[wlb06]

Hey everyone I just wanted to let everyone know that I have the LL BEAN Rapid River Vest Pack and it is awesome.

It has a hydration pack, and lots of back support for a full day on the river.
I love this vest.

WLB

[Davo]

Hey WLB

Thanks for the post. I'm in the market for a new vest and have been eyeing this one. My current vest is about 20 years old and starting to come apart in a few too many places. How is the storage? As a guide I carry a lot of fly boxes and miscellaneous gear so I need plenty of room.

[wlb06]

Originally Posted by Davo

Hey WLB

Thanks for the post. I'm in the market for a new vest and have been eyeing this one. My current vest is about 20 years old and starting to come apart in a few too many places. How is the storage? As a guide I carry a lot of fly boxes and miscellaneous gear so I need plenty of room.

Hey Davo,

Well this is my 2nd vest and I am def. not a super experienced fly fisherman or anything but I really love this vest. I remember my old vest really got on my nerves because i could feel it hanging on me all day. This vest doesn't bother me at all and carries plenty of gear. I carry 2 fly boxes in one of the front chest pockets and then tools and such in the other front chest pocket. It also has the hydration pack in the back which i use if i plan on going for more than a few hours.
I personally think it has plenty of room but tell me more specifically what you need room for and I can answer your question a little better probably.

WLB

[Davo]

WLB

I carry five to six fly boxes leaders tippet atleast two containers of floatant plus one of fly dryer one to two extra spools split shot and soft non lead weight. Plus tools like clipper forceps tying tool thermometer small flashlight box of bandaids sunscreen and lip balm. The big problem is really the fly boxes. I'm thinking if you can fit two to a pocket I can find the room to squirrel away the rest of my stuff. I won't need the hydration component since I keep a cooler full in the boat.

[wlb06]

Originally Posted by Davo

WLB

I carry five to six fly boxes leaders tippet atleast two containers of floatant plus one of fly dryer one to two extra spools split shot and soft non lead weight. Plus tools like clipper forceps tying tool thermometer small flashlight box of bandaids sunscreen and lip balm. The big problem is really the fly boxes. I'm thinking if you can fit two to a pocket I can find the room to squirrel away the rest of my stuff. I won't need the hydration component since I keep a cooler full in the boat.

Well, I only carry two because that is all I need/have. I only wade and need that water because i sweat a lot climbing up and down those currents all day .
I would think you could fit everything fine in there, its very roomy. Also, I think i could fit 3 boxes in the pockets without any problem.
what is the fly dryer thing you carry??

[Davo]

Fly dryer is a desiccant that I bought a big jar of years ago. When your fly gets really water logged you use this to suck the water out of it. Desiccants soak up many times there weight in water. It is a granular material. I put it in a little jar and put the fly and leader in and screw on the cap then shake it up real good. Pull the fly back out then rub and blow all the grains off the fly reapply floatant and your ready to go. Make sure you get it all off or your first cast what ever is left will soak up ware and sink your fly. The stuff I have was put out by Simms. It is called Simms Fly Drier.

I'm pretty sure I'll be ordering that vest soon. Thanks for your input.

[Davo]

wlb

I did a search for that fly drier we talked about but could not find what I have anywhere. I did find a similar product by Loon here is the link

Loon Outdoors - Environmentally Friendly Fly Fishing Gear & Accessories

[wlb06]

Originally Posted by Davo

wlb

I did a search for that fly drier we talked about but could not find what I have anywhere. I did find a similar product by Loon here is the link

Loon Outdoors - Environmentally Friendly Fly Fishing Gear & Accessories

Thanks Davo...

Ordered

[2PawsRiver]

Thanks Wlb06, checked out your vest and that is pretty sharp. I wear an older vest but use a small backpack to carry spare gear, lunch, and it has a water bladder, looks like I could have the whole thing in the vest............now I want one, like I need to be spending more money.

Did just a bit of checking on line, looks to run about 100 dollars, is that about right or do you know where they are on sale

[wlb06]

Originally Posted by 2PawsRiver

Thanks Wlb06, checked out your vest and that is pretty sharp. I wear an older vest but use a small backpack to carry spare gear, lunch, and it has a water bladder, looks like I could have the whole thing in the vest............now I want one, like I need to be spending more money.

Did just a bit of checking on line, looks to run about 100 dollars, is that about right or do you know where they are on sale

Hey 2paws,

Ya it's a great vest, you won't regret it, and there arent many out there that compare or that are similar.

$100 is the only price you will find it since it is LL BEAN. As with anything you get there, you can feel good about it because they will basically do anything you want to make you happy once you become a customer, i know this from experience.