Which is the Best Fly Fishing Pack for Me?

There are so many fly fishing packs out on the market now.  I see quite a few people struggle with the decision of what to buy -seasoned anglers and new folks alike.  From vests with a pocket for everything under the sun to waterproof waist packs and sling pack options, it can be confusing to downright annoying to try and figure out which is the best fly fishing pack for yourself.  Honestly, I think there isn't one perfect pack for everything.  I believe choosing a pack should depend on where you live and how you fish.  For example, if you travel and fish different species and different parts of the world, you will quickly figure out that you will need a few pack options.  Saltwater, steelheading, and trout fishing all have different needs and demands on what and how to organize.

Getting out of town? 8 travel hacks for the traveling angler. Read this.

Personally, I try to be a minimalist when on the water.  I’m not sure how successful I am at this as I am a gearhead and always seem to be looking for the next cool bag or pack to make my life easier.  I think last time I checked, I have a dozen or so packs and bags.  I have a problem, I know…  But, this year I really took time to re-analyze my setup.  From my boat bag to my waist pack I take when walk wading, I have had the same two bags for a really long time.  I have loved them, and they have held up very well, but it was time for me to upgrade and clean out some of the old stuff.  That being said, let's go over some of the different options out there and maybe give you some insight into making an easier purchase on your next pack, vest, or sling.

Photo by Jeremy Koreski

Fly Fishing Waist Packs

I have had the same Fishpond Waterdance guide pack for the last 13 years.  I love this pack.  My old one is literally in tatters.  But, it has stood up to a ton of abuse over the years. Fishpond still makes this pack and it is now a little different from my old one but not too much.  It is a really well thought out pack.  The one thing that stands out with this pack is how comfortable it is.  I wear it behind me while I'm fishing.  I can crank down the waist strap and the two side compression straps and, man, it really feels good on my lower back.  (Spending a whole day on the rocks can be taxing on your back.)

Photo by Jeremy Koreski

There are other similar packs to this that come with a shoulder strap.  I find the shoulder strap somewhat unnecessary.  Sometimes, it gets in the way when I want to bring the pack in front of me to access my gear. I typically stuff my net between the small of my back and the pack.  It stays put just fine, but the shoulder strap gets in the way of my net.   So, I opt out on having a shoulder strap.  I upgraded this year to the larger pack Fishpond makes called the Gunnison guide pack.  The Gunnison is really just a bigger version of the Waterdance with a few different features.  I like this pack, but it is a touch big.  If you fully load this pack, you may want the shoulder strap to support the weight.  It has enough room for lunch, water bottles, and plenty of other items.

Want more Fishpond? Order online here.

There are also a few other offerings in waist or hip packs that we carry.  Simms has their Freestone pack, which I like, and it is formatted similarly to the Fishpond offerings.  It is more rigid, holds a similar amount, and is similar in pricing too.  We also carry Patagonia's Stealth hip pack. Again, this pack is very close in design to Simms’ and Fishpond’s packs.  One of the main things I like about hip or waist packs is that they keep me from having something on my torso to get fly line hung up in. Plus, when wearing them, you won't get as hot in the summer.  I'll come out and say it, hip packs really are my favorite way to hold gear on the river. I've worn vests, chest packs, and slings alike and overall, I prefer a waist pack.  But, to each their own!  *Saltwater anglers may consider finding a waterproof version of these which, all of these companies have. Waterproof options keep any water from saturating into the bottom of the pack if you are wading deeper spots.

Sling Packs and Satchels

Slings are kind of the new trend in the last 10 years.  A sling pack fits over one shoulder and can be brought around to your chest area when you need to get to your gear.  One great thing about a sling pack is that they sit high enough that they will not get wet if you are wading deeper into the water.  (This is the one downfall of a waist pack.)  On the benefit side, they are pretty ergonomically designed for comfort and feature wide shoulder straps.  Plus, most have pockets or gadget holders on the shoulder straps for more commonly used items that you need to access quickly.  This is a good feature to have versus having to pull the pack around to grab a small item.

Photo by Jeremy Koreski

On the downside, one negative thing about a sling is that if you are not careful, your fly line can hang up on items on the sling while you are casting.  They are all made differently so, some are better than others in this aspect.  My main reason I'm not a sling guy is that they can get overburdened with gear and feel heavy on your shoulders.  Also, your upper body on a hot day will stay hot underneath a sling pack.

For sling packs, the Fishpond Summit pack is probably my favorite I've seen yet.  I just like the way it is set up.  Carrying a net is no issue and the pack has lots of great features.  One of my favorite features on these, and also on hip packs, are the fly decks.  However, again, on the downside, I've found that for some models out there when the main compartment is in front of you, it sits at an awkward angle.  I'm not a big fan of this.

Next, satchels. Satchels are a bit of a throwback.  We sell Fishpond’s Lodgepole satchel at the shop and they seem to be gaining traction.  I, myself, almost bought one this spring but opted to stay with a hip pack.  I think satchels are cool. They are just a larger, lower-hanging pack that can be worn behind you while you are fishing and then accessed by bringing them around to your front.  They have a shoulder strap that is comfy, and they can hold a few smaller items.  Basically, they are mostly a larger one-pocket type pack.  There are a few smaller pockets internally, but not many. Overall, satchels are a pretty simple concept and if you are a minimalist, these are likely right up your alley.

For materials, I like how satchels are typically made of a waxed-type canvas. It’s kind of an old-school look. Old-school look aside, this material makes them durable for the long run. In addition to being durable, satchels also will have a spot for a net too.  Two of my friends in the shop bought satchels this spring and like them a lot.

Need a net? Read our buyer's guide to fly fishing nets here.

Photo by Jeremy Koreski

Fly Fishing Vests

I started out with an old Columbia vest when I started fly fishing in my teens.  It worked great for many years.  As I got into the fly fishing industry, I was able to try out all of the newer chest packs and hip packs out there and the vest went by the wayside.  I miss my vest... kind of. For example, I don't miss getting really hot in it in the summer.  There are lighter weight ones out there, but they don't hold that much gear.

Fishpond has some really cool models that are a vest and backpack combination.  I really like the idea of these for a long trek into the backcountry. They do give you the best of both worlds.  But, I just really have never been a big fan of fishing with all that weight on my upper body. I don't find it as enjoyable.  That said, they do have a purpose and will do it very well.

Some of the Simms models have a large back pocket that will hold a lightweight jacket and other items but not much more.  The big pocket is just that and not a pack.  So, back to the statement I made earlier, "there is no perfect pack."  Vests, I think, keep you more organized than a hip pack or a sling for that matter.  The pockets are all separated, and you can seem to get into a system of wearing one.  This can make you a touch more efficient on the water.  I have buddies that are still rocking 30-year-old vests. It’s like they are a security blanket. I understand why.

Photo by Jeremy Koreski

When it comes down to it, I think comfort is paramount for whatever decision you make when choosing the best fly fishing pack for yourself.  Organization is next, along with simplicity and function being last, but not least important.  Take time to ask friends that fish what they have and what they like.  It can be overwhelming on the choices out there, not to mention all of the gimmicky stuff too.  And, look at what the pros are wearing and how they use their gear.  These guys and gals are on the water daily and need gear that holds up and makes sense for what they are doing.  Plus, remember, each different type of fishing may have a different set of "needs" for a pack.  Some days it is just peaceful to not even have to worry about a pack or vest -grab a handful of flies, some tippet, floatant, pliers, a favorite beverage, and head to the creek.  Keeping it simple is what I'm striving to do with my fishing, but it's hard with all the cool gear out there…