Let’s talk packs

[mirvc17]

So it’s time to geek out and talk about packs, vests, or however you rock your gear on the river. 

I have been using a William Joseph Confluence chest pack for the past 6+ years. It has a lot of positives and was a favorite from competition anglers. Recently (and after some good wear on it) I decided to switch back to a hip pack system. 

I invested in the Umpqua ZS2 wader tech belt. My El Jefe net is almost unnoticeable on my back. A Nalgene bottle fits perfect and I like the ability to remove the ZS2 Chest Wader pack from the hip belt to my waders in high water if I need to.  Being able to remove or attach things with the MOLLE system is nice. I can’t hold as much gear and boxes but I think this is a good thing—I’ve been trying to carry less than the kitchen sink lately like I usually do. On a recent outing I had no back fatigue at the end of the day, unlike a typical outing with the Confluence pack. Plus, I have the ability to carry my Orvis Gale Force backpack if I need to (something basically impossible with the chest pack). Not to mention no bulky pack on my chest. I almost forgot how nice it is not to have anything there! I guess I got used to it. (It did make a nice work station and prevented you from dropping stuff into the river). 

I considered a waterproof hip pack system but they are pretty expensive and not as flexible. If Umpqua built a removable “chest” pack that was 100% waterproof for the tech belt that would be ideal. So far I am a happy customer. I’ve added some more Velcro modifications to make it even more versatile. 

What do you use?

[mirvc17]

Added some Velcro bits, and a Fishpond Arrow retractor. 

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[FlyAndStream]

I don’t even want to talk about this right now 🙈

I use Simms packs, and have always loved them, but I’m in need of a new pack and don’t like any of their new styles, ugh!

[mirvc17]

You ain’t lying man. What’s up with the blue and the green/yellow??

I had a Simms waist pack a while back but I hated when it got wet when the water was high or I went deep. I’m a die hard Simms waders and boots, but you should try on some Fishpond and Umpqua stuff. I went with Umpqua obviously. Both make good stuff, the Umpqua belt was just more comfortable for me and offered some flexibility.

[dannys]

I've used vests and packs in the past. Several years ago I made the move to a shoulder bag. Much more comfortable and easier to take off, put on. My neighbor made me one using a worn out pair of breathable waders that needed re-purposing. That same bag doubles as a snall laptop bag when I travel.

[turfdawg]

Fishpond Oxbow with Umpqua belt to hold water bottle, trash bag and staff

[darrelln09]

I use an Umpqua Switch Pack. I like it because it's a sling pack that is reversible so you can carry it over either shoulder. It has quite a few pockets, a secondary tie-down strap, and a loop to clip my net onto. I carry about 7 or 8 fly boxes in the main pocket and there are two other pockets that hold my split shots, floatants, extra leaders, and wool for strike indicators. A few other features are a "doghouse" for my line nippers, a place to pinch on a pair of forceps, and a foam fly patch.

[freebird]

I'm all in on the Orvis Safe Passage Guide Sling Pack. I like that the bulk is out of the way behind me. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of the new camo color they have out now, but that's just personal preference. My buddy bought the Orvis Waterproof Sling Pack and we both agree that it's too big and the layout is not as functional as the Safe Passage Sling. Another quick mention since we talkin' gear, I do love the 3rd hand!

[mirvc17]

Yeah I don’t like Orvis’ camo pattern either. I think Umpqua’s looks better.

I’ve got my 3rd hand rod holder attached to my belt. Agree it’s very convenient! Highly recommend picking one up...

[3rdcoast]

I've got the Orvis Safe Passage pack.  Got lucky and found one in the Olive/Grey color.  The pack is comfortable and out of the way. 

[Nobytes]

I have two of the Orvis Safe Passage sling packs.  The smaller one I use for short wades, afternoons, etc.  I also have the guide version, for long wades, and when I need to carry raingear, food, etc.  I love both of them, well thought out, and work very well for me.  I use them for all fishing, not just tossing bugs, but then again, tossing bugs is my favorite way to fish, so..

Headed for the Paluxy river in Texas today.  Small sling time!

[ct]

Same here. The Orvis Safe Passage sling pack is the way to go. I used to have a big waist pack but It always felt like it was hurting my back after a few hours. Plus if I wadded in too deep my cigars would get wet... and we just can't have that. I only have the small pack but I think I need to snag the medium as well. The large one seems way to big to me. I like the less is more approach.

[PapaBear]

I've been using the Fishpond Encampment Lumbar Pack for fly boxes, leaders, water bottle, etc., and a homemade lanyard for tools and tippet. Haven't found a sling pack that works for a lefty.

[ct]

Good point PapaBear. I wonder if Orvis or someone has then, just un advertised.

[PapaBear]

I started out with the Waterdance but it was too big or I put too much in it (the bigger the pack the more you'll stuff in it). Hip packs allow you to switch the strap around for over the left shoulder.

[darrelln09]

Feb 21, 2021 14:04:04 GMT -6 PapaBear said:

I've been using the Fishpond Encampment Lumbar Pack for fly boxes, leaders, water bottle, etc., and a homemade lanyard for tools and tippet. Haven't found a sling pack that works for a lefty.

I have an Umpqua Switch Sling Pack, which is reversible. You can carry it on either shoulder. I'm right handed but I like the strap over my left shoulder so I can put my rod under my left arm, rotate the pack around to my right hip when I'm changing flies, etc., and then access what's in the pockets of my pack. There are a few things I would like to change on it (have the forceps location on the strap instead of on the front of the pack, for one) but overall it works well for me.

[darrelln09]

Feb 21, 2021 14:43:39 GMT -6 ct said:

Good point PapaBear. I wonder if Orvis or someone has then, just un advertised.

Check out the Umpqua Switch Sling Pack. it's reversible.

[mirvc17]

I’ve been looking at tactical pouches. You can get a Wynex tactical pouch and a harness for $21. You can’t beat this for a small chest pack. The MOLLE system is pretty flexible. You could even add a smaller or larger pouch ...to the other pouch...

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[mirvc17]

Nov 24, 2020 22:18:21 GMT -6 FlyAndStream said:

I don’t even want to talk about this right now 🙈

I use Simms packs, and have always loved them, but I’m in need of a new pack and don’t like any of their new styles, ugh!

Did you find a new one yet?

I saw one of the new Orvis ones and it looks atrocious IMO. Brooke Trout skin color? Yuk. But that’s just me. 

Someone needs to ask Tom Rosenbauer what’s going on with that marketing decision....

[sulross]

I have to use packs that are fully submersible. I tend to wade deep to get to fish, or cross over to better lanes. I've used Orvis and Simms waterproof slings in the past and they tend to last me about two years. This last go round I switched to the Fishpond Thunderhead hip pack. I was intrigued by it when I saw it on a few guides; I liked that I could stow my net directly through the belt. I've fished it about 15 months now and I am not a fan. The pack is great - no complaints on quality or layout. It just doesn't work for me as ergonomically as the sling pack. I want to trade for the same model in a sling, or sell this one and get the other. I'm hard on gear, but this pack still looks new. They build a good product. You just have to $$$ for it.

[mirvc17]

Feb 22, 2021 20:36:49 GMT -6 mirvc17 said:

I’ve been looking at tactical pouches. You can get a Wynex tactical pouch and a harness for $21. You can’t beat this for a small chest pack. The MOLLE system is pretty flexible. You could even add a smaller or larger pouch ...to the other pouch...

I’m definitely recommending one of these. For cell phone, snacks, fly boxes, etc. It has a nice drawstring you can adjust so the lid doesn’t just flop open and stuff falls out. Cant beat the price. Plenty of places to secure things too as well.