Here Are my design Ideas.
Survival Vest Design
Design criteria.
Able to wear in any season cool in summer warm in winter
Ease of ventilation
Not excessively obtrusive in public
Quiet
Provide protection from elements in changing adverse conditions. Example a warm fall day suddenly turns cold with freezing rain or snow.
Ability to carry a fairly complete kit Possibly in the 8 to 10 lb. range
Weight distribution for ease of carry
Size adjustable for wearing over or under other clothing
Minimum movement restriction
Ruggedness for long term reliability
Adaptable
Material Undetermined
Silk. Strongest natural fiber. Quiet. Good insulation. Expensive. Possible snag problem in rough country.
Nylon. Strong. Long lasting. Readily available. Noisy. Poor insulator.
Kevlar. Very Strong. Very expensive. Other properties Not known to me.
Scientists are working on synthetic spider silk that would make kevlar look weak. Well we’ll just have to wait and see.
Wash vest in a water repellent. Pipedreams posted this site in waterproofing denim thread.
http://www.staydri.com/Many of the areas would be double layered. This would be to form pockets were you could stuff with found material. This would increase its insulation. Some portions such as the skirt could be made from space blanket material. This could be from a damaged blanket. This would be the heavy duty type not the thin emergency ones. This material would only be used in areas that would only be deployed in cold situations.
Starting at the top.. A double layered hood that rolls down into the collar. This could be made from space blanket material but if used as a rain hood in warm weather would cause excessive heating. If normal vest material, natural found insulating material can be stuffed between the layers.
The back would consist of the yoke and sides. At the middle and bottom the sides would be hooked together with straps or webbing. This open back design allows maximum ventilation in hot weather. Along the edge of the yoke an attached 2 layered pouch. The pouch would roll up into a pocket, tied, or snapped in the up position. Unrolled it attaches and covers the back. The pouch can be filled with insulation if needed or double as a game bag or expedient pack.
The sides are solid with either strips with grommets for lacing or adjustable straps attached at the front and rear. The lacing or straps can be loosened or tightened to fit minimal clothing or over a heavy coat. It can be worn outside for quick access or under as a layer. Also snug or loose fit to match your mood.
The front. Probably a zipper from bottom to top. Pockets and pouches with possible interior pockets. Over this is a layer. V-necked down to about the middle. This would be cut to allow access to the equipment pouches but give a smooth face for appearances and to minimize snagging potential. Think of very large reverse slash or patch pockets. This area can also be stuffed with insulation. Maybe add slash pockets to the outside for hands or everyday gear.[ hat, gloves, etc.]
The bottom on the inside a rolled up skirt made up of a series of connected pouches. This would extend the vest from the normal vest wear of at the belt line to just above the knees in bad weather. The extension is to cover more of the body core in cold weather. Space blanket material would be excellent for the outer layer. This would provide insulation and a water proof seating pad. The pouches could be stuffed for insulation and padding. On the outside belt loops through which you thread a belt made of 550 cord. This can be used to cinch up the bottom of the vest or to hold the vest on when unzipped with the back open for max ventilation. Then additional insulation can be added between the vest ad what is under it.[another layer] The belt can be made from 550 cord using the slatt’s knot.
http://www.slatts.freeserve.co.uk/slatts-knot.htmThis will also give you extra cord. Two pieces of equipment that I would add would be a pair of surgical gloves above any in the medical kit. These would be to use as a vapor barrier in cold weather. A pair of work gloves to protect the latex gloves and hands in general.
A couple of ideas that I have picked up from this thread already are:
Add loops to the bottom to slip over pants belt to hold down the vest.[I would attach them with elastic for flexibility]
Removable sleeves
An attachment system to allow reconfiguration of the pockets. Not only position but sizes.
You would arrange it to be compatible with wearing packs, rucks, and suspender systems. Instead of dedicating a pocket to carry a camelback. Just use a camelback carrier. As you can see I’m trying to make it as multi purpose as possible. If anyone has questions of my descriptions please ask for clarification. Keep the hints coming.
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