I guess it depends on how you plan to use it. Here in the south, it seems a mesh style vest is best so you don't overheat but can carry all your stuff.

I used to carry a mil spec web belt with suspenders while on SAR missions. I liked that the weight was distributed all around my body instead of just on my back or shoulders. What I did not like was it made me carry my arms out to the side.

I got a vest to replace the suspenders. It was a cheap mil spec imitation and it did not match up to my web belt. It was nylon so trapped body heat. It put all the pockets on my front for easy access but transferred weight to my front instead of even distrubution.

For me I like the idea of the mess vest with 2 inch web straps across it to accept Alice pouches. I would include a a large pouch across the small of the back similar to duck hunting vests to allow me to carry larger stuff if necessary. I like the idea of the lace sides to allow me to adjust the size to fit over heavy winter coats or just a t-shirt during warmer times.

I want to be able to put a strobe on the shoulder like PFDs to make it easier to identify me in the woods at night. Ideally there would be some way that the strobe mounts behind your head so it does not blind you but is still able to be turned on without having to remove the vest.

I would like some velcro based reflective stripes that I could add or remove as necessary. The hook side is sewn to the reflective stripe and the loop is sewn on the vest. You can attach the reflective material if required or remove as needed.

It should have the capability to accept camelback style hydration packs on the back with keepers for the tube on the front.

I would like a drawstring or adjustment at the waist to allow cinch in or let out to adjust the fit and movement of the vest during activity.

Most of the vests I see that fit the description above tend to be SWAT or special forces vests which tend to cater to holding extra ammo. Most of my stuff is not ammo shaped so many of the pockets are not the right diminsion. The Alice pouch idea overcomes that flaw but serves to increase weight and cost. I have cut out the sewing between ammo pouches to make them larger but not always easy.

I liked having a few points on my suspenders to attach things that needed to be outside of pockets but not in my hand. I have my pace beads to allow me to use my map and compass. I have a whistle at neck level so if both arms are pinned or unuseable, I can turn my head and blow for help. Some people like to hang a angle head flashlight to the front for hands free use. I prefer to wear a headmounted light. If carrying a two-way radio, then the handsfree portion needs an attachment point at the collar/shoulder.

It should have a D-ring or other point on back to allow the connection of a cylume stick on the back. That way it does not effect nightvision but allows others following to easily identifiy you. A velcro stripe or two across the back to add the reflective stripes would be an alternate.

It would be nice to have either a sewn loop or an elastic band inside pockets to help keep items stable. Of course all pockets would have a flap closure. Snap, button, zipper, or velcro all have their strengths and weakness. I am not trying to be stealthy so velcro is OK for me.

Front should open with self mending zipper with pull large enough to work with gloves on. Might be nice to have a velcro flap the length of the zipper to provide backup closure and strain relief.

There should be a strong locker loop in the neck so it could be hung on a tree branch etc when taken off.

Colors should include black and orange. The military types will want camo or olive drab. It should also be available in some civilian colors like boy scout green