• Material: Nylon/Polyester mesh
• Colour: Black
• Size: S/M/L/XL
• Price: £260

First of all, the Volcom Iguchi Slack Vest isn’t technically what you’d define as your classic backpack, since it’s firmly wrapped around your core and zips up like an outerwear layer. Instead, it’s best to think of it as a hybrid of the two: all the functionality and essential storage features of a backcountry backpack, with the added advantage of being incredibly light weight and close fitting to the body.

Five generations in the making, Bryan Iguchi’s Slack Vest is one of the most ingenious inventions in the history of snowboard soft goods (yeah, we said it). Carrying big volume backpacks in the backcountry can often affect your balance and riding posture, something you’d ideally want to avoid if possible. The Slack Vest eases off some of that extra weight on your back while keeping everything super close to your body, thus allowing for a broader range of mobility and increased stability.

“Five generations in the making, Bryan Iguchi’s Slack Vest is one of the most ingenious inventions in the history of snowboard soft goods”

The Iguchi Vest isn’t just a great choice when it comes to less bulk and weight, it’s also got loads of pockets and space for you to store all the essential avi kit you’ll need for a shorter backcountry excursion. A probe sleeve, a pocket for the shovel handle, an exterior shovel blade holder and external straps to hold your board are just a few of the features that come with the vest.

When you want to ease off some of that extra weight of a backpack, the Volcom Slack Vest, designed by Bryan Iguchi, is a great alternative for short lightweight backcountry excursions. However, it definitely shouldn’t be seen as a substitute for a backpack when heading out for longer missions.

Even if the Slack Vest is purpose-built for backcountry touring, it works great for resort riding too. If you’re sick of carrying a backpack around at all times, this thing comes in handy. And if you spot some nice powder runs on the sides, you’ll have your avi kit at arms reach too.

The model in the photo is 6’3” (190cm) tall and wearing size L.