Utility Vests

[lowsparkco]

School me on the vests please. Seems I recall threads about TNF’s version being a copy of another popular OG version?

Anyone tried the West Slope chest pack?

https://westslopegear.com/products/s...80x-chest-pack

Facebook is inundating me with ad.’s which I usually blow off, but this thing has caught my attention.

Any reviews?

Why am I looking for one? - I rarely ski inbounds with avy gear. Usually skiing as an employee in a ski school uniform. Think it would be nice to have a small bladder of water, pen, pad, utility knife, lip balm, sunscreen, phone, sunglasses on me without my pockets bulging or a pack I have to take off for each chair ride.

TIA.

[BeHuWe]

I would recommend a whatvest.

This thing seems like it belongs in a Montec euro ad.


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[lowsparkco]

I would recommend a whatvest.

This thing seems like it belongs in a Montec euro ad.


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Haha. Totally. I think that’s starting to become the appeal. I like all the advertisements with the “can” - of pop of course.

[Name Redacted]

This was the deciding factor for me. I wear mine in the summer on the dirt bike as well.

[BeHuWe]

This was the deciding factor for me. I wear mine in the summer on the dirt bike as well.

They carry beer, kid/baby things/slack or side country load out/ avy tools on a deep powder day very well 10/10 recommend and I do every time I’m wearing mine on the hill and get questioned in the lift line/chair


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[UkBCyeti]

Another vote for whatvest. Been using one for two winters for work on the hill." Full send " if you're touring a lot. For what you're after it sounds like the "side hustle" is better. Smaller volume. This winter upgraded to the larger one for more space for full day's touring gear..

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[snowaddict91]

I would recommend a whatvest.

This thing seems like it belongs in a Montec euro ad.

Yeah, that thing is hideous looking. I have an older Dakine Heli Vest, but the Whatvest seems like the way to go after seeing a few in person.

[DarthMarkus]

For the vest aficionados, Sierra currently selling small ski patrol vests. You could easily pull the crosses off and just have a red vest (because I've done it already).

https://www.sierra.com/the-north-fac...prod-prod3FMYK

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[3PinGrin]

Ordered this earlier for backside turns this year based on recommendations from others on TGR.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/164963902499

[SnowMachine]

This was the deciding factor for me. I wear mine in the summer on the dirt bike as well.

Holy hell, that made me laugh. I should probably buy one of their packs.

Back to OP, I use a X-Fire pack when I'm coaching, radio, multi-tool, a few hand warmers, snacks and I attach a phone tether to it. Easy access to everything on the chair.

I've been eyeing a vest for avi tools and some more spares for the big days: goggles, gloves, hat, extra layer. Flylow, Dakine, Whatvest are on my radar.

[MarsB]

Got a L/XL Dakine that I need to get up on Gearswap one of these days if that size would work for you.

[Gepeto]

^^^
Same story... I'm holding an unused M/L Dakine. Just didn’t work on my frame.

I'm comfortable in the Wry that 3pin posted the link to. Close fit with zero restriction. Some fabric dye for the embroidered bits and swapped out the zipper pulls for blackouts. Work-around for the exposed bite valve is to jamb it in the high vest pocket. Less volume than the Dakine leaves little more than room for the essentials, but then I don't go around with a case of beer strapped to me either

Still need a pack for anything more than a side trip - the dakine would be different

[lowsparkco]

Thank you guys for playing along.

Yeah, not trying to carry that much, a can or two maybe - more likely is a small bladder or two or water.

I like the day packs I have, I like having carry options if I go to crampons or boot pack. Not looking for an alternative to a backpack for touring, just want to carry stuff around the ski area and not have to swing an arm out of the pack strap and ride with a backpack on my lap. I didn't mind that so much when patrolling and only caring for myself, but trying to line up a bunch of groms and having to huck one or two into the chair does not need the added stress of dealing with a pack and the straps being everywhere. Also, don't know that the most expensive option, WhatVest is necessary for me. I can see it's usefulness for slednecking or as an alternative for touring, maybe even sidecountry, but that's not my situation at the moment.

[DarthMarkus]

Got a L/XL Dakine that I need to get up on Gearswap one of these days if that size would work for you.

I may be interested if you do. Not sure if it's too big for you, but I may be willing to trade my TNF patrol vest, or maybe even my ABS TNF vest.

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[3PinGrin]

Some fabric dye for the embroidered bits and swapped out the zipper pulls for blackouts.

Yes, need to cover the patrol crosses for sure. I was thinking patches, hadn’t thought of dye.

I like that the sides are mesh to aid in heat management.

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

My Ogio Flak Jacket will be passed down to my offspring and then hopefully their offspring. Ageless. Timeless. A true work of art.

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[riff]

Yes, need to cover the patrol crosses for sure. I was thinking patches, hadn’t thought of dye.

I like that the sides are mesh to aid in heat management.

Just tell em you’re Swiss


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[whyturn]

I really like my wary now only on eBay


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[cat in january]

I put the eBay vest linked above in my watchlist and seller offered $10 off

[Gepeto]

^^^
EBAY Seller will except 95$ offer

[grinch]

I wear my whatvest most days on the hill. Im thinking its the best quality option. I buy a good quality jacket for smashing around the hill so i figure i'll keep that smashability with my vest. The rest seem like basic ripstop and not very waterproof. I hope mine lasts as long as my jacket. 4yrs and no complaints w my whatvest. Surprised my flylow higgins still looks new and is waterproof , w annual dwr wash/spray, after 7? years. WV looks to do the same

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[lowsparkco]

That West Slope front pack that I posted a link to in the first post sold out. It must meet someone’s aesthetic requirements if not maggotdom’s.

I’m somewhat glad I didn’t make a move yet, as I started thimking that I should probably ask management before I obscure all my uni’s badges.

[grinch]

That West Slope front pack that I posted a link to in the first post sold out. It must meet someone’s aesthetic requirements if not maggotdom’s.

I’m somewhat glad I didn’t make a move yet, as I started thimking that I should probably ask management before I obscure all my uni’s badges.

I went back to look. The west slope adds some carrying capacity. Is it enohgh? Idk. I guess the bladder goes in the back? Hydration bladders and hoses have always been a problem for me on the hill. Either the hose freezes or the bladder gets a leak.
I have most of the stuff you carry and a few other things in my easily accesible front 4 pockets, plys the key clip. The rear external vertically zippered hip pocket i carry a reused plastic salad dressing bottle with water. I recommend the rasberry vinigrette!! Salad dressing bottle with tuck tape keeping the flip lid closed is a nice shape against the body and its super excessable on the lift apart from taking a glove off

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[3PinGrin]

I really like my wary now only on eBay


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Actually, you can order directly from Wary as well.

https://shopwary.com/products/wary-mtn-ski-patrol-vest

[Gepeto]

...I guess the bladder goes in the back? Hydration bladders and hoses have always been a problem for me on the hill. Either the hose freezes or the bladder gets a leak...TGR Forums mobile app

nothin like a crotch full of cold water drippin towards ur boots to push through in the middle of ur day... I've worn a vest bladder inboard for years