Ok guys. I'm looking at purchasing a vest for training and have a few questions.

1st, How do yo decide which size training vests to wear? I'm having a hard time with this as many, many brands of vests don't list size rather than S, M, L, etc. Now I wear mostly Large shirts but all of my jackets and regular vests are all XL. This is a predicament that I am in and would definitely like to hear how others do it and opinions on how I should go about buying a vest.

2nd question is what brands of vest do you all wear? I'm looking at a few vests, but without actually trying them on, I can't really formulate an opinion so you all are the next best thing for me. I like durable and looks have no part in my decision. Personally I am leaning towards Bende brand and wasn't a big Gappay fan, but have heard nothing but good things about Gappay. There are other brands too but I'm not sure of where to start looking.

On a side note, as a heads up, I am only looking to have pockets only. I don't want a ball drop pocket at all and definitely prefer a left breast pocket along with all the side/back pockets as well. And I'm not nor ever really plan to be a shepherd owner so please keep that in mind and limit the images of them on the vest. Any ideas of what vests to look at please let me know. Thanks you.

- Lamarr

I agree with Aaron on the size issue; buy big.

I use those photography vests. Tons of pockets and the backs are mostly large mesh on top, so they're well ventilated and cooler than some solid material.

They are not waterproof (at least, mine aren't), but I don't really care. The fabric breathes well.

this is the one I have,
http://leerburg.com/878.htm
great in the fall, winter, early spring but impossible to wear in the summer, the other downside to it is people think your name is "Leerburg" for the summer I use a skeet vest that looks like this

http://www.abgunsmiths.co.uk/shop/images/hs/pic986.jpg

well ventilated