Fly Fishing Friendly Backpacks
 

Any recommendations on something that isn't one of the big names? Heck, even a positive/negative for the big brands is welcomed.

Something with a strap or two for rods along the sides.., the rest I'm sure I can jam in.

Thanks

I love Fishpond stuff, have the Vaquero waxed vest, it has a big enough pouch for lunch and a rain jacket. Fishpond does make wonderful comfortable vests and packs for a day or more on the water. My very favourite vest is my Filson, extremely well made waterproof and comfortable. Sound like you are asking for more of a pack. I also have the Thunderhead sling pack which is nice in the rain, completely waterproof so camera safe.

You could also go with a daypack from somewhere like MEC. The downside is that regular camping stuff isn't designed for Fly fishing quick accessibility. Lots of options out there, but of course be sure it will be comfortable when loaded.

This is my Orvis backpack, I have had it for a long time and it works on many levels for me. The back compartment is plenty big enough to hold lunch, a couple beverages and a light jacket and a back up box of flies. The front pockets, which unclip from the unit hold all my fishing stuff, 2 fly boxes, spools of tippet, needle nose pliers, indicators etc. All very handy right up front. I also use it for photography hikes as the front pockets are big enough for my 70-300 zoom lens as well as my wide angle. It has straps on the side for a rod tube or tripod.
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Osprey packs are great. I have a talon 22 that I take on day hikes, and an Aether 65 I take on backpacking trips.

They aren't cheap, but they are light and have a sto on the go trekking pole attachment that works great for a fishing pole. You can also strap it on the back if need be. However, I find the sto and go easier, as the rod doesn't get hung up on trees if I am not paying attention when I duck under stuff.

The Osprey packs also have a lifetime warranty.

I've always been a gear junky. I've worn everything from Patagonia, Simms, fishpond, Orvis, etc. The pack that I keep going back to, is my Osprey 22L KODE (now discontinued). Originally made as a snowboarding pack, the straps/loop that would normally secure a board/skis to your back are perfect for a medium-large short net.

You'll learn to minimize gear as you get more and more into it. A vest is a great way to "lose" stuff if it's got too many pockets. Organize your leaders, split shot, tippet, strike indicators, sink tips in a leader wallet. That wallet plus a fly box is now the simplest thing to grab for a day out.

Some of the new Patagonia sling and dry packs are quite good. I have an old Patagonia backpack/vest combo. I tend not to use this as the straps aren't terribly comfortable. My go to is still my Simms sling pack. Quick assess, comfortable, and enough room without being too bulky.

I have an overpriced Yeti panga bag that is fully submersible.

I did a dunk test with it the other day with my camera inside it.

https://youtu.be/fBNzdw0OYCI

It costs an arm and a leg but its pretty solid.

Thanks for the input, guys.

I'm going to have another look at Osprey due to some of the positive feedback here, lots of used ones on Kijiji, but most are huge, I just want something in the 20-30L range. I'm sad I passed them over as they had some packs on 75% off sale at Atmosphere just last week.

I have some little packs from Fishpond that I use but that is more for when I'm on site/water. Nothing larger from them has caught my eye.

I stopped by Cabela's and noticed the Plano Z-series waterproof pack. Really liked the simplicity and the way the top opened. Less pockets, just open space inside. wish there was an exterior pocket on both sides for a rod/tube to fit. $150 would be my budget.

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/14319...riantId=371578

This also looks fine but is obviously on the much cheaper side.

https://www.amazon.ca/Nuxn-Capacity-...73883104&psc=1