also makes a Duck Jacket , which is, by no surprise, heavier and more restrictive).

In terms of competitors, the Duck Vest can’t hold a candle to down-filled alternatives like the Fjallraven Greenland or L.L. Bean Upcountry above in terms of warmth, and its polyester lining will pack out over time. But for a whopping $130 less than the Greenland and $99 less than the Upcountry, it’s a really nice value. Patagonia also makes their All Seasons Hemp Canvas Vest , which splits the difference at $139. Keep in mind that these vests are designed for work and casual environments and don’t offer the low weight or weather protection that you’ll want for outdoor activities like hiking or skiing. But for outdoor work and everyday use, the Carhartt Duck Vest is a capable layer at a price that’s hard to beat.  See the Men's Carhartt Duck Vest   See the Women's Carhartt Duck Vest

Vest Comparison Table

About our testing process.

A vest may not seem like an essential layering piece, but for some activities and weather conditions, it can be the perfect addition to your kit. Rotating members of the Switchback Team have been testing vests since 2017, with many classics like the Patagonia Down Sweater staying strong the entire time. Editor-in-chief Penney Garrett curates this guide currently, and she is rarely found without a vest on her body or stowed away for later in a pack. She is an avid hiker, skier, cyclist, and climber and has used and loved vests for all of these activities in all seasons and weather types. From technical synthetics to cozy down and merino wool, Penney and her team are always scouting for new and exciting additions to test and add to this guide if they're deemed worthy. 

An otherwise fun day in the outdoors can be seriously downgraded by getting too hot or cold, even if all other contributing factors align perfectly. And while a well-designed long-sleeve midlayer can be great, sometimes it's more ideal to have the extra warmth only around your core. Enter the vest: An expert piece that leaves your arms free to move and breathe while your midsection stays insulated. Whether you want a thin technical piece for high-output activities (think cross-country skiing or chilly trail runs) or something thicker and cozier for walking the dog or hanging out around the fire pit, our picks above have something to offer. We've considered every factor, from insulation and weather resistance to overall quality and features. Read on to learn more about the factors we look for in a vest worthy of closet space.  

Vest Buying Advice

• Casual vs. Performance Use

Insulation Types

Weather resistance, breathability, durability (denier), weight and packability, sustainability.

• Stepping up to a Full Jacket  

​ Casual vs. Performance Use

We’ll start by pointing out that the majority of vests are worn casually as everyday pieces. They’re great for layering over a flannel or light jacket to add warmth during the fall and spring, and a vest can make you much more comfortable without the need for a full-on jacket. This means that warmth is a top priority—it’s the main purpose of a vest aside from looking good in the process. For this reason, we generally favor down vests like the Patagonia Down Sweater over synthetics (more on why down is the warmest option below).

In addition to casual use, some people wear vests for aerobic activities like hiking, biking, and climbing, or as a midlayer for skiing (both resort and backcountry). For these types of uses, you’ll often see synthetic vests from performance brands like Patagonia and Arc’teryx, many of which breathe well, resist moisture, and continue insulating when wet. For serious forays into the backcountry, however, a jacket provides maximum coverage and warmth and therefore often makes the most sense. This is why most vests are casual first and performance second.  

Down Without a doubt, down is the warmest insulation type. It’s simply unmatched in terms of warmth, weight, and compressibility—the plumage and feathers are extremely fluffy and do a great job at trapping heat close to your body and packing down small. However, down is less breathable than synthetic insulation and retains more moisture when wet, which can cause problems in rainy or snowy weather. For this reason, some down vests (like the OR Coldfront and Arc'teryx Cerium above) put synthetic insulation in high-exposure areas.

When evaluating the quality of down inside a particular vest, fill power is the most commonly provided specification. The higher the fill number, the warmer and fluffier the down will be at a given weight. Most high-end down layering pieces use 800- or 850-fill down, with the Arc’teryx Cerium Vest topping our list at 850-fill. 750-fill power and below falls more into the mid-range category, but even premium brands like Fjallraven use 600-fill down in their vests (it doesn’t matter as much for casual use). Fill weight, which is the actual amount of down inside the garment (and very helpful in determining warmth), unfortunately isn’t provided for most vests. Synthetic For high-output activities, synthetic insulation is more breathable than down and won’t soak up moisture as readily. It’s also cheaper while still able to keep you quite cozy—that said, not all synthetic insulation is created equal. Industry leader PrimaLoft is dependable and known for their innovation. Arc’teryx does a nice job balancing weight, warmth, breathability, and packed size with their in-house Coreloft insulation, Black Diamond’s First Light Hybrid uses PrimaLoft’s breathable Silver Insulation Active, and The North Face has spent a lot of energy on its proprietary ThermoBall (made in conjunction with PrimaLoft). All have their upsides, but at the end of the day, none are quite as warm and packable as premium down (Patagonia’s PlumaFill is the closest we’ve tested). For a complete breakdown of the topic, see our article on down vs. synthetic insulation .  

