The Best Fishing Packs of 2025

Fishing packs have advanced drastically beyond your grandpa’s old tan vest. There are seemingly endless options for fishing packs, backpacks, tackle boxes, or whatever particular storage-type bag you choose to carry your gear.

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to carrying their equipment on the water, making it difficult to know what will work best for them solely based on the opinions of others. Many people learn what they like through trial and error, buying one pack and replacing it when they realize it isn’t for them. That’s not good for your pocketbook.

Our team tested multiple modern packs to determine the pros and cons of all of the different styles and offerings. We’re fairly confident there’s something on this list for just about everyone.

If you’ve found yourself frozen with indecision, check out our buyer’s guide section, or read on as we highlight different products and what makes the best fishing pack.

Editor’s Note: We updated this buyer’s guide on April 2,2025, by completely overhauling it. We added updated products, a buyer’s guide, and a price and value section.

The Best Fishing Packs of 2025

Comparison Chart

How We Tested Fishing Packs

We’ve spent decades trying to find the best fishing pack. Over the years, we’ve tried dozens of options, switching between lumbar packs, waist packs, and backpacks. It’s a piece of gear that we seem to always be shopping for in the endless search for the perfect solution. We’ve used these packs on trout streams in the Rocky Mountains, bass rivers in the South, and steelhead rivers on the West Coast.

Our Expert Testers

Our tester, Morgan Nowels, has been carrying fishing packs since his early teens. Like most anglers, he started with the budget packs but graduated to the highest-quality packs while working as a professional guide. He pursues all manner of fish, from trout, bass, and steelhead to saltwater species like bonefish and permit.

Those different pursuits demand different features from packs, and Morgan was able to dial in the perfect pack for whatever situation he was in. He learned what makes a pack work and what doesn’t, and he has 9 different packs in his current lineup to ensure he’s getting the performance he needs in his different fishing pursuits.

Morgan worked as a sales rep for a pack manufacturer, where he learned about every manufacturer’s pack and the different options available to anglers. That forced him to become a subject matter expert while presenting the product to buyers and fly shop owners.

Our Testing Grounds

We hoofed these packs all over the continent in our pursuits. Our tester, Morgan, packed them around the mountains of Utah and Wyoming on foot and by boat. He needed to carry enough gear not just for himself but also for his clients. He backpacked into remote rivers in the backcountry of Idaho, fishing crystal clear rivers for cutthroat trout, testing out the durability of these packs.

Some of these fishing packs were carted through airports, where they doubled as carry-on bags when we were limited on space for our destination fishing trips. We then used them on the saltwater flats of Mexico and off-shore trips chasing Marlin and Tuna in Costa Rica. These bags got thrown on sandy beaches while surf fishing in Florida, jammed into water-filled corners of rafts, and used to haul way more gear than they were intended for.

We waded deep into steelhead rivers, tested waterproof zippers, and packed streamer-filled fly boxes into packs while chasing bass and panfish in the Southern U.S. There wasn’t any type of fishing we didn’t do with these.

Our Testing Process

Our team has been regularly testing and using different packs for over a decade. For the latest round of testing, we used the products over a 10-month period in both freshwater and saltwater environments. We got our hands on some of the best packs from not just fishing manufacturers but also hunting manufacturers, whose packs can double as great options for fishing.

We obviously performed real-world testing on the water while also checking out the best fly fishing rods and best fishing waders, but we also performed tests at home that you may not think about.

For waterproof packs we filled them with air and submerged them in the bathtub, checking to see if the materials were leaking or if the waterproof zippers would fail.

We stuffed these packs to the max, checking to see if they could actually fit as much equipment as was claimed. To be sure different angling needs were met, we filled them with large streamer boxes, small dry fly boxes, and even conventional fishing tackle. The best packs aren’t one-trick ponies; they should be able to be utilized for many different fishing applications.

Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Fishing Pack

Some of our fishing buddies burn through fishing packs faster than a college freshman does Tinder matches. The reason? It can be nearly impossible to find the best pack for every single situation. They often get a pack and realize it’s not a good fit for them and the type of angling they do. Fortunately, we’ve had experience doing all sorts of fishing and know just what to look for in each situation.

