thru much trial and error and countless backpacking trips later i find the rather affordable columbia vest (like the one's at REI) to be extremely useful. even in really warm weather its quite comfortable. best thing is, it takes the load out of your pants pockets/backpacks/etc. and puts everything within easy reach. after a half hour you don't even feel like you're wearing anything. i'm sure there are better quality vests out there but i love mine.