WANTED: The "PERFECT" Survival Vest.....????

[Sourdough]

The pockets on "Tactical" Para-military vests stick out too far, are the wrong shape, and don't close securely. Over-all I like the Filson Model #32 "Original hunting vest" as far as number of pockets, secure flaps, pocket shape, pocket location. however it is just plain uncomfortable, it hangs funny, as if it was designed for really fat hunters, with massive bellies. Well I guess they know their market. I am willing to pay up to $250.00 for the perfect vest. Ideas....???

[Ken]

There is no perfect vest, Hope. Everytime I've thought I've found it, I thought of about 100 changes that would make it better. You could always take out a mortgage on the cabin and have one custom made.

[Ken]

I've found some decent designs here:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...8000_175000000

[owl_girl]

cant you just fix the pockets yourself?

[BENESSE]

Check these guys out. My brother has ordered tons from them:

http://www.lapolicegear.com/

[Sourdough]

There is no perfect vest, Hope. You could always take out a mortgage on the cabin and have one custom made.

Yes, that is my plan. To take the Filson #32 vest and have it modified to fit. But I wanted to see what else people like. Kevin is going to have one custom made, I might get on board with that project. The "Fishing Vest" have pockets that stick out too far. For me the back pockets can stick out 2" however the front pockets can not stick out more than 1" to maximum of 1 1/2" and there can be NO side pockets to restrict arm movement.

[Ken]

So many different types of things to carry.....

There's the absolute necessities that pack small - firestarter, compass, mirror, whistle, etc.

Then there's the more bulky water purification - from straws to purifiers - never mind the water. You've said before that potable water isn't a concern where you are, but...........

Add in some rations, the binoculars, and maybe a cell phone or GPS, and you're gonna' be looking at some bulky pockets.

What are you planning on carrying? Other than your firearms, of course.

[Icemancometh]

Have you checked out a 5.11 Tactical Vest? Has numerous pockets, inside and out. 2-30 round mag pouches, hidden pistol slot on the inside. The pouches don't seem to stick out far at all.I like mine, sturdy and well made.

[Pal334]

Now, I will sit back and watch. If Sourdough comes up with "THE"vest, I want to invest . It seems like no matter what I get, there is at least that "one more" change

[Sourdough]

What are you planning on carrying? Other than your firearms, of course.

For me things in the survival vest would be sealed so as to be waterproof, and never used accept in an emergency. I envision small waterproof inserts the size of a sandwich (No thicker) containing first-aid stuff, another packet for a space blanket, etc.. My need is daily, and I don't want to be removing the contents of the pockets to dry everything after a hike in the rain. I want to "KNOW" that the contents are sealed, and just hang to the vest to dry.

The "Man'Bag" thing does not work on a snow machine, or a D-8 Cat Dozer, or swinging a chainsaw with a 48" bar. I want something that does NOT impede movement, and is worn all the time, not just on a 2 hour weekly trail walk.

[Sourdough]

Have you checked out a 5.11 Tactical Vest? Has numerous pockets, inside and out. 2-30 round mag pouches, hidden pistol slot on the inside. The pouches don't seem to stick out far at all.I like mine, sturdy and well made.

What part of the original post did you miss.....? Tactical vest are fine for tactical tools.

[Ken]

Guests can not see images in the messages. Please register in the forum. ?

[2dumb2kwit]

Guests can not see images in the messages. Please register in the forum. ?

That tan on looks like the one I got from wal-mart,on clearance for $17.97!

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Well Sourdough, the best vest I have been able to find is the Scott e vest. It doesn't even look like a fishing vest, but has tons of pockets. This is the website, look around as they have jackets and vests that may "fill the bill" for you. They even accept some input in making their vests better or more use oriented modifications.
http://www.scottevest.com/

[Icemancometh]

What part of the original post did you miss.....? Tactical vest are fine for tactical tools.

I re-read the OP and I didn't miss a thing. Just because it is called "tactical" doesn't mean it has to filled with such. Pockets on the 5.11 are not thick. The mag pouches as I called them are no thicker than a sandwich.

[Pal334]

I googled the vest you mentioned. It does look good. But I think I see your issues with it. Just a couple questions. Is one of your problems with it, the length? What would the length be that you are looking for? Like a waist length etc.How about the fit? You mentioned beer bellies (as I suck mine in . Do you want it more form fitting? I am asking, because you will obviously use a vest such as this more often than I would, and I want to learn from your experience. Unless I am way off mark, maybe a good "sewer" could make some of the changes you like. Although, come to think of it, they may be few and far between out your way.

[SARKY]

Check out the CamelBak vest, has a bladder built in and you can put pouches, holster where ever you want. It fits me lke a glove and i'm 5'11' and 170 lbs.

[aflineman]

I wear one of these every day in the winter. I really like it. It is a Berber lined vest with many pockets inside.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/search/...cessor=content

This vest has always intrigued me. I like the load bearing belt inside.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/search/...lts/71007.aspx

These Cruiser vests are OK, but I prefer a Surveyor's vest (I use one for hunting and hopefully soon for work). I think they may be to bulky for what you want though.
http://www.benmeadows.com/search/vest/8984/

If you want one custom made, I would talk to Tactical Tailor first. US made, and they have worked with me on a couple of custom projects. This was with Logan (the original owner) though. Since he was killed in a crash last year, I don't know if the company still does custom stuff.
http://www.tacticaltailor.com/index.aspx

[Sourdough]

I googled the vest you mentioned. It does look good. But I think I see your issues with it. Just a couple questions. Is one of your problems with it, the length? What would the length be that you are looking for? Like a waist length etc.How about the fit? You mentioned beer bellies (as I suck mine in . Do you want it more form fitting? I am asking, because you will obviously use a vest such as this more often than I would, and I want to learn from your experience. Unless I am way off mark, maybe a good "sewer" could make some of the changes you like. Although, come to think of it, they may be few and far between out your way.

The thing I like best about the Filson #32 is the back of the vest, and that the pockets are NOT Velcro closure, but button down. Note also that the pockets when closed do not have a gap where small things cold fall out. Waist length is good for sitting on machinery. Yes, more form fitting, but not tight, but a straight hanging garment. The best feature of the tactical vests, is that they are so adjustable for fit. I am hoping Kevin can jump into this conversation. Pal, see if you can post a photo of the Back of the Filson #32 Thanks. I like the trimness of the Travel Vest that Poco suggested, however the travel vests that I have are made of light weight cotton, which is nice for travel, but would not hold up like heavy waxed Tin cloth. It is most important that the front pockets not restrict arm movements. My best vest so far is a Filson Tin Cruiser "COAT" that I cut the sleeves off of. Like Ken, I have about 30 vests, some good, some suck, none perfect.

[Old GI]

The pockets on "Tactical" Para-military vests stick out too far, are the wrong shape, and don't close securely. Over-all I like the Filson Model #32 "Original hunting vest" as far as number of pockets, secure flaps, pocket shape, pocket location. however it is just plain uncomfortable, it hangs funny, as if it was designed for really fat hunters, with massive bellies. Well I guess they know their market. I am willing to pay up to $250.00 for the perfect vest. Ideas....???

Hey SD. I'm looking for THE vest as well. But, Full-Figured-Freedom-Fighters need vests, too.