Merino Wool Along with down, merino wool is one of the premier natural forms of insulation, known for its next-to-skin comfort, warmth, temperature regulation, and ability to wick moisture and stay dry. For these reasons, it’s very popular in performance layering, and particularly for baselayers. Merino is popular for vests, too, with wool specialists like Smartwool and Icebreaker having a number of models. Keep in mind that most merino vests (and products in general) consist of simply the fabric itself instead of clusters of down or synthetic insulation, so they will be thinner and not quite as warm. There are outliers though:  Black Diamond's First Light Hybrid  offers a nice mix of synthetic fill at the front and a blended merino panel at the back. For a performance vest or baselayer for aerobic activities, merino is a very viable option. Fleece Fleece is pretty much synonymous with coziness and has been for years. This simple polyester fabric is soft, decently warm depending on the thickness, and offers great next-to-skin comfort. Fleece is most commonly found on casual pieces like the ubiquitous Patagonia Better Sweater and Classic Retro-X Vest . You’ll occasionally see performance fleeces out on the hiking trails or in the bouldering fields, but they aren’t built for serious outdoor use in the same way as the other insulation types. Fleece doesn’t block wind very well in most cases, weighs quite a bit for the warmth it provides, doesn’t compress very small, and tends to pill up over time. But it is comfortable and inexpensive, which are two of the reasons it’s so popular for everyday wear.

As we covered above, down is the warmest type of insulation for the weight. Synthetic insulation comes in second, with merino wool and fleece tending to be the least warm of the bunch. In general, a vest should help keep you decently warm as a layering piece in most fall and spring conditions. If the temperatures get frigid or you are standing still for an extended period of time, you will want to consider layering up or wearing a full down or synthetic jacket instead. Partial coverage is great in mild weather or if you’re working up some body heat, but full coverage is best for the cold.

If you’re looking for concrete numbers to evaluate the warmth of a particular vest, there are a few helpful clues. For down, fill power is readily available (850-fill, 800-fill, etc.), which is the measure of the quality of the down. Fill weight (the physical amount of down) isn’t listed as frequently for vests as it is for full down jackets , but we always mention this in our product writeups above when we have this info. Synthetic pieces often use grams (60g, 40g, etc.) to measure warmth, and merino and fleece use grams or other designations like heavyweight, midweight, and lightweight. All in all, a vest will add notable warmth but shouldn’t be thought of as a standalone piece for the cold.  

The sleeveless design of vests means weather resistance isn’t a top consideration, but there are notable differences between models. The shell, including its material, thickness, and coating, largely determines the degree of weather protection. Most down and synthetic vests have a polyester or nylon shell that should do a decent job at repelling light to moderate wind and precipitation. Some high-end and mid-range vests like the Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated  and Patagonia Down Sweater add a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment, which helps water bead up and roll off your vest instead of soaking in.  Rab's Microlight Down Vest takes it a step further with a weather-resistant Pertex Quantum shell, hydrophobic down, and quality DWR finish. Merino does a good job of repelling moisture naturally but will soak through over time, and the same goes for fleece, which is hydrophobic but allows wind and water to penetrate the fabric.

If your vest is down, you’ll want to add layers when rain or snow really starts to fall. Down soaks up moisture and loses the ability to insulate, whereas synthetics are much better in this regard. From our experience, we’ve noticed that most jackets and vests are rather impressive at resisting moisture, and we tend not to fret too much unless we are out in the rain for extended periods or it really starts to pour.  

Breathability can vary significantly from vest to vest, and synthetic insulation is superior to down for airflow. From our list above, Black Diamond's First Light Hybrid  (which features PrimaLoft Silver Active at the front) is impressive at breathing and keeping you cool on the go, which makes it a great midlayer for high-output activities like backcountry skiing or as an outer layer for cool-weather hiking, biking, or climbing. Arc’teryx’s Coreloft is great, too, as seen on the minimalist Norvan Insulated Vest. Merino wool is also a good breather for aerobic activities like running and cross-country skiing, although its utility is somewhat limited as these vests tend to be thinner and less warm than synthetics. Lightweight fleeces also can be decent ventilators, but most fleece vests are casual in nature and do not excel at regulating temperature.