Pack Style

Packs come in multiple different styles, and the hardest decision to make is which style you want to go with. There are sling packs, lumbar packs, chest packs, vests, and backpacks. Each offers different pros and cons that need to be considered before making a purchase. There is no perfect solution.

Lumbar/Waist Packs

Lumbar packs are likely the most popular style in modern times. Who would have thought that a fanny pack would be considered cool? Most lumbar packs are built on a waist belt and then have a sling that will go over one of your shoulders, giving you extra security. People love these packs because they tuck out of the way on your lower back when not in use. Since they have a low profile, they’re cooler to wear during hot summer months.

There are some reasons to avoid lumbar packs. First, if you find yourself wading in deep water or are a shorter angler, waist packs can end up getting submerged, soaking everything in your bag. Water ends up in your fly boxes, and your flies can rust out quickly. One of our guide buddies receives more than his fair share of ribbing for being short, and he moved away from a lumbar pack because every single time he crossed a river, he had to remove his pack and hold it over his head to keep his gear dry. Then the jokes would begin.

Lumbar packs can also be limited in the amount of gear they can store. You won’t have enough room to store rain jackets and lunches, and some minimalist options struggle to hold enough fly boxes for guys who have flies for every single hatch under the sun. That’s not true across the board, though, as our favorite lumbar pack, the Orvis Guide Hip Pack, had loads of room to store equipment.

Sling Packs

Sling packs eliminate virtually every problem you’ll experience with waist packs. They usually have plenty of space to store a jacket and sit up high on your back. If you submerge your sling pack, you probably have bigger immediate problems than wet fly boxes.

They sling across one shoulder and can be spun around to the front while staying on your body, giving you quick access to all of your equipment. Sling packs also move all of the straps and points that catch the line behind you while you fish.

These packs are very popular with saltwater anglers, as they keep highly corrosive salt away from their gear, and with spey fishermen, as they give them plenty of mobility and room to execute complicated spey casts with minimal catching points.

Slings are not without their own problems. They’re generally not ambidextrous, and you’re limited to which shoulder you can put the shoulder strap on, although our favorite, the Patagonia Guidewater Sling is ambidexterous. Some people get annoyed with them if that strap is on their dominant casting shoulder. Anglers will also experience drastic fatigue on the shoulder where the pack sits, as all of the weight is distributed on one side of the body.

Chest Packs

If you’re looking for some of the benefits of a sling pack with better weight distribution, a chest pack may be the fit for you. Chest packs, like the Umpqua Northfork Chest Pack sit high on your chest with backpack-like straps running over your shoulders. This keeps your equipment up high on your body, with an even distribution of weight.

Like waist packs, chest packs may limit the amount of equipment anglers can carry. Many people wear a backpack with their chest packs to alleviate this on long days when they need additional equipment. Multiple straps on your shoulders can be a bit uncomfortable, but if you need a functional fishing pack as well as storage for non-fishing-related items, this is the best solution.

Some anglers struggle to get used to fishing with a bulky pack sitting in front of their body, and because of that, shy away from a chest rig. They can also be hot during summer months, trapping heat near the hottest part of your body.

Vests

The ever iconic, OG fishing pack. Your paw-paw was lighting up fish in one of these bad boys before your parents were even a twinkle in his eye. However, the fact that it’s your grandpa’s fishing pack of choice is exactly why it’s fallen out of favor in recent years.

Fun story. While in Utah, our tester, Morgan, and his guide buddies used the term “vest” as a derogatory term to describe a certain type of fly angler. It was the white-haired guy with a bamboo rod who would stumble on you and ask, “You seen any Drakes hatching?” There were no Drakes hatching. It was three weeks before the hatch would begin. But a “vest” would never disgrace a trout with a nymph.

So, you can imagine the crap Morgan got from his buddies when he showed up to the guide shack with a Fishpond Sagebrush Pro Vest. It was open season. He knew that going into it, but there were real reasons he unironically started wearing a vest.

