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Kevlar is susceptible to UV degradation, but if you store it properly UV degradation should not be a problem.

Having a vest for the range is a good idea. My uncle took a bullet once at a shooting range because of some idiot fooling with a gun during a cease fire. Fortunately the bullet was an FMJ .38 Special and my uncle wasn't seriously hurt.

I do believe concealable is the way to go for civilian body armor, for similar reasons that we carry our handguns concealed. It shouldn't bother anyone being concealed, surprise, etc.

I think you do want at least Level II armor, as Level IIA is far less certain to stop a bullet.

The primary disadvantage of armor is it can be HOT to wear. Wintertime is okay, but wearing armor outdoors in the Texas summertime can cause you substantial heat issues.

If you ever do force-on-force training, the tremendous value of having armor will become quickly evident.