Don’t overlook the durability of the vest you’re considering—it can lead to an all-too-short lifespan for a rather pricey purchase. The thickness of a down or synthetic vest’s shell fabric is measured in denier (D), and the higher the number, the thicker the shell. At the ultralight end of the spectrum, a vest like the 10x10D Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 (not included here) is built for true ounce counters. This means that the overall weight of the vest is surprisingly low, but it’s also quite easy to rip while brushing up against a branch or rock. If you take great care with an ultralight shell fabric, it can last, but it requires exactly that.

Most casual or all-around synthetic and down vests on this list are 20-denier and up, which allows you to think about your vest a lot less than with an ultralight piece. Many of our top picks fall into this category, including the Patagonia Down Sweater and Arc’teryx Norvan Insulated (both 20D). A heavy-duty vest like The North Face Nuptse is even thicker at 40D, and Carhartt’s Duck Vest fabric doesn’t have a denier measurement but is extremely thick and durable. Merino wool is the least durable vest type of the bunch, as it doesn’t have a shell protecting the material and is typically rather thin. Fleece is fairly tough but is prone to pilling after multiple washings or extended use.  

Weight matters most to those who are heading out into the backcountry and carrying their belongings in a pack (backpacking and backcountry skiing are two prime examples). Because most vests are casual in nature and worn for everyday use, weight isn’t a huge factor in most people’s buying decisions. However, there are notable differences in weight between our picks above, starting with the Arc'teryx Norvan Insulated at a feathery 3.5 ounces. The next-lightest option in our current lineup is the Arc'teryx Cerium , and it's twice as heavy at 7.1 ounces. Burly vests like The North Face Retro Nuptse weigh around or over 1 pound, and thick shells like the Carhartt Duck Vest are even heavier. For ultralighters, down is the clear favorite—it provides the most warmth for the weight and packs down the smallest.

For those who plan on carrying their vest in a backpack, some of our picks come with a stuff sack or pack down into one of their own pockets. This can make a vest even easier to carry, as it will take up very little space overall.  Remember that it’s best to leave your vest unpacked while at home, which helps preserve the down or synthetic insulation. A handful of vests on this list are not packable (we list this in our comparison table ), although many of those still will stuff down reasonably small into the corner of a backpack.  

Vests don’t have a ton of variation in terms of pockets, but most designs boast at least two handwarmer pockets (even the basic fleece Columbia Steens Mountain has two hand pockets). Some vests have a chest pocket on the upper left, and some have an interior pocket that may double as a stuff sack for storage. The pockets on the vests we’ve tested are generally perfect for comfortably carrying the basics: small objects like keys, a wallet, and a phone. If you plan on bringing more than that along, you’ll want to consider using a daypack or other carrying device.  

In terms of fit, vests are less complicated than full jackets, mainly because the arms don’t come into play. However, different vests and brands fit differently in the torso, and this is worth taking into account. Patagonia, for example, tends to have a medium to boxy fit that allows for a wider range of body types. The North Face also tends to run large and boxy, as they are frequently geared toward more casual use. On the other hand, Arc’teryx's Cerium and Norvan Insulated are designed with performance in mind and therefore have snug, athletic fits. Keep in mind that vests are layering pieces and therefore it matters what you intend to wear underneath or over the top. If you plan on layering over a bulky flannel or jacket, it definitely makes sense to size up if you’re on the fence.

The outdoor apparel market has seen a sizable push in sustainability practices of late, and vests are no exception. Key measures include the use of recycled fabrics, down insulation that’s traceable and certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), and materials that are bluesign-approved (safe for the environment, workers, and consumers) and Fair Trade Certified (produced in a factory where workers’ conditions and compensation are priorities). It’s important to note that no insulation type is totally eco-friendly, and both down and synthetics have their drawbacks, but the increase in RDS-certified down and recycled synthetic fill certainly is appealing from an environmental standpoint. It’s also becoming increasingly common to see PFC-free DWR coatings, which are free of perfluorocarbons that are harmful to the environment.

Brands like Patagonia and REI Co-op have been at the forefront of the sustainability push, but many other leading outdoor companies continue to make notable inroads year after year. For example, The North Face updated parts of their collection, including the Nuptse Vest, to include 100% recycled materials and a PFC-free DWR finish. Cotopaxi is also worth calling out directly as one of just a few outdoor brands that’s climate neutral-certified (along with REI), which means they continuously monitor their footprint and work to reduce emissions. In the end, how a vest is made may not be the deciding factor for some consumers, but we certainly appreciate when brands are transparent about their practices and go the extra mile in creating more sustainably built products.