Fishing vests have come a long way. They’re no longer a tan chunk of fabric with too many bulky pockets sewn on. Modern versions, like the Fishpond Sagebrush Pro, have a sleek, modern design and offer amazing functionality.

A vest will keep all of your gear up high, distribute weight evenly, and offer the best organization system. The only drawbacks are that they can be hot and clunky and could draw criticism from your younger fishing buddies.

Backpacks

A fishing backpack is best for those days when you need to haul lots of gear. It’s great for large tackle boxes and fly boxes, raingear, lunches, camera gear, and maybe even a water purifier for backcountry adventures.

If you’re a shorebound conventional angler, this is the best option for you. Backpacks like the Evolution Outdoors Drift Series 3600 Tackle Backpack give you a great way to keep tackle boxes organized and will give you fishing-specific features like plier holders.

Some of our favorite fishing backpacks are waterproof, which will ensure your gear stays dry in the event that it falls overboard or you find yourself in a downpour.

Waterproof or Non-Waterproof Fishing Packs

As a general rule, we prefer waterproof equipment over non-waterproof equipment in all categories. That isn’t the case with fishing packs.

There is a significant give and take when it comes to waterproof fishing packs. Obviously, you get the benefits of having your gear protected from water, which is a big deal when fishing. It is a sport that takes place in, on, and around water. However, with waterproof bags, you will be giving up organization.

Non-waterproof bags feature multiple zippers and interior organization pockets. Waterproof fishing packs, like the Fishpond Wind River Backpack usually have just one giant pocket for all of your equipment. They do not offer interior organization or some of the other handy features you’ll find in their non-waterproof counterparts.

In our opinion, waterproof bags are best for saltwater anglers, camera equipment users, and those who live in rainy places like the Pacific Northwest. If you aren’t in one of those situations, you’ll find the lack of organization frustrating.

Price and Value

Anglers often choose to purchase a cheap pack when starting out on their fishing journey. It’s easy to treat a pack as an afterthought after purchasing all of the other gear needed to get out on the water. However, going with a budget option may not be best for everyone.

Budget Fishing Packs

You can find budget fishing packs for under $100. However, a budget option requires you to give up two characteristics.

Budget fishing packs are almost always smaller than most packs. You’ll get a pack that can only hold a few fly boxes or tackle boxes. This works well for newcomers to the sport as they don’t have as much gear to tote around in the first place.

Fishing packs in this price range are also going to have lower-quality zippers, straps, and buckles. They generally can’t handle the rigors of consistent use and may fall apart in short order. However, our favorite budget fishing pack, the Umpqua Northfork Waist Pack, alleviates this problem by giving you high-quality components at a great price.

Mid-Tier Fishing Packs

Most fishing packs on the market fall into the price range of $110-$200. Packs in this price range are going to give you ample storage, like the Orvis Guide Fly Fishing Hip Pack. You’ll also find all sorts of fishing-specific features like places to hold hemostats and other tools.

Products in this price range will have high-quality components. You won’t get frustrated with zippers that fail, and you’ll also find ample organization pockets. A solid pack will give you years of consistent use without breaking down, and by spending a touch more money, you can get that.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find a waterproof pack for under $200. If you need a waterproof bag, you probably won’t find one in this price range. If you do, we’d question its alleged waterproofness.

Premium Fishing Packs

Jumping into a premium fishing pack ($200+) will get you into the waterproof market. Waterproof bags are more expensive because all of the components inherently cost more. Zippers have to be the best there is, and fabrics have to be treated to ensure no water gets in. Seams must be sealed, and more labor is required to get the perfect product.

We recommend buying a waterproof fishing pack if you’re fishing in saltwater. Saltwater is highly corrosive and quickly destroys equipment. A waterproof pack will keep your things safely protected from the harsh saltwater elements.

Anglers in rainy areas like the Pacific Northwest may also benefit from a waterproof pack. That’s especially true if you’re like us and bring camera equipment with you on your pursuits of fish. If either of those descriptions fits you, the Simms Dry Creek Z Backpack will be well worth the investment.

However, if you’re looking for maximum organization and don’t foresee consistently soaking your gear, you don’t need to invest in waterproof fishing packs.

Frequently Asked Questions