I won't date myself, but when I was wearing one of those vests the focus was on survival and rescue at sea. Going down over land for us was very remote, while going down while over water a very real possibility. An FA-18 pilot has a good chance of going down over water, but with overland strike missions, survival and evasion over land is just as real.

While the idea of starting a fire and getting warmed up is good, a fire can be seen by the folks you're evading. Having the option is good, using the option needs to be carefully thought out. The idea of flying in full-length thermals and wools socks was pitched to me by a flight surgeon back in the 70's -- excellent idea, BTDT. Steel toe flight boots are still cold. . . whodathunk. Still got mine, never wear 'em.

I like the use of the laser as a signalling device. I'd be very surprised if they didn't go IR instead of red or green since so many acft are equipped with IR gear. Not my call, been a long time since I had any input.