Vest Series, Part 2

Not normally a piece of ham gear The second vest we will consider is the 5.11 Tactical Vest ($79.99), a garment designed for law enforcement that includes special pockets where you can velcro a holster, handcuff case, and other cop gear that won’t be seen until needed.

There are also two external pockets for AR magazines that I haven’t found a good use for.

The garment is well-made and seems a tad heavy for its size, probably because of the hidden pockets. I wonder if you could velcro a talkie inside this vest? Not sure how to route the mic/speaker to my ear, but where there is a will there’s a way.

Until I started writing this I hadn’t thought that perhaps some of the cop-specific features might work for radio as well. I will check that out and report back.

If you want to try one of these on, your local police/uniform supply likely carries this and there is a dealer locator on the 5.11 site.

While there, you might look at the other items the company sells. I am a big fan of their polo shirts with tabs for hanging a microphone. I own a lot of their stuff so if you have questions, drop me a message.

5.11 Tactical Vest5.11 Tactical Vest Description:

• Designed for concealed carry
• Back-Up Belt System™
• Hidden BBS™ pockets on each side of vest
• 18 Pockets
• Key hook for safe access to your keys
• Quad-stitched and bartacked at all stress points
• Two layers of 8.5 oz., 100% cotton canvas
• Two pockets sized for AR Magazines
• Rear water bottle pockets
• Reinforced half-collar
• 360 degree pocket that wraps completely around the vest
• Perfect for the Outdoors. Including Hunting and Hiking

 Next in this series: The Domke PhoTOG vest.

Comments

[greg kruckewitt]

Thanks David!

you might look at the Scott vests:
http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/New_Travel_Vest.shtml

Lots of pockets, and a "cable" management system for wires for phone, Ipods, and I would think RADIOS!
Happy Thanksgiving! Keep up the great posts!
greg

[David Coursey, N5FDL]

The Scott vest is on the list. I probably won't do the fisherman vests, but next time I hit Bass Pro Shop's store (in Manteca) I will take another look and them and anything else that store has.

Thanks for the comment!