You do not NEED a vest. An untucked shirt, a tucked shirt if you want, a jacket, a long T-shirt all can work for concealment. Do keep in mind that the weapon and ammunition carriers (mags or speed loaders) also need to be concealed.beads wrote:Thanks so do I really need a vest for concellment? Was going to wear long shirt that you'll be unable to see w/ arms raised. Have a light jacket bringing just in case but will be hot.
The nice thing about a vest is that it often gives you extra pockets to stow magazines in a reload situation, which can be handy. I got a Woolrich light weight vest for IDPA and ended up wearing nearly all the time as everyday wear just because it was comfortable. But I have also worn western vests for casual wear. Even a lightweight fabric (non-tactical) garment can work for everyday or IDPA.
The nice thing about IDPA is that you can use everyday gear to compete. It does not require a lot of "special" or "tactical" stuff to participate effectively. Obviously, pulling up a shirt to draw or fetch a magazine is slower than sweeping aside a shooter's vest, and if your concentration is on winning the game you will want to get appropriate gear. If your goal is to improve your skills using your everyday carry rig (within certain rule restrictions) you will be pleased with that too. You will uncover any weaknesses in your carry method at the range rather than when your life is on the line.