Backpacks are handy. It doesn’t matter if you’re climbing the Everest or just fly fishing, a good backpack is a must-have. As far as fly fishing goes, your backpack should match your gear and be able to hold everything that you want to take on your fly fishing trip.
Having said that, the market itself is filled with a lot of products that all claim to the Best fly fishing backpack but which is the one that you should buy? We’re going to answer that very question today so, let us stop going offroad and stick to the way that leads us straight to the best backpack for fly fishing.
Editor’s Pick: Why Did We Choose Piscifun Tackle Backpack?
Yes, the best fly fishing backpack is the Piscifun Fishing tackle. The reason we chose this backpack is because of it’s strong build quality but surprisingly lightweight. Although the backpack doesn’t really cut it on the space front, the quality side of the backpack is just amazing. There are a lot of positives about it and the backpack smashed every test we threw at it. This makes the Piscifun Fishing tackle a must-have fly fishing backpack for all fly fishing anglers out there.
Best Fly Fishing Backpack
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Piscifun Tackle Backpack
- Built from 1200D nylon fabric coupled with a durable KAM buckle and strong zippers. Precise 86 sewing procedure means strength and it has a 20% increase in water resistance.
- Backpack with 11 independent rooms with 18 areas in total that can support a lot of items in your list. The SBS zippers in each room is strong as well.
- The main compartment of the backpack can be adjusted. The clapboard is removable here.
- The design is ergonomic and the padded shoulders are comfortable. There are reflective strips as well.
- The backpack is priced reasonably and it comes with a warranty too.
- We like the strength of the backpack the most
- The backpack is very affordable too
- The straps are a bit weak
The main compartments and zippers of the backpack exhibit strength. We cannot say the same about the straps. The straps can be torn easily especially when you exert more force i.e, carrying the backpack after overloading it with your items could result in the strap to tear. Apart from this issue, we didn’t see any other flaws with the backpack. It has enough compartments and a solid design that is built to last a while. The increased water resistance of the backpack is also a huge bonus for people buying this laptop.
KastKing Fishing Tackle Backpack
Reinforced Handle design backpack that comes at an affordable price.- Designed for comfort and fit. Padded back pads and waist straps are included that decreases the load on the backpacker.
- All your fishing lures and rigs can be slid into the zippered pockets in both horizontal and vertical way.
- Great functionality and durability with one large open compartment
- A separate storage bag to store rods and other tools. Two front slash and waist strap pockets are also available for more capacity.
- The backpack is water resistant made from 420D nylon and it has a hydrophobic coating that repels moisture and ensures protection.
- A 1-year warranty is provided and all products are claimed to have zero defects. Good customer service.
- Shoulder adjustments can be fine-tuned to fit you perfectly
- A very comfortable backpack that can be used for hours in a day
- The Build quality is a bit on the lower side
We used this backpack for two days and we could already see it breaking down. This is one of the main disadvantages of the backpack. Jumping to the pros, the customization options are cool here. The design itself is comfortable and a lot of space is provided to store many things. Since it has a year of warranty, we see no reason to not get this backpack and test it for your self.
M MAXIMUMCATCH Fishing Vest Pack
A backpack and a vest combo makes up for a really cool military design- Molded pockets to protect your flies and 3 main zippered compartments are available to keep your fishing gear.
- Shoulder straps can be adjusted and it has a suspension structure
- The fabric used in the backpack is lightweight and water resistant that will keep you cool for a long time
- An impressive 1-year warranty and Lifetime repairing warranty is also provided with the backpack.
- There is also a 100% money back guarantee offer and Maxcatch even offers a lifetime repair option for your backpack. That’s pretty cool!
- It can be compared to backpacks costing two to three times more than what it costs, the backpack has a total value for money.
- Ample room for all your fishing accessories.
- Really comfortable to use.
- The weight is distributed a bit unevenly, especially on the front.
With an impressive combo type design and compartments where you can store every single thing that you’d want to, the M Maximumcatch Vest Pack is really worth every penny. The vest pack also has 1-year warranty and money back guarantee option that makes it a bang for the buck.
Anglatech Fly Fishing Backpack
The best feature of the Anglatech Fly Fishing backpack is the hydration bladder of 1.5 liters that will keep you hydrated all day.- Plenty of storage compartments are available where you can organize your belongings with ease.
- The backpack has fully adjustable straps that have the perfect fit
- A breathable mesh provides free air flow to make you feel dry and cool
- Sturdy Zippers are provided and the backpack has plenty of pockets.
