I really like wearing this vest. It's cut such that it fits close but not snug. After months in the field it has yet to show serious signs of fading or fabric damage. It breathes very well, but this is not weather resistant (not that it's intended to be) aside from blocking UV radiation to your torso. The pockets are great, I use most of them though a couple are superfluous. I can hold all the essentials (passport, receipts, etc..) including whatever gear I've stashed away and this vest is still not cumbersome! A really nice feature are the top chest pockets, I stash my GPS unit in one of them, so it's right there and ready to go! I don't fly fish, but I'm constantly mistaken for it, which can be a plus if your interrogated by customs officials and need an easy cover. I gave it 5 stars, because I wasn't expecting much at the outset (I just needed a utility vest). However, I've been pleasantly surprised by this item.

This is my third vest of the same style. As a prof-photog, I must look decent & respectable while plying my trade stateside and this vest is the answer to that while still affording pocket space for the accessories that are needed quickly. I've worn this vest all over the world, and it continues to look terrific. This vest also breathes in the hottest of environments - such as the desert areas of Iraq, Afghanistan and other middle-East countries where temps reach 120-140 degrees. I even wear it under armored vests, and it still emerges "smart-looking" once the armor is removed. I've owned a lot of vests in my 35+ years, but this Columbia Omni-Dry Venture Vest is the absolute winner that works best and looks best.