Stepping up to a Full Jacket

We really appreciate vests. They’re super cozy, terrific for casual use, and less bulky and expensive than a full jacket. But there are obvious limitations: Vests don’t offer full coverage and leave your arms exposed, meaning you also have to think about what will be worn underneath. Most serious adventurers depend on down jackets or synthetic jackets for warmth and protection while out in the backcountry, while vests are seen more frequently in town. Fortunately, the majority of the vests on this list are the trimmed-down siblings of the full jacket versions. This means that you may already have some familiarity with certain products and insulation types, and if you’re a fan, you can grab the jacket version of the vest or vice versa.  Back to Our Top Vest Picks   Back to Our Vest Comparison Table

Learn More About Outdoor Gear

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Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody Review

Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2024

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

Camping Gear Reviews

Arc'teryx Atom Hoody Review

Best Midlayers of 2024

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We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries.

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The Local Overnighters Project is a unified effort to document and map one-night bikepacking routes all over the world—by locals, in their own backyards.

The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the world), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format.

For Issue 11, we head to Iceland with two contributors and photographers, plus share a handful of brilliant adventures from Mexico, Spain, the Republic of Georgia, and riders' own backyards...

The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you won’t want to miss! It features 25% more pages with extra stories, bonus art and maps, and much more...

Issue 09 takes readers on trips through time—one to the early days of bicycles—and offers several reminders to be grateful for supportive friends and family, and strangers we meet along the way...

Friday Debrief: Fork-Mounted Slingshot, Lael’s World Record, Inside Veneto Trail, and More…

Previous Dispatch From Fri Sep 13, 2024

Reader’s Rig: Johannes’s Alonukis Frameworks Custom

This week’s Debrief features a fork-mounted slingshot, new Ornot vests, the winning Smoke ‘n’ Fire bike, Lael’s new record, Granny Gear T-shirts, several events to follow, and much more. Find it all here…

The weekly Debrief highlights small but important bits of news, products, and things that caught our attention on the website, in the conversation, and elsewhere around the community. These include upcoming events and interesting items our readers shared in the comments. Check out this week’s findings below.

Bits & Bobs

New products that are worth highlighting but didn’t make the Dispatch…

Relentless Spur Shot Slingshot

Made in USA / $92 at Relentless

The Spur Shot is a unique slingshot designed to mount on your bike’s fork or frame using standard bottle bosses. Made in the USA from 5052 aluminum and anodized black, it’s built for campside target practice but also functions as a disc rotor truing tool and includes a 1/4″ hex bit pocket for on-the-go wrenching. It weighs just 135 grams and comes with thumb screw hardware and an elastic cord for secure mounting. You can use various types of ammo, but biodegradable clay shot is recommended. Pre-orders are open; expect delivery by mid-October.

Ornot Alpha Vests

Made in USA / $134-196 at Ornot

Ornot released two versatile cycling vests for the fall: the Alpha Riding Vest and the Alpha Daily Vest. Both are made in California with bluesign-approved materials and focused on warmth and sustainability. The Alpha Riding Vest features 120gsm Polartec Alpha insulation and a wind-blocking, moisture-wicking front panel designed to balance warmth and breathability for cold-weather rides. The Alpha Daily Vest adds extra insulation with 150gsm Polartec Alpha Merino, making it ideal for even colder temperatures and casual wear. With a looser fit and three zippered pockets, it’s made for both on- and off-bike activities. There are men’s and women’s sizes and colors available, and quantities are limited.

Donut Kill Me Leg Straps from Donut Sack Bike Bags

Made in USA / $6 at Donut Sack Bike Bags

Donut Sack Bike Bags in Columbus, Ohio, just restocked their popular reflective “Donut Kill Me” leg straps just in time for the equinox and the darkness of winter. They are $6 each, $5 shipping, and can be purchased using Venmo or cash at pick-up if you’re local.

Whitebark Gear Granny Gear T-Shirts

Made in USA / $30 at Whitebark Gear

Whitebark Gear in Bozeman, Montana, just released some “Granny Gear” T-shirts, and they’re selling out quickly! There are standard and cropped versions, both with fantastic granny artwork by Andrew Houser and printed locally at Ok Clothing Co. “This one is for the bike nerds out there that know that a steep climb in granny gear is sometimes just what the doctor ordered – or maybe not – but we’re doing it anyway. And props to you if you do it in a fun little outfit.”

