With a wide range of survival vests in the market, you’ll find a lot of differences in quality. Not all of them deliver the same performance as an aircrew survival vest. So here are a few tips to help you choose the best bug out tactical vest.
Material Quality
The material of the vest will determine its overall quality and the amount of abuse it can take. Ripstop material is the best choice in terms of durability. When it comes to denier fabrics, it’s best to choose above 30D for the best durability.
We wouldn’t expect much waterproofing from a vest. However, it’s best to pick a material that dries quickly and offers good ventilation. A nylon mesh vest with polyester reinforcement is great in terms of comfort.
The other important features to check include the stitching quality, the zippers, and the velcro fasteners. A heavy-duty vest will ensure that these features will last for years. At the same time, make sure that it isn’t too heavy for hours of continuous use.
In essence, the vest should offer the right balance of durability and comfort.
Sufficient Storage
Firstly, a survival vest allows you to keep the important items close at hand. Next, it also reduces the load of your backpack or survival kit. So sufficient storage space is a must.
Obviously, the vests aren’t designed for items like a survival shovel. But they are perfect for carrying survival gear like multipurpose tools, first aid kits, navigational tools, and other small items like flashlights and firestarters. Make sure there are sufficient pockets to help you carry all the items you plan.
Military and tactical survival vets offer a lot of flexibility in terms of rearranging the pockets. Vests with MOLLE attachments are also great for attaching a variety of gear.
However, the pockets should be ergonomically designed and come with the proper covers. Also, ensure that the design of the vest allows for proper weight distribution. A top or bottom-heavy vest will hamper your movement.
The Comfort Factor
Since you will be wearing the vest for long hours, the right level of comfort is a must. The material needs to be padded or should come with an inner lining. A breathable material will also allow moisture to escape.
One important aspect of comfort is the fit. While a loose fit will hamper your movement, a tight fit can dog into the shoulders or the bag and cause chaffing. A snug fit is the best choice.
Note, it’s best to leave some gap between your hips and the bottom of the vest. That way, it will be more comfortable when you sit down or kneel.
An adjustable vest is a good choice since you can wear it over other layers of clothing. Shoulder and waist adjustments will also help match the vest with your body shape.
And remember:
You may need to carry your INCH bag over your vest during a survival scenario. These straps can run over the loaded vest pockets causing discomfort. So figure out what pocket arrangement will work best with your backpack.
Looks
When your aim is to survive, the idea of fashion goes right out of the window. That said, you can choose a color that allows you to blend in and doesn’t stand out in a hostile environment. However, if you want a vest that can be used for travel as well, you can choose a design that suits you best.
Source link: https://persurvive.com/preparing/best-survival-vest/ by Coty Perry at persurvive.com