- Durable and Stylish Backpack that will be liked by men
- Comfortable design choice
- Although having a water bladder is an excellent feature, the capacity and quality may not satisfy every angler out there
- The straps are a bit fragile
The backpack’s water bladder can spill sometimes and this will be really problematic for some. Another equally annoying thing about the backpack is the straps which we found can be broken if it is exerted even a slightly more force. Not really meant for people wanting the quality. Add to this, the backpack doesn’t have a warranty and it just makes matter worse. On the flip side, the backpack comes with enough room and has a design that most people will find good.
Till this point, you have known about the top 4 best fishing backpacks and to give you more options, we have included six more fishing backpacks which are equally full of features and comes with a great price tag. So, without any further delay, let’s have a look at those.
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Spiderwire Fishing Tackle Backpack
The backpack has 100% polyester as the build and it is imported so, the quality is pretty great- Unlike the general backpacks, the spider wire fishing tackle backpack has 3 medium utility boxes that will be really helpful for anglers
- It also has a fishing rod holder and a carry system which we find to be a great addition to an already impressive backpack
- The compartment is well organized which is a real time saver for anglers when they have to search for their gear
- There is also a sunglass case with soft lining as the material and it is included for free
- The main compartment of the backpack is further divided into 3 inner compartments which can be used independently to store items
- The rod holders and extra utility boxes make it very easy to store all your items
- The Sunglass case is a huge bonus that will be helpful if sunglasses are a must for you
- The zippers are the downside to the backpack
Zippers on the Spiderwire backpack is a bit fragile and most people have complained about it all over the internet. Although we couldn’t see that as we used it for 2-3 days and it worked perfectly. But many people have reported it so, we cannot really disregard it. Aside from that, there are a lot of positives here. Rod Holders on this thing is probably the best feature of the backpack along with the organized compartments.
Wild River Multi Tackle Backpack
The backpack has a lot of storage options with large upper storage area having a removable divider which can convert the backpack to store even larger items- The shoulder straps are comfortable and large, A sternum strap is also featured on the backpack which increases the comfort and fit
- The front pocket of the backpack folds down to give a work surface that can be handy
- The pockets in the backpack are waterproof which is an added bonus
- 4 trays can be fit on the backpack’s tray compartment
- Spacious Backpack with good construction and waterproof compartments enable customers to store electronics
- Great design and use of space
- Doesn’t have a rod holder
- The seam of the straps doesn’t last
The backpack is spacious enough for most people and the design plus the pockets are nice. The disadvantage lies in its build quality which is just a huge letdown. Along with that, there are some missing features which don’t make it really ideal for fly fishing. There are a lot of alternatives to this backpack.
Wild River Leathercraft Backpack
The handlebar on the backpack has an LED light system so, you’ll never lose your backpack at dark- A molded sunglasses holder is present in the backpack which will help you keep them safe. The mold is permanent. Also, a removable plier holder will make your fishing life a lot easier.
- A retractable steel cable lanyard is also included with the backpack that will help you store things such as clippers, small tools, and keys.
- A waterproof pocket will enable you to store your electronics in the backpack.
- There are 5 tray compartments that can store up to 5 large trays, you get two dividers to customize the backpack with ease.
- There are 4 mesh pockets and clear internal pockets ( to keep maps, ID, licenses, etc).
- A lot of pockets to carry many things like flies, reels, and Pliers.
- The LED light system on the handle is very handy to locate the backpack while it’s dark
- The quality of the build is a bit on the negative side
- The Zipper on the top compartment is a bit fragile
We don’t know if it is a simple manufacture defect or a general defect but the Zipper on the top compartment wasn’t really sturdy. It seemed pretty feeble and this is the one area where we think the backpack compromised. Other than that, the backpack features a lot of positives. For Instance, the LED system is a really good feature. It stands out from the crowd. Overall, a really good backpack to have.
SHIMANO BLACKMOON Fishing Backpack
The backpack is built for fishermen who like to walk to their local fishing area (lake or river) and spend a day of fishing- It has thick shoulder straps which are padded properly
- A really comfortable backpack that doesn’t stress the back
- The backpack is constructed with a heavy-duty fabric that provides long-lasting use
- The zippered front opening will keep your items safe. Also, the side pockets of the backpack will enable easy access for storing accessories
- There is a built-in mesh rod holder on both sides that also has a utility box.
