Why carry more than you need? The Poacher RAS Vest keeps backcountry essentials close at hand and offers the ability to carry an avalanche airbag without feeling overloaded. Designed with liftassist laps and heli or snowcat trips in mind, the waistcoat features an integrated lowprofile pack for avalanche safety gear and front pockets to keep small items within reach. It's compatible with the Mammut Removable Airbag System 3.0 and features Dakine's exclusive RollTop closure.
Why carry more than you need? The Poacher RAS Vest keeps backcountry essentials close at hand and offers the ability to carry an avalanche airbag without feeling overloaded. Designed with liftassist laps and heli or snowcat trips in mind, the waistcoat features an integrated lowprofile pack for avalanche safety gear and front pockets to keep small items within reach. It's compatible with the Mammut Removable Airbag System 3.0 and features Dakine's exclusive RollTop closure.
Why carry more than you need? The Poacher RAS Vest keeps backcountry essentials close at hand and offers the ability to carry an avalanche airbag without feeling overloaded. Designed with liftassist laps and heli or snowcat trips in mind, the waistcoat features an integrated lowprofile pack for avalanche safety gear and front pockets to keep small items within reach. It's compatible with the Mammut Removable Airbag System 3.0 and features Dakine's exclusive RollTop closure.
Why carry more than you need? The Poacher RAS Vest keeps backcountry essentials close at hand and offers the ability to carry an avalanche airbag without feeling overloaded. Designed with liftassist laps and heli or snowcat trips in mind, the waistcoat features an integrated lowprofile pack for avalanche safety gear and front pockets to keep small items within reach. It's compatible with the Mammut Removable Airbag System 3.0 and features Dakine's exclusive RollTop closure.
Last updated at 12/21/2024 05:16:16
originally posted on dakine.com
I've had the opportunity to demo this vest for ~10 resort days and 1 slackcountry day. Honestly, I think it's one of the best pieces of skiing GEAR I've used in the last several years. I say gear, because this vest is so functional, I don't consider it clothing - it's a tool. And a very good tool, at that. I've skied for years in the resort with a backpack. I like to carry layers, extra gloves, a med kit, food, water, and avy gear for side country and avy gate excursions (inbound slides tragically do happen). But cranking out laps with a heavy pack has started to wreck my back, and makes chair rides downright scary at times. Enter this vest. It holds all my avy gear in the back panel compartment, and, though I didn't use it, is airbag compatible. You can add a spine ... MoreI've had the opportunity to demo this vest for ~10 resort days and 1 slackcountry day. Honestly, I think it's one of the best pieces of skiing GEAR I've used in the last several years. I say gear, because this vest is so functional, I don't consider it clothing - it's a tool. And a very good tool, at that. I've skied for years in the resort with a backpack. I like to carry layers, extra gloves, a med kit, food, water, and avy gear for side country and avy gate excursions (inbound slides tragically do happen). But cranking out laps with a heavy pack has started to wreck my back, and makes chair rides downright scary at times. Enter this vest. It holds all my avy gear in the back panel compartment, and, though I didn't use it, is airbag compatible. You can add a spine protector, rig a water bladder (I opted for 14oz nalgenes in the chest pockets), and throw an extra puffy layer in the back panel compartment. There's a nice, big, fleece lined goggle pocket back there, too, and a really nifty, well designed, stealth helmet carry on the back - that was super helpful for the slackcountry. 6 various front pockets for holding sunscreen, lip balm, keys, phone, water bottles, food, favorite carbonated beverages, BCA Link radio (and some gear loops on shoulder to attach the mic; nice touch), ski pass, etc. Two bigger inner pockets are great for storing extra gloves, or skins when touring. For resort riding, this thing is bomber. It distributes all that weight perfectly for skiing, rides the chair FAR better than a pack, and just makes so much sense. For slackcountry it's a great lightweight alternative to a pack. Not sure I'd use it for pure backcountry, though - I need more volume for gear, but that's not the vest's fault. High quality materials and build. It also offers some added warmth and protection from wind.Two things to point out: 1) haven't really found a great spot to put medical gear. I'm working on slimming down my med kit to see if I can work it into the back panel. I'd rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it, you know? 2) The only real design "flaw"/"wish" I have is on the side compression straps along your ribs. The way they are rigged, you have to reach back, and then pull towards your back to tighten the vest over layers. It's awkward. It would be way more ergonomic to have them rigged so that you pull forward on the straps to tighten. That seems slightly overlooked, not a huge deal, but would be nice in a future version.A+ job on this one, Dakine!
