I bought this pack-vest to replace a more traditional-style guide vest. And I looked at a whole range of products before purchasing this one. This has exactly the right combination of pack (typically small, just big enough for a hydration bladder, but expandable when you need it) and vest (plenty of pockets in all the right places). It's definitely comfortable; the lumbar support provided by the belt is very good, as are the two extra storage pockets there. Two minuses: first a full hydration bladder pulls the vest down in the back, and second, there's no way to secure the under-arm adjustments (they should tuck away as those on the belt do). Other than those two things, the Rapid River Vest Pack is pretty darn perfect. I'm definitely going to use it for a long time to come.
it's a 5 star product - even if I hardly ever use it. A few years ago I went to a sling style pack for all my gear- and most of the time I now fish out of my LL Bean Old Town Pack Canoe...so my PFD wouldn't work with this...
but - I have used it - it does load up a lot of stuff...and you really don't feel it after a while. waist belt works like magic. quality thru and thru - I've got no problems knowing it's there if I need it - which I do when I'm just dayhiking a stream....
Since I began Fly fishing several years ago I have bought at lease 4 other diffrent style vests. The Rapid River Is the "BEST". I have paid a great deal more for one of the others, but this is the BEST". Trust me You will love it. Well designed and constructed well. For the money L.L.Bean must love us. After fishing a couple of times with friends, they all have them now... The problem now we can't tell them apart after a long day on the River. This vest is the very BEST out there.... No test Needed.
