That's why I went from "kits" to pocket carry for EDC.

Having lived in Alaska for 5 years, (not that long to those that have lived there for their entire life) While living there I did SAR. One of the philosophies that the teams had was, "if it isn't on you, you don't have it." That meant that if it was in your pack you could loose it. My favorite and actually very real situation was that you would sit down take off your heavy, well equipped, pack and a bear would scare you away from your pack, or it would roll down into the river.

Since living in Alaska I carry almost everything I need to improvise or effect and extrication of myself from my surroundings. When I am at NOT at work I carry two pocket tools, 2 folding knives (one in my front pocket one in my back pocket) two flashlights and a pocket kit, along with two lighters.

Quiet often I get a joke or two from new friends or people who don’t' really know me. Until they need something from my "batman" belt.


During my time doing SAR when we would fly we always wore our vests that had our gear. Much for the exact same reasons that we are talking about here.


The thing with flying is that it has great pay off’s and great risks. Being as prepared as possible for such ditching doesn’t’ ensure that you will survive. I kind of equate flying to riding a motorcycle, great advantages, yet great risk. Well now I am going to put on my helmet and my leathers and get on the bike and go for a ride now.

Great thread, re: having stuff on your person (first-line gear).

Our own Alan Romania wrote a good article on first-line gear at the Kachina Rescue website. The site is not coming up for me right now but here is the cached version.



That webbing looks like standard dimension PALS, which means you could securely attach any of a very wide variety of aftermarket pouches to the vest. Very configurable; I like it.

Now I just need a helicopter or plane...

". . .That webbing looks like standard dimension PALS. . ."

Yep, sure does. I like the looks of that vest a lot.

Another update:

http://juneauempire.com/stories/081210/sta_693975918.shtml


The survivors were incredibly lucky.
The downed plane was noticed by a passing plane even before the locator beacon was picked up. In that weather at least one of them had a guardian angel working overtime.
Not a single survivor could do anything for themselves. One is still in critcal condition, with 3 serious.
From the crash scene, it appears the plane just simply pancaked into the side of the mountain.
The weather here is horrible in the summer, it can change in a moments notice. August is the worst month as far as aircraft accidents.
The pilot of the plane was no rookie or fool (29,000 hrs), it is speculated he was trying to gain altitude to get a visual, perhaps even turn around ( speculation here..).

I'm looking forward to Doug's input on this matter.

I'm not a fan of Newsweek, but here is another interesting article,


http://www.newsweek.com/blogs/declassifi...ens-argued.html

On a personal note, you guys are on to something with this "vest" concept. It's a great way to breath new life into an old fishing vest. It doesn't have to be expensive to be effective.

Also my microfix PLB goes EVERYWHERE with me. I consider it possible one of the best investments I have ever made.

Another one from this morning:

http://www.juneaublogger.com/updates/?p=4985