Mustang Survival ESSENTIALIST MD3800 User manual

I
FOR MODEL NUMBER MD3800
OWNER'S MANUAL
ESSENTIALIST BELT PACK
DO NOT REMOVE PRIOR TO SALE
HT1156 REV 16DEC2022
MD3800 MANUAL INFLATABLE FLOTATION DEVICE
APPROVED BY UNITED STATES COAST GUARDAND
TRANSPORT CANADA
WARNING:THE MD3800 WILL NOT INFLATE
AUTOMATICALLY UPON IMMERSION. TAB MUST BE
PULLED TO ACTIVATE INFLATION MECHANISM.

II
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS PRODUCT........................................................................................ 1
WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE FLOTATION DEVICE?...............................1
APPROVAL CONDITIONS AND CARRIAGE REGULATIONS ................1
MANDATORY CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS .................................................... 2
WHY ARE FLOTATION DEVICES REQUIRED
SAFETY EQUIPMENT? ................................................................................................ 2
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE ................................................................................... 2
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE .............................. 2
INSPECTING COMPONENTS ....................................................................... 3
USE AT COLD TEMPERATURES ................................................................. 14
PUTTING IT ON (DONNING) ........................................................................5
TAKING IT OFF (DOFFING) .......................................................................... 7
INFLATING ............................................................................................................ 6
1) MANUALLY
.........................................................................................................6
2) ORALLY
............................................................................................................... 6
DEFLATING ........................................................................................................... 7
RE-ARMING ......................................................................................................... 8
REPACKING ..........................................................................................................10
IS YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE IN GOOD
AND SERVICEABLE CONDITION?..........................................................14
CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ............................................... 15
BEFORE EACH WEAR ....................................................................................15
EVERY 6 MONTHS ............................................................................................ 15
LEAK TEST
.........................................................................................................................15
THOROUGH VISUAL EXAMINATION
................................................................... 15
AFTER EACH INFLATION ............................................................................. 16
ANNUALLY ...........................................................................................................16

AIRLINE OPERATOR POLICY ON CARRIAGE OF
INFLATABLE PFDS AND CO CARTRIDGES ....................................23
III
CLEANING AND STORING ......................................................... 16
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE .............. 17
MAKE SURE IT FLOATS YOU .....................................................................17
MAKE SURE IT WORKS ................................................................................ 17
LEARN HOW IT WORKS .............................................................................. 17
TRYING YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE ....................................................18
HOW TO TEST YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE USING
THE MANUAL INFLATOR .........................................................................19
HOW TO TEST YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE USING
THE ORAL INFLATOR ................................................................................ 20
CHOOSE A FLOTATION DEVICE
THAT YOU WILL WANT TO WEAR ......................................................21
COLD SHOCK .................................................................................................. 21
HYPOTHERMIA .............................................................................................. 21
MAKE SURE YOUR DEVICE FUNCTIONS PROPERLY .................22
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ..................................................................26
DO NOT ATTACH FLOTATION DEVICES TO YOUR BOAT .........22
SAFETY ACCESSORIES .............................................................................23

