I got a chance to try out my Domke vest yesterday, " Carnival tuesday " of all days. the sun was out in its full force as usual, temperatures well above the 90, very little wind, no clouds, and i was supprised i felt no warmer than usual. the vents really does its job. as for no padded pockets, no proplem. it was mostly bouncing into people and how hard could that be on your gear :o :D
so in caribbean full force sun Domke vest is no problem

Dave
T&T