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

**old soldier** · 11-18-2009, 08:23 AM

we've tried many different vest over the yrs and even had the niece custom make a couple out of Army shelter halfs so they'd be water proof, nothing worked, they were either to large or to small to fit under or over what we were wearing for the season. we finally made these up and can still wear a vest under them., they fit over coverall or just a tee shirt depending if it's deer season or turkey season. we use one fanny pack, the canteen and 4 or five pouches on them, can even put more on the suspenders if necessary, toss them off is a second or have them on in a second and have even fell asleep in the woods wearing one.lol.
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**Sourdough** · 11-18-2009, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Pal334

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.

Pal & sjj, I agree. I contacted Filson about modifications/custom orders and "No Joy". They will lengthen or shorten only. The only part of the Filson #32 vest I like is the three pockets on the back, the front, the fit and material I want to replace. Anchorage has a Tent manufacturing company that will work on heavy waxed material. I wonder if I can pay them in cans of Sardines.

**Pal334** · 11-18-2009, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by Sourdough

Pal & sjj, I agree. I contacted Filson about modifications/custom orders and "No Joy". They will lengthen or shorten only. The only part of the Filson #32 vest I like is the three pockets on the back, the front, the fit and material I want to replace. Anchorage has a Tent manufacturing company that will work on heavy waxed material. I wonder if I can pay them in cans of Sardines.

Just beware if they start to ask about vanilla creamers

,, just sayin

I am curious, I would have thought that there would be more folks that do this type of fabricating up your way (abeit with the distances involved) . Here in NJ it is relatively simple to find. Usually a good shoe maker, or sail maker in the off season

**erunkiswldrnssurvival** · 11-18-2009, 09:02 AM

often times you should design and put togather your own clothes. A perfect vest should keep you warm or cool(removable insulated liner). it should have inflatable bladders for floatation. the shell should be waterproof.the pockets should zip shut with velcro flaps to seal the pockets. removeable sleeves.... pockets designed to hold what you carry in them. personalize it!!!!!

i have a belt knife that i use , the sheath has two pockets, one for my matching camillus pocket knife and one for the hone stone.
clever and convenient, but also handmade.

**Old GI** · 11-18-2009, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by old soldier

we've tried many different vest over the yrs and even had the niece custom make a couple out of Army shelter halfs so they'd be water proof, nothing worked, they were either to large or to small to fit under or over what we were wearing for the season. we finally made these up and can still wear a vest under them., they fit over coverall or just a tee shirt depending if it's deer season or turkey season. we use one fanny pack, the canteen and 4 or five pouches on them, can even put more on the suspenders if necessary, toss them off is a second or have them on in a second and have even fell asleep in the woods wearing one.lol.
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My, My. What is that stuff, OS?

**AVENGED** · 11-19-2009, 04:47 PM

I Have An Opsgear Crossdraw And Just A Plain Weight Bearing Vest. The Nice Part About The Weight Bearing One Is That It Comes Naked, And I Bought All The Different Pouches I Wanted. Food For Thought

**Rick** · 11-20-2009, 07:08 AM

Nice write up, sjj. Very informative. One of the conveniences of living in suburbia is the fact we can visit a lot of places like Gander Mountain and actually try stuff. If you don't like it you go to the next store. I can sure see where you folks can be disappointed pretty easily if you have to do everything by mail order.

In any case, go with your gut. If you think you might be unhappy with it then you surely will be.

Thanks again for the detailed report.

**klkak** · 11-20-2009, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by Sourdough

Pal & sjj, I agree. I contacted Filson about modifications/custom orders and "No Joy". They will lengthen or shorten only. The only part of the Filson #32 vest I like is the three pockets on the back, the front, the fit and material I want to replace. Anchorage has a Tent manufacturing company that will work on heavy waxed material. I wonder if I can pay them in cans of Sardines.

Sourdough, if you don't like the vest I would'nt buy it. As you know I use an old Air Force pilots survival vest. It works beautifully. Most folks I help put together a vest use a fishing vest.

**klkak** · 11-20-2009, 09:36 PM

Thank you. Yes it is a nice vest.......nice and expensive. If I every loose it or it gets stolen I will cry like a baby.

**klkak** · 11-20-2009, 10:00 PM

You guessed right. It is a S&W 4" 629 but the grips are off a .500 S&W Magnum. I carry Buffalo Bore 305gr. hard cast loads in it.

**Ken** · 11-20-2009, 10:05 PM

Uh, Klkak? I expected to see a few splints in that kit...........

**klkak** · 11-20-2009, 10:09 PM

The replacement cost for the vest and it's contents would be about $1,500.00. It is allot of money but the vest and friend "AKS" have already saved my life once. I don't take a step into the bush without in on my person.

**klkak** · 11-20-2009, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by Ken

Uh, Klkak? I expected to see a few splints in that kit...........

Smart A??. Besides why carry with me what I can make in the field?

**Ken** · 11-20-2009, 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by klkak

Smart A??. Besides why carry with me what I can make in the field?

2. If you can't reach your SPLINT when you need it....Its useless.

**klkak** · 11-20-2009, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Ken

What Ever, Ken!

**klkak** · 11-20-2009, 10:25 PM

I wont ever need a splint again. If I break my leg again I'm gonna shoot myself with the S&W 4" 629 .44 magnum loaded with 305gr. Buffalo Bore hard cast loads!

**Ken** · 11-20-2009, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by klkak

What Ever, Ken!

If you only knew how many times I've repeated your quote to people - AND GAVE YOU CREDIT FOR IT!!!!

**Ken** · 11-20-2009, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by klkak

I wont ever need a splint again. If I break my leg again I'm gonna shoot myself with the S&W 4" 629 .44 magnum loaded with 305gr. Buffalo Bore hard cast loads!

You have a will, right?

That's a real neat gun there, Kev.