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

[Sourdough]

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

In fairness to Filson, the Model #32 vest is made to be worn on top of rain gear, and a wool coat, and other foul-weather clothing.

[crashdive123]

Have you looked at the military style load bearing equipment harness? You can attatch whatever style pouches you like and in a variety of configurations that will not restrict movement. They are nothing like a tactical vest, more like suspenders with a belt.

[Sourdough]

Have you looked at the military style load bearing equipment harness? You can attach whatever style pouches you like and in a variety of configurations that will not restrict movement. They are nothing like a tactical vest, more like suspenders with a belt.

Part of my problem is: heavy clothing, I wear just a shirt in the summer when it is 78* above here, and six parka's when it is -41* below zero. So as I see it, for me, I want the survival vest to fit over a summer shirt. Then just wear what ever outer clothing as necessary over top of the vest. I do find it interesting that companies have "NOT" brainstormed the market for this survival vest, something between the tactical vest and the travel vest. I want something that can be worn to church or to a restaurant and does not scream "Military" Weekend Warrior.

[Pal334]

Here is a view of the back. I think I like it. Perhaps a bit of tweaking by a good "sewer" and would be good to go. There is also a link here for a discussion about the vest. They seem to share your opinion about the oversizing. As the vest is, what other "mods" would you recommend?
I had never thought about this subject before, only used a vest for Tactical occassions (and actually hunting). But your concept of daily wear does make a lot of sense.

Here is that forum site for those interested:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3Den%26sa%3DG

[Sourdough]

Pal, That forum is spooky. Maybe I need to fly down to Seattle for a custom fit.

[Rick]

Some more ideas

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...ght=vest+kllak

and another including the one Klkak wears.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...=survival+vest

[Pal334]

Pal, That forum is spooky. Maybe I need to fly down to Seattle for a custom fit.

Well,, since you are reluctant to install that outhouse door, maybe their fashion advice will help drawing a lady

[Sourdough]

Klkak, What yo thunk......Did you swing by Mt. View Sports......?

[BENESSE]

... 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.

Poco, I LOVE this vest!!!!!
Wasn't even aware the company existed, so thank you for bringing it up. It's really hard to find a women's version and men's S or XS just don't cut it.

[crashdive123]

....and men's S or XS just don't cut it.

Ain't that the truth.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Poco, I LOVE this vest!!!!!
Wasn't even aware the company existed, so thank you for bringing it up. It's really hard to find a women's version and men's S or XS just don't cut it.

AW Shucks, Tweren't nuthin'. I can't really take credit for "finding it" though. A month or two ago I was looking for a "survival vest",and someone posted a link to it. Did you watch the video of all the stuff the guy pulled out of his vest?? I was flabbergasted at the amount of junk he had in there!! And it didn't look all that bulky loaded down either. It could easily replace a day Pack.

[BENESSE]

Did you watch the video of all the stuff the guy pulled out of his vest?? I was flabbergasted at the amount of junk he had in there!! And it didn't look all that bulky loaded down either. It could easily replace a day Pack.

I was mesmerized by the video. Well done, polished.
Since I hate carrying purses and travel a lot, I know this vest will become an indispensable part of my wardrobe.

[2dumb2kwit]

I was mesmerized by the video. Well done, polished.
Since I hate carrying purses and travel a lot, I know this vest will become an indispensable part of my wardrobe.

Finally!
Someone other than Rick, talking about their wardrobe.

[aflineman]

I have been very interested in this thread. The right "survival vest" is a topic close to my heart. Sourdough has correctly & specifically identified the need/purpose of his quest - which is paramount to his question. He wants something that he can wear everyday at the homestead working and to the store and church. He needs something that isn't restrictive to arm movement for chopping wood and doesn't scream paramilitary to the public. He wants something that is designed to be worn over a shirt and/or under a jacket. This is a worthy quest and I have studied all the suggestion given throughout this thread, plus done some additional investigation on prospective vests.

I personally believe Sourdough was spot on in his belief that the survival gear in the vest should be individually segmented and waterproofed. This is with the understanding that this gear is NOT used daily; rather, kept on one's person all the time. For me, I would want a combination of completely waterproofed gear in "certain" pockets never to be touched unless needed or inspected - and one or two pockets for everyday use items. In other words, I would not want a vest that has no daily use pockets if the vest is a "daily use" vest as Sourdough desires. It is entirely possible that for these purposes some of the permanent flat packaged gear could be best retained in "interior" vest pockets as opposed to the outside pockets. All depends on size of pouches, fit of vest, and resulting comfort.

