N5FDL Amateur Radio

Click on image for larger view.For several months, our ARES group has been searching for the “right” vest for our personnel to wear in the field. This has been an exhaustive search, including vests imported from Canada and China, as well as a number of vests available domestically.

We have considered as many as 40 vests during our search, yet I am sure there are still some we missed. Very few met a basic requirement: pockets for two radios.

Our vest project is not complete, but I want to offer a “sneak peek” at something close to the final design. When finalized, this vest will be available from a commercial vendor that is experienced in the design and manufacture of custom and semi-custom vests for emergency workers.

Click on image for larger view.

Our vest draws heavily from a Canadian design, but includes some special touches of our own or that were suggested by the manufacturer. Our vest is also available in a variety of sizes, which the Canadian vest is not. “One-size-fits-most” doesn’t when you are almost 6’3” and 270 pounds, as I am.

I am awaiting the first sample (which you see here) to arrive from the manufacturer. Once I have it and we’ve had a chance to try in on (and out) and, perhaps, make changes, I’ll get back to you concerning the final design and it’s availability.

Warning: This vest will be priced in the $130 range as shown, though a less-expensive (and single radio) version will be available.