Panorama Cycles SRAM T-Type Dropouts

Made in Taiwan / $35 CAD at Panorama

Panorama Cycles in Canada just announced they are now offering SRAM T-Type dropout inserts for the Taiga, Taiga EXP, Boreal and Torngat. The dropouts appear to bolt directly into their sliding dropouts, are made from aluminum, and allow the use of the latest T-Type Transmission drivetrains with a new rear axle .

In Conversation

Exchanges and ideas that caught our attention in the site’s conversation section…

Not Bikepacking?

Whether it’s cameras, cargo bikes, conservation, coffee, or any number of other topics that loosely relate to bikepacking, we’re always eager to highlight some of our additional bike and non-bike interests on the site. What bikepacking-adjacent topics are you interested in reading more about? Let us know using the form below, and we’ll do our best to incorporate your ideas into upcoming posts!

Around the Community

News from around the bikepacking world…

Inside the Veneto Trail

Bombtrack put together this video documenting the 2024 Veneto Trail event. There were a whopping 415 registered participants this year, and apparently not many finished the challenging course.

The Winning Bike Setup for the Smoke ‘n’ Fire 2024

Last week, 30-year-old Jackson Long took first place at the 2024 Smoke ‘n’ Fire 400 in Idaho, flying through the 400-mile route in just 1 day, 20 hours, and 40 minutes. Read our congrats post here , and then watch the rig check video above to learn more about what he brought along for the ride.

BIKEPACKING OVERNIGHT SULL’ASSIETTA

Andrea Romano’s latest video chronicles a two-day bikepacking trip along Italy’s Strada dell’Assietta in some exceptionally moody weather. You can watch the eight-minute video in Italian above, and note that you can turn on YouTube’s auto-translate feature to help follow the dialogue.

Joe Tonsager’s Gunny Loopy Loop Story

The Gunny Loopy Loop is a bikepacking event based out of beautiful Gunnison, Colorado. It’s rowdy, beautiful, and challenging. This year’s grand depart was two weeks ago, and Joe Tonsager of JPaks has had time to reflect on his experience riding 255 miles with over 36,000 feet of climbing. Head over to his website to read more.

Štěpán Stránský Wins 2024 Alps Divide

Ninety-six riders lined up on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Menton, France, last Saturday for the inaugural edition of the Alps Divide, a 1,000-kilometer bikepacking challenge from the sea to Lake Geneva in the Alps. Štěpán Stránský, aka Wolf Man, was first to finish in a time of 4 days, 20 hours, and 15 minutes, setting a high bar as the first fastest known time on the route. Keep an eye on the Alps Divide Instagram page for more update.

Sam Allen is Sole Finisher of the 2024 New Colo

This week, Sam Allen became the sole finisher of the full 2024 New Colo route. Sam rode the 980-mile route in 10 days, 12 hours, and 40 minutes, and according to the organizers, rode almost entirely alone. Congrats, Sam! Learn more about the route and event here .

Events Starting Soon

What to watch this weekend and bikepacking events starting soon…

Roam Fest is the world’s first and biggest femme and women’s mountain bike festival, and this year’s edition will take place from September 20th to 22nd in Fruita, Colorado. It will feature workshops, rides, an expo, group meals, yoga sessions, happy hours, and much more. Among many other brands, the crew from Salsa Cycles will be there with demo bikes and an introductory bikepacking workshop co-hosted by Radical Adventure Riders. You can learn more and find tickets here .

The High Plains Drifter

The High Plains Drifter is a 330-mile unsupported bikepacking adventure following a mix of gravel roads and doubletrack just north of Denver, Colorado. The third annual grand depart left from Greeley this morning at 7 a.m., and there are nearly 20 riders signed up for live tracking. Follow their progress live here .

TATR: The Adirondack Trail Ride

TATR is a 585+ mile, solo, self-supported bikepacking adventure through the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. It is a loop through a beautiful and diverse eastern wilderness on trail, pavement, and dirt road. This year’s grand depart took off at 8 a.m. this morning, and there are just over 20 riders registered for live tracking .

Utah Mixed Epic

The Utah Mixed Epic is an officially unofficial self-supported bikepacking pilgrimage across Utah. Riders may choose a short, long-weekend route (The Jello Salad) or a more immersive 750-mile-ish session (The Funeral Potato), both of which start and return participants to Salt Lake City. There are 15 riders currently registered for live tracking, and the grand depart kicks off at 10:00 am local time. Follow their progress here .

Weekly Social

Some things we found around the ‘gram and elsewhere. This week, a handful of scenes from the final segment of Lael Wilcox’s incredible record-setting ride around the world…

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lael Wilcox (@laelwilcox)

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Is Columbus Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Ohio : Safety by City

• Cuyahoga Falls
• Port Clinton
• Westerville
• Yellow Springs

The Ohio state capital is in Columbus, and it’s actually the largest city by population in the state.

