To conduct our latest fly fishing pack test, lead tester Kelly Bastone recruited a number of seasoned anglers who used these packs on multiple fishing trips in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The team compared them side by side rating them on our six main criteria—organization, comfort, adjustability, ventilation, water-resistance, and capacity.
| Name | Overall Rating | Ratings | The Good | The Bad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Umpqua Rock Creek Chest Pack |
Best in Class
2015 |
Neck straps are comfortable Holds a surprising amount of gear, given the small capacity Great net carry |
Tippet holder is inconveniently placed |
|
Patagonia Vest Front Sling |
Makes changing flies fast and easy Optics pocket Smart organization options Light and well-ventilated |
No good place for right-handers to attach a net |
||
Simms Headwaters Large Sling Pack |
Generous capacity easily fits three large fly boxes Wide waist support creates all-day comfort Lots of compartments keep you organized Convenient, well-designed tippet holder |
The zippers bind up if you overstuff the pack No dedicated water bottle holder No effective way to secure a long-handled guide net |
||
Fishpond Delta Sling Pack |
Large capacity Comfortable carry Smart, functional net storage |
Rides low (at hip or upper thigh) - bad for wading in deep water Tippet holder sold separately |
||
L.L. Bean Kennebec Switch Pack |
Can carry hiking and fishing gear Ably supports a heavy load for on- and off-trail hiking Creative conversion from hike mode to fishing mode |
Not equipped to carry boots and waders Net storage isn’t convenient |
||
Umpqua Tongass 650 Waterproof Waist Pack |
Waterproof gear protection Generous capacity Supports heavy loads |
Few pockets and compartments No net carry |
||
Orvis Safe Passage Sling Pack |
Compact size keeps users unencumbered and ventilated Smart attachment system tucks retractable cables out of the way Waterproof bottom protects gear when wading in deep water Thoughtful organization keeps most tools convenient |
No good place for right-handers to attach a net |
The Fishpond Delta Sling Pack is a bicycle courier bag repurposed for fly-fishing, and it is also one of the smartest and handiest pack designs to come along in some time.
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