Thread: basecamp straight jacket vs ogio flak jacket

im looking at getting one of these vests to use for skiing whistler sidecountry, but im not sure which to get. The way the ogio is set up seems pretty nice, but the basecamp looks like it might be able to hold a bit more. Does the bass camp have a hydration pocket like the ogio does? but has anyone tried both of these, or even just one of them? Im currently leaning a bit towards the basecamp...any thoughts?

I've got a straight jacket that i use for slackcountry and shorter day trips. its lightweight and i really like the way it fits. there is plastic protection along your back so you shovel isn't digging in.

it has a bunch of pockets and straps going on, but you don't notice any of that when skinning or skiing.

what i carry in mine:
shovel
probe
leatherman
food
camera
hat
spare basket
headlamp
matches
snow study tools
helmet
goggles

the shovel sleeve is not large enough for my lifelink alpine pro so i have to use my wife's lifelink 3dx shovel. i'm pretty sure there is a hydration sleeve, but with the gear i carry, there is no room for the blatter.

I have a Flak jacket that i ski in everyday at the resort (we need beacon shovel probe) and i have used it for slack country as well it works great. There are two side pockets that can fit water bottles and a largeish flap pocket that can fit food and a layer and firstaid kit. The front goggle pocket is awesome as well. Plus all the avy gear. This thing is lightweight and feels like theres nothing on, i love it.

FYI.....i have a flak jacket. I like it...

however...the buckle that holds the probe in broke..i dont know how, never fell, wore it like 4 times, etc...the buckle is not user replaceable as its like molded. Contacted Ogio.

The FLAK JACKET IS DISCONTINUED....i cannot get a replacement. I will be living with the broken buckle and coming up with some sort of fix.

Might help you make your decision.

The Base Camp website isn't all that helpful in terms of purchasing. But I found this link:

http://www.basecamppacks.com/shop/

I assume you can just purchase it directly even though the Fbook page gives sketchy details on their 2011 pack sales.

I've just got a Flak Jacket (koi model). Such a good product! In mine I have a 2L water bladder, Skins, Probe, Shovel, food, spare googles and I haven't even used the two big kidney pockets yet... feels like a extremely well made product although I have not given it much use yet, can't believe Ogio discontinued it. Just looking to see if I can retrofit an avalung to it and it will almost be the perfect accessory!!

If anyone has done this please can you tell me if it was successful?

Anyone have any updates on Base Camp Packs? Seems like nothing on their website or Fbook pages has changed in over a year. Can you still order from their PayPal page?

The North Face Powder Guide vest seems to be an interesting entry in this space. And seems to exist...

Have the TNF vest on order. Might be a while but I'll report back when it arrives.

pretty interested in tnf vest. anyone besides sar picked this up yet?

Originally Posted by BLOWhERPOW

pretty interested in tnf vest. anyone besides sar picked this up yet?

Not personally, but nearly every bird troller last year had one...they seemed to like them. Not as many pocket options as the ogio (again discontinued) but looks pretty full featured.

Originally Posted by Skidog

Not as many pocket options as the ogio (again discontinued) but looks pretty full featured.

I haven't seen it but this is the impression I've made by looking at pics...smaller pockets on the TNF, correct?

Those Ogios are difficult to find but still available. I believe several Patrol outfits can order them and a few shops in BC sell them. Maybe they're more readily available at Snowmobile shops.

i saw TNF and have Ogio. TNF has way smaller pockets, like radio in one, bars in another, etc. Skins would be an issue. But many pockets and lighter than OGIO. Size was smaller, so size up. if you have other specific questions let me know

Had a friend send this thread over, I make the base camp packs, I have another run of vest packs coming in. Finding good mfg has been the big issue. It might not be till mid winter but I can imagine everyone is going to like our new vest pack. I do have a few of the straight jackets left though the color options are limited, email us over at info@basecamppacks.com if you are interested and we can get one out to you.