I, 100% prefer to pack a turkey in a vest.
If, I am not wearing my vest a tote is awesome. To me, it is much more comfortable than slinging one over my shoulder as when I was young.
To me the downside is blood all over my side. Just like slinging one over the shoulder. I have only done the tote for two years when it has warmed up later in spring. Maybe, I need to work out a plan on the blood issue.