I purchased this vest to replace my old "standard". I spent several hours on the river last week, and found it to be extremely comfortable, cool and organized. Everything had a place, and was easily found. When I was walking back to the truck, I realized I didn't even realize I had it on, the weight was so evenly distributed.
The only thing I don't like is getting used to where I put certain things, but I'm sure that will come in time.
Have been looking a long time.Looked at many vest and packs,nothing compares to this one.Many cost more,but not the value this one is.Has a pocket for everything and more.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Performing as Expected, best ever
This has got to be the best fishing vest I have ever seen. The quality is that of L.L. Bean's backpacks, which are by far, the best on earth. It has more than enough room for anything and everything you could ever need. They have thought of everything and the quality is unlike anything I have ever seen before. I have told all of my friends who will be ordering them as well. Wish we had L.L. Bean here in Vancouver B.C.
I've have used my Rapid River Vest Pack for several years now. It is definitely "overkill" for a few hours of fishing near your car or when going with minimal gear. But when going for a long day, which I often do, where is is not easy to return to your car and you want your lunch, water, rain jacket (just in case), camera, extra spool or reel with sinking line, and a large selection of flies for any eventuality, the Rapid River Vest is hard to beat. Much of the weight is carried on your waist so your shoulders don't get sore. The vest is comfortable. Also the vest has a "place for everything" so you don't have loose gear to catch your fly line while fishing or brush while walking to the fishing. While I have my tippets, nipper, fly dope, hemostat, thermometer,etc. on cords that hang from the "D" rings when I use them, I slip them into the pockets (still attached to their cords) so they are out of the way when they are not being used.
If you are a serious fly fishermen with more than one vest and not a minimalist, then this should be one of your vests. The only downside is that the vest encourages you to "take everything" along. I generally leave most of my fly fishing gear in this vest so it has become my every day vest, even when tossing a fly box, extra tippet, and a nipper in my shirt would be a lot smarter.
