Right here goes......
I used to work for Arktis, so I know a little bit about there vests, Arktis have over the years made some of the best equipment available in the market place, but as times have gone on, they have started to make their equipment "over seas", they use the same factory as Highlander and Webtex / Thatchreed. If you look at the webtex ops vest irr and the Arktis 1601 vest they are very simular in design, they use the same material and both come from the same factory.
The problem with the vest's being produced overseas is that they may / may-not be IRR. The best bet is an Arktis Marine Hybrid Battlevest, this takes the best parts of the 1601 and mixes it with a better magazine load carry ability, thus giving you maximum load for your money, as this vest is produced for 40 Cdo, and then any extra ones sold off, you can be sure it is IRR, but then you do pay slightly more for it.
If you happen to be a driver, then go for an advanced chest rig, it has all you need, and you can still wear it in a driving role.
For Bergans, go have a chat with Dragon in Colechester as they do an excelent Bergan.
Smocks - I have always used a SASS one, and its still going strong 10 years later.
If you want any more info, then please page me via this site.
Regards