Fly Fishing Backpacks

[bearcub69]

Most my fishing involves parking somewhere and hiking/walking into a small river/big creek. Hikes/walks in aren't always long, but I like to have enough space for water, food, bear spray, fly gear, extra clothes, etc.

What are y'all using and liking? Ive thought about a waterproof backpack incase I drop it while crossing water.. but I usually just stage my bag on the side of the water and fish near that spot then move it.
Have heard good things about fishpond packs, but the firehole is a bit smaller than what I want and the waterproof stuff looks okay.
Ive heard people using quality hunting packs like kuiu but shit that's expensive.. but maybe I just send it then I have a nice fishing and hunting pack.

Want something that can carry a bladder, multiple pockets, outside attachments, etc

[CTR]

I think it depends on what fits....me big and tall, nothing I've tried fits well....I don't think anyone makes a fishing backpack in a taller or much larger size

[neckdeep]

There seems to be a big gap between sling style packs that are too damn small and ridiculously over built, waterproof, bombproof packs that cost damn near as much as waders.

I've been looking for two seasons to replace my "ideal" fishing pack that pretty much disintegrated last year. There was a time when practical, affordable flyfishing packs existed but in the quest to always introduce something newer every other season, those simple but good designs were discarded in favor of sling packs, chest packs, hip packs and other bullshit designs best suited for dildos who like to fish within sight of the parking lot and need to carry 250 different patterns.

[stealurface831]

i have the big fishpond rolltop and it is comically large. i only use it for travel and overnights in the boat. the other non rolltop waterproof fishpond is similarly huge. wouldn't recommend either as a day pack.

[east or bust]

Don't own one, but have fondled the Fishpond Thunderhead backpack in store. It's only 2L larger than the Firehole but you can attach another small bag on the back. I thought it was pretty well made and like the modularity (net holder, water bottle holder, plenty of strap/tie down points, etc).

Yea, the price is steep and not sure I'd really need something that bomber/waterproof, but when looking at other packs in my quiver most are pretty old. $/use is pretty low after a decade+.

If fishing specific isn't a big deal, something like the Mountainsmith Mayhem 45 could potentially work.

eta: Having used a waterproof Simms sling/hip pack similar to the current Fishpond Thunderhead lumbar for a 8-10 years, can say I really am not a huge fan. Nice that they're waterproof submersible for the few times you're wading/swimming across something, or get caught in a downpour, or just drop it in the water. Organization wise they are a pain in the ass, to the point I'd rather just do a shorter hike in a vest.

[MarsB]

Agree with east or bust. I have the Patagonia Guidewater pack which I bought mainly because I had a pro deal at the time. I have found that I typically don't carry enough gear to need a backpack. The problem with the fully submersible packs is that the waterproof zipper is a colossal pain to open and close to get anything in or out. Living in Utah, I am not fishing in downpours and I rig my lumbar and sling packs so that if they do get submerged, nothing really critical will get wet (I keep extra layers, etc. inside a small lightweight dry bag). The backpack pretty much just gets used on float trips these days.

[plugboots]

Why get a fishing specific pack? My 24 liter Osprey holds a pair of size 11 wading boots, Simms waders, vest, reel, rod case on side, net on the other, and a few other things. I’ve used this all over Yellowstone, for example.
Oh yeah friction style gloves to remove fish slime fit in there too.

[lifelinksplit]

I really need a new pack as well. Been fishing outta an old fishpond pack with detachable chest pack. I picked it up on pro form when the old lady worked at simms and I never really liked simms packs. It has been great and if I could just replace it with the same thing I would. I love carrying layers, beers, etc in pack and flies, tippet, etc in chest pouch. Also nice for shorter hikes to alpine lakes. I briefly looked at new fishpond stuff and dang shit is pricey (and orange!). Anyone have 1st hand experience with newer backpack style packs? Now that I think about it I could prob sell a bunch of various unused sling packs that made their way into the gear room to cover a new pack.

Pic of old worn out pack

Sent from my SM-S236DL using Tapatalk

[I've seen black diamonds!]

I also usually fish on foot away from roads. I use the Fishpond Thunderhead backpack with the Canyon Creek chest pack. In trying it out along with all the competitors I found that it carries weight much better than the rest. Of course this is partially because it fits me well, but I suspect many people will find the hip belt on the Fishpond superior. If I carry a second rod in a tube strapped to the side of the pack I don't feel lopsided.

I keep a fly box or two, tippet material, floatant, tools, etc. in the chest pack, which clips into the shoulder straps, so I don't need to remove the pack or fiddle with the waterproof zipper often. It's all pretty comfortable and unobtrusive and I use it more than I thought I would, even when I don't need to carry a ton of stuff. I also use the chest pack by itself for roadside fishing.

I rig a net like this, with a retractor attached to the handle and a magnet on the side:


It look a little funny but works very well. Easy access and stays out of the way.

Is the waterproofing necessary? Only occasionally for me. And even though the newer waterproof zippers are much better than the old ones, they are still a bit annoying. `But I like not worrying about soaking the bottom of the pack (something I managed to do every so often with my old hip pack). And tomorrow afternoon will be cold and rainy and I'll be carrying lots of layers and flies on a river I haven't fished before. Fingers crossed for a thick BWO hatch.

[MarsB]

^I like that net rig. Quick release, but with security - the old 'belt and suspenders' move.

[bearcub69]

Why get a fishing specific pack? My 24 liter Osprey holds a pair of size 11 wading boots, Simms waders, vest, reel, rod case on side, net on the other, and a few other things. I’ve used this all over Yellowstone, for example.
Oh yeah friction style gloves to remove fish slime fit in there too.

doesn't need to be fly fishing specific
waterproof would be nice.. but maybe not necessary. just seeing what everyone is using.