Yep, even larger than Cleveland.

In Columbus (or anywhere in Ohio for that matter), if someone shouts “O-H” at you, the only acceptable reply is “I-O” shouted back.

This is in tribute to the Ohio State Buckeyes and their massive fan base.

Taking in a game at Ohio Stadium – but please call it “The Shoe” to fit in – is truly an experience you don’t want to miss.

This is a city of 900,000 people with Midwestern hospitality and an urban core with plenty of things to do.

In fact, some people debate about whether they should visit Cleveland or Columbus.

You can read our review of “How Safe is Cleveland for Travel?” if you’re torn as well

Columbus is not only large in population, it has a large land size as well.

This means plenty of different districts to explore:

• Downtown: Innovation, cultural, technology, the statehouse, and a park like no other.
• Arena District: Sports dominate this region with concert venues on top of that.
• Short North Arts District: You’ll know it by the lighted arches that lead the way.
• Grandview: A slower pace of life than the city with a lunch that can parlay into happy hour.
• Franklintown: Creativity around every corner in this artsy and eclectic neighborhood.
• Easton: “The Rodeo Drive of the Midwest,” you’ll find luxurious shopping here.
• Near East Side: From gardens to gastropubs, a mix of activities to see here.
• German Village: Charm and breweries wrapped up in one historical neighborhood.
• OSU/Clintonville: “O-H”… Did you say it? Plenty of places to see with a hipster vibe near the campus.
• Dublin/Bridge Park: As Irish of a place as you’ll find in Ohio, with plenty of food and entertainment options
• Polaris: Shopping and dining core with national brands

That’s a lot to do, right?

The best part is that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re here for gameday, a romantic getaway, or a summer vacay with the kids.

• Warnings & Dangers in Columbus

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Columbus is one of the rare cities in Ohio that actually reported the 2021 crime statistics. While much of the raw data leans toward a medium risk, you'll also meet some of the nicest people possible here. You just have to remember this isn't a rinky dink college town. It's a metropolis growing closer to a million people every year.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

COTA is the public bus system here with various routes to get you around town or express routes to get you to places you need to be faster. Download the COTA Connector so you can avoid pulling out your wallet to pay. Taxis and rideshares are easy to find and rental cars are widely available. While COTA has faced some recent crimes on buses, it's not indicative of being unsafe. You just have to use basic security measures.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

91 pickpockets were reported in 2021, which is 0.004% of all the thefts here. While you should always use standard protection of your belongings in public, there isn't a massive pickpocket issue here. Car break-ins are a different story, with 45% of all thefts being related to things stolen from inside or outside vehicles.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Winters can be rough in Columbus, with snow storms and bitter cold temperatures. Warmer weather can bring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. There's a medium risk because of the potential throughout the year, but there's nothing here the city hasn't dealt with before.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

31% of robberies happen in public places here, with an average theft of $1400. Lower your risk by not carrying valuables with you, keeping mobile devices out of sight, and putting your wallet in a hidden pocket inside a jacket.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Larger metro areas are always going to be considered a higher risk, and gamedays will have elevated security levels with massive crowds flooding the stadium and city.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The biggest scam here that would involve a tourist includes Ohio State ticket scams. Even some of the websites set up look legit, but they aren't. Be sure you're buying a ticket from an authorized vendor and the Better Business Bureau recommends using a credit card to pay for tickets instead of apps like Venmo to get better fraud protection.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women should proceed with a medium risk just because of the crime rates here in general, not because of a specific risk. The violent crime trends show men are slightly more likely to be a victim of a crime. If you're enjoying the nightlife here, be sure to use basic bar precautions, like not letting someone buy you a drink unless you see the bartender make it and don't leave drinks uncovered while you're on the dance floor.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The water utility in Columbus is in full compliance with the Safe Water Drinking Act and there should be no concerns about the water quality. Should there be any risks that happen, the city will notify residents and hotels while posting information on social media accounts.

• Safest Places to Visit in Columbus

Experiencecolumbus.com is the official tourism website for the city, and you explore the many neighborhoods and events there.

You can also watch tourism videos on the CVSColumbus YouTube channel.

Experience passports are available for purchase with a discount for buying in bulk.

The German Village is a family-friendly place and walkable neighborhood where you can “Live Like a German” for an afternoon or evening.

Be sure to come hungry because there are authentic German dishes and pastries waiting to fill you up.

