A while back, I inherited a safari/fishing/photography/whatever vest the deceased had used at matches and gun classes. It went from a box of extra layers to a closet hanger. Now it dangles from a hook by the door. God have mercy on my soul.
Having adopted a rabbiting beagle, we need to keep the little maniac trained. My arms are now a constant patch of scabs, cuts, and scratches from following the little hound. On leash for deer, off leash for bunnies. My usual style just doesn't fly in the woods anymore as even a small daypack is too tangly in the thick of briar patches and brush.
Chest pockets keep his treats and my snack or lunch out of his hyper food driven reach. The rear game pouch handily accepts birch bark I proactively grab as promising pieces present in case a fire should become necessary and also accept the leash if necessary. The game pouch zips open for quick and easy cleaning out afterward. If at a drive-in trailhead, my car keys can be safely zipped away. No undue straps or protrusions to tangle in the vegetation or dog. Multiple pockets to segregate gear and prevent damage or incessant clanking. Covers an OWB K or N-frame at the gas station or trailhead. Keeps a good peppersray readily accessible but retained. Protects my trusty compass. Stows the GPS linked to the beast's collar. Fits the tracking collar while getting ready the dog ready to step afield or crated back in the car. Flask for a fireside break? Extra speed strips? Landowner permissions and training permits? Camera lens? Firelighting redundancies? Booboo kit? Tourniquet? Spare cotton bandana? Work glove quickly bitten off my hand for extra dexterity? It'll fit just fine if I want. And leave my poor pants pockets alone since a steel expanable baton is already being stuffed there should something want to menace my small companion.
A fella can just walk a retriever but one little beagle and my wardrobe has to change. Yet again, something for which I shook my head at the old timers turns out to be practical and well considered. It even makes the transition from training/scouting season to hunting season with it orange shotgun vest more organic. Now watch me lose the lifetime battle against my most hated nemesis: The Fannypack.