originally posted on dakine.com
I have been using this vest for 4 years. It's so simple and such an easy setup to use. It carries loads great. Love how you can cinch it up and it fits your body like a glove. You don't have to take it off when you ride a chair. It's the perfect single day pack to jet out of the resort when the condition are right. Just enough room for your skins, beacon, food, water, avy gear, and a few other items. The BCA radio mic fits great in the H2O hose sleeve. The only advise I will give is an integrated helmet pouch for when you're on the skin track. This is one of the best pieces of gear I have bought. I use it A LOT and I do not know why Dakine is not pushing this product more. I think it's a game changer and you can stealthily move around and get the goods...
originally posted on dakine.com
Bought the Poacher RAS vest for slack-country snowboarding and off-piste resort runs. I used it for a week this season and was really impressed with the load balance. It brings the extra weight much closer to your center of gravity than a traditional backpack, and made for a much more natural feeling ride. It was also much safer riding the lifts with the vest rather than a pack. The front pockets provide easy access to energy bars and phones. The main storage compartment had room for a hydration bladder, back country gear, as well as other odds and ends for a day on the mountain. I'm 6'2" and 190 lbs. and I settled on the M/L after trying the L/XL. The M/L was a much more secure fit if you have a lean body type. The difference in the sizes in in the girth, not the ... MoreBought the Poacher RAS vest for slack-country snowboarding and off-piste resort runs. I used it for a week this season and was really impressed with the load balance. It brings the extra weight much closer to your center of gravity than a traditional backpack, and made for a much more natural feeling ride. It was also much safer riding the lifts with the vest rather than a pack. The front pockets provide easy access to energy bars and phones. The main storage compartment had room for a hydration bladder, back country gear, as well as other odds and ends for a day on the mountain. I'm 6'2" and 190 lbs. and I settled on the M/L after trying the L/XL. The M/L was a much more secure fit if you have a lean body type. The difference in the sizes in in the girth, not the length.
| Chest | 96 - 109CM |
| Waist | 76 - 109CM |
I've had the opportunity to demo this vest for ~10 resort days and 1 slackcountry day. Honestly, I think it's one of the best pieces of skiing GEAR I've used in the last several years. I say gear, because this vest is so functional, I don't consider it clothing - it's a tool. And a very good tool, at that. I've skied for years in the resort with a backpack. I like to carry layers, extra gloves, a med kit, food, water, and avy gear for side country and avy gate excursions (inbound slides tragically do happen). But cranking out laps with a heavy pack has started to wreck my back, and makes chair rides downright scary at times. Enter this vest. It holds all my avy gear in the back panel compartment, and, though I didn't use it, is airbag compatible. You can add a spine ... MoreI've had the opportunity to demo this vest for ~10 resort days and 1 slackcountry day. Honestly, I think it's one of the best pieces of skiing GEAR I've used in the last several years. I say gear, because this vest is so functional, I don't consider it clothing - it's a tool. And a very good tool, at that. I've skied for years in the resort with a backpack. I like to carry layers, extra gloves, a med kit, food, water, and avy gear for side country and avy gate excursions (inbound slides tragically do happen). But cranking out laps with a heavy pack has started to wreck my back, and makes chair rides downright scary at times. Enter this vest. It holds all my avy gear in the back panel compartment, and, though I didn't use it, is airbag compatible. You can add a spine protector, rig a water bladder (I opted for 14oz nalgenes in the chest pockets), and throw an extra puffy layer in the back panel compartment. There's a nice, big, fleece lined goggle pocket back there, too, and a really nifty, well designed, stealth helmet carry on the back - that was super helpful for the slackcountry. 6 various front pockets for holding sunscreen, lip balm, keys, phone, water bottles, food, favorite carbonated beverages, BCA Link radio (and some gear loops on shoulder to attach the mic; nice touch), ski pass, etc. Two bigger inner pockets are great for storing extra gloves, or skins when touring. For resort riding, this thing is bomber. It distributes all that weight perfectly for skiing, rides the chair FAR better than a pack, and just makes so much sense. For slackcountry it's a great lightweight alternative to a pack. Not sure I'd use it for pure backcountry, though - I need more volume for gear, but that's not the vest's fault. High quality materials and build. It also offers some added warmth and protection from wind.Two things to point out: 1) haven't really found a great spot to put medical gear. I'm working on slimming down my med kit to see if I can work it into the back panel. I'd rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it, you know? 2) The only real design "flaw"/"wish" I have is on the side compression straps along your ribs. The way they are rigged, you have to reach back, and then pull towards your back to tighten the vest over layers. It's awkward. It would be way more ergonomic to have them rigged so that you pull forward on the straps to tighten. That seems slightly overlooked, not a huge deal, but would be nice in a future version.A+ job on this one, Dakine!
