Backcountry ski packs are great. But there are some instances in which they’re overkill, like when you’re just ducking outside of the resort for a quick sidecountry lap. That’s why we’re looking forward to testing out Dakine’s new Utility Vest, available fall 2013. It has seven pockets specifically designed to carry all your snow and safety tools (shovel, probe, skins, etc.) We loved that you don’t have to take this vest off when you get on a lift—even when it’s fully loaded. The diagonal ski carry in the back was highly adjustable, easy to figure out, and robust. While this isn’t the first vest that can carry backcountry gear, it is the lightest one we’ve yet seen and the first that carries everything in fully enclosed pockets.
