Sunday, April 13, 2008

Riverwalker Vest

Course was set before Spring 2008 to create a 21st Century version of our classic mesh vest, which we introduced way back in ‘87. The result is the Riverwalker Vest (M's & W's). This vest incorporates pack-like storage pockets with detailed vest construction (just try counting all the bar tacks). Convenient, easy-to-use curved and straight coil zippers with two molded pockets offer easy access and a clean, fly-line friendly exterior. The Riverwalker Vest is a lightweight (M's 17.5oz and W's 17oz) and highly functional piece of fishing equipment. Mesh (our signature version) and stretch nylon construction; specifically designed storage for fly boxes, tippet, tools, etc.; integrated attachment points; removable fly patch and built in rod holder are all contained in it's framework. This vest has two center clip adjustments for a more form fit when desired. There are two vertical zippers on either side of the back allowing access without having to take the vest off. There is also a single horizontal pocket on the back intentionally placed high for additional boxes, spare spools, food or whatever. The collar is padded and covered in a wicking and odor resistant looped poly fabric and the shoulder pattern helps support the load. There's also a burly webbing loop placed on the back below the collar for carrying and hanging this vest when loaded. The W's version is designed to have a feminine fit. With all the attention that the Guidewater Vest has received I though it might be a good idea to shed light on it's product line companion. Both M's and W's Riverwalker Vest come in Forge Grey.
Detail photos by Rene Braun
Photo of Chris Owens with taimen courtesy of AEG

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

thanks for the third photo from the top. I had no idea what those rubberized loops were for in those pockets! Apparently, they're for floatant. Though I'm still not sure why we need to carry 8 bottles of it (and or sink).

Any other suggestions for those loops?

El Pescador said...

Thanks for asking your question Anon. The loops are a basic daisy chain only made of gripper elastic. You have a bar of four loops on each side of the large curved pocket face. They can hold small bottles and similar sized vials/canisters securely (1 or 2 is somewhat "normal". Forceps can drop into a loop or they clip to a section of loop (hang inverted). You can clip, pin, bead chain around or attach stuff to them but you are not required to. They are placed up high so that if you carry a large box vertically (or a notebook in my case), stuff attached to the loops (like bottles) won't interfere. Regarding what you are supposed to carry in a vest, as a rule, shoot for as little as you can.

Carl Nicholson said...

In terms of pockets for fly boxes do the cater for the large C&F boxes? Great fish!

Carl
http://yellowsonfly.blogspot.com/

El Pescador said...

The Large C&F boxes fit in the curved panel pockets either vertically or horizontally. The box pictured is a Plano that measures 8.25" X 4.25" X 1.25". The large C&F boxes also fit snuggly in the vertical molded pockets but a medium size box (center image) fits better.

For me personally, I've started to shift to the lightest weight, thinnest box or wallet options for my vest fly storage. When you compare the weight of flies to the weight of some of the boxes out there it becomes clear that in some cases the lion's share of the weight an angler carries is the box.

Thanks for checking in Carl.

Adam said...

So which fly boxes or wallets have you found to be the lightest and thinest?

El Pescador said...

Pacific Fly Group makes a very simple plastic and ripple foam box that’s about ¾” thin. Plano and Flambeau offer a variety of light molded cases. The Finsport wallets and Bug Cage jr. are very light, compact and thin. I have an old Cortland "unbreakable fly box" which is both light and thin….and it’s lasted. Perrine made some thin stuff out of aluminum but I don't think they've been in biz for quite some time. Keep in mind that storage needs change as you move from fresh to saltwater or from species to species. Thanks for the question Adam.

Check out an earlier post for some additional fly box comments - http://www.wayupstream.com/2007/05/outside-box.html
Please add new comments on boxes there as well.

KRAM Labs said...

How about a post on the new version of the Stormfront dry pack...

http://moldychum.typepad.com/moldy_chum/2008/04/el-rio-savegre.html

El Pescador said...

The Stormfront Pack is back for F8. Testers are using them around the world as we speak. Production packs will be onshelf this August. I will definitely work on a post for you Mark so stay tuned. Thanks for the interest.

KRAM Labs said...

I hope the Stormfront is similar to the Catalyst, but more water resistant. Although I still wish the Catalyst was slightly bigger, longer through the torso and the waist belt pockets were just a tad bigger. Although the Catalyst holds a rod tube well by using a accessory strap at the top and mesh water bottle holder, a couple of straps similar to the Guidewater duffle would be nice.

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?OPTION=PRODUCT_FOCUS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=MAIN_SP_US.CLOTHING_GEAR.PACKS/TRAVEL_GEAR.PACKS&style_color=48665-155&ws=#

El Pescador said...

The Stormfront and the Catalyst are similar in terms of volume but that's all. The Stormfront Pack is based on it's predecessor which was made of dual laminated nylon that's welded instead of sewn. The harness system is detachable and has been engineered to fit the torso without a waistbelt. There are 4 die cut slots on the exterior for attaching things (rods, tripods, etc) plus one interior mesh pocket for organizing small items. The harness has a hydration pocket, tool pockets and zinger slots. The pack uses a waterproof #10 T-Zip for entry that's air tight, corrosion-proof and easy to operate. The pack also comes with a custom fit padded gear case. Last detail for now, we've made the vest from the Pack vest adaptable to this product as well. Stay tuned for a detailed post sometime in the future.

El Pescador said...

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/06/04/fashion/0605-PHYS_index.html

JVK said...

bad link el pescador

El Pescador said...

Odd. It works for me.

JVK said...

Ok, I had to add the ml at the end to read html.
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/06/04/fashion/0605-PHYS_index.html

works now.
jvk

Anonymous said...

I just got this vest as a gift. Can anyone tell me where the tippet storage pockets are? They are not at all obvious to me.

Thanks,

El Pescador said...

The Riverwalker Vest has two horizontal zippered pockets on the inside (one divided). This has always been the classic Patagonia vest tippet storage location. Another option is in the vertical zippered stretch woven pockets on the face of the molded pockets. They provide easy access and allow contents outlines to be visible. The small vertical zippered upper pockets can also serve as tippet storage. For a completely different approach, many anglers and guides clip on after market tippet holders to the outside of vests or on lanyards. This eliminates the need for vest tippet storage and puts it always at the ready. Thanks for the question Anon. I hope this helps. Enjoy your gift!

Anonymous said...

Thanks El Pescador, you were very helpful.