Best Fly Fishing Packs And River Fishing Packs Of 2024

I wear fly fishing packs almost every day when I guide and fish. Many of the guides I work with and many of my clients do too. I have tested 17 packs on the river for multiple days, so I can let you know which ones are good.

Fishing packs are not just for fly anglers; they are great for all river anglers. Fishing packs are a great way to organize all your gear, keep it safe, and have it with you while you’re fishing. The three types of fishing packs are hip packs, chest packs, and sling packs.

Our Top Picks For Fly Fishing Packs

1. Fishpond Thunderhead Pack – Best Waterproof Fishing Pack
2. Fishpond Waterdance PRO Guide Pack – Best Pro Pack
3. Orvis Guide Pack – Best From Orvis
4. Simms Dry Creek Hip Pack – Best For The Average Angler

See the details and on more lumbar packs, chest packs, and sling packs, all below.

The 3 Types Of Fishing Packs

There are three types of river fishing packs that anglers will use, and these are the best of the best packs for each type. Some anglers have different needs, and some anglers will find one pack better than the others. Here is what you need to know.

The three most common types of fishing packs that anglers use for river fishing are hip or lumbar packs, chest packs, and sling packs. All have their pros and cons, and depending on your needs or body type, some will be better suited to you.

Another type of river pack to consider is a waterproof fishing pack.

Best WaterProof Fishing Packs

Waterproof packs are an excellent idea for anglers who want to ensure that their gear stays dry when wading deep or if caught out in heavy rains.

The downside to most waterproof fishing packs is the waterproof zippers can be tough to open and close, especially with one hand, which is often the case when one hand is holding a rod.

However, I think waterproof fishing packs are a great idea and are definitely worth considering.

Waterproof fishing packs are almost always more expensive, but the materials they use aren’t cheap. The cheaper waterproof versions that I know aren’t always waterproof and will often leak, and when they do, they hold the water in for longer or until you notice it and dump it out.

The other reason I won’t recommend the cheaper waterproof fishing packs is that they often come with zippers that break or with poor-quality stitching that will come apart quicker, which makes the pack no longer waterproof.

Best Lumbar / Hip Packs – Non-Waterproof

Waist packs are also known as hip packs and lumbar packs. I personally like this style the most. However, there are pros and cons to them, which I will discuss below.

I also see a lot of anglers wearing this type of pack, which shows that it is one of the most popular styles.

The #1 best fishing pack that I have seen and used is:

• 100% recycled ECO CORDURA, which provides lightness and weatherproofing, and it comes with an interchangeable neck strap and shoulder strap.
• On the top is a tippet Whippet recessed docking station.
• The pack has 9 liters of capacity.
• One large main body storage pocket with fly patch and added internal pockets.
• There is a smaller front zippered pocket with internal features.
• There are built-in pockets on the belt section with a net scabbard.

Key Features Of The Orvis Guide Pack:

• The Cyclepond lightweight pack has multiple inner pockets within the two large compartment pockets.
• There are multiple gear pockets on the outside and on the belt, and there are two side mesh water bottle pockets.
• This pack has a breathable padded air mesh backing and an adjustable compression strap system.
• There is a zip-down fly bench with replaceable foam, and webbing, and cord loops for tools and accessories.

My take on this pack is that it is a good size for most average river anglers and is an excellent choice.

Key Features Of The Waterdance Pro

• A compression strap system that is adjustable and enables you to use the pack as a hip pack or a chest pack.
• Two mesh water bottle holders (Bottles not included).
• Two large-sized main compartments for fly boxes or other large items combined with multiple inner pockets.
• A cool zip-down fly bench with replaceable foam.
• Hypalon tool attachments for retractors, floatant holders, forceps, and more.
• 420D nylon Cyclepond fabric with velcro patch, padded backing and lumbar support, and a built-in net sleeve.

The Elkhorn is a thoughtfully designed waist pack. It doesn’t compromise on functionality. The minimalist attachment pad on the shoulder strap is a convenient addition for carrying tools, while the additional adjustable straps below the pack are ideal for securing an extra jacket or fishing rod.

What I really appreciate is the water-resistant inner compartment. It’s perfect for safely storing essentials and has an easily accessible exterior pocket for items needed on the fly. And let’s not forget the strategically placed Hypalon attachment points – these have come in handy for securing my tippet holders, retractors, floatant, and more.

The adjustable belt and shoulder straps are customizable, which has allowed me to tailor the fit according to my needs. The padded back is another feature that enhances comfort, making it ideal for long fishing trips. The integrated net slot is a godsend, making it easy to pull out and store my landing net swiftly.

Constructed from robust recycled Cyclepond Fabric, the Elkhorn has withstood all my fishing expeditions in the past year and still looks as good as new.

