On Monday, May 4, 2020 at 9:09:11 AM UTC-4, wrote:
I attended Dave Nadler's presentation at the 2020 SSA Convention about his bailout in Utah and its aftermath https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8I3A3dqsu0&t=3s

It got me thinking about my own preparedness, and I have to admit that I am not carrying enough on my person if I ever "have to go for help." (As our ex-Air Force airport manager describes a bailout.)

I've been thinking about fishing/photographers vests with a lot of pockets, but the parachute and seat belt harness straps interfere with comfort and safety. Small kits like the SMAK PAK are a good start, but I'd like to carry more stuff, like a hat, spare glasses, water etc. I am thinking of an Air Force type flight suit with leg pockets, at the risk of being called a fighter jock wannabe.

Possibly a thin pocketed backpack that could fit between the 'chute and your body, if it could be made comfortable and not interfere with the seating position in the glider would work. But what to put in it and how to you pack it to avoid lumps and stuff digging into your kidneys?

Any ideas or suggestions? What works for you?

A USAF survival vest is designed to carry a boat load of stuff, much of which you would not need in a noncombat bailout and is designed to not inhibit the chute harness. Will carry survival radio, extra batteries, compass, medical kit, knife, gun, flare gun and flares among other things. You also want to think about water and high energy food. I carried Tootsie Rolls in Vietnam. They don't melt, last forever.

Walt Connelly
Happy Helicopter Pilot