For me, I would first clearly identify what survival gear I intend to carry and segment it into categories and container size desired before choosing the perfect vest. I would rather fit the vest to what I want to carry as opposed to fitting my gear to a vest. I would be interested in what "survival gear" Sourdough has in mind since I have gathered he is not a big fan of "survival gadgets"

I am searching for a similar vest for similar purposes - except I wouldn't be wearing it to work. For me, durability is critical - but so is weight, particularly if this vest is worn under a jacket. The "tin" waxed cotton stuff is very stiff and gets stiffer when it gets cold. It does break in over time - but is primarily designed to go "over" other gear. This is why the cut of the gear is large. I would not consider the heavy duty cotton waxed tin vest suitable to be used as an underneath layering. With this in mind, I am currently thinking along the lines of Duluth's new Force Nine line of work cloths which is reportedly light, warm, designed for layering - yet with a strong outer nylon shell for durability - and lots of inside pockets. I am providing a link to the vest below.

http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/c...ture=product_4

I like the Force Nine, but went with the firehose Berber lined vest due to the weather here. I can wear it longer in the year, and it works well under a rain jacket.

[dscrick]

Sourdough,

I'm not sure how you feel about Camelbaks/hydration systems, but I selected the Camelbak Delta 5 vests. I've purchased two on Ebay. They have a 3 liter hydration bladder in them, but no pockets. Just Molle webbing all around, so you can pick up any combination of pouches you like and place them on the vest wherever you want them front or back. They come in several colors and are adjustable on the sides for fit over whatever clothing you wear. I love mine

[aflineman]

aflineman,

Is this the vest you went for: http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/c...ture=product_1

I see you are correct, that they have that vest rated for 10 - 25 degrees with two outside pockets and 5 smaller inside pockets - as opposed to the Force Nine rated at 15 - 30 degrees with a total of 16 pockets of which I can see about 5 are on the outside.

I certainly respect that you chose the warmer vest and certainly more traditional (I like fire-hose material stuff). Have you by chance tried on or seen the Force Nine? I ask this because I am very close to ordering one. I also have a real problem with sizing. I most always get an XXL in shirt and jacket for the shoulders, but have found that XXL in vest leaves too much material around the belly. If a vest has LARGE arm holes I am usually more comfortable with an XL. From the picture of the Force Nine I'm somewhat afraid that the arm holes are not large enough. Any info appreciated and welcome. Thanks.

UPDATE: Wow - I see the firehose vest is on sale for $45. Very enticing.. I'm hard pressed to believe that a Fison $175 waxed cotton vest is that much better.

Sjj,
I normally wear a large shirt and the large firehose vest fits me well. That is the size that I probably get when/if it wears out and I get the Force Nine. Though, if I was to pack it full of stuff, I might conciser an XL, just so the pockets on the inside have somewhere to expand.

Try this offer code with your order. Should get you 20% off anything over $75. Only good until tomorrow (Tuesday). T29C112BGMMZ

[aflineman]

Aflineman,

I placed my order at 11:15 p.m. I am thankful and pleased that the code you gave - got me $20 off the total price. There is absolutely no doubt you saved me $20. Ordered the Loden (green/black) in 2XL and will report back to the group on fit/finish/quality and suitability for survival vest.

No problem. I noticed the code in my email and figured you (or someone else here) could use it.

[Metamorphasis]

On the Filson website I happened accross this one I kinda like. What do you think?

http://www.filson.com/product/index....entPage=family

[Pal334]

This is an interesting thread. Varying needs, and nothing seems "quite right". And I am picking up alot of good ideas.
Before I went to the sandbox the first time, I was just not satisfied with the covers / carriers available for our body armor. I sat down with with an old fashioned shoe repairman (retired Navy) and we tossed my ideas around and using his expertise with sewing and materials we came up with a design and material (a sort of canvas) that was to my satisfaction. Due to his generosity it was relatively inexpensive (under $100). My point being, maybe it would be a good idea to get the vest that is closest to ones needs and then sit down with a good crafts person and spend the time modifying it. I know it could be expensive, but for the use that has been put forward in this thread, It would seem to be a worth while investment.

[crashdive123]

Hey Metamorphasis - how about making your way to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself. Thanks. http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...splay.php?f=14