1
ABOUT THIS PRODUCT
The Essentialist Belt Pack (MD3800) is from Mustang Survival’s Inshore
Flotation series, specifically designed for activities where adventurers can
see the shore in calm or inland waters.
Your Mustang Survival Essentialist Belt Pack flotation device is designed
for multi-sport individuals seeking a versatile solution. It is discreet and
lightweight and can support any adventure without compromising safety
in inshore conditions.
Here are some of the features that set this product apart, and make it
particularly well suited to many inshore activities:
• Manually inflates when inflator tab is pulled
• Soft fabric against body increases comfort
•Easy-access inflator for simple re-arming
• Provides at least 70 newtons (15.7 lbs) buoyancy when inflated
• High visibility, contrasting fabric when inflated increases visibility
• Belt extender sold separately (model MA7635)
This flotation device is designed for wearers over 16 years of age, with a
chest range and waist range of 76-132 cm (30-52 inches), and weighing
over 40 kg (88 pounds).
WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE FLOTATION DEVICE?
While traditional flotation devices are inherently buoyant, this
flotation device relies entirely on inflation for buoyancy. Uninflated,
your device is designed to oer maximum mobility with minimum
bulk. The Essentialist Belt Pack is a comfortable inflatable that can
be inflated at any time with a 16-gram carbon dioxide (CO) gas
cylinder to provide at least 70 newtons (15.7 lbs) buoyancy. It can
be inflated either manually by jerking the pull-tab or orally (by
mouth). We recommend that you familiarize yourself with your
device as described in “Instructions for Use.”
APPROVAL CONDITIONS AND CARRIAGE REGULATIONS
This inflatable flotation device is approved by Transport Canada and
the U.S. Coast Guard. It is not approved for white water paddling,
water skiing or other high impact, high speed activities. This inflatable
flotation device was designed to be more comfortable and less
restrictive to wear than inherently buoyant flotation devices. When
worn, used, and serviced according to this owner’s manual, this
flotation device can greatly increase your chances of survival in the
water. Not recommended for nonswimmers or weak swimmers. Users
of this inflatable flotation device must be at least 16 years old.

2
MANDATORY CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
The U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada require you to carry
approved flotation devices of the correct size for each person on
board that are legibly marked with an approval number and are in
good and serviceable condition. To be considered serviceable, this
flotation device shall not exhibit deterioration that could diminish
its performance such as broken or deformed hardware, detached
webbing, rotted structural components, air leaks, or nonfunctional
oral inflation tube. Unless worn inflated, this flotation device must
also be properly armed with a full CO cylinder, inflation system
status indicator, and an accessible manual inflation lanyard. A
flotation device which is “approved only when worn” or “required to
be worn” must be worn under the specified conditions.
WHY ARE FLOTATION DEVICES REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT?
Drowning is the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational
boating. In over 80 percent of fatal incidents the person was not
wearing flotation and most of these occurred after falls overboard
or capsize of small boats. An approved flotation device, when worn,
helps raise your head above water in the first critical moments of
immersion. Some devices are designed to keep you face up in the
water, and increase your chances for survival and rescue. Dierent
body types float dierently and some boating activities require
special features in a flotation device.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE
Because your flotation device is designed to save your life, you
need to be comfortable using it and thoroughly familiar with how
it works. If you just purchased or have not yet used your flotation
device, Transport Canada and the U.S. Coast Guard recommend
that you immediately test it as described in “How and Why to Test
Your Flotation Device,” (page 19). This will not only ensure your
device is in good condition, it will give you experience using all
methods of inflation.
After initial testing, get in the habit of inspecting your flotation
device before each use, re-arming it after each use, and of course
wearing it every time you go out on the water.

3
INSPECTING COMPONENTS
Before each use, check your flotation device for readiness:
1. Place your flotation device on a flat surface. Detach the Velcro™
and open the flap to access the bladder and inflator (see Fig. 2).
2. Unscrew and remove the CO cylinder from the inflator and
inspect its small end (see Fig. 3). If it is pierced, discard it
and replace with a new cylinder. Make sure the CO2cylinder is
screwed hand-tight into the inflator. Failure to do so may cause
the inflatable not to inflate (see “Re-arming” on page 10).
FIGURE 1 DEVICE
FIGURE 2 DEVICE WITH BACK FLAP OPENED
Pull Handle
Inflatable Bladder PouchWaist Adjustment
CO2cylinder
Solid
Cylinder
Top
Pierced
Cylinder
Top
FIGURE 3 CO CYLINDER CHECK

4
3. Rotate the yellow lever back towards the inflator so that it is flush
against the grey body. The yellow lever should not be extending
out from the inflator (see Fig. 4).
4. Check for damage or excessive abrasion, wear, tear and/or any
visible foreign matter, such as mildew or oil stains. Check that all
seams are secure, and all straps and hardware are sound. If you
see any signs of damage, perform the “Every Six Months” tests,
described in “Care and Maintenance,” page 17.
5. Place the inflator pull handle into the retainer straps (see Fig. 5).
This prevents the pull-tab from dangling.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 5 PULL HANDLE RETAINER
6. Tuck the corners of the cover and bladder into the retaining straps
and secure the Velcro™ (see Fig. 6).
FIGURE 6 CLOSED POSITION
Indicator
is red
Indicator
is green
INFLATOR STATUS CHECK

