I own a 3.0 "Tactical" with fleece liner. I've had it for a few years, my wife refers to it as my "man purse" since it usually weighs more than one of my kids...

I bought the tactical as a combination air travel vest for carry-on stash and as a rain coat. For airline trips I usually put the sleeves in the back pocket and wear the vest full of electronic gizmos (iPod, Sony PSP), snacks (granola bars, trail mix), reading materials, and a bottle of water (I carry an empty sport bottle through security and fill it at a water fountain in the airport). Toss in a photon on the pocket clip, a zipka, and a small FAK and I am done. Hence the weight.

Pockets are nice and deep, I can stash a lot of stuff throughout the jacket. I have not had the pinching problems that Martin mentioned. The outside chest pockets are very handy when stuck in the middle seat without the ability to move much.

I find the tactical model is not the right choice for frequent wear. I tend towards the overheated body temp, I get pretty warm in this vest (usually don't have the fleece liner installed).

I recently noticed a tear in the shell, other than that it has stood up to several years of wear. There is some pilling of the mesh on the inside, but no tears. I'd be willing to consider the regular vest, if I could visit it in person somewhere. Considering going with a dedicated carry-all vest, with another jacket for outer rain/cold protection (and even more pockets!).