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens mixes the beauty of art and flowers into one easy to explore location.

There’s a garden just for kids and a glass artwork display that is the largest of its kind.

The Columbus Museum of Art is another great place to see modern artworks with an outdoor sculpture garden.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium takes you under the sea or to the land down under with a variety of animals to view and some interactive experiences that you won’t soon forget.

The zoo also comes to life with holiday decorations between Thanksgiving and the new year.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is more than just a place to play with one of America’s favorite toys.

You can also hop on an amusement park ride or take in a show at the 4D theatre.

If you want more fun with the family, COSI is a science center with more than 300 ways to learn about science in an interactive setting.

If you like walking tours, Columbus has more than a dozen options.

You can get a jolt from the coffee trail, try out different options along the food truck trail, explore the Short North Art Trail, or get your live music fix on that trial.

Hop on the Scioto Mile to explore the outdoor parks and trails along the Scioto River.

Several parks can be found along this path and don’t be surprised if you run into a festival or two.

This is a popular gathering spot for Columbus events.

If you’re visiting Dublin and Bridge Park, take a historic walking tour, but don’t miss a chance to walk on the new suspension bridge.

It’s curved and scientifically creative to be a great way to explore without sitting in traffic.

• Places to Avoid in Columbus

Crime is spread out across Columbus, and different seasons can change the crime distribution.

For example, more crimes might happen during football seasons because there are more crowds.

Some of the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates include North Linden, Franklintown, and Hilltop.

One bar in South Hilltop, the Spotlight Lounge, had so much crime the city took action to shut it down on certain weekends and require increased safety steps.

“The violent crime and firearm-related offenses at this location constituted an ongoing threat to the surrounding neighborhood,” Assistant City Attorney Zach Gwin told Channel 6.

“We are glad the owners were willing to come to the table and make serious commitments for the safety of patrons and neighbors.”

The higher-crime neighborhoods aren’t in the places tourists are going to frequent, but you should always stay on main roads and avoid cutting through neighborhoods if you don’t know the area.

Driving with your car doors locked is smart, but also basic safety.

• Safety Tips for Traveling to Columbus
• The Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center has a website and video explaining what rights you would have should you be a victim of a crime. If you are unfamiliar with the laws and rights in the United States or specifically in Ohio, this is a great tool to review ahead of your trip.
• Gun crime is growing in the United States, and that might make you a bit nervous about visiting different cities. It’s important to note that Ohio does have open carry laws, so you might see people with guns. The majority of people with guns are not criminals. Once someone uses a gun in a menacing or threatening way, it becomes a crime.
• You can file a non-urgent crime report or accident report on the police department’s website. This is a great way to get an accident report if you need it for insurance purposes. For questions about filing a theft online, you can call (614) 645-4545.
• MyColumbus is an app you can download for tourist information, questions about the city, or weather information throughout your trip. You’ll also have access to all social media posts in one place.
• In the app you’ll also find a connection to the 311 service. You can also dial 311 at any time. You can add safety concerns, like potholes or street light outages, without having to spend much time doing so. If there is a weather emergency and you need shelter information, that’s another great reason to call 311. The service is also available in six languages.
• Street parking in Columbus is a touchless process. At first glance, it’s going to look like you can just park wherever you want! HOW COOL, RIGHT? Nope. Look for the “Know Your Zone” sign and take a picture of that so you have the information. You’ll also need to know your license plate number. You can pay at kiosks or by mobile app. Look at the “My Buddy Charles” YouTube channel for a walkthrough of how this works.
• Columbus Warrior Watch is an interactive map that comes to life during a snowstorm. You’ll be able to see real-time information about where snow plows are located while cleaning the streets. The city has various levels of snow emergencies, so review the plan before you visit or at least before it starts snowing.
• Stop by any bike shop to get a Columbus Metro Bike Map. You’ll find the location of bicycle lanes and trails throughout the city and where you can rent bicycles.
• Sign up for weather alerts through Alert Franklin County. That’s located on the website fcemhs.org. While you’re there, review the awareness plan so you’re ready for any wild weather that could happen.
• Follow @ColumbusPublicUtlities on Facebook if you have concerns about water quality. While the information would be shared with all the city accounts, this is a sure way to get the information right from the source.
• BONUS TIP: Don’t wear Michigan State attire or say anything positive about Michigan State unless you are a hardcore fan. There’s a huge rivalry between these two universities. I had a colleague years ago who kept a basket of buckeyes with a “Countdown to Ohio vs. Michigan” on his desk. If I even mentioned it, I got a history lesson wrapped up with an “O-HHHHHH!” and I would be like, “I-O, got it.”
• So... How Safe Is Columbus Really?