5
CONTACT YOUR MUSTANG DEALER IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS
ABOUT THE READINESS OF YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE.
PUTTING IT ON (DONNING)
It is important that your flotation device fits properly. Incorrect fit or
1. Put the flotation device on around the waist and fasten the buckle
(see Fig. 7).
2. The logo on the pouch should face out and be right-side-up.
3. The pouch must be worn on the front of the body. If the pouch
is worn at the back of the body, there is risk of drowning as the
inflatable may force your face into the water.
4. Adjust the waist belt so it fits snugly and secure the belt’s loose
end with the belt keeper. Check the fit by pinching the belt strap,
just as you would a waistband. If you can pinch the material
together, tighten your flotation device.
5. If the device is inflated, put the neckstrap over your head to
secure the bladderagainst your torso (see “Inflating” below).
Wear it on the outside and intact!
Always wear inflatable flotation devices over clothing (as the
outermost layer) to avoid restricted inflation, which could cause
personal injury and/or damage to your device.
Do not tie or sew anything to the outside of (or around) your flotation
device, as it may compromise your device’s ability to inflate.
FIGURE 7 DONNING

6
INFLATING
Your flotation device inflates manually and orally. No matter how your
flotation device has been inflated, it can always be topped up orally –
extending your ability to keep afloat.
1. Manually
Activate the inflation system by jerking firmly downward on the
pull-tab (Fig. 8). The flotation device should fully inflate within five
seconds. Put the neckstrap over your head to secure the bladder
against your torso (Fig. 9).
2. Orally
To orally inflate the flotation device, first
locate the oral inflation tube by opening
the pouch and unfurling the bladder.
Remove the cap from the end of the oral
inflation tube and blow into the tube
until the flotation device is fully inflated
(Fig. 10). Place the oral tube cap back
in the stowed position (Fig. 12). Put the
neckstrap over your head to secure the
bladder against your torso (Fig. 9).
FIGURE 8 PULL-TAB FIGURE 9 SECONDARY DONNING
FIGURE 10ORAL INFLATION
AVOID DOUBLE INFLATION!
DO NOT MANUALLY ACTIVATE THE INFLATOR WHEN YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE IS
FILLED WITH AIR. DOING SO WILL RESULT IN EXCESSIVELY HIGH PRESSURE WITHIN
THE INFLATION CHAMBER, WHICH MAY CAUSE PERMANENT DAMAGE TO YOUR
DEVICE AND/OR EXTREME DISCOMFORT TO YOU.

7
TAKING IT OFF (DOFFING)
If your flotation device has been inflated and the bladder has been
secured by placing the neckstrap over the head:
1. Partially deflate it while still wearing it to make dong easier.
2. Remove neckstrap.
3. Unfasten the buckle and remove.
If your flotation device has not been inflated, simply unfasten the
buckle and remove.
FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12
DEFLATE POSITION CLOSE-UP VIEW
Cap in
deflate
position
Cap in
stowed
position
CO ESCAPES THROUGH THE MATERIAL OVER TIME
MANUAL INFLATION USES CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2GAS) TO FILL YOUR FLOTATION
DEVICE. OVER TIME, THE CO2GAS WILL SLOWLY ESCAPE THROUGH THE FABRIC,
AND YOU MAY FEEL THAT THE FLOTATION DEVICE IS LOSING PRESSURE. IF YOU’RE
IN THE WATER FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD, YOU MAY NEED TO TOP UP YOUR DEVICE
ORALLY.
DEFLATING
Complete deflation is easiest when you are not wearing the
flotation device.
1. To deflate the flotation device, reverse the oral inflator cap
and insert it into the valve. The cap will not lock in the deflate
position, so you must hold it in place (Fig. 12).
2. Gently squeeze the flotation device until all gas has been
expelled. Put the cap back in its stowed position on the oral
inflator (Fig. 12).
Cap in
deflate
position

