I had the SOTech SAR Vest. It was a good vest but I found it heavy for what it is. The fit was big for me, I am 5'10" and adjusting it for my height took some time to get it close. It was never right. It is not a vest you want if you are wanting to use a pack. It has a built in pack that will add excessive bulk between you and your pack. It did carry everything I needed to treat a BLS patient along with survival gear and a sidearm. In the built in pack you have a sleeve for a water bladder, for comfort I found it better to not use the sleeve. I replaced it with an Aero-Vest from True North Gear. The vest is lighter, works better with packs and for me is a lot cooler than the SOTech.
Tom, you took the words out of my mouth, but I would have shown the the newer edition. A MAV or a similiar, split front vest or chest rig/rack is cooler in summer, warmer in winter (less squishing of insulation), and it is versatile enough that many of the models can be worn as lumbar packs with just a few seconds adjustment.
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-IronRaven
When a man dare not speak without malice for fear of giving insult, that is when truth starts to die. Truth is the truest freedom.
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