Any time one of these "harness" threads come up I'm absolutely blown away at how many people don't like the vests. I've worn the HSS vests forever, like since they've been out, and find zero problems with them being hot or stinky. The convenience of the pockets make it outrageously functional. I sometimes think people wear other brands just to be a contrarian. I won a Muddy Top Flight at the NWTF banquet, and it was "okay", but the pocket layout wasn't as functional, AND it did NOT have a deer drag.
I've handwashed my vests maybe once ever, but they really don't need it. I can't think of a single time when it was in my way, or in any way uncomfortable. Like I said in another thread recently, unless you're a giantly obese sweathog, I don't see the problem (and I wouldn't see the problem then). Again, I can't stress enough that the HSS is in NO way uncomfortable, and the pockets make it the most treasured hunting item I own.
I bought one of these for my first harness and have never washed it. It's always outside my clothes so it doesn't get sweat on it, and it still looks like it did when I got it. I use one of the ropes to attach it to the tree.
Most people had been using a harness for more than a decade before I ever switched to one. I just stuck with my safety belt. It worked really well when hanging a lock on; I could lean against it and be completely stable. And I'm not at all sure I would be better off with the harness if I ever fell. You will die quickly hanging in a harness if you can't right yourself. I think I would have a better chance of surviving hanging by my waist with a belt.
I'm probably not strong enough to right myself after a fall using either one, so it's likely a moot point for me. But I always thought I would be able to right myself with the safety belt when I was younger. I always kept it set so I wouldn't fall more than a few inches. I once set up my stand in the yard and tried to simulate a fall and then attempted to right myself in the stand. It was easy, but of course I hadn't been injured by a fall.
Everyone be careful whatever you use.