Ive been looking into this vest for a long time, not only for the reputation but also for something different than the standard tool belt styles. I’m 5’9 with a shorter torso. All belt/suspenders systems I’ve tried always have long suspenders even when adjusted to shortest length, without them the weight of belt pulls on my pants throughout the day, put a lot of pressure on my hips, and I constantly had to readjust them and be uncomfortable all day. When I tried this vest on and loaded it up how I wanted, it was night and day difference. Everything is right where I need it and won’t ever change. Most bags I had ride way too low I would constantly have to reach down and over for my tools. I was afraid the shoulder straps would dig into my shoulders/neck all day but I got the pads just in case and haven’t been uncomfortable once. For me functionality is definitely key but comfort is just as much. The only negative thing I could say for me personally is the bags could ride a little more forward, but it’s not terrible just takes some adjustment. The attachment points are nice for adding pouches to the front while my old bags had giant pouches on the sides constantly hitting or rubbing on walls etc. Just way too bulky. This was definitely a game changer and I’m very happy I bit the bullet.

nice product.

I am returning the product. I'm quite disappointed that they did not design this vest to hook up properly to their pouches, and not just meant for trim carpenters

701Vest is easy to put on and put off.
Vest make it easier to do some works.

I recently switched professions from home remodeling to furniture carpentry. Open top belts on the hips aren't ideal when you've got thousands of dollars of projects you're brushing up against. This has helped me stay efficient while protecting the projects around me. And when I am heading onto a site to do some installation work, I can still throw my old pouches on the hips for when i need more fasteners and tools on me. The only gripe I have is the difficulty of adjustability of the straps. You'll have to have a friend tighten you up, but that beats having the buckles on the front when lifting and carrying things close to the chest.