First off, I am very tough on my equipment and fish long hours in sometimes brutal, unforgiving conditions. That being said, I have been using this vest/pack for the past year, I must admit it is very durable and tough !!! It stays put for the entire day's fishing, the strapping is positioned well, superbly constucted and easy to adjust. With the lumbar and padded shoulder straps I dont feel weighed down at all. Most of all its the best vest I have ever used for those heavy duty fishing days for salmon or steelhead. Holds everything you need plus lunch!!!. Zippered pockets are top of the line. Just an all around great vest. I highly recommend this great product.
Practice catch and release, it makes a great sport even greater!!
I enjoy using the vest because of all the pockets. All my stuff has its place. The vest rides high so I can wade high. The wading belt saves my back with its lumbar support. I like the two front fly patches because they hold all my wet flies and I can remove the velcro patches to dry my flies on the way home. Finally, the front zipper is big and easy to zip up so that I can move easily without obstructions.
I haven't actually used the vest yet in a fishing situation, but having tried it on it is extremely comfortable to wear, and the pockets all seem very well designed and ergonomic. Well worth it.
As received, vest has a great deal of versatility and range of use. Plenty of storage space, with convenience in mind as well. Lots of size adjustment for my large frame as well.