Hi Patrick,
I agree that the Zephyr vest is great. When Garrett is demoing at a workshop, he always picks up a Zephyr vest.
As for the lumbar pad, I don’t think it’s going to have any effect on the working of the vest, but if it feels good, do it!
Opinions about support belts differ I side with the argument that if you have a healthy back they just make it weaker, it’s really something you wear under medical advice
All the best,
Chris