I have been using this vest for 4 years. It's so simple and such an easy setup to use. It carries loads great. Love how you can cinch it up and it fits your body like a glove. You don't have to take it off when you ride a chair. It's the perfect single day pack to jet out of the resort when the condition are right. Just enough room for your skins, beacon, food, water, avy gear, and a few other items. The BCA radio mic fits great in the H2O hose sleeve. The only advise I will give is an integrated helmet pouch for when you're on the skin track. This is one of the best pieces of gear I have bought. I use it A LOT and I do not know why Dakine is not pushing this product more. I think it's a game changer and you can stealthily move around and get the goods...
Bought the Poacher RAS vest for slack-country snowboarding and off-piste resort runs. I used it for a week this season and was really impressed with the load balance. It brings the extra weight much closer to your center of gravity than a traditional backpack, and made for a much more natural feeling ride. It was also much safer riding the lifts with the vest rather than a pack. The front pockets provide easy access to energy bars and phones. The main storage compartment had room for a hydration bladder, back country gear, as well as other odds and ends for a day on the mountain. I'm 6'2" and 190 lbs. and I settled on the M/L after trying the L/XL. The M/L was a much more secure fit if you have a lean body type. The difference in the sizes in in the girth, not the ... MoreBought the Poacher RAS vest for slack-country snowboarding and off-piste resort runs. I used it for a week this season and was really impressed with the load balance. It brings the extra weight much closer to your center of gravity than a traditional backpack, and made for a much more natural feeling ride. It was also much safer riding the lifts with the vest rather than a pack. The front pockets provide easy access to energy bars and phones. The main storage compartment had room for a hydration bladder, back country gear, as well as other odds and ends for a day on the mountain. I'm 6'2" and 190 lbs. and I settled on the M/L after trying the L/XL. The M/L was a much more secure fit if you have a lean body type. The difference in the sizes in in the girth, not the length.
This vest is awesome! Even with the RAS installed, it's still lighter than my old ABS bag. It hugs you nice and close and keeps you a lot more balanced than if you have a big clunky pack. This is my go to pack now in the back country. Make sure you size up a bit though. typically i would go for XL in most dakine stuff, but if they offered a bigger size I would have gone with it. Does fit me snug. I'm 6'2 245 athletic, and that's probably the biggest person their L/X will fit. You can't layer too heavy underneath or you'll get squeezed. Still love it though! Good storage inside the vest as well for skins and stuff. 100% recommend!
This vest is amazing for riding in the backcountry, not so great if you are planning on going on a longer trip because the pack is relatively small. But besides that - WOW. The comfort when riding is amazing. I hated having my pack always flopping around and throwing me off balance. I don't even notice this guy. Perfect for shorter day trips with not much layering needed or for heli drops/cat skiing. Definitely an addition to my larger airbag, wish I could replace it but afraid if they made the pack too much bigger it wouldn't be as inconspicuous as it is.
Nice lightweight vest which you don’t have to take off on the access chairlift but still enought room to hold all the essential avalanche safety gear, and more. Convenient front pockets to hold your skins for quick transitions. Used several days already. I'm 5'9, medium build and bought the Small/Medium which fits well. Thought it was too small at first until I noticed the adjustable straps near the waist. Just note, this is not for longer or more complex backcountry trips due to limited space for crampons, axe, etc etc. Love it!
