Radio Vest Suggestions?
David Coursey, N5FDL Sat, April 11, 2009 at 5:24PM ;)
The first vest (Click for larger image)Our ARES group has begun the search for standard vest that makes sense for a radio operator. Pockets are a must, as is an ICS identification panel on back. I want reflective, but not too reflective. Needs to look OK both in the field and in the EOC. Did I mention pockets?
It cannot be a wildland fire communications radio chest harness (here is a really excellent design, though it is sized for big commercial radios, like the one I have!) because they only work in the field and don’t identify the wearer as an ICS communications player. They do, however, carry lots of gear and can be worn under an open vest, if desired.
I have found two vest designs that I like, both costing about $60. I don’t like the first one, because the radio holster may not be sized for anything but a large radio. Of course, most of the mini-radios are unless once the battery dies, so bigger is better.
;)
The second vest (Click for larger image)The second one has a pocket the radio can go into (both have a shoulder mic clip) but it does not angle the radio antenna away from the wearer’s face, which can be important.
I am presenting these the members, but wonder if there are better vests that I’ve yet to see? Any suggestions would be welcome.
vest series in Clothing 
Reader Comments (7)
Local hams have struggled with a similar challenge and many finally decided on a photographers vest. We obtained some reflective fabric ribbon/ tape (2" wide) and applied that to the front and rear of the vest and we were able to add the identification via embroidery. Most have added patches for ARRL, ARES, EMA, etc. We were not able to find anything that was satisfactory, everything was a compromise. These modified vests have worked great. B&H Photography has a great online selection and you can Google Photographers Vest. Many of our guys, and gals have opted for the gray or black.
The cheap yellow and orange safety vests are poorly made and I wouldn't trust any of my radios to stay put during a SAR deployment.
Before Christmas, I wrote a tactical vest series that discussed several options, including the stealthy Scott eVest (advertised on this site). I own a couple of those vests and find them totally dorky (yes, I have my standards :>).
However, they are perfect for field assignments where practicality beats fashion. As is a wildland firefighting chest radio harness. The one I pointed to in the posting is a particularly cool example, more designed for SAR and fire incidents.
My requirement here, is for an ICS-style vest that makes us all easy to identify and has enough pockets to be functional. If there is a way to do that with a photo vest, I've not seen it.
The ICS style vest really doesn't lend itself to much more that identification of the wearer. The vests with proper storage don't stand out, so we opted for functionality first, and identification second.
I will try an get a picture of one of the modified vests used around here. For carrying and protecting necessary equipment, the Photographers vest wins, its pure storage, zippers, zingers, velcro and pockets both inside and out. The mods are in the form of a large yellow (or color of choosing) 12" x 16" rectangle on the back with team, title or other designation in 2" helvetica lettering. Reflective strips top and bottom. On the front the yellow color is applied on the upper chest area on both sides with reflective tape on below the shoulders and top of lower pockets.
The team designation, users name, call sign or affiliation is on the upper colored section, some use velcro to secure a clear pocket for IDs. It is a hybrid, as we have not found any acceptable off the shelf vest. Paying $40 or more for a cheap "sanitation worker" vest doesn't add to the credibility factor either.
I bought a Scottvest and returned it. IT was well made but retrieving items took too long, and often required removing the vest. The photographers vest is made to allow quick access, often without the wearer looking.
Are you using any particular vest? I have a Domke vest here that I've never used and a 5.11 vest that I have only used occasionally.
Here are some other vests: http://www.searchgear.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=86
A bit of Googling and I came across this vest from China. I have sent a request for pricing and quantity requirements. If it looks reasonable there may be a market for a ARES (or other grop) branded model.
http://defense.en.alibaba.com/product/52198984-50399959/Reflective_Vest.html