I'm looking for a PFD for a trip to Alaska, then possibly warmer areas such as the islands. The requirements are as follows.

22-27 pounds of lift
neck collar
Zip closure with two external belt closures with fastex buckles
Leg straps
covered with gear pockets like the old avirex pilots survival vests but clear on the sides for a pistol and large survival knife
3-4 liter hydration pouch on back
Internal pockets would be a bonus
heavy duty d rings

I've looked around but haven't had any luck finding one with all the features I require. Any help will be most appreciated.

Deathwind,

I have looked for a similar vest many times. The closest I have found have been milspec aviation vests with inflateable PFD's. Similar to Mustang's: http://www.mustangsurvival.com/professional/msv971?division=military&country=25
or the LSI:
http://www.lifesupportintl.com/products/Life_Preserver_Survival_Vest_MK_46_SV-1381-581.html

I have seen tactical vests with flotation inserts but none of them are Coast Guard approved. The LBT is a good example:
http://lbtinc.com/vest-h-gear-carriers/vests/tactical-vest-w-flotation.html

Needing these items, you might try a survival vest over a good PFD. I have used this concept many times with success.

Respectfully,

Jerry

Have you considered a USGI Mae West PFD? It could be modified with leg straps added on, quite easily.

Blackhawk used to make a tactical floatation assault vest.not sure if they still do.Wouldn't hurt to check it out....

BOATMAN
John

Just checked the website www.blackhawk.com and they run $199.99

Thamks for all the good info. I'll look into them. I had thought of sewing a tactical vest over a good PFD. Someone told me that the SECALs have what I want, but have yet to find any source for them. I'll be using it in air and on the water.

I have a Switlik aviation survival vest. It is a modular design, you pick and choose tthe pockets you need. Check out the Switlik Modular (MOLLE) Aircrew vest. It may be close to what you are looking for.

The problem with the tactical vests like the LBT and the Blackhawk is that while the flotation material is Coast Guard approved, the vests are not. At least none that I have seen.

If you are going to use it in an aircraft, DO NOT buy anything but an inflatable. It is often hard enough to get out of a cabin without being pinned to the high point (sometimes the floor) by your PFD.

Read Doug Ritters discussion on aviation vests on ETS. Although it is out of date (anything we can do to help Doug?) there is lots of good information on how to select a vest and how to use it.

See also Doug's Web Site for the Doug Ritter
Essentials™ Overwater Aviator Survival Vest™ based on the Switlik vest. The one he uses does not appear to allow for a hydration bladder, but I am sure it is a good one, I have seen nothing from him that isn't.

Respectfully,

Jerry

Not only should it be an inflatable, but unless you are riding an ejection seat, do not get a water activated inflation system.

Another way to go is with the Switlik LPU-32 . Take the vest of your choice and simply wear the LPU-32 in addition. Available on eBay - NEW-SWITLIK-LPU-32-P-US-Military-Survival-Life-Preserver

That's something to consider, But I had ruled out inflatables because they can be punctured and I wouldn't know it until the worst possible moment. I'm not a strong swimmer

Ok. The Switlick is definently closer to what I'mlooking for, and on my list of possbles. Thanks for the link to it. Do you or anyone else know of something with even more molle strapping and perhaps internal pockets?