Fly anglers love a good piece of gear. Premium reels, fancy cameras, and a myriad of other gear make it to the water every year. So why not protect your investments with a waterproof bag? Anglers don’t want to admit it, but everyone takes a spill eventually. An excellent waterproof bag will protect your investments and keep you organized on the water. Finding a suitable pack depends on your style of fishing. Packs ranging from large rolltop bags to small day trip hip packs all offer organization and protection. After a season on the water with various packs, here are our recommendations for the best waterproof bags for fly fishing.
Best Overall: Orvis Pro Waterproof Backpack 30L Best Rolltop: Simms G3 Guide Backpack Best Backpack: Hella Dry Archelon 28L Backpack Best Sling Pack: Patagonia Guidewater Sling 15L Best Hip Pack: Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar Best Duffel: Yeti Panga 75L
What You Need to Know About Waterproof Bags: Like any pack, waterproof bags differ in features between brands. Consider how you fish and your pack needs to maximize your investment and narrow down your options. Here are our tips for shopping for waterproof bags.
Size: When selecting a pack, consider how and where you will use it. Anglers that take shorter day trips may not need the added weight of a 30L backpack. A great substitute is a smaller sling and hip packs. You should also consider the size of the gear you bring. Those who pack camera gear may need the extra space a backpack offers.
Organization: Pack organization is crucial when deciding what pack fits your needs the best. The issue with a lot of waterproof packs is internal organization. The material that goes into designing a waterproof bag sacrifices internal storage. Look for packs with innovative solutions such as ample exterior storage, water bottle pockets, and internal zip pockets to maximize on the water organization.
Maintenance: Waterproof bags are relatively maintenance-free. They repel most dirt and can easily be washed off when they do get dirty. That said, the zipper is critical to keeping your pack in working order. Waterproof zippers will inevitably start to stick if not properly maintained. The solution is zipper wax, which is typically sold with each pack. Run the wax along the zipper track to prolong the life of your pack.
Best Overall: Orvis Pro Waterproof Backpack 30L
Features:
Storage Capacity: 30 liters Pack Style: Backpack Material: 840-denier nylon
Pros:
Comfortable Good storage organization Compatible with Orvis chest pack
Cons:
Expensive
Waterproof backpacks do a great job of keeping gear dry, but most lack any form of internal organization. The Orvis Pro Waterproof Backpack solves this problem with well- placed internal and external storage pockets. Inside the pack, anglers have a large mesh back pocket divided into two sections. For fly boxes, tippet spools, and other small gear items, offering ample storage to keep your frequently used items within reach. The main compartment of this pack has plenty of storage for rain gear, camera gear, and larger fly boxes. Outside, the pack has a mesh water bottle sleeve to free up space inside the pack. On the water, two-rod tube straps allow anglers to bring a spare rod for changing conditions or the inevitable broken rod. For an all-around pack, the ample storage and comfortable design make the Orvis Pro Waterproof Backpack a must for salt and fresh anglers looking to protect their gear.
Best Rolltop: Simms G3 Guide Backpack
Features:
Storage Capacity: 50 liters Pack Style: Backpack Material: 420D Nylon Double Ripstop with TPU
Pros:
Ample storage Rolltop and zippered pockets Net holster
Cons:
Best sized for multi-day trips
Rolltop dry bags are standard in waterproof fishing bags. They are dependable to keep gear dry during the most demanding conditions. The Simms G3 Guide Backpack set out to do this and much more. With 50L of storage, this is by far the most of any backpack- style pack we tested. The main pocket is the rolltop style, featuring a buckle snap on each side for secure closure. Inside is one large compartment with plenty of storage for jackets, large fly boxes, and anything else you need to keep dry. The integrated external zip pocket sets this pack apart from other rolltops. Inside this pocket are two zippered pockets and two drop pockets. This is the best way to access it for frequently used gear like fly boxes, tippet spools, and extra leaders. Comfortable straps and a built-in net holder make this pack a complete fishing system. My only gripe is the size. At 50L of storage, it is much larger than most packs and is a bit much for quick outings.
