North Face Powder Guide Vest - anyone fondled?

[Daywalker]

I'm currently using the Ogio Flak Jacket and see some room for improvement in fit and functionality. I'm curious if the North Face vest is any better. I've talked briefly to some patrollers that were using it (or something similar, maybe proto?) for the last year.

Three questions:
1. Does it fit the tall and lanky? Ogio Flak Jacket does not so much as S/M is too short and L/XL doesn't cinch down enough.
2. Can you fit skins in the front pockets?
3. Is it hydration compatible?

Sadly, my guess is no to all of the above but I'm curious.

[whyturn]

I have Ogio (love it), went to NF flagship off Rodeo DR to investigate:
Three questions:
1. Does it fit the tall and lanky? Ogio Flak Jacket does not so much as S/M is too short and L/XL doesn't cinch down enough. I am tall lanky and L/XL is fine for me. However I wear VPD POC body armor so that adds some linebacker bulk. this vest is clearly thinner and comes in more sizes. I would want Xl with my body armor but L would be great for you prob. I am (6'2" 180) with monkey arms and motorcycle shoulders
2. Can you fit skins in the front pockets? Yes, but would split left and right and it would be snug. there is a back pocket and see video link below
3. Is it hydration compatible? Does appear to be with back zipper pocket up high. However, I love insulted zip sleeve on Ogio. i guess you could put hose in tubing and into your jacket??, I was concerned about this very point and I did not have bladder to check.
this video at :31 shows pockets in detail - but does not list bladder pocket
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C004XsBdaHw

I would order from BC.com and return for $6.99 if you no likee
they seem to be going fast. If you sign up at active junky.com you get 10% off BC, kinda like the old bing. disc codes dont work

[Daywalker]

Cool, thanks for quick reply. I'm 6', 165lbs and also wear POC VPD inbounds and the Ogio works better then. The fit is really noticeable when bootpacking with skis hanging off.

I'll see if I can check one out this weekend or may just bite the bullet and order.

[Conundrum]

It's funny how little niches have been making clothes like this for years and no one really knows about them. Check out: http://www.airtimekite.com/index.php/contacts

They make patrol vests but can do them in different colors so you don't look like a patroller. I looked at the new North Face vest and thought wow, TNF is only about 10 years behind the Airtime patrol vest I had 10 years ago.

I'm not sure Airtime even does vests anymore but it might be worth a call. The vest I had was a large and fit well (I'm 6' 200 lbs). It was sized so it was big enough to wear a windstopper under it but not so bulky that you couldn't wear a shell over for storms and wet weather.

I patrolled in mine for about 5 years so about 350-400 days and when I quit doing that, I sold it to a new guy. They are pretty durable.

[Bobcat Sig]

Outta Ware here in Bozeman makes several different versions of a utility vest: http://outaware.com/Ski%20Patrol%20S...20Uniforms.htm

[Andyski]

For those who are perhaps newer to this concept and aren't a patroller - like me - and wondering if a vest like this would be kind of cool and convenient for slack country resorts where they bitch at you about taking your pack off for the lift, or just dumb looking: having fondled the NF vest recently, my opinion is: dumb looking. I tried it on with a shovel and probe in it, and it felt like I was dressed as Marley's ghost. Friends laughed (par for the course I suppose). A small pack like the BD Bandit are better for me. YMMV.

[Daywalker]

Not really interested in the cool vs. dumb looking factor.

Advantages that I see in the vest and why I'm interested in the idea:
1. Distributes load better (skins/snacks in front pocket, avy gear in back)
2. Packs down lower (good for chair, tram, etc.)
3. Potentially carries better than small packs (which all have SHITTY suspensions)


On a seperate note, thanks for link Conundrum. I'm following up. Bobcat Sig, doesn't look like those will do the set shovel carry and I'm not a huge fan of patroller style cord method.

[whyturn]

Daywalker, your 3 reasons are exactly why i did it. Will never go back. Balance is better in deep pow with less swingwight and center of mass staying more stable - i don't ski to be seen...........

[marshalolson]

avivest makes a non-airbag version as well as a padded version

[Daywalker]

avivest makes a non-airbag version as well as a padded version

How do I not know about these friggin' companies? Sizing looks a bit disheartening for the tall-and-scrawny but the vest itself seems like a contender.

Dear Outdoor Companies, some of us are not hippos or linebackers.

[neck beard]

Never fondled any of the type of vests.

Which ones are designed to reduce the risk of the sharp thin edge end of your shovel neatly smashing in between T11 and T12 (or nearby) in the event that you go down hard on your back?

[whyturn]

My Ogio has really thick padding. Fell many different ways and never an issue. it is heavier than TNF one. Seems more durable

[JTrue]

Got one waiting for me, you can fondle it if I keep it.

[10% Groomed]

Not sure if this will help the OP out, but I thought it was an interesting concept. Kind of a half vest if you need more storage up front.

www.ribzwear.com

[Daywalker]

I'll fondle your vest any day...

Wait, I mean... yeah, let me know.

Got one waiting for me, you can fondle it if I keep it.

[JTrue]

I bought a large, I'm 5' 11" 170lbs. I usually wear a demon snow back protector. I have it cinched down all the way. It seems to fit about perfect. I have a longer torso and it comes down a little under my belt line. I'm sure once it's loaded up it will fit a bit more snug. I'll have to see and report back.

[Timo226]

I am interested in buying a North Face Powder Guide vest from anyone. Either used or new. Please let me know if anyone is interested in selling.

[Kootenai]

I got a Wary vest off eBay for 100 bucks. Very happy with it. Tons of storage and slick shovel/ probe storage. Probably enough room for skins on the front, but i keep mine in back. I like the balanced load and low profile for lift accessed backcountry. It could store a bladder with insulated tube but i opt for .05 liter platypuses and stash them in multiple pockets. An xl works well with 6’ 195#
Cons: The pocket zippers are a little light, but so far no problems. The chest gets sweaty on the up vs. just having backpack straps.
I haven’t tried their ski carry system yet, but i believe that would be more comfy than a small ridge pack for hoofing to the top of the ridge.
Tip: before laying vest in snow for tranny, zip up front zip so it doesn’t get snow caught in the zipper.

[1000-oaks]

Had the NF, which got me hooked on vests. Was a little small for my size so sold it, got Dakine Poacher and WARY. Both are nice but different, use either depending on what I need to carry. Dakine has a hydration bag sleeve and more space in front pockets, and is more stealthy if you don't want people thinking you're patrol and asking you questions. Exterior shovel/probe access is nice on WARY if you're using the shovel multiple times per day. (Probe sleeve won't quite zip over a 300cm BCA probe, but it's fine with it sticking out a bit.) RAS 3.0 kit for the Dakine is a nice option, haven't tried it.

[whyturn]

I agree with above two posts. I had NF and got wary. Bigger back pocket for skins or layers. I also had dakine but it would wet out. I did get RAS dakine airbag for out of bound days. Much better weight distribution for minor heat exchange on front.

[::: :::]

Dakine had theirs on sale this past month... $105 just checked now
https://www.dakine.com/en-us/bags/ba...cks/heli-vest/

[1000-oaks]

^ That's the Heli, not the Poacher vest.