In the summer of 2022, a string of violent crimes caused a stir in the community.

With violent crime on the rise nationwide, it’s easy to think it is going to get worse in any city.

Local leaders got together and in a news conference said that crime rates are actually down compared to last year, although we won’t know year-to-year comparisons until 2023.

2021 was a record-setting year for homicides in Columbus.

“The deadly and devastating scourge of gun violence stands apart (from other issues) in size, scale, complexity,” Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said.

“Its damage to our community is evident by the headlines and heartbreak we see on so many days.

It must be stopped.”

Nearly 2,000 illegal guns were taken off the street in the first half of the year, and actions like the aforementioned bar facing infractions for being a crime-ridden business, show the city is taking the epidemic seriously.

In February of 2022, the city declared a Public Health Crisis due to gun violence.

All that said, the crimes in this community are more often than not crimes against people who know each other, related to drug activity, or are part of the gang lifestyle.

I’ve written hundreds of these travel safety articles and this isn’t particular to Columbus at all.

In fact, it’s not even among the worst cities in the country or even the state of Ohio.

If you stay in tourist areas, avoid walking around at night alone, lock your car with belongings out of sight, and avoid any suspicious business or activity, you should be just fine.

If you happen to be a victim of a crime, you can rest assured that the Columbus Police are dedicated to chasing down criminals and holding them accountable.

• How Does Columbus Compare?
• Useful Information

A U.S. Travel or Work Visa will be required to gain entry into the United States. You'll need your passport as well to get through Customs. Don't wait until the last minute because the visa process can take months to complete.

The U.S. Dollar (USD) is the only currency accepted here. As a progressive city, Columbus and its businesses are widely ahead of technology and offer many ways to pay without having to pull out your wallet. Try to buy tickets in advance of your trip to control the fraud risk and keep your credit card from being seen in public.

Dress in insulated clothing during the winter, and it can be bitterly cold here. Should you see someone wearing shorts in winter, don't follow suit. That's just part of Ohio culture (and many other cold states) because people become acclimated to the weather. Wear good walking shoes and leave the heels at home, since there's a lot of time you'll spend exploring on two feet. Summers will be humid and can get hot, but not as hot as some places in the South.

John Glenn Columbus International Airport is just six miles east of downtown. You can get there by taxi, rideshare, or express bus service if you don't have a car. Check with your hotel first to see if there is a free shuttle offered.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for your flight and ground transportation is a great idea, especially during winter when snow or ice can delay or cancel flights.

Columbus Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Ohio - Safety by City

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• 16 Pros and Cons of Living in Columbus, OH
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4 Reviews on Columbus

Safer than most.

I wouldn’t say Columbus should have a Medium safety index. I’m more inclined to think it should be on the Low side of things. Things happen there but it’s not nearly as bad as in other US cities. Been there on a few occasions and didn’t have anything out of the ordinary happen. It’s an ok destination with Broadway shows, opera, etc.

been here 5 yrs. pop of 900,000 does NOT feel like almost a million , downtown is EMPTY now , workers have those fake Jobs from home where they all hang out in a bathrobe and eat ice cream all day, etc OSU campus area is very very SEEDY , way too many dive bars with heavy knife stabbings during football games, have seen this city go down the drain past few years, all the retail DRUG dive stores are shameful for sure, not Rx walgreens stores, it’s all the HUFFING and magical powders , etc everyone hates to see now, dopehead pipes and needles litter the sidewalks, so do NOT go bare foot or you will get stuck, too many radicals now on campus have ruined the whole city, people here very very fake and phoney, go around with heads down addicted to mobile phones 18 hours a day, act like ice cold robots, very UN-friendly , rude , all have a pompous attitude , this city is a mecca for all the NARCISSITIC types who were raised by robot parents to be ice cold robots, instead of NORMAL human beings, sad and tragic. only good thing in this city is STEAK N SHAKE we dont go to sleazy bars, none of that foolishness, also be sure to take a bus out of town in June to avoid the two day shame parade that screws up traffic with detour and all the Loons who come to visit, oddball hippies and assorted riff raff, creepy beards and tattoo freaks of nature , look like they crawled out of a hole in the ground or some ancient dinosaur cave. =======Todd & Krissy ohio st univ

Last I knew the Bloods and Crips did not have a presence in Columbus. But okay.

Columbus has its safe areas, but like any city, there are areas to be cautious of. It’s always a good idea to stay informed about crime rates and take necessary precautions.

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Article Contents

• Columbus : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Tap Water Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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