8
To re-arm your flotation device, you will need Mustang Survival’s
Re-Arm Kit “J” (MA3070). The spent inflation parts will first be removed,
and replacement parts will be installed. The re-arm kit includes:
• 16g CO cylinder
• Mustang Survival’s Re-Arm Kit “J” includes a green “Ready status
indicator pin” which is not required for the Essentialist Belt Pack
(MD3800) and may be discarded.
1. Place your flotation device on a flat surface with the bladder
unfolded.
2. Deflate using the oral tube (see Fig. 11).
3. Remove the cylinder by rotating counterclockwise and then pull
out (see Fig. 13). Discard the used cylinder.
4. Check the manual inflation system to determine that the lever
arm and piercing pin move freely when moving the lever
(attached to the pull tab) several times down and up. There
should be no binding of mechanical parts.
5. Rotate the yellow lever back towards the inflator so that it is flush
against the grey body. The yellow lever should not be extending
out from the inflator (see Fig. 14).
FIGURE 13 REMOVE THE CYLINDER
FIGURE 14 POSITION LEVER ARM
OK

9
CLOSE-UP VIEW
6. Check the new cylinder. Ensure that the CO2cylinder has not been
pierced (see Fig. 3).
7. Install new cylinder (see Fig. 15). Hand-tighten.
8. Check to be sure service indicator is GREEN (see Fig. 16).
FIGURE 15 INSTALL CYLINDER
FIGURE 16 STATUS INDICATOR
RED
STOP GREEN
OK

10
REPACKING
Repacking should only be done after deflating and re-arming the
flotation device. It is important that as much gas has been removed
from the device as possible during deflation. Otherwise it may be
dicult to repack.
Place your flotation device on a flat surface with the bladder unfolded
and the oral inflator and manual inflator face up. Ensure the oral
inflation cap is in the stowed position.
1. Place the inflator pull handle into the retainer straps (1).
2. Fold down the neck strap (2).
FIGURE 17
FIGURE 18

11
3. Fold the sides of the bladder in towards the center along the
dotted lines (1) & (2).
4. Fold the top of the bladder towards you along the dotted line (3).
FIGURE 19
FIGURE 20

12
5. Fold the bladder towards you in half along the dotted line (4).
6. Tuck the corners of the bladder into the cover.
FIGURE 21
FIGURE 22

13
7. Fold the cover and bladder towards you to engage the Velcro™
strip
8. Tuck the corners of the cover and bladder into the retaining
straps
9. Ensure the inflator pull-tab is visible and accessible.
FIGURE 24
FIGURE 23

14
USE AT COLD TEMPERATURES
As temperatures approach freezing, your inflatable flotation device will
provide less buoyancy and will inflate more slowly. At temperatures near
freezing, the device should be worn partially inflated with the CO cylinder
to ensure that some buoyancy is immediately available to you if you fall
overboard. The oral inflator can then be used to adequately top up the
flotation device after CO inflation.
Caution: Do not fully inflate the device orally and then activate the CO
cylinder. The resulting overpressure could seriously damage the device
resulting in loss of flotation.
Inflatable flotation devices are not recommended for use in temperatures
below freezing.
IS YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE IN GOOD AND
SERVICEABLE CONDITION?
Check your flotation device between outings to be sure that it is properly
armed; that it is free of rips, tears, or holes; that all seams are securely
sewn; and that the fabric, straps, and hardware are still strong. Inspect
the inflatable portion of the flotation device in accordance with “Care and
Maintenance,” next page.
If your flotation device is damaged please dispose of it properly or contact
Mustang Survival customer service at mustangsurvival.com to see if it can
be repaired.

