[Michael Chandra]

Guys, if he's going SR5, then Death Masks and Formfitting Body Armor likely aren't available at the start.

[Lucifer2072]

How do you know? It's not out yet, is it?

[Michael Chandra]

Hence the likely. Formfitting was in Arsenal in SR4, chances are it won't be in SR5 Core either.

[All4BigGuns]

Hopefully it will be this time. Maybe certain types won't be spewing bile as much if it's in the core book.

[CanRay]

Hopefully it will be this time. Maybe certain types won't be spewing bile as much if it's in the core book.

Oh, please, people go out of their way to find a place to vent bile.

All I wanted to do was find out if I was doing a good job!!!   

[All4BigGuns]

Hopefully it will be this time. Maybe certain types won't be spewing bile as much if it's in the core book.

Oh, please, people go out of their way to find a place to vent bile.

All I wanted to do was find out if I was doing a good job!!!   

That was just the nicest way I could put it. I'd have preferred to call it what I actually think it is.

[DaveDaveDaave]

Urban explorer helmet with respirator etc might not look out of place on a bike/hoverboard courier/pizza delivery guy dodging traffic?

[Tsuzua]

Hence the likely. Formfitting was in Arsenal in SR4, chances are it won't be in SR5 Core either.

It did show up in SR2050 so it might. However if it does, it'll likely resemble the form in that book where it is a +X/+Y bonus (like a helmet) instead of being stackable and 1/2 encumbrance armor.

[dertechie]

Urban explorer helmet with respirator etc might not look out of place on a bike/hoverboard courier/pizza delivery guy dodging traffic?

Tamanous Pizza!  We deliver anywhere* in Seattle!  Delivery in 30 minutes. . . or you wait longer!  Ask about our Sausage Special, guaranteed to feed a Feral Ghoul for a week!

Delivery surcharge applies.  Void where prohibited.  Tamanous Pizza is a fully owned subsidiary of Ghoul Cab.  We accept certified cred, numbered accounts, credit transfer and fresh metahuman bodies.  Please tip generously.  Drivers carry less than a quarter of a corpse.

*Extra hazard surcharge for corporate zones and live fire areas.

[Mantis]

Isn't just about anywhere a Tamanous ghoul shows up a live fire area?

[Mirikon]

Isn't just about anywhere a Tamanous ghoul shows up a live fire area?

Only if they're expected.

[mtfeeney = Baron]

*walks in dramatically*  Nobody... expects the Spanish Inquisition!

[Mantis]

But I was expecting my pizza. Guess I'll wait longer.

[Aryeonos]

Poke her with the SHARP PILLOWS

[Nobody]

Inquisition? As I expected . . .

As to OP's question:

There are, as I understand it, 5 distinct layers for armor, not counting implants or natural armor. All of them can hold modifications like elemental prots or stealth helpers:
Second Skin
Form Fitting Body Armor
Armor (i.e. full armor suits, riot gear, armored clothing, etc. This is where most of the armor falls)
Securetech PPP systems
Coat (greatcoat, lined coat, etc,)

For mods, I'd suggest covering the damage your mostly likely to run into (electric and fire are usually at the top). Don't forget gel packs!

Helmets can be handy, especially if you're wearing a full armor suit and can incorporate a RIG system and a chemical seal. They're not mandatory though, as most of the other functionality can be put into eyeware and your commlink.