The Shed: Ogio’s ‘Flak Jacket’ fills a niche market

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

By Sam Petri

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-You may have spotted the unisex Ogio Flak Jacket in the lift line and wondered if its functionality lives up to its style. In short, it does. The Flak Jacket remains in a category all its own - not quite a day pack, not really outerwear - and is perfect for side country missions just outside of the ski resort boundary.

The vest can carry a beacon, shovel, probe, full size water bladder, extra set of goggles, sunglasses, your cell phone, digital music player and most importantly, your skis or snowboard. You can also fit a compass, map, compact headlamp, multi-tool, emergency blanket, fire starter, small first aid kit and a candy bar.

No doubt, the Flak Jacket’s high profile style turns heads like 50 Cent in Farmington, Connecticut. But the most attractive quality is its low profile design that allows you to wear it while riding the chair lift. Although the presence of your shovel blade will push you forward in the seat enough to want to put the bar down, it’s still better than having a large backpack in your lap. When you exit the lift you’ll be ready to go while others are stuck buckling straps.

Carrying skis on the Flak Jacket was a breeze. Two straps on the back adjust to carry even the fattest powder skis in a diagonal fashion. Snowboards are stowed horizontally, near the waist. Because it’s more of a vest than a backpack, I didn’t experience the shoulder fatigue that sometimes occurs with backpack straps, as the weight of my skis was dispersed over the front of my body and shoulders.

Still, the vest design had my beer gut perspiring more than usual. And with no place to store extra layers, I had to wedge my outer layer between my skis when I got hot. Although comfort prevailed, it would be nice if the Flak Jacket had a place to store an extra layer.

On the downhill, the Flak Jacket felt weightless. Instead of having all of your gear behind you, like a backpack, when wearing the Flak Jacket you are surrounded by your gear. This felt balanced and with multiple front pockets, accessing gear was just a zip away.

While it’s a great offering for the sidecountry, I found myself wanting more storage space. You need a compact probe to fit in the designated probe pocket and there is no pocket big enough to carry a set of climbing skins. But again, the vest is designed for very short trips just outside of the resort boundary, not long days.

All in all, the Flak Jacket is a great way to round out your backcountry backpack quiver. It’s comfortable, stylish and a decent way to stay safe in avalanche terrain when you’re just dipping into the sidecountry for a few quick laps.

Courtesy Ogio
If 50 Cent skied, he would wear this.

PERMALINK:
The Shed: Ogio’s ‘Flak Jacket’ fills a niche market | Planet JH News Article: Sports & Recreation

Leave a Comment