15
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
To ensure your flotation device performs when you need it, you must care
for and maintain it in serviceable condition (see “Mandatory Carriage
Requirements,” page 2). Failure to follow these instructions rigorously
could result in a non-functioning flotation device causing injury or death.
We suggest you keep a record of the inspections performed on your
flotation device using a soft-tipped permanent ink pen or marker on the
Care and Storage label printed on the bladder. If you are not confident
that you can care for and maintain your flotation device, or if you are in
doubt about these instructions, contact Mustang Survival customer service.
You are required to check this flotation device:
• Before each wear (component inspection)
• Every six months (leak test and thorough visual examination)
• After each inflation (perform re-arm)
• Annually (suggested at the beginning of each boating season)
BEFORE EACH WEAR
See “Inspecting Components,” page 3 for instructions. If you see any
signs of damage, perform the “Every Six Months” tests below.
EVERYSIX MONTHS
The following tests are suggested every six months at minimum or
whenever you see signs of damage to your flotation device. Perform
these tests more often if the flotation device is exposed to potential
damage or used in extreme conditions.
• Leak Test
Orally inflate your flotation device until firm and let stand six hours
minimum. If your flotation device has been inflated orally (not by CO
cylinder) it should hold its firmness for this length of time. If this is not
the case, your flotation device is leaking and should be replaced. If your
flotation device leaks, contact Mustang Survival customer service.
• Thorough Visual Examination
See “Inspecting Components,” page 3.

16
AFTER EACH INFLATION
Deflate and re-arm, as described in “Re-arming,” page 8.
ANNUALLY
Perform the following at the beginning of each boating season, after
inflation, or whenever the integrity of the flotation device is in doubt:
1. Check all components for dirt or corrosion (see “Inspecting
Components,” page 3). Clean or replace, as necessary.
2. Visually examine your flotation device for damage or excessive
abrasion, wear, tear, or contamination. Particular attention must
be paid to the stitching, straps, and hardware. If in doubt, contact
Mustang Survival customer service for evaluation and/or servicing.
3. Perform the Leak Test (see “Care and Maintenance/Every Six
Months,” page 15).
4. Deflate as outlined in “Deflating,” page 7.
5. Rearm the cylinder and ensure the service indicator changes from
red to green (Figure 16, page 9)
6. Record the date, noting “annual” in permanent ink on the Care
and Storage label, located on the bladder.
CLEANING AND STORING
To clean your flotation device:
• Hand wash flotation device or sponge it down in warm, soapy
water
• Rinse with clean water
• Hang to dry on a plastic coat hanger
• Store the dry flotation device in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated
place out of direct sunlight
DO NOT DRY-CLEAN, USE CHLORINE BLEACH, OR APPLY DIRECT HEAT.

17
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR FLOTATION DEVICE
An inflatable device does not have inherent buoyancy, meaning
that it must be inflated to provide flotation. You must understand
how to arm, inflate, and maintain your inflatable device. Familiarize
yourself with the use of your inflatable so you know what to do in an
emergency.
Always test your flotation device in a safe manner, under controlled
conditions, and where help is readily available.
Inflate your flotation device and try it out in a pool, or some other
calm protected water, with proper supervision.
Make sure it floats you
• Comfortably (when worn properly)
• Adequately for expected wave conditions (body shapes/densities
aect performance)
Make sure it works
• A flow of bubbles should not appear (See “Care and Maintenance/
Every Six Months”, page 15 for Leak Test)
• It should inflate quickly and easily
Learn how it works
• Activate the CO2inflation system
• Re-arm the CO2inflation system
• Use the oral inflation tube
To properly test your flotation device and to ensure you have a
replacement re-arming kit, you should purchase two re-arming kits:
one to be used immediately in testing the inflation system and the
other to carry on board as a spare. Remember you must re-arm your
inflatable after discharging the CO cartridge.
Check the manual inflation system by removing the CO cylinder:
rotate counterclockwise and pull out. On the flotation device, move
the lever (attached to the pull-tab) several times down and up to
determine that the lever arm and piercing pin move freely. There
should be no binding of the mechanical parts.