I’m strongly considering moving to a climbing style harness and get rid of my full body harness. I really dislike the tether tied to the back of my neck. Since the harness is basically for life preservation should I fall (which hopefully will never happen), what are the minimal features that you would recommend? Are padded waist belt and leg straps necessary? Are the gear/tool loops useful for anything? What brands tend to be of higher quality and do any of these brands produce a "minimal" type of climbing harness that would work well for tree stand hunting (climber stand)?

Planning to head to REI this weekend to see that they carry.