I used a chest vest for years, but got to the point where I really need to see where my feet are going. The first fanny pack I got turned out to carry too much of its weight horizontally out from my body and got really uncomfortable. The second one was more vertical, and was OK for comfort. I finally decided I missed the convenience of having more stuff in front where I could easily reach it, so I'm back to using a vest.

If you are considering a lumbar pack, I suggest buying it from a shop where they'll let you first test it out by loading it with the stuff you plan to carry in it then try it on.