Has anyone found what they think is the best surveying vest or tactical (open with suspenders) vest?
I like the idea of a tac vest since it is lighter and cooler, but most are made for shooters, not surveyors.
I use a field book and pens/pencils, compass, tape, paint, tape measure, assorted nails and caps, 8x32 binocs, cell phone, sometimes lunch, and a large game pocket in back to carry the legal-size job folder securely. Lots of inside pockets too.
You might be better off with a backpack.
This vest has a lot of pockets, not sure if a job folder will fit in the back pocket.
http://www.hayesinstrument.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_prod.html?p_prodid=2595
My Fav.
ben Meadows Vest
I have used this vest for a few years now and it is great. The back pocket can fit a clipboard in it and has lots of pockets.
Thanks for the responses.
I don't really need a safety (hi-visibility) vest since in my practice that is a stand-alone item and seems to be what they're designed primarily for. IOW, I stand alone in the woods and like it that way. Along a highway, I almost never stake anything construction since that's done by engineering firms in Wisconsin. If need be, I just throw it over what I have on.
So, taking the hi-vis part off of it ...............
That's the best one I have ever owned. It has held up for a very long time and the pockets are very handy. I also prefer the zipper to the snaps. My only real complaint is that it gets pretty hot. It might be a good idea to invest in a cheaper lightweight one in addition for really hot days.
I have two of those vests also. One in high vis green for around roads, and one in high vis orange for the woods.
Both of mine have mesh backs, and that helps with the heat, but they are still warm.
I too, prefer the zipper as opposed to the snaps.
For a while it was popular here to wear hip packs. It is essentially two small packs on a belt that ride on the sides of your legs. With suspenders they are great. I like them for hunting or surveying as they are simple to access with minimal movement.
I'm lumpy and I prefer snaps...
I've been happy with this SECO surveyor's vest. It has all the usual trimmings and then some. It also features a space age liner that keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Am I the only one that thinks running around wearing a tactical vest might not be the best idea? Some times wearing blaze orange is a good way to let people know you are just working...not scouting out their pot garden.
I have the older version SECO. I love it.
I have been interested in this vest for a while but have not tried it. It has a built in back pack frame which sounds groovy but I wonder if it would work well when using a instrument back pack.
http://www.deakin.com/shop/products/?p=5317
You should try it and post up a review.:-)
I am going to second the "Ben Meadows 10-Pocket Vest."
I have had only two in my career, they last forever.
I have used some synthetic fabric vests, but they don't breath as well as the cotton canvas duck. If they dont breath... they dont dry out... and if they dont dry out, they STINK!
I too don't much need the hi-vis that a synthetic will afford, so I'm quite happy with my classic hasn't-changed-the-design-in-forty-years ben meadows.
http://www.benmeadows.com/ben-meadows-10-pocket-field-vests_36808743/?searchterm=vest
That being said, I have also created my own "tactical rig" with heavy suspenders and a 2" belt that carries my machete and a 10-pocket leather pouch for plumb bob and rule. If it gets too hot I'll run with just the belt/suspenders.
The absolute best vest I have used is a stoneblaze 10 pocket cordura vest. I had to order it out of canada (deacon equipment).
The cordura is warmer than cotton, but it got tired of replacing my vest every few years.
Second place would be seco. They make a pretty good product, are easilly obtainable from within the states.
