You have flashlight but no strobe. All this space that 3 flares are using could have been replaced by 6 or 8 pen flares with room to spare but I'm not sure how would that agree with Coast Guard laws. I think this vest is designed for the first few days/hours in the water. After that due to lack of water (drinking water <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ), food and FAK you will be history. That 45 feet of rope looks like a laundry line.

Also I love when they say: single size fit's all: UNIVERSAL. If you ever had to jump into the water in the vest that is one size too big you know how it feels. You need a snug fit vest so your movements are not restricted and vest is not ripped off you when you wall in. Also loose fitting vest has tendencies to snag on things. They claim four straps adjustment. My vest has 6 straps for perfect fit and I still had to choose general size that fits my body contour.

Since I don't see how the leg straps are positioned on this vest but if it looks anything like a parachute harness you are putting unnecessary pressure on femoral artery. Combine that with universal fit (too big or too small (my bet is too big)) and your body weight is pulling your down when straps are holding you up. Can you say circulation restriction and hypothermia? Same goes for your arms. If you are sliding out of the vest you will use your arm pits to hold in place. Again you are cutting off circulation but this time to your arms.

Seems a bit pricy. My kayaking vest which was about $60 has 3 large pockets. Even if I went out and bought top of the line supplies I would still be below their $200 asking price. But if you want to standardize equipment or don't find particular joy in putting things together than I guess it's the way to go. This vest reminds me of those cheap rip off survival knives. Seems like there is a lot of stuff but in reality there is not that much.

It seems that instructions (if those are instructions) to use equipment are printed on the part of the vest that is submerged. Nice. I also assume that they are printed from top to bottom so even if you manage to see the letters you will be trying to read upside down.

I would replace the flares and put in pen ones. I would add the strobe (water activated one). I would loose the cloth line and replace it with real rope and carabineer. Add a smoke signal and water marker. Set of energy pills and space blanket if you actually make it into the raft.

Matt