- The design of the backpack is impressive
- The backpack is totally meant for fishing and it has a good value for money
- The tray compartment is a bit difficult to use, sometimes trays get stuck and it may consume a lot of time
- The backpack is pretty heavy as compared to some other backpacks
Considering the price, the Shimano Blackmoon backpack is worth every penny. The design of the backpack is really impressive and it has enough compartments for all your fishing needs. One thing that it does lack is the build quality. Add to that, the backpack is pretty heavy and the tray compartment is difficult to use. All of these minor drawbacks get added and the worth of the backpack suddenly decreases. however, the backpack is decent enough, all things considered.
Elkton Vest Backpack
The backpack is meant for all types of fishing and it combines a fishing vest with a fishing backpack and gives you everything you need on a fishing trip- There are many storage pockets in the backpack and the backpack also has 2 hard shell fly compartments.
- There are 8 general storage pockets and a total of three rear pockets in the backpack.
- The vest makes sure you’re able to access all your tools without having to dig through all the pockets, This is done by 2 retractable swivel tethers which are perfect for pliers or clippers.
- A rod holder is present enabling you to work on the rig with two hands-free
- The backpack exhibits water resistance property thanks to the nylon paired mesh which is breathable in nature. In addition, the backpack is able to store all your belongings safely.
- The soft padded material in the backpack is comfortable enough for most people and the vest can be adjusted at different points so that you get the perfect fit according to your needs.
- A slot for a hydration bladder and drinking pipe is present ( although you have to buy the bladder separately)
- A vest can be adjusted to your liking, it can also be either clipped or zippered
- There are a total of 30 tie-in points and a lot of equipment can be stored in the backpack
- The main pockets are a bit small which makes it difficult to fit standard fly boxes properly
Fishing Vests always come with a bittersweet scenario as far as the features go. On one hand, you have an impressive vest that looks and works great, has a lot of pockets and is good enough for all your items but on the other hand, a minor defect will be the deal breaker for many. The Elkton Vestpack has a minor defect in the form of small main pockets. Standard fly boxes are 8 inches and they won’t fit in the backpack. So, if you’re buying this backpack, we recommend you get a small fly box.
X-Large ‘Recon’ Fishing Backpack
American product that has 4-rod holders and added backpack straps on the side and shoulder. The balance point on the backpack provides a lot of comforts and the adjustable straps are present for easy transport.- The backpack is water resistant and it is made from polyester material which is lightweight and you won’t get wet with this bag at your back.
- The backpack is designed to hold a lot of content. There is enough space for 5 containers and a removable section is present in the backpack.
- The backpack also has quick access pockets and is spacious enough, the organization of the pockets is pretty great and it will save anglers their time and make it easier to store items properly.
- The backpack has a 30-day money back guarantee
- Rugged Build, High-Quality construction, and Water resistance material
- The support on the structure isn’t much sturdy
- The zippers are a bit small
- The straps are not able to store saltwater rods which is a huge letdown
As far as fly fishing goes, the X-Large Recon backpack will be able to meet most of the demands with a few exceptions. The best thing though is the 30-day money back guarantee so, you can test the backpack without any hesitation. If you find it good enough then keep it. The actual build of this backpack is pretty good but we cannot say the same thing about the straps and the zippers. These two areas are pretty bad to be honest.
Why Do You Need Fly Fishing Backpack?
Fly fishing isn’t just about a fishing pole. There are many items that you need for fly fishing and you, my friend, have got two hands. Do the math yourself!
With that being side, a good bug out backpack can go a long way to help you with your fly fishing endeavors. We live in a world where a lot of people look for easiness and easy lifestyle comes with the need for different things. And the need for not caring about the things you need, get the picture? Well, what we mean if you need your gear but you also need a place to put your gear in such a way that you no longer have to care about the safety of your gear. This is where a backpack becomes handy.
Also, some backpacks are waterproof and they can help you save your personal belongings even if you don’t need much space. Things like watches and smartphones can be easily kept on them.
What To Put In a Fishing Backpack?
The question is a bit vague because we can’t tell you what you should put in your backpack but we can definitely give you some idea on the things that you could put. So, let’s get into it and see the things that you can put in a fishing backpack.
Flies
It’s fly fishing so flies are a must. Most of the time anglers don’t carry required flies with them and end up having to borrow and/or regret. Don’t be that guy, please! You can go for flies made by companies like Orvis and take boxes of flies with you. There are many times when a fisherman gets on his flow, catches a lot of fish and then has to stop because there are not enough flies with him. Fly boxes are multilayered and you’ve got to fill it completely and take it in your backpack.
Pliers and Forceps
There are a lot of times when the hook gets stuck in the fish or when you have to cut lines and a plier or a forceps is always handy. If you’ve got good quality pliers and forceps then you don’t have to worry about wasting your time.
