Originally Posted By: comms
Like I said I have been looking for front access systems for quite some time. Honestly there is not the supply of pouches and pockets to put on the hip belt or shoulder straps like one would think.

Just for example, I have a Delorme PN-40 GPS. Delorme does not have a pouch for carry. I looked at every sports/rec store, office supply and techo big box, nothing fit. Ended up using a MOLLE radio pouch.

If you have a cell phone or camera, no problem. If your looking for a pouch with any real space for holding items like a map, food, etc, your S.O.L. Your better finding something military based or McGuyver something you find that you like.


+1. I sweet-talked a shoe repair man into making a pouch for my GPS out of some vinyl kind of material. I cut holes in it so I can operate the GPS inside the pouch. Each corner of the pouch has a tab with a hole, so I can fasten the pouch to anything, the backpack strap or whatever. If I want to look like an über-geek I can strap it to my forearm.... I mostly strap it to my map case. That way I can look at the map and the GPS at the same time without opening anything. (Compass needs to be taken out of the map case and away from the GPS and everything else magnetic to work).


The pockets of my jacket fulfill the role of front load system. I am always adjusting my clothing (hat on, hat off, gloves on, gloves off and so on) in response to my varying heat production and environmental factors. Gloves/mittens, hat and scarf goes into my big jacket pockets when they go off, which also has room for some additional items. I also have 2 small pockets that are used for stuff like flashlight and small odds and ends.

This vest looks like a great system, but I am a bit hesitant to jump on this wagon:

  • I worry a bit if this vest would interfere with my current "front pack" system. (Map+GPS+compass on front as described above. Clothing for my head, neck and finger clothing on my person or in my front pockets. Whistle, flashlight and perhaps some additional small gadgets in my small front pockets).
  • When I'm not wearing a backpack this system allows me to bring more stuff without overloading my jacket pockets, which is good. But why don't I just use a smaller backpack, the day pack size or similar? This vest may actually be more comfortable than a small day pack, remains to be verified.
  • With a backpack on I frankly do not need this system, and would not wear it (except perhaps in my pack).


To me, the biggest merits of this system would be to have it easily accessible in or on my backpack so when my backpack goes off this vest comes on. It weights next to nothing compared to a regular small daypack, and it may even be more comfortable to wear. You need some system for organizing your critical gear anyway, and this vest may fulfill that role AND be a comfortable means of carrying it as well.