My oldest shotgun is the one I use 6 mornings per week from Sept. thru December.
Then trap/skeet at least 100 targets per week.
Browning Citori (either 20 or 12 depending on the hunt) both bought used in the 1980s
and still going strong.
I am in the minority. I wear a 60 liter backpack instead of a vest.
I hunt upland almost every morning from Sept thru Dec (retired).
I've been shooting birds wearing a backpack for over 40 years
have no problem shooting with a backpack.
My pack is a Granite Gear Crown 60.
I had no problem...
I am retired an hunt upland about 6 mornings per week. 2 labs that I rotate.
I would never hunt upland without a dog...for me it would not be any fun.
Working with a lab as a team on late season wild roosters is so rewarding.