A fishing backpack is essential to help you organize your fishing equipment and kit. Fishing is not only a hobby but an exciting sport.
However, in order for you to accomplish your task and succeed in catching a big fish, you’ll need an efficient and reliable fishing backpack.
In addition, you will need to consider several factors so that you can truly enjoy your fishing adventure. It would be quite confusing and overwhelming to choose the best one because of so many brands in the market.
I have narrowed down the list to help you out in deciding the best backpack that will help organize your fishing equipment and carry all your essentials in one place. In fact, the perfect backpack should provide excellent comfort and ease of use.
For instance, you will need to check if the shoulder straps are well-padded to provide comfort while fishing. In addition, an excellent backpack is made from sturdy and durable materials.
One of the key features that you need to look for is a waterproof backpack. For example, you might spend most of your time in the water, then you do not have to worry about your essentials getting wet. Also, this will protect your gear from unpredictable weather.
You should be able to access your essentials or equipment easily without any difficulty. It would be very inconvenient if you are not able to reach something important in your pack.
Now, let us take a look at the other things you would need to consider when buying a fishing backpack.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Fishing Backpack
Storage And Capacity
In choosing the storage or capacity of your backpack, you will have to take note of the different tools and fishing gears that you will be bringing with you. It should have multiple compartments to accommodate different equipment and gear.
You also have to leave enough room for your catch. However, if you have a separate pack for your catch then that would be fine. You have to keep in mind that you just have to bring with you the things that you need to use.
In addition, a backpack with too much weight will give you neck and shoulder strain and discomfort as well as back pain. The whole point of fishing is to enjoy and relax and not to add stress.
You might want to consider a backpack that has a fishing rod holder. This would be a great addition since you will be able to do other things and walk hands-free.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the most important things that you will need to consider. Imagine yourself fishing and your backpack is very inconvenient, then you are reducing your chances of fully enjoying your fishing adventure.
As mentioned above, a well-padded backpack and shoulder straps will make your fishing worthwhile. An ergonomically-designed backpack is the best choice to avoid neck and shoulder strain as well as back pain.
Your backpack should also have excellent breathability in the back panel and proper ventilation in the shoulder straps. Also, it should have mesh materials to keep you dry and cool all throughout your fishing adventure.
You have to keep in mind that if your fishing experience will be more efficient if you are comfortable. In addition, you will need to consider a versatile backpack. It should have all the necessary pockets and compartments to help you organize and reach your equipment with ease.
Durability
As I have mentioned above, you will need a durable backpack since you will be carrying heavy and sharp objects in your backpack. You do not want to bring an inconvenient backpack in your fishing adventure. In addition, you need to consider a lightweight backpack so it does not add to the weight of your gear.
On the other hand, the zippers should be made of stainless steel or hard plastic. When choosing the materials used in a fishing backpack, consider polyester, nylon, or canvas construction. These types of materials are abrasion-resistant and tend to withstand abuse.
One of the most important things that you need to carefully check is how well the backpack has been stitched. The seams should be intact and double-stitched. Do not settle for a single-stitched backpack, they would not last long.
You will also have to make sure that there are sufficient compartments as well as pockets for your essentials. As mentioned, you will be able to enjoy your fishing adventure if you will be able to access your gear without any difficulty.
Waterproof And Weather-Resistant Materials
You might be in the water most of the time and you do not want your gear soaked in water. I would suggest that you look for packs that are made from nylon.
Today, most of the nylon-made backpacks are treated with a polyurethane coating or PVC. Some packs have silicone treatment to make the backpack waterproof or water-resistant. In fact, PVC and silicone makes the backpack more durable, stronger, and abrasion-resistant.
Sometimes it is difficult to find a perfectly waterproof fishing backpack and you might end up with water-resistant backpacks. However, if you want additional protection from the rain, then you might want to add a rain cover.
I would insist that you go for a waterproof backpack, it will provide more protection from water when submerged and it also provides protection against stains and smells.
Types Of Fishing Backpacks
The common types of fishing packs include traditional fishing packs, chest packs, waist packs, and sling packs. Everything depends on how long you are planning to stay for your fishing adventure.
Typically, traditional fishing packs have large storage capacities as compared to other fishing packs. This type of pack is ideal if you are planning on a long fishing adventure. Most traditional packs also have well-padded shoulder straps to keep you comfortable.
On the other hand, sling packs are used if you are just planning on a short fishing adventure. A sling pack is also ideal for stashing your fishing tackle for easier access since you can wear them on your chest.
