Fishpond Open Range Vest

[lastchance]

I searched and couldn't find any threads on this pack/vest. I am seriously considering purchasing the Fishpond Open Range Vest Pack. Does anyone have experience with this particular vest/pack?
Thanks

[Mark Griffin]

Yeah, I used that vest all last year. It's a great vest and I'm happy with it. It's not short enough for deep wading, so I did pick up a minimalist shorty for the few larger rivers I sometimes fish. I did make a couple easy modifications to suit my own needs. The two most outer pockets that basically are zip down fly boxes made it too bulky and were in the way of my forearms. They can be easily removed by cutting the stitching and the results are so clean, you'll never know they were there. There are plenty of other pockets for all my fly boxes. The two outer side pockets interfered in the same way with my arm movement. I had to cut those out leaving the stitching in, so it's not quite as clean. Just keep in mind if ya try it on in a shop that when you load it with your gear, those pockets will be pushed out farther, possibly more than you would like.

After removing some pockets-


Also, it only comes in one color for 2008 and it's not a color I would buy. Maybe you could find a holdover on one of the old colors.

[lastchance]

Hi Mark: They have Marsh and Slate colors this year. But, if I have to cut those pockets out I'd probably better go with another vest/pack. I never thought about those pcokets sticking out so far. I was going to go for the one with the back pack but I thought it might be too much for day trips. I really like the Orvis Tack L. I'd just like to try somoething different.

[jeffnles1]

I have a litle cheap vest I picked up at Bass Pro a couple years back that has served me well. I had my net in the back pocket with the loop attached to the D ring. The net snagged on a branch and ripped part of the pocket but nothing a needle and thread couldn't fix (ugly but still works).

I have been looking into a new vest for this season and one with enough storage to put a few snacks and a rain coat. My son and I are going to Yellowstone in July and a little rain jacket for us would be a good thing to pack along.

I too am concerned about the overall bulk of the fishpond vests compared to a standard vest.

Oh the decisions.

Jeff

[flybinder]

LastChance;
Unless you're really settled on the model you've chosen, you might take a look at the "Sagebrush" vest, by Fish Pond. I've worn enough, different, vests and chest packs over the years to start my own shop, but sold off all the collection once I tried out the Sagebrush.
More than enough pockets, ( I carry a minimum of 11 fly boxes and still have empty pockets), being MESH it's great for summer time and large enough and adjustable, enough, to fit over winter time fishing clothes too.
Great, padded, shoulder straps which also adjust to distribute how the vest rides on your shoulders, when/if it's loaded down.
Only one of the "fold down drier/patch" pockets on this model it's up high so out of the way.
Just a really well designed and very accommodating piece of equipment, in my opinion!

[lastchance]

Hi Flybinder: I'm not set on it. I looked at the Sagebrush online but haven't seen any in person. Like all people, I tend to carry too many flies, and I thought maybe the Sagebrush didn't have enough pockets. Does it fit a raincoat, sandwiches, etc. for a day trip? Is there room for 4 or 5 spools of tippet, gink, shot, nippers, forceps? Is that asking too much of a vest? LOL!

[flybinder]

L-Chance;
The rear, zippered, pocket holds my poncho for the rain and a lunch. It's high up, on the back,(the rear pocket zipper), so it makes for a pretty fair sized pocket.
I can carry two extra reels, loaded with line, in the inside, lower, pockets that also zipper shut. There's "tippet dispensing pockets", also, on the outside, lower edge, of the vest if needed. There are two very deep, horizontal pockets also that carry a surprising amount of "needed debris", located UNDER the outer pockets, so if stuffed, don't push the vest out to far to be a problem.
My bride, and others, that don't always understand "on the water needs", often remark about my vest............... "How can you WEAR something, THIS HEAVY all day and not hurt, later?" So, yeah, it seems to fit my needs for carrying enough stuff!?!

[JohnScott]

Quote "needed debris" by Flybinder.

FINALLY, just the right expression for all that stuff that goes into a vest. ( Could also use it, I suppose, for the stuff that goes into a woman's purse. Did you get that expression from Linda by any chance, Paul ???? )

Last Chance -

Another option is the combination which I started using about three and a half years ago - a Fishpond Chestpack and a Camelback Rim Runner hydration pack. ( Camelback makes quite a variety of hydration packs, any one of which may be suitable to your particular needs. )

I've put somewhere around 450 days on the Fishpond Chestpack and it looks almost like new, no obvious wear, no frayed edges, the zippers are all fine. If nothing else, a good recommendation about Fishpond products.

The Camelback has a lot more days - more like 550 to 600 - and also is in good shape. About an inch of stitching on one zipper is separated, it is faded from several thousand hours exposure to the sun and elements, but it will probably go another couple years.

Lots of flexibility for fishing and / or hiking, biking, or other outdoor activities with this combo. And the products are bulletproof.

John

[flybinder]

[quote=JohnScott;211192]Quote "needed debris" by Flybinder.

FINALLY, just the right expression for all that stuff that goes into a vest. ( Could also use it, I suppose, for the stuff that goes into a woman's purse. Did you get that expression from Linda by any chance, Paul ???? )


No, John, THAT expression is all MINE.
One day, reloading my vest, it all just fit under the heading of "debris".

[Fly Tyer]

I second the Fishpond Sagebrush vest!

I love the mesh vest and the pockets are just enough for me. The single zip down fly box is awesome and it is very comfortable. The one thing I find is that the vest is a little forward heavy sometimes, but the back pockets can really equal out the weight. It doesnt put pressure on the back of the neck like most vests, which is good. I find that fishpond makse some really well thought out products.