Abstract: A breathing apparatus for survival gear is provided by a head receiving hood that is sealed over the head of the user and has sufficient volume to provide breathing air for at least a selected period of time while submerged and is made of a material that prevents the ingress of liquid water while being permeable to the flow of gasses therethrough whereby the supply of oxygen in the hood may be replenished and the carbon dioxide concentration reduced. A suitable waterproof transparent window is formed in the hood in the position which permits the wearer to see out of the hood and a gas passage spacer pad prevents the hood from collapsing into the breathing apertures of the user and provides passages communicating with the inside of the hood remote from the breathing passage.

Abstract: A parka is formed with a substantially rhomboid shaped beaver tail secured at the center and adjacent to the bottom of the back of the parka and is movable from a stored position to a deployed operative position wherein it extends between the legs and part way up the front of the parka, thereby to pull the bottom circumferential edge of the parka into close relationship with the top, the outside of the legs of the wearer while the beaver tail is in close contact with the inside of the legs in the crotch area to provide a better sealed garment.

Abstract: An encircling sealable closure such as a neck band or collar made of a band of compressible material interposed between a three layer inflatable band at the neck of the user provides a neck seal by inflation of the inflatable band positioned between the compressible material and a substantially non-extendable outer wall. Inflation of the inflatable band deforms the compressible material to conform with and surround the neck of the wearer preventing the ingress of water past the neck seal so formed.

Abstract: An atmospheric air pressure inflatable garment has an inner layer and outer layer define a confined space with a compressible material therein. The compressible material has resiliency and strength characteristics so that it compresses under atmospheric conditions when the air pressure in the confined space is reduced to sub-atmospheric pressure and an air passage adapted to permit passage of air into and out of the confined space but not water when a seal for sealing the passage is released. The garment is stored with the air removed and permitting atmospheric air to fill the space when the seal is opened raise the pressure in the space to atmospheric and causes the compressible material to expand separating the inner and outer layers and forming an insulation therebetween.

Abstract: A vapor permeable buoyant insulation composition suitable for floatation garments and the like is impermeable to water, and yet allows the escape of perspiration when the composition is used in garments or boots. The composition comprises a closed-cell insulating foam which has a plurality of holes distributed throughout, first and second layers of fabric, one layer on each side of the foam, and stitching pattern throughout the composition causing the first and second layers to be in contact at the holes in the foam.

Abstract: An immersion suit having a neck band to fit around a neck and a seal at the neck. There is a thick band of closed cell foam on the interior of the neck band. The neck band and the closed cell foam can be compressed rapidly by a strap to ensure a seal when required. When a seal is not required, the foam is a relatively loose, comfortable fit around the neck of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the suit has an opening in the front extending to the top of the neck band to allow ingress and egress from the suit.