Chest and waist packs are ideal for just a day’s fishing excursion and you can simply bring a small fishing tackle and put it in your chest or waist pack.
Top Fishing Backpack List
Fishpond Wasatch Tech Fly Fishing Backpack
The Fishpond Wasatch Tech Fly Fishing Backpack is made from recycled Cyclepond fabric. It has multiple organizational pockets, eight front accessory pockets, and a rear backpack with multiple compartments.
This is perfect if you are going to spend many hours fishing. A good feature of the Wasatch is the integrated rod tube holder that provides convenience and comfort while fishing.
This is a one-size-fits-most backpack and also features adjustable shoulder and waist straps. The expansion zippers lets you put more gear and essentials in your backpack.
It also comes with a hydration sleeve so if you are planning to stay out for a while, you can include a hydration reservoir. This backpack is perfect for fly fishing.
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack
The Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack is a durable fishing backpack. In fact, it features TPU-coated Cyclepond nylon that keeps the water away.
The Thunderhead is also compatible with many Fishpond chest packs giving you more comfort and convenience.
Overall, it has a 28-liter capacity with a variety of pockets to organize your gear. The zippers are also waterproof so you do not have to worry when the bag is submerged in water. It also comes complete with a set of gear straps to secure your essentials.
Simms Shift Backpack
The Simms Shift Backpack offers a 2-in-1 pack for easy access to your gear while fishing. It has an excellent capacity of 35 liters and it provides enough space for layers, gear, food, and other fishing essentials. In fact, the Simms Shift is water-resistant and keeps moisture away.
An excellent feature of the Simms is that it can rotate up to 180 degrees to provide ease of access to your gear. The mesh back panel will keep you cool and dry on a hot fishing day.
The two-way U-shaped zippers also give you instant access to the hip pack. The magnetic mitten clamp is an added feature that will secure your tools in place. This is perfect for stillwater fly fishing, saltwater fishing, and river fishing.
Patagonia Stormfront 28L Backpack
The Patagonia Stormfront 28L Backpack is perfect for anglers who spend a lot of time fishing. It has a durable double polyurethane-coated nylon shell with fully welded seams and waterproof zippers to protect your essentials from water, rain, and moisture.
The main compartment’s TiZip zipper prevents water from entering the main compartment. You can also put your cash and other documents in the water-resistant stash pocket. The shoulder straps are also removable and it has a 3D spacer mesh lining to keep them separated.
The harness system has tool attachments to secure your fishing gear. In fact, the Patagonia Convertible Vest can be attached to the Stormfront when you need more storage. It will also provide easy access to your flies, nippers, and many more.
Patagonia Stormfront 20L Sling Backpack
The Patagonia Stormfront Sling Backpack is made from 800D welded nylon, TPU-coating with TiZip main zippers that keep the Stormfront Sling fully waterproof. This backpack is perfect for fly fishing.
The main pack and front of the strap have a laser-cut Hypalon gear holder that you can use to secure your fishing items. This backpack has a comfortable polyester 3D spacer mesh back panel to keep you dry and cool while fishing on a hot day.
The Patagonia Sling also features multiple zippered pockets. The shoulder straps have several small attachment points that help secure nippers, tippets, hemostats, and many more. The D-ring net attachment can be used to secure your fishing tools.
Yeti Panga 28L Backpack
The Yeti Panga 28L Backpack features a ThickSkin material that is abrasion-resistant and keeps your fishing essentials dry. In fact, the HydroLok zipper provides added protection just in case you drop your backpack in the river. The zipper can be secured with the U-Dock end.
You can also use the QuickGrab loops to attach any additional gear that you might want to carry. The Yeti Panga also features a removable waist and chest strap to help stabilize the heavy load.
You can secure small items into the internal mesh pockets. The DryHaul shoulder straps are well-padded and provide excellent comfort. This pack is perfect for river fishing, fly fishing, and also hiking.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing the best fishing backpack, you will need to keep in mind the equipment you will need to bring with you. This will give you a good idea when deciding on the storage capacity of your backpack.
In addition, I would insist to choose a durable and waterproof pack. Since you are going to spend most of your time in the water, it would be essential to keep your essentials dry.
Ventilation is also important as this will keep you dry and comfortable all throughout your fishing adventure. Also, consider external straps for hanging additional gear.
Lastly, you would want a backpack that is made from durable materials so you can use it for years of fishing adventure.