Here are some of its key features that I’ve grown to love:

• 210D Cyclepond recycled fabrics construction
• Back air mesh panel that helps distribute heavy loads while keeping me cool
• Secure zippered main compartment for my fly box
• Additional front zippered compartment for easy access to essentials
• Hypalon tool attachments for various fishing tools
• Compression Straps for balanced load distribution and additional storage
• Two exterior water bottle pockets for hydration on the go

A year into owning the Elkhorn Lumbar Pack, and the specifications still impress me:

• Capacity: 5-liter
• Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 4.5 in.
• Weight: 1.7 lbs.

(Note: It has a Velcro patch, but the Tacky Fly Dock is not included)

Imported and robust, it’s been a year of adventures with my Elkhorn Lumbar Pack, and I’m looking forward to many more.

Pros And Cons Of Lumbar Packs

There are advantages to lumber/waist fishing packs like this.

I personally wear a waist pack most of the time, and I do it because I found that it’s the only pack that doesn’t make my shoulders ache at the end of a long day on the water.

The problem with a fishing vest, as well as chest packs and shoulder sling packs, is that they all put pressure on my shoulders and on my back. I’m often on the river for 280 days a year, which means seven days a week for sometimes 40 days straight, and over time, all that weight causes back and shoulder issues.

That is why I find that the waist or lumber pack acts almost like a lumbar support belt. Even with a ton of stuff in it, it still doesn’t hurt my shoulders or back after a long day on the water or multiple days straight. Therefore, I recommend lumbar fishing packs for guys with bad backs or shoulder issues.

I also like that the Lumber and Hip packs make it easy to shift the pack around to your side or to your lower back area to get it out of the way when you are not using it.

The disadvantage to a waist pack is that you can easily submerge it when wading deep or crossing in water over your waist. This can result in a pack full of water or boxes of flies and other gear soaked and maybe even ruined.

Caution: Anglers with a large gut may find it hard to see over their gut and into their waist pack, and for this reason, waist/lumber fishing packs may not be good for you.

With that being said, chest packs might get pushed up or not sit right from a large gut, which may impede your downward view. A sling pack is probably best for guys with a large midsection.

There are waterproof or submersible waist packs, which are great options if you really want to keep your gear dry.

Some Chest/Lumber packs can be worn high on the chest or low on the waist/ This is due to the neck strap. Personally, I take the neck strap off and only wear mine as a lumbar fishing pack.

3 More Of The Best Hip Packs

Best Economy Hip Packs

I don’t like recommending low-quality China-made products for many reasons. What’s the saying “buy cheap and buy twice”?

However, I know that there are people who want or need low-priced items, and that is fine with me. So these are the best economy packs that you can get on Amazon.

• Allen Eagle River Lumbar Fishing Pack – Regularly $69.00 but was on sale for $38.65
• OSAGE RIVER Fishing Tackle Bag – $19.99
• Piscifun Fishing Waist Pack – $14.99

Remember, you get what you pay for.

Best Chest Packs

Chest packs are another option. They sit high on your chest and have a strap that goes around your chest and a neck strap to keep it up.

The advantage of the chest packs is that they stay high and are not likely going to be submerged should you wade in too deep.

The disadvantages, which are based on my personal experience with trying six different ones and from what others tell me, are that:

• They sit so high up that you really need to bend your neck to see inside of them, and this can be uncomfortable for some people, and it can make finding stuff inside the pack more difficult.
• Because they sit so high and often extend so far out with all your gear packed in them, it can also impede your vision straight down towards your feet, which can be a problem when walking on trails, banks, and in the river. I found it harder to maneuver around rocks, logs, and uneven ground because I had difficulty seeing what was at my feet. I found that I tripped more frequently, which is unusual for me since I’m very sturdy on my feet.
• Anglers with a large protruding gut can find that their gut pushes the pack out even further.
• They can’t be easily shifted around to your back and out of the way.

For these reasons, if you are going to get a chest pack, I recommend thin ones that don’t stick out too far. Unfortunately, these thin packs won’t hold as much gear as a hip pack or a sling pack.

Fishpond company has been making great packs for over ten years, and I really love what they do.

Fishpond often uses recycled materials and is a more environmentally friendly company compared to some of the cheaper China crap brands. Fishpond has so many details designed right into their packs, and they are made to last.

When it came down to choosing the #1 pack, it was actually a tie because the Fishpond packs had other great features you just can’t beat. The net holder feature on the back of their packs is part of why I would highly recommend these fishpond packs below. Some other great chest packs to consider are:

Best Sling Packs

Sling packs are more popular than chest packs, and they are a good choice for many anglers including bigger guys.

With the sling pack, you can easily move it behind you to get it out of the way, and it can hold a lot of gear. They can also be moved higher on the shoulder when wading in deeper water.

The disadvantages are few, and the primary disadvantage is having all the weight on one side, which can cause shoulder fatigue or shoulder, neck, and back pain.