Essentials™ Aviator Survival Vest™
| | Doug Ritter Essentials™ Aviator Survival Vest™ |
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| I build Doug Ritter Aviator Survival Vests like my life depended upon it... |
| ...because your life might.™ |
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| Doug Ritter Essentials Aviator Survival Vest G2 Shown with optional RSK™ Mk3-G2 fixed blade knife and customer-supplied PLB. |
I discontinued building my original Essentials™ Aviator Survival Vest™ when the vest that I modified for my use was discontinued. To date I have not found a workable off-the-shelf replacement and the cost of a short run of vests is prohibitive. Military surplus vests are available which, while not as inexpensive, are designed for purpose. I now offer a "Generation 2" version of my Essentials™ Aviator Survival Vest™ based on the U.S. military CMU/CWU-33 AIRSAVE vest. One advantage it offers is that is it constructed of Nomex and thus is extremely fire resistant. Additionally, with its MOLLE pouches, it is also expandable and you can move pouches around to suit. On the downside, it is more bulky and weighs a bit more. One size fits most, however, if you are very slim or small, this may not be as comfortable as for someone a bit larger, but a decent seamstress or tailor can fix that by trimming excess material.
These CMU-33 vests are generally available on eBay for prices that range from around $150 to a bit over $400. What's available varies from week to week. While I occasionally have one in stock, in most cases the client will purchase one from eBay and have it shipped to me for assembly (see below for links). This provides the lowest possible cost because I don't have to add anything for my handling of the purchase or the cost of keeping them in stock. When the time comes, contact me to see if I have one in stock or to get my shipping address. If you are planning to have me build you a vest, I recommend purchasing one when available as one may not be available when the time comes (see below for links).
I currently have in stock TWO of the CMU-33 New Old Stock (NOS) vests IN STOCK at $175 each
I generally try to build these vests at the same time that I am doing a run of my Ultimate Aviator Survival Paks™ in order to keep the cost lower. If you need one urgently, please email me, but be advised there will be a premium over regular cost for a one-off build.
The last time I took orders for my Ultimate Aviator Survival Pak and can I offerred to build up these vests at the same time at a DISCOUNTED cost of $868 (in addition to the cost for the CMU-33 vest) + Shipping. If you would like to get on ther list for the next build, this spring, please email me Doug@DougRitter.com the following information: -->After you purchase the vest (and have it shipped it to me if not from my stock), my charge would be $898 plus options, paid in advance, plus Shipping (UPS GROUND - CONUS ONLY, insured which will be billed when ready to ship).
To order, provide me your Name, Shipping Address, Billing Address, Email, Cell, How you would like to pay (Check, Wire Transfer or Zelle) and Options desired (see below). I will then provide you an invoice to pay.
At a minimum, the CMU-33 vest must include three General Purpose (Small) Pockets (pouches) and one Radio (Large) Pocket (technically a "radio pocket") or 2 additional GP pockets. If you desire the fixed blade option (below), you will need the Knife Pocket (which integrates a leather sheath with protective metal point guard). I currently have the Knife Pocket in stock for $46. The eBay link I provided also sometimes includes pouches separately if needed.
I sometimes have one of these New Old Stock (NOS) vests in stock to build a vest for a customer. Contact me for availability and price.
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| Doug Ritter Essentials Aviator Survival Vest G2 Shown with optional RSK™ Mk3-G2 fixed blade knife in pouch. |
Doug Ritter reserves the right to substitute components of equal or better capability at his discretion.
Options:
Strongly Recommended: Replace RSK® Mk1-G2 folder with RSK® Mk3-G2 fixed Blade. +$75 My RSK® Mk3-G2 fixed blade can replace my full-size RSK® Mk1-G2 folder included as standard with the vest. The RSK® Mk3-G2 fits in the Knife Pocket sheath and adds about 6.5 ounces with the sheath. This is how I typically outfit this military vest when I can find that sheat (For a vest without a sheath and if none are available on eBay, I have a few knife sheaths in stock which will add $46 to the cost of adding the RSK® Mk3-G2).
Upgrade: Greatland Laser Green Laser Flare from standard Greatland Laser Red Rescue Laser Light: + $130 Provides 50% or more greater range and more noticeable flash.
Upgrade: AMK Ultralight/Watertight .5 Medical Kit from standard AMK .3 Medical Ki: +$25
There is a dedicated Small Pocket to fit your own compact Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Survival Emergency Notification Device (SEND: Globalstar SPOT, Garmin inReach, etc.). If you prefer to carry both, which I always recommend, you ideally should get another Small Pocket, but it isn't essential. If you don't already own one, a compact PLB or SEND will run you from $250 - $600, depending on what model you go with. I can certainly get one for you, but as I don't get a discount unless I order a substantial quantity, I have to add 10% to the cost. If you'd like to discuss your options as to what works distress signaling device would work best for you, feel free to contact me.
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Email Doug Ritter
URL:
http://www.DougRitter.com/dr_essentials_vest_g2.htm
First Published on: January 24, 2023
Revision March 19, 2025
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