There was an article in the Arizona Republic last week. It was about what to have a child carry in case they get lost while hiking. They suggested the child carry a backpack or fanny pack with the usual items. What was different is that they suggested they also carry a bright orange hunter’s vest so they will be easy to find. I plan to look in the stores and see if there is a thin mesh or plastic vest that is blaze orange that would fit in my Camelbak.

I think it would make it easier to be found if you are blaze orange.

What do you think?

Thanks!

For the space involved I'd rather go with a bright orange poncho or contractor's lawn bag. They can serve as visual signal and also offer protection from the elements.

However, vests like that are good to have in the car for use during changing a tire. Less likely to get splatted by another driver...

-Blast

Craig,

You may want to stop by Holman's in Tempe. They ahve a number of high viz vests and you can get you hands on them and see how small they can pack down to.

In my BOB I carry a Blaze Orange boonie cap I purchased from Cabela's (which they only seem to have in Gore Tex or in cold weather version now!). Not quite as much orange material but it is a truely dual use item. Come to think of it, if you wait a few days you could go to our new Cabela's and see what they have <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Although, Holman's has some nice vests with pockets that may be useful in a SHTF situation.

Bright yellow cyclist's vest or an industrial vest with reflective strips. Packs down to nothing. makes a reasonable marker panel as well. I am surprised that Doug doesn't recommend them as a standard part of a bail out/survival bag.

They are a good idea and as someone else said, get one (or more) with reflective stripes (keep one in every car).

People wearing orange vests can also be spotted from the air more readily. During a CAP SAR mission several years ago which coincided with the opening weekend of deer season, flight crews stated that (from the air) "it looked that the woord were crawling with fire (red) ants".

Still looking? Try here: Forestry Suppliers

Might also try this outfit: Conspicuity, Inc.

They've got stuff like armbands, reflective sew-on American flags, stickers, etc. Read a review of their vests in a motorcycle magazine some years back. They were highly rated in terms of quality and visibility.

Forestry Suppliers link no workee.

I routinely wear a traffic vest when I hunt. I was wearing traditional red a few years ago and had some out of state idot pop a shot in my direction. (you really can hear the bullet whiz by!) Since then I take no chances.

Alan,

Thanks for the heads up on the store. I'll Have to check them out. I figure I'll wait a week or so before I go to Cabela's. Maybe to crowd will thin down some. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I saw some orange vests at Walmart for about $5. They seemed bulky to put in my Camelbak.