HAS ANYONE USED A SMOKE HOOD TO ESCAPE A FIRE,ARE THEY WORTH HAVING.

YES!!! Simple painter's masks and safety goggles have become a "hot" fashion item in the California fires. At that, people still complain of stinging eyes. My silk bandanna made it possible to breath through the firestorm. My traditional heavy linen duster has more burned ember holes in it than I care to count and my black cowboy hat needs to be cleaned and reshaped. Of course, hunkering down between wet horses, pond water pouring into my Montana hi tops I did the classic idiot's inventory of all the gear sitting at home; including my smoke hood.

I haven't used one to escape , but be careful what you buy. I know several of them have been recalled because when the filter get full/stopped up, it can become very difficult to breathe.

After several fires in Baton Rouge, they have been on the news quite a bit recently. The company I work for is going to be purchasing one for everyone on the floor. Not too shabby I think. At least we're learning from what's happened around us.

The Evac U8 smoke hood is a decent hood, although uncomfortable to wear. It does seem to be popular among office personell wary of potential fire hazard. And they are not too terribly expensive either. About $60 form several online stores. Most sites offer discounts for bulk orders. You might read some independant reviews before purchasing.

--Luke