Despite my Orvis vest (I've used up 3) carrying 25-30 lbs of probably non-essential stuff, I've improved my back fatigue factor by 2 expedients: 1) a back support strap - I happen to use the Orvis one, but I think the Simms one could do the same thing; 2) much better foot support with Chota STL's. I really notice now when I wear and walk with bootfoots and hippers.

Still, I like JC's idea of the Stormy Seas vest. I think I need to get one for floating the Deschutes and when ffishing really cold water. I keep separate vests for bass, steelies, trouts and summer trouting in effect.

But those hi-tech lumbar thangs from Bean or whoever (Wm Joseph too?) has me thinking.

Of course I wear a lot of danglies to be sure my most recent ties are with me. The fact that this aggravates DG is just a bonus.

The only reason I haven't done the Richardson chest box like so many Keystoner anglers is that I would add it to my gear, not replace the vest as intended.

tl
les