I always were my inflatable vest in the plane. I do give the passenger briefing to NOT inflate them till you are outside and clear of the aircraft. I have some basic emergency supplies in the pockets of the vest so I at least have a shot at getting a fire going when / if I get to shore. Getting a fire going and getting warmed up and dried out go a long long ways in staying alive. I also keep my SPOT in a vest pocket. In the grand scheme of things, a good inflatable vest is cheap and also handy. Bug dope and a space blanket are also in my vest pocket.
As with my winter flying, I don't keep my warm gear in a bag that I can hopefully get to in the event of a crash.. If I crash and am knocked out at -30 it does not take long to freeze so the gear in a bag does not do me much good. I wear what I plan on crashing in. If I get to warm, I can shut the heat down, open a vent etc. Good gear in layers goes a long way in keeping a feller comfy.
I see it as wearing a helmet when riding the motorcycle... yes, I love the wind in my hair, I love the wind in my face... I have crashed various motorized vehicles and I know it feels much better grinding along the road or ditch with a helmet on versus looking cool grinding down the ditch wearing just my sunglasses.
