Review of LLBean Rapid River Vest Pack

[ryguyfi]

Well I had a long weekend on the Salmon river with a new pack and figured I'd toss a little review on here.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/45399?feat=sr


First off, it officially weighs a metric ton. I've got it jam packed with anything and everything, which is why I bought it.

Small list of things I have in there; tons of split shot, tippet in the front small pockets, 2 fly boxes in the medium front pockets, the large zippers in the front had 2 more boxes and a ton of odds and ends like stream thermometer, measuring tape, etc. Inside pocket in the front held my camera, and will hold my phone after I got my waterproof case. Back small pocket had snacks, back big pocket had water, stringer, extra reel, extra glasses, lunch, and enough room for a long sleeved shirt.

Ok it's a large list and I'm sure I left some things out.

Benefits that I saw. Zipper front was easy to get on and off if I needed to get in the back or just slip it on. Nice clip to keep it zipped up. Waist section is the best thing in the world. Once again extra pockets (which I didn't put anything in yet), but the added back support is a major advantage. (especially with all that stuff weighing me down) It has 2 built in zingers which are nice because they disappear when not in use and have little slots for the nippers and hemos to sit in. Lots of cushion on the shoulder straps.

The only negative is the space in the back pouch. It advertises it with a water bladder (not included), but if I were to put one in there, it would take up most of the space. It does have a little zipper on the back pouch to expand the capacity, but honestly that's the only thing I can find even remotely wrong with it.

All in all, for what I wanted it for, it's a 10 out of 10 for me.



Ryan

 

[jdaddy]

I had one of those and sold it. Pretty cool, I just don't like crap hanging on the front. Also didn't like the belt so much. I do have the water camelback or whatever it is that goes with it.

 

[slackleader]

Just picked one up at the new Beans in KoP. 20% off Gear at the Grand Opening . So far i really like it, i'm a pack rat so carrying a lot of weight around all day kicks my butt! this seems like the real deal, of course as with everything, time will tell.

 

[troutbert]

ryguyfi wrote:

The only negative is the space in the back pouch. It advertises it with a water bladder (not included), but if I were to put one in there, it would take up most of the space. It does have a little zipper on the back pouch to expand the capacity, but honestly that's the only thing I can find even remotely wrong with it.

That would be my concern too. I'd like to find a similar vest pack, but with enough room in the back for a raincoat and fleece jacket.

Any recommendations?

 

[Heritage-Angler]

troutbert wrote:

ryguyfi wrote:

The only negative is the space in the back pouch. It advertises it with a water bladder (not included), but if I were to put one in there, it would take up most of the space. It does have a little zipper on the back pouch to expand the capacity, but honestly that's the only thing I can find even remotely wrong with it.

That would be my concern too. I'd like to find a similar vest pack, but with enough room in the back for a raincoat and fleece jacket.

Any recommendations?

Did a little research for you, 'bert. I called Maine, and spoke to a fishing product specialist. The large back pouch on the RR Vestpack will hold a fleece jacket and a rain jacket when fully expanded. There is not sufficient room to have the hydration bladder in there if you do this.

The good news is, a Camelback 20 oz water bottle fits nicely in the outside rear mesh pocket. This would allow both jackets and a decent amount of water to be carried securely.

H.A.

 

[troutbert]

Heritage-Angler wrote:

troutbert wrote:

ryguyfi wrote:

The only negative is the space in the back pouch. It advertises it with a water bladder (not included), but if I were to put one in there, it would take up most of the space. It does have a little zipper on the back pouch to expand the capacity, but honestly that's the only thing I can find even remotely wrong with it.

That would be my concern too. I'd like to find a similar vest pack, but with enough room in the back for a raincoat and fleece jacket.

Any recommendations?

Did a little research for you, 'bert. I called Maine, and spoke to a fishing product specialist. The large back pouch on the RR Vestpack will hold a fleece jacket and a rain jacket when fully expanded. There is not sufficient room to have the hydration bladder in there if you do this.

The good news is, a Camelback 20 oz water bottle fits nicely in the outside rear mesh pocket. This would allow both jackets and a decent amount of water to be carried securely.

H.A.

Good stuff!! Thanks Heritage!!