OK. My current vest is well past it's prime and needs to be replaced. Most all the pockets have holes (other than the designed ones) and just don't work well for holding things.
I have searched all over the inter webs and just cannot find anything I like.
I want a full featured one with strong seams and materials, loads of pockets (inside as well as outside), shoulder radio straps on both sides, mesh type material (to stay a bit cooler) and maybe even a back pocket or slot for carrying rebar or lathe.
I figure I probably can't get everything, but anyone have a good source?
This one looks close: Terra Tech
As does this one: Seco
Thanks...
I have an ML Kishigo vest which I mostly like although it's a little bit non-durable for Forest work. I like the water bottle pockets on either side plus it has a flap for the pen pocket which is held up OR down by Velcro, that is handy for keeping stuff from falling out as I scramble over difficult terrain. The Kishigo vest run large; mine is a medium and I definitely am not a medium person.
My employee has a heavier mesh type vest with the Canadian X on the back, it's red and tougher but it looks stiffer.
http://www.krinc.net/178656/products/Big-Sky----The-Best-Survey-Safety-Vest-in-the-World.html
I just happen to have a brand new one of these. Size XL. Let it go for $80. I already have one that I have used for years. Definitely the best vest out there. Modeled after the old vests made in your neck of the woods at NW Bags & Gear.
Forrestry supplies in Canada will make a vest to suit,even to your design, I sent a fax of pockets, the sizes I wanted for my books, radio, pens etc., inside and out.
They will make cotton or nylon,I brought 2 to China, get a bigger size for the winter coats.
Cheers
David
I just found out about this vest: "...designed by surveyors for surveyors". Haven't had time to check it out any further.
http://www.safety-apparel.us/
The Terra Tech is not ANSI class two.
James
edit, neither is the Big Sky.
This looks great! I'll have to give them a call about the pricing. And I can have a logo put on as well! B-)
I think mine is the one on Page 5 of the catalog, Class 2 (no sleeves) in yellow.
http://mlkishigo.com/publications/surveyors/surveyors_ecatalog.html
It is very lightweight. My employee ordered it and found that it is way too large for him. So he offered it to me for less than he paid to save the trouble and cost of returning it. I took it and it is working well except the stitching on the reflective stripes is coming out probably from me walking through thick brush.
It would probably be fine if you are on the highway or in parking lots a lot but it's a little weak for Forest work.
What I like best about it is the cushioned neck in back and it doesn't ride up. The zipper is the most heavy duty thing on that vest.
Please try to take a loot at this .. http://www.deakin.com/Shop/Products/?c=5
I am using SECO and its pretty durable.
Has anyone ever used the deakin vest with a internal frame from the link that amdomag posted?
I heard about it years and years ago but have never seen one.
Jeez, a $200 vest! and I thought $60 was a lot when I last bought one about 20 years ago...
Isn't inflation wonderful!?
I paid $100 for a Class II SECO vest with all of the things you described. Call Allen Precision and talk to Donna George. She will hook you up.