The airforce leans toward vest carrying systems for survival stuff, as did the venerated Heinlein. The reasoning might be enhanced maneuverability, or weight distribution, or just having it with you all the tiime-packs get hung on trees or stowed in the bow of the canoe and part company with you. Wear a vest under a coat and you look pudgy, not tactical. I struggle with vests because I am already the size of a domestic refrigerator: add a vest with stuffed pockets and I have to put vaseline on the doorways to get through them...Anybody out there a vest kit fan?