I have a Richardson.
Advantages and Disadvantages (my impressions):
Chest boxes overall: Light and easy on the back. Flies and floatant are immediately visible and available without sorting through pockets. Holds a lot of flies, especially if you use the lids. It's real quick and easy to open and close. But finding room to put all that little stuff, like keys, tippet, shot, nippers, etc. can be difficult. And some guys don't like things sticking out from their chest, as you can't see straight down. Try one on and you'll be able to tell if this bothers you immediately. For me, it doesn't cover anything my stomach doesn't cover anyway.
Downs: The ability to add and subtract trays on the fly is the biggest advantage. Won't go beyond that as I don't have one.
Richardson: Endless possibilities to customize when buying, but once its done, its done, thats what you got. I think the materials are a little nicer, and it looks classier (as opposed to plastic). I like that it seems to have more options on set up, including colors and what to put in each tray, compartments in this tray, foam in this one, can change the depth of each tray, etc. You can get removable ripple foam too, which sort of gives you quick change options approaching that of the Downs. Of course, the options are only there if you order, not if you just buy retail, and the orders takes months, and Richardson is more money than Downs.
I have the 3 tray model, and it holds an awful lot of flies. I was never a big compartment guy, so I have all strip foam, it holds more flies and effectively doubles the space by allowing you to use the lids on each tray for more flies. I have thought about getting C&F style slit inserts and gluing them in, but though it'd be an upgrade, I like what I have and I just haven't pulled the trigger yet. It has a leader wallet on one of the lids, which eliminates one lid for flies but it was worth it, I have pre-tied leaders ready at all times.
Floatant: Richardson has a holder, must specify brand.
License: Safety pinned to the strap on the back.
Nippers, Leader straightener, small tape measure, thermometer: Attached to side straps via zingers. Easy access and not in the way, but I do jingle on a full gate walk, yeah, I could do without that.
Forceps: Snip them to the upper strap, above the Richardson. Has not been a problem.
Shot, tippet, keys: I bought a waterproof camera case for on the belt, and they go in there.
Camera: This one was tricky. I have a waterproof camera case meant for snorkeling, you take pictures while still in the case. I velcroed the back of the case, and stick it to the front of the Richardson. It is easily accessible, cause in pockets the camera is never handy when you need it. But it sticks out pretty far and I don't like carrying it, and it will fall off on occasion, not when wading or walking, but if you jump off a 3 foot high rock or something. The case is pretty impact resistant and it floats, so the camera itself is pretty safe, just a hassle. I don't carry the camera on most local jaunts. But for the big trips, yeah, I carry it.
As far as remembering stuff when going fishing, everything I need is either attached to the Richardson or my waders, so there isn't any more to gather. If I want to carry a lunch on a long trip, I will wear the vest, but as the front is empty its more like using the back pouch as a backpack.