Best Backpack: Hella Dry Archelon 28L Backpack
Features:
Storage Capacity: 28 liters Pack Style: Backpack Material: 1680d TPU Shell
Pros:
Exterior waterproof pocket for easy access gear. More affordable than other waterproof packs Stay dry backpack repels moisture for comfortable carry
Cons:
The large main pocket lacks organization.
Hella Dry is a relatively new company in the waterproof gear world. That said, they certainly put the time into the design of the Archelon Backpack. The pack has 28L of storage between its three pockets. A large main pocket is perfect for larger gear like extra clothing and a lunch. The outside of the pack features two separate zippered waterproof pockets. The top and smaller pocket are ideal for smaller items like a phone or other fly fishing essentials. The bottom pocket is adequately sized to access medium- sized items like fly boxes. Removable rod tube straps and fasteners throughout the pack make this a highly adaptable pack for changing needs. Add to that a price point less than other waterproof backpacks, and it is quickly becoming one of our new sidekick on the river.
Best Sling Pack: Patagonia Guidewater Sling 15L
Features:
Storage Capacity:15 liters Pack Style: Slingpack Material: 100% recycled nylon
Pros:
Comfortable sling pack design Accessible from either side Removable internal pocket organizes gear
Cons:
Will slide down when loaded with heavy gear
Traveling light on the river is essential for exploring new water and finding new spots. When I know I’ll be moving frequently, a sling like the Patagonia Guidewater Sling is my pack of choice. This waterproof sling is lightweight and sized to fit the perfect amount of gear for short day trips. The pack’s internal storage is adequate for rain gear, fly boxes, and the essentials. A removable internal pocket can hold small items like nippers, leaders, and tippets. The pocket can also be placed on the outside of the pack to avoid digging through your pack for frequently used gear. Unlike other slings, this is truly ambidextrous, meaning the pack can be accessed through either side. A comfortable main strap and side clip to secure the pack complete the package.
Best Hip Pack: Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar
Features:
Storage Capacity:75 liters Pack Style: Hip pack Material: 900D TPU Coated NewStream Fabric
Pros:
Comfortable sling pack design Accessible from either side Removable internal pocket organizes gear
Cons:
Will tilt down when loaded with heavy gear
The issue with most hip packs is they ride at hip level and are naturally prone to filling up with water. Enter Fishpond’s Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar pack, a waterproof hip pack capable of holding all the essentials in a comfortable and compact package. With 10L of storage, there is plenty of room to hold all the gear needed for day trips. A combination of a hip and removable shoulder strap makes this an incredibly comfortable pack when carrying heavy loads. The pack comes with a built-in net holster to keep your net close by. Pair it with Fishpond’s accessories like tippet spool holders and zingers for a complete system ready to tackle the water.
Best Duffel: Yeti Panga 75L
Features:
Storage Capacity:75 liters Pack Style: Backpack/duffel Material: ThickSkin™ shell
Pros:
Ample storage space Thick and durable shell Can be worn as a backpack
Cons:
Lacks internal organization for longer trips
Anglers looking for a pack for multi-day adventures and float trips should look no further than the Yeti Panga. Available in three sizes, the 75L is the best size for multi-day trips without taking up extra room. Two adjustable straps can act as a backpack for easy packing. If your bag takes a spill, the durable ThickSkin™ shell protects and keeps your gear dry. This pack also doubles as a great space saver around camp. It’s easy to store gear outside of a tent without worrying if it will stay dry in case of a storm.
A waterproof fishing pack goes a long way on the river. Whether a surprise rainstorm or a spill in the water, they protect your gear and keep you organized for a day of fishing. They are no small investment, and countless options are available. Choose a pack that benefits your style of fishing. Consider size and pack type to get the most out of your investment and a bag that will be used for seasons to come.
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