Vest is comfortable and lightweight with ample storage pockets for the gear I carry. While I looked at cheaper vests I believe this is very good quality and value for the money.
The Rapid River vest/pack allows for a full complement of gear to be carried for light to heavy hikes. It has the right amount of storage on the back for rain gear. The belt gets all the weight off your shoulders and onto your hips. Once down to the river it is very functional with plenty of room in the front pockets for fishing gear which is easily accessible without having to reach in the back or take the vest/pack off. Well designed and functional.
I was excited to get this vest. It has lots of pockets, plenty of storage, hydration sleeve capability, a wonderful lower back brace and seems to be exceptionally well made. All the seams and hems looked to be well finished and even.
It worked great while on the water. My back isn't the best, so having a good back lumbar support added to my enjoyment and kept me fishing for longer than I usually am able to do without a rest. The "work station" pockets worked well as did the built-in "fly box" design. I look forward to many years of fly fishing with this vest.
I'm a bit of a traditionalist, so not having a piece of wool to dry out wet flies was a bit of a negative. There are certainly enough features in this vest to overcome this detail.
The concept is good, the quality and adjustable fit is great. The built in fly cases are definitely a handy feature, as is the hydration pouch. I, however, am unsure as to how the waistband can help carry the load without some sort of stiffening stays to help support the upper part. It reminds me more of a day pack with a waist band than an internal frame back pack. They have been releasing too much water for me to wear it fly-fishing since it arrived and practice casting in my yard while wearing the vest can only tell me so much.
