The Pack and Vest Thread

[ninja_nate]

I’ve been using a Burton AK 35L pack for the past few years and have been super happy with it for big days out and traveling but am looking for a low volume pack when I’m not bringing much with me. I originally was going to go the vest route, eyeing the Burton 13L vest pack, but realized a pack might be more convenient.

The main reason I’m leaning small pack is it seems like a vest is more work to get on and off, some of the pockets on a vest will cover up the pockets I have on my jacket (Volcom Guide so 2 chest 2 hand pockets) and mobility might be limited. The main benefit to a vest looks to be a better ride feel (for lack of a better term), having your gear sit closer to you, but I wonder how much a difference that makes when compared to 10-15L backpack.

I know I’ve see a few people post about Whatvest, Dakine and the new Burton vest/pack. If you went vest over a small pack, any issues related to my concerns? Happy with it over a small pack?

Also, anyone have experience with One Ball backpacks? I’m eyeing their 12L pack and sounds like they’re using a new factory?

https://wws-boardshop.com/collections/b ... l-backpack

[scrub]

IMG_8744.jpeg (221.7 KiB) Viewed 1710 times

The is is how I feel about my DaKine vest over my small pack. Water bottle in the front left pocket, snacks in the front right, shovel/probe in the back, spare lens in the top pocket, radio lives in the pack and nothing swings around or gets in the way.

[benjinyc]

The Dakine vest is pretty stiff compared to the Burton. Probably because it is airbag compatible, won’t rip off if you deploy the airbag or get caught in a slide. I’ve worn a 12L Dakine helipack, super comfy, but I’m sure it rip off my body if I got caught in an avalanche?

[scrub]

The Dakine vest is pretty stiff compared to the Burton. Probably because it is airbag compatible, won’t rip off if you deploy the airbag or get caught in a slide. I’ve worn a 12L Dakine helipack, super comfy, but I’m sure it rip off my body if I got caught in an avalanche?

I just wore mine with the airbag and canister in it for the first time and even with the added weight it felt great when riding and wasn't super uncomfortable when sitting in the cat.

[ninja_nate]

IMG_8744.jpegThe is is how I feel about my DaKine vest over my small pack. Water bottle in the front left pocket, snacks in the front right, shovel/probe in the back, spare lens in the top pocket, radio lives in the pack and nothing swings around or gets in the way.

Haha nice! Any noticeable difference in mobility with the vest on?

That’s good to hear it’s not uncomfortable in the cat. I was wondering how the shovel and prob feels sandwiched between your back and a seat.

[scrub]

Haha nice! Any noticeable difference in mobility with the vest on?

That’s good to hear it’s not uncomfortable in the cat. I was wondering how the shovel and prob feels sandwiched between your back and a seat.

My vest fits me pretty damn well (better than the Volcom one), I haven't noticed any mobility issues and riding the chair/gondola/cat with the shovel in it isn't horrible.

[jclinares]

I ride with a small backpack pretty much all the time I'm at the resort. If I was a park rat, I probably would have issues with it, but I'm very far from a park rat.

I've tried vests before at the shops, but I actually feel more constrained by it than by the backpack. But maybe it's just because I'm so used to the backpack.

My bag is an old McKinley that's been with me for 15 years; but I can't really recommend their quality these days. I've seen some bags from Osprey that look like they'd fit very well with what I want in a resort backpack.

[pow_hnd]

So I am for the most part team backpack. I wear one while splitboarding and on cat/heli days. I'm super used to one and it doesn't affect my riding at all. I guess 20+ years of splitboarding has just made it feel natural to me.

BUT, I do have a vest that I keep in my van for days I decide to dip out of bounds and do some sidecountry from the resort. It just lives in my van with its own shovel and probe and never leaves the van unless I wearing it.

I first bought the Dakine vest, which was fine, but then Burton dropped their vest a month ago and I swooped it up and much prefer it. It's much better fitting and super compact. I feel it's a lot more chairlift friendly.

FWIW, I just always roll with my beacon in my bib pocket. That doesn't mean it's always on, but the Tusk bibs have a dedicated beacon pocket and I just never take it out. Just turn it on when I need it. So I just grab my vest for sidecountry and pop on the beacon.

Burton AK457 Guide Pack is the best backpack I've ever had, so much that I bought a second one this winter to keep as a backup.

[C.Fuzzy]

I prefer a vest to more evenly distribute weight and for it's compactness; I definitely prioritize the ride over convenience of access. I hate the weirdness of a backpack swing weight, or having it throw me forward on a landing when I'm bent over, or catching it on a tree. For most of what I do, the vest is best. There are times when a pack is necessary, for longer expeditions where more gear is necessary. But I'm doing none of those these days so... meh. Also, as a... 'I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it' ... sort of guy... I find I'll over pack a backpack, vs being more prudent and thoughtful with a vest.

[benjinyc]

The Ak vest is def way more comfortable... it's softer and more stretchy. The DaKine is built like it's a kevlar bombproof vest. I have the Dakine and never used it, still has tags and everything, will prob sell/trade it for the AK. I'm never in any situation where I'm going to be carrying canisters etc. For resort or sidecountry I don't want to carry anything more than I have to, really just B/S/P, voile strap, roll of tape, and inreach... nothing else. Backcountry, sure... backpack fully loaded