I haven't used a vest in going on 20 years.
What I use is a "messenger bag" or, most recently, a "tactical bag." That carries my calls and my ammo and my license and tags. I attach a butt pad to it. It's light, and it does not weigh me down. When I wore a vest, I always felt like I was dragging the kitchen sink along. I probably was.
When I need more, I use a musette bag and carry it on the opposite shoulder. I can stuff my sweater or rain gear in it along with a thermos of coffee for cold mornings.
Most importantly both bags have the ability to be sloughed off easily. A lot of times, if I'm up moving around, and I find myself in close with a turkey, I don't want all that stuff hanging off of me. Both bags have buckles that allow them to drop off with no muss or fuss.
