Originally Posted By: nursemike

IMHO, based upon decades of poor fashion choices:
I believe that the load-bearing vest falls into the same general category as headlamps and protective eyewear: useful but too ugly/uncomforatble/geeky-looking to use in any but the worst possible conditions.


Do I ever agree with you there! It is also just my nature that I don't like to attract a lot of attention, whatever I'm doing, and a multi-pocket vest or usually ANY vest is not typical in public. I have too much closet space devoted to vests that "looked good" when I bought them, but they really have little use when in civilization for me. I wear them in the woods/fishing or at home. But you never know...30+ years ago when I was in school, carrying a backpack there would get you the same looks as wearing a multi-pocket vest today would...start a trend, maybe I'll live long enough to benefit from it!