I wanted to try a chest rig for a while now, and while I was ordering some other stuff, I added this to my order. I'm glad I did. While I can't compare this to other similar packs (I haven't had one before), I can tell you that this thing really works for me. It's got both great designing and build quality - like all the other Helikon-Tex stuff I own. (My buddy put it on and immediately ordered his own.)
I wear suspenders in the bush, especially in the winter. (Belts can cut off circulation and heat movement in winter, as many Canadians will know...) Without a belt, everything I want quick access to (ie, not stuck in my pack on my back) had to ride in my pockets or bag. This thing takes all that stuff sloshing around in various pockets and puts it, neatly and literally, right under my nose! Win-win.
Now, when I want to go out, I grab my chest rig and add whichever pack the day or trip warrants - haversack, day pack, etc... and I know I got all my 'possibles' with me and ready to go. And because it carries on my front, I hardly notice the weight. I just stuff my neck knife (currently a small Mora) down behind it, and I am good to go. And if by chance (like yesterday) I don't feel like leaving it on, I just stuff the whole thing in my pack and keep a few things in my pockets (like a ferro rod and SAK)... Awesome piece of kit. Got it at Lamnia where it was waaay cheaper than it would have been here in Canada. Highly reccomended.