As with other reviews, I chose a size smaller than I normally would (Med instead of Large) and the fit was just right. Some problems with the zipper sticking at the bottom, but I rarely use it anyway. The number of pockets is impressive and the only downside to that is remembering where you put something, but that's not a complaint. It's as lightweight as you can expect given the number of pockets it has, and I had no problems carrying a couple of large lenses including my 300 zoom. I think it will also double for hikes and such as it would be more comfortable than a day pack for the few items I normally would carry. I would recommend for the casual user, will find out how it holds up with longer use.
UPDATE Oct 16: Still getting good use on camping and photo outings. Several compliments, borrowed once, now someone wants to borrow it for a week to Australia. I have directed them to AMAZON. (They need to get their own!)
UPDATE Aug 25, 2014: Still getting use out of it. One of the pockets tore on the inside, resown and back to use. I do use it on camping trips and a very good vacation in New Mexico desert with my trusty Nikon. Everything goes in the vest that I need and much that I don't need. My only downside is the vest gets too heavy when loaded, but that's because I overloaded it with all those pockets. Hangs by my door ready to go, I never 'put it away'.
UPDATE Sept 11, 2015: Still hanging on the back of my door. Still getting great use of it. Other than the one pocket nothing else has happened to it. If I keep updating a review it means I still use it, still like it, and think it's worth it.
UPDATE April 11 2016 Still hanging on my door, this time it went to Texas with me. Another great bout of use of it.
UPDATE Nov. 3 2017 Still hanging on my door. This time it went to Alabama and Tennessee. Still holding together.

I don't have experience with other vests, so this won't be a review based on comparisons. I got this to carry lenses and small accessories while shooting sporting events, mainly racing. I was initally concerned about the sizing (L), but it was spot on for me. I would say it runs a little large compared to this same alpha size in standard men's clothing.

It's very comfortable to wear, and even with equipment in the pockets (albeit not a lot of it), it remained comfortable for the 8 hours per day that I wore it. Ventilation is adequate, but not spectacular. That could have something to do with the black version, as I was in the California sun all day, although it was not particularly hot. I recommend the lighter color. It was not available at the time of purchase.

There are enough pockets on this to satisfy almost any photographer. I carried a 24-105 and a 70-300 lens, switching them out as needed. I never felt either were ever in jeapordy due to the depth of the two front pockets I used - one on either side. There is a nice touch on the left front side, with it having three deep pockets one behind the other. There is also a large pocket on the outside rear that can hold a large lens, or in my case a sweater for shifting temperatures throughout the day. The zippered pocket on the inside in the same area can be used to secure similarly sized items if you're concerned about the security of items in the outer pocket.

There is a plethora of small pockets on the front chest area, most with strong velcro closures, but several wth zippers. I understand that you don't want contents falling out of the small/medium pockets, but some of the velcro closures required two hands (hold the pocket with one, pull the velcro with the other), or a hearty pull with one hand. That may change over time as the velcro wears. It was not enough of an issue to give it less than 5 stars.

All in all, a very complete photographers vest at a great price, especially compared to the others I looked at, mostly in the $100 to $150 range. After several longs days of wearing this vest, I can find no flaws at this point. I obviously can't comment on actual durability, but in examining the seams, the vest appears well put together, and I expect it will last a long time. The other thing to consider is that the construction is not so complicated that it can't be repaired by a competent seamstress.

I would highly recommend this to anyone considering this type of garment - it's a great value!

I was able to get the Medium size beige for $20, which may have been some mix-up, but if I had to pay $40 or more - as priced today - I wouldn't have purchased it. I use it as a photographer's vest. It is a decent product, it fits nicely and has many pockets to fit all my photography accessories. However, the fabric is very light and feels like it would rip easily, if pushed, and it also folds and creases too easily, making it harder to access the pockets. Also, it seems like you never have the right size pocket, but that is subjective. On the other hand, if it were made of thicker fabric, it would have been way too hot to wear. As for sizing, It must be sized to be worn on top of other clothing because I am size L to XL and the medium I ordered fits me just fine, when worn over just a T-shirt. Finally, the main front zipper was not working - had to file it and it will still only open when the pull tab is pulled straight up, away from the chain.
So far I've worn it 8-9 times over 5 months and it has been holding fine. I will update this review it wears out prematurely.

I like that it will hold at least two camera lenses and some filter. I don't like that it doesn't conveniente hold them. Retrieving them for rapid changeout, etc., is awkward. One of these days, I'll luck out and find a vest or over the shoulder bag designed by an actual photographer. Neither of the pockets that are large enough to hold lenses hold them vertically. The pockets are deep, which is nice, but the lenses lay horizontally on the bottom...awkward. I'm glad to have the vest, it's better than a manufacturer's carry bag, but at best it's just a make do purchase.

I just love this vest! I use it for my photography adventures. I am able to equal out the weight of my equipment (lenses mainly) with the pockets available. I like not only the amount of room but also the location of the pockets. What I mean is that you don't have to twist and turn to get to one thing or another. The smaller pockets are easily accessible without needing to get past or around the larger items. That is more helpful than one might realize. To be able to access everything with ease, will make your next excursion much more comfortable if your not having to fight to get something you need, fast. The pockets can be close meaning when you need to bend over or reach down to pick up something, you don't have to worry much about those expensive lenses falling out. Some pockets have zippers, some have velcro, and some are buttons.

It is a bit long, but that was good for me. I am 5' 7" and I weigh about 110lbs. So weight distribution is an absolute must! I ordered a medium and the shoulders are a perfect size so I never feel like it might slide off. It's the oversized length that gives room to make those deep pockets. And because it hangs low, the heavier items don't feel like they are pulling your head and chest over.

The material feels very well made. The inside, on your back anyway, has a mesh layer. And on the outside, the solid vest material has a couple of vertical slits from the top ALMOST all the way down, which exposes the mesh and allows for airflow, very nice! I say 'almost' all the way down because spanning the waist area, from one side to the other, is yet another pocket!

So, overall, this gets the highest grade from me. I recommend it to anyone who needs a comfortable, sturdy, and a very versatile way to make it much easier to go on any kind of excursion.