Is it any good? I'd likely traverse to in with a camelback so I have fresh water and flexibility and my poles. But wondering if this would be worth the small investment for accessing flies and whatnot. I dislike my vest. Nirvana Simple Chest Pack
Posted by SNO_SRFR
6 Comments
This is a knockoff of the fishpond version (or maybe they both knocked off someone else). I have it and it was ok for a minimal amount of stuff. Hated how the strap dug into my neck and it was uncomfortable crossbody. I upgraded to the Patagonia sling stealth and haven’t looked back.
I just bought one, it’s smaller than I expected. Haven’t fished since, so I can’t tell if it’s good.
I have the small fishpond one like that (San Juan?) and I like it. It’s not too big so doesn’t get in the way. Enough for a fly box and bits and pieces.
I have mine paired with the aventik back pack which comes with a small chest pack anyway but I swapped the chest pack over because i already had the fishpond chest pack.
I tried to keep it minimal but I like to have drinking water with me so I keep a water bladder in the backpack. The backpack is fairly small and hugs your back so it’s quite comfortable.
I have the fishpond equivalent as well. I have a bigger bag if I’m dedicating the day to fishing, but a lot of my fly fishing happens in tandem when backpacking, long day hikes with the kids, etc. and I have a non-fishing related backpack I’m also carrying on my back. I think it works awesome for that use case. It holds one fly box that I keep a range of flies in and keep some of the other things you need most often and I’m rarely left wanting.
It can get uncomfortable wit the neck strap if you weigh it down or fish a full day with it on, but in general when I’m popping onto a mountain stream for an hour or dropping down into a river after setting up camp it’s a great option to keep on you.
I used to have something similar and liked it a lot. I don’t care for slings. I’m currently using a 511 chest pack. Though not designed for fishing I works great.
I use and old Patagonia sling bag. Mainly because it’s light and comfy and what I take on overnight hikes. Can dump some of the extra stuff in it at my main camp before venturing out to fish