I missed the show unfortunately, but there is one thing you have to think about in just about any television program where a dangerous element is involved and in which the person isn't producing (funding) the piece themselves, and that thing is insurance. He may have had to wear the floatation vest because of that. However, it would have been better to make mention of such a thing if that were indeed the case rather than try and hide it altogether.

I also don't know the circumstances he had in mind that made using his backpack as a floatation device, but from what I've seen on more than one show is that it is taught at a lot of different special forces schools around the world. In any case, at some point you may find yourself in a situation where you have to cross a deep body of water with your gear, and it's better if the pack floats and you can use it as an aid rather than let it be the thing that drags you down. I will have to admit that In the context you mention him using this in, icy water and rapids, it sounds a bit rediculous when it would obviously be better to find a safer place to cross. If he was only doing this to cover distance more quickly than walking, I'd say he was out of his mind.

Anyway, I didn't see the show, but I just checked the schedule and it's on again this evening (03/12/06) at 7:00 pm. EST. I'll make sure to watch, and then join in on the blasting. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Then again, though I've trained, I'm betting I have a heck of a lot less time doing so than he has.