Extra fishing items
Extra reel with different lines and extra flies are always important. You never know what will happen on the wild so, be ready.
Personal Items
There are a lot of personal items that you should keep in your backpack. For instance, carry tissue paper/baby wipes/ toilet paper for an emergency, a torchlight is a must as well, a good mosquito repellent ointment can literally save your life and you can also take things such as a power bank to charge your devices. Other things such as basic first AID kit like tape and painkillers are helpful. Don’t forget your smartphone(and/or cellphone) and if you like music, a headphone to listen to your favorite songs while you fish in peace. Couldn’t be any better!
Other Necessary Items
If your backpack is large enough then, you can also store an extra pair of clothes just in case. This is not required in a fishing trip but hey, if there is space, you should take it. As far as food goes, save space on your smartphone and take food that will fill you up but take not much space. You can go to the grocery store and see for yourself, I’d recommend food like peanuts, walnuts and thinly sliced meat, maybe some bread and of course a liter of water will be nice as well. Some backpacks come with a hydration chamber and you can always get store your water in it.
How to Choose The Best Fly Fishing Backpack?
The technique of choosing the best fly fishing backpack is really tough, you have to take many things into account. Research is key and you’ve got to make an informed decision. There are a plethora of features available as far as fishing backpacks are concerned. We’re now going to filter the features and give you a broader perspective on things that really matter. Also, sometimes conditions outweigh the features. Let us now see the things to consider while buying a fly fishing backpack.
Fit
Some backpacks have huge spaces that can carry like 80 liters, if you are going on a day of a fishing trip, then you don’t need that much space. The backpack you use should fit your needs. There is no point in buying such a lavish backpack. Huge backpacks have larger weights and they’ll slow you down significantly. Another thing that you should worry about is that some backpacks can be adjusted, the shoulder straps
Comfort
There are two things that bring comfort when it comes to backpacks; load distribution and ventilation. First of all, let’s talk about the load, your backpack should have a proper distribution of weight. This will make it feel good on both of your shoulders and you can nicely get things done feeling really comfortable. Another factor is the ventilation meaning air flow, your backpack should have proper airflow so, you don’t feel much sweaty. Ventilation is especially important if you’re fishing in a really hot and humid area.
Build Quality
A backpack has either polyester or some other material as the primary build. The material doesn’t really matter but the stitching does. If the stitching is done properly then, the backpack will be very sturdy. In addition, zipper strength and strength of the straps are also some things that you need to consider.
Hydration
One of the most important features is a hydration pack. If a backpack has a hydration pack then, it will really reduce the weight in actuality as you won’t have to carry extra water bottles. This will be very helpful and a backpack having a hydration bladder of around 1.5 Liters is perfect.
Accessibility
A backpack should be secured but it shouldn’t be as secure as a briefcase or a wallet therefore, accessing the backpack should be really an easy task. A lot of backpacks overcomplicate things and it will be very annoying to the user. If you’re the person who doesn’t want to complicate things then, go for a backpack with easily accessible pockets and compartments.
Pockets
There are a lot of things that make a good pocket system. The spacing of each pocket, the things that you can put in each pocket, etc are some of the factors. Backpacks that have enough resources to hold items such as fly rods and carabiners are also needed for some anglers.
Water Resistant
If you live in a region where there is frequent rain, then you’d want to get a backpack that has water resistance property. This will save you some money as well since you don’t have to buy a rain cover separately.
Final Words
There are a lot of options as far as a fly fishing backpack is concerned. Today we reviewed some of the options and gave you a broader perspective on the said topic. We also gave brief must-have features of a fly fishing backpack and the things that you could possibly keep in them. That being said, the final decision is yours. You can definitely do more research and learn about some other products as well. If you don’t have the time then, you can go with our Editor’s pick and purchase it without thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions On Fishing Backpacks
Q. Do you need a waterproof backpack?
Ans. If you live in areas where the chances of rain are high, then, yes you need a backpack that is waterproof
Q. Does a normal backpack work for fly fishing?
Ans. It depends on the kind of pockets that a backpack has, generally fly fishing backpacks are specific, they contain rod holders and compartments big enough for trays and fly boxes.
Q. Backpack vs Vest, which one to buy?
Ans. It solely depends on your preference. Many prefer a classic backpack while others go for the vest.
Q. Do you need an expensive backpack?
Ans. Not necessary. An expensive backpack will give you some warranty option but other than that, it doesn’t really matter.