Side country vests

[adrenalated]

That thing looks more like a backpack to me. What makes that a vest?

Nothing. It's a backpack with big pockets on the straps.

I like my Dakine blow-up vest

[Core Shot]

I got a Whatvest from my mom for xmas. (Okay I told her to buy it for me). The colors are rad and it holds 18 beers.

Because of the covids I haven't ventured out west this year and only do laps out of bounds if the globe is all green anymore (which seems to be never) but the vest skis great and it is built like a tank. So long chipmunk pockets.

Attachment 363410

If a vest holds 18 beers . . .

It might just be a backpack

[MakersTeleMark]

[uglymoney]

Call it what you like. It is all business up front and a party out the back.

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[Buke]

Since getting into trail running I've really wondered why ski packs don't have a bunch of useful pockets on the straps. Apparently this is an old idea. That BD pack looks like the perfect functionality upgrade to me.

[happytimefunbox]

Volcom Iguchi slack vest on ksl $150

Volcom Iguchi Slack Vest https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/62986910

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[paulster2626]

Since getting into trail running I've really wondered why ski packs don't have a bunch of useful pockets on the straps. Apparently this is an old idea. That BD pack looks like the perfect functionality upgrade to me.

I took the avalung out of mine so I can use that strap pocket for snacks.

[MakersTeleMark]

I don't get the pockets. WTF do you people carry?

[adrenalated]

I don't get the pockets. WTF do you people carry?

Basically all the miscellaneous little stuff that would otherwise live in the small pockets in the main pack? Stuff like snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, scraper, more snacks, thin gloves, soft water bottle in the front drop pockets, etc. It's nice to be able to access those things easily. It's not really big enough for all day touring and not a replacement for a 30-40L pack (duh) but great for sled skiing or lift accessed backcountry.

[MakersTeleMark]

Do people still carry a pack as well? I will fully admit my ignorance here. Seems redundant.

[adrenalated]

Nope, one or the other.
When I'm out on the sled and planning on never being very far from it, I carry the vest with the essentials that I might need right away (avy gear, some food, some water, InReach, a thin puffy, first aid kit, Voile straps, bivy, radio, etc) and then on the sled is the bulky stuff that it's OK if it takes me 30min to get to it (more water, more food, overnight puffy, more repair stuff (for humans, ski gear, and sled), etc.

A normal ski tour, or the type of tour where I'm using the sled for access then leaving it for the day, I'm wearing a normal pack.

[paulster2626]

I don't get the pockets. WTF do you people carry?

hydration bladder
sandwich
a beer, maybe
goggles/sunglasses
skis on the back for hiking

Shit just feels better distributed on my body vs. in my jacket and pants pockets. I don't wear it every day, maybe 1/5 days when I know I'll be slogging up a bootpack.

[Djongo Unchained]

The evolution...


1.The older Granite gear pack, low profile, burly and comfy. Best for carrying skis as hip and shoulder straps are padded and bomber.
2. The Dakine vest has superceded the GGpack for all but the longest walks. Fits great, feels great.
3. The tiny sidecountry pack that I picked up this summer at the thrift store; made by Ski Area Supplies outta Colorado. My daily goto for pure sidecountry, in and out in 20 minutes or less. I wear my gear on big days when others may get in trouble, in case I can help. And for me, of course.

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

Yeah, at places like Big Sky/Bridger it makes sense. I beep all day if skiing HW or off the summit which is basically every time we go skiing. You need gear for the couloir or snowfield. You don't need gear for HW but should have it IMO. The vest doubles as a good back protector too. Carry a bit of water, snacks, extra goggle lens, shovel/probe, etc. Strap skis to it for ridge hikes. Can ride chairlifts and not even think about it. I feel naked without my vest on now.

[::: :::]

i have that dakine heli vest...i get a lot of comments on it
(my teen has the airbag one (w/o airbag) and it's pretty good too tho more complicated visually)
i think it's perfect for inbounds, so clean without shit hanging off it (tho front pockets prolly deserve zips under velcro flaps)
din't come with no JHAF patch tho : p

[dcpnz]

Do these vests have any padding on the back and structure to them or are they essentially just fabric?
Having never check one out in person it seems gear, particularly shovels and handles, would be fairly uncomfortable and potentially harmful in a crash if they do not.

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

The Ogio has back padding between the shovel/gear and your back.

[::: :::]

dakine has a little plastic plate, but not sure that qualifies as protection in a backslapping fall

[nickbokhoven]

Iguchi vest has some nice thin but effective padding in the back. Enough to make it comfortable riding a chair or in a cat with a shovel and probe or doing a somersault or two with your gear.


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[adrenalated]

Current Dakine RAS vest has the same kind of padding (and I think a plastic sheet) as a typical smaller pack would.

[pfluffenmeister]

North Face Powder Vest has light padding in back.
And a couple if pockets in back.
Makes chairs and shovel/probe more comfortable.

[2FUNKY]

Current Dakine RAS vest has the same kind of padding (and I think a plastic sheet) as a typical smaller pack would.

I own the current RAS vest. They are padded with a plastic sheet stay in them offering good back protection. Excellent vest and the pockets are laid out well. Helmet carry is genius.