I purchased this thinking that the vest would be suitable for in and out of bounds activities. The vest itself fits well and is comfortable, but deceptively heavy even without the airbag. The internal storage compartments are not super organized. Supposedly there’s a spot for a 2 way radio handset or hydration bladder but for the life of me I can’t figure out where the bladder would fit. The integrated back padding is comfortable and riding the chairlifts is no problem. The ski carry works well and stays put even on steep stuff without calf scratching or digging the Tips in. Very warm, acts as another vest layer, so not super breathable. I think the heli vest would have been acceptable but not available. Product video and or manual would be helpful. Also, random ... MoreI purchased this thinking that the vest would be suitable for in and out of bounds activities. The vest itself fits well and is comfortable, but deceptively heavy even without the airbag. The internal storage compartments are not super organized. Supposedly there’s a spot for a 2 way radio handset or hydration bladder but for the life of me I can’t figure out where the bladder would fit. The integrated back padding is comfortable and riding the chairlifts is no problem. The ski carry works well and stays put even on steep stuff without calf scratching or digging the Tips in. Very warm, acts as another vest layer, so not super breathable. I think the heli vest would have been acceptable but not available. Product video and or manual would be helpful. Also, random strap in bottom compartment and mesh sack on bottom of bag seem superfluous.
Have had this vest for 2 years now and love the functionality of it for splitboarding and resort riding. My poles are the only reason I have to take off the pack because I can put my skins on the inside pockets which make for a quick transition. I use the airbag compartment for spare goggle storage and still have room for a radio. And the vest just balances the weight on my shoulders then a backpack. HOWEVER, it lacks quality stitching. Four out of six front pockets have detached threads along the zippers and 2 are not even usable... and then they fill up with snow.Another flaw is how the front main zipper slides up while riding turning your vest into a cape. This would easily be resolved if a lower buckle was sown on like there is at the top.
I love this vest. This vest stores my beacon, shovel,probe, skins, and cast touring toe pieces perfectly with room for 32 oz water bottle and a small extra layer. In the front pockets I have been storing my food where I can fit some comically large items(like a pepper) in the pockets. Fitting the vest was a small chalange because the spot where the vest sits in the shoulders doesn’t sit right on my back but after some adjustment it was perfect. I have used this for 2 days with an hour hike on one of the days and wearing the bag all day the other. I couldn’t ask for a better bag. I am also surprised that there are no larger back pack options like a 20L vest pack.
Totally solid. So far I have used this vest for a day of in bounds skiing and a day of back-country Timbersled riding. I was on the boarder of the M/L and L/XL and ended up with the L/XL to give me some flexibility with layering.I purchased this vest for a few reasons. Fist is the air bag compatibility, I back-country ski and ride a Timbersled so safety is key. The second is that with the small backpack built in to the vest I didn't need to carry a cumbersome bag anymore for side country runs and on my Timbersled, cutting down on bulk and weight.The vest fits great and holds everything I need close at hand. For side country the vest was awesome, I was dispensing snacks to the kids one minute and when it was my turn to get a few runs in I was slaying the ... MoreTotally solid. So far I have used this vest for a day of in bounds skiing and a day of back-country Timbersled riding. I was on the boarder of the M/L and L/XL and ended up with the L/XL to give me some flexibility with layering.I purchased this vest for a few reasons. Fist is the air bag compatibility, I back-country ski and ride a Timbersled so safety is key. The second is that with the small backpack built in to the vest I didn't need to carry a cumbersome bag anymore for side country runs and on my Timbersled, cutting down on bulk and weight.The vest fits great and holds everything I need close at hand. For side country the vest was awesome, I was dispensing snacks to the kids one minute and when it was my turn to get a few runs in I was slaying the side-country and then right back to dispensing snacks to the kids like a pro!The vest adds about 10 deg of warmth which is something to keep in mind. The interior skins pockets are nice they are wide enough to for even the fattest skins and with the side adjustment straps you can open the vest up to fit them in the vest without feeling like you are wearing a fat suit.The only addition that I would like to see would be a loop sewn into one of the upper chest pockets to lash my beacon to. Right now it is looped through the zipper loop so I don't drop it in a moment of panic.
| Chest | 96 - 109CM |
| Waist | 76 - 109CM |
