I have been using a simms backpack as I had to carry the children’s gear as well. Has been great other than taking it off to access things. Had a chest pack attached to front but it just seems like too much. Now they are able to carry there own things so was contemplating lightening up. Thoughts on sling packs? Hip pack?? Anyone have the fish pond waterproof sling? Is it good?
Thanks!
my son uses a sling pack and loves it, gives him something to attach his net to. My only caution is you have to make sure the zippers are closed at all times. He left a zipper half open and when he slung the pack around back he lost a big fly box with out knowing.
I prefer a waist pack as it keeps me cooler on hot days. When I'm walking it's in the back, then I swing it around to the front for fishing. For long trips I'll add a backpack, but for most days it's just the fanny pack. That's just my 2 cents.
I'm old school and wear a vest. Distributes the weight, easy access to everything I need where I need it.
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Often I have been exhausted on trout streams, uncomfortable, wet, cold, briar scarred, sunburned, mosquito bitten,
but never, with a fly rod in my hand have I been in a place that was less than beautiful.
On any waterproof sling-pack, make sure the zipper opening is fairly easy to use. Some can be very tough to open/close - leading to frustration when on the water.
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The world is changed by your action, not by your opinion.
I really like a sling pack. It’s great for a minimalist guy like me who can’t carry a lot of weight. I have the Patagonia Atom 8 litre. It has compression straps to hold a rolled up light jacket or rain coat on the outside. There’s pouch on the shoulder strap for a phone and an outside pocket for wallet, keys ,bandaids and what have you. I usually have a sandwich of some sort inside like a small sub. and a couple of granola bars. Only thing is water carrying. I clip a roughly 600 ml bottle to my belt. Leaves room in bag for a small fly box etc. Be surprised what a guy has room for,for a day fishing with even a smallish sling pack.
I went the other way and ditched my vest for a vest/backpack combo. This one is very lightweight but also has the capabilty to add a hydration bladder into the pack. Very happy with it so far.