LL Bean Rapid River Vest Pack

[mitroutbum77]

Been looking at buying a new vest pack. Looked at Fishpond's and tried on a couple down at LRO, but they just didn't grab me. Nothing against Fishpond as I own a couple products, but I'm a "plus size model" or husky kid as Mom put it growing up! ;D (6'3" and 3 bills) and those just seemed too small & short even when I let the straps out.
So looking through the countless catalogs I saw LL Bean's vest pack. Ordered the Long and got it in this past weekend. Needless to say it's everything I was looking for. Fits great, large vertical pockets on the front to hold a couple large C&F or streamer boxes. 2 Simms style zingers on the chest and 2 fold down ripple foam fly stations which are removable if you need more pocket space. Side pockets to make grabbing another spare spool a little easier than out your large back pocket like on your typical vest. Also wanted a water bottle holder...got it. Been there done that trying to fumble around getting that out too! We'll see how she fares out, but so far very impressed. I'll have to give it an Elk Hair Caddis as the only thing keeping it from a Royal Wulff is no dedicated rod holder/loop in my opinion.

mitroutbum77

[Petey]

Thanks for the heads up and review.

LL Bean sales some good gear. I have been tempted a time or two to buy one of their rods.

Petey

[Varmit]

Glad you put a review of this on the forum. I had been looking at that vest/pack for a couple of weeks and I think you have encouraged me to pull the trigger.

It has been my experience that you really can't go wrong with LL Bean stuff. Very well made products.

[mitroutbum77]

Varmit
If you're going on the trip next weekend, I'll have it with me. I don't think you'd be disappointed at all ordering one. I've had good experience w/ Bean's products & service ever since I first got into flyfishing in '87.