Fly anglers love a good piece of gear. Premium reels, fancy cameras, and a myriad of other gear make it to the water every year. So why not protect your investments with a waterproof bag? Anglers don’t want to admit it, but everyone takes a spill eventually. An excellent waterproof bag will protect your investments and keep you organized on the
water. Finding a suitable pack depends on your style of fishing. Packs ranging from large rolltop bags to small day trip hip packs all offer organization and protection. After a season on the water with various packs, here are our recommendations for the best waterproof bags for fly fishing.
- Best Overall: Orvis Pro Waterproof Backpack 30L
- Best Rolltop: Simms G3 Guide Backpack
- Best Backpack: Breakwater Supply River Ute Waterproof Backpack
- Best Sling Pack: Patagonia Guidewater Sling 15L
- Best Hip Pack: Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar
- Best Duffel: Yeti Panga 75L
What You Need to Know About Waterproof Bags:
Like any pack, waterproof bags differ in features between brands. Consider how you fish, and your pack needs to maximize your investment and narrow down your options. Here are our tips for shopping for waterproof bags.
Size:
When selecting a pack, consider how and where you will use it. Anglers who take shorter day trips may not need the added weight of a 30L backpack. A great substitute is a smaller sling or a hip pack. You should also consider the size of the gear you bring. Those who pack camera gear may need the extra space a backpack offers.
Organization:
Pack organization is crucial when deciding which pack fits your needs the best. The
issue with a lot of waterproof packs is internal organization. The material that goes into
designing a waterproof bag sacrifices internal storage. Look for packs with innovative
solutions such as ample exterior storage, water bottle pockets, and internal zip pockets
to maximize on the water organization.
Maintenance:
Waterproof bags are relatively maintenance-free. They repel most dirt and can easily be
washed off when they do get dirty. That said, the zipper is critical to keeping your pack
in working order. Waterproof zippers will inevitably start to stick if not properly
maintained. The solution is zipper wax, which is typically sold with each pack. Run the
wax along the zipper track to prolong the life of your pack.
Best Overall: Orvis Pro Waterproof Backpack 30L
Best Overall
Orvis Pro Waterproof Backpack
Key Features:
- Storage Capacity: 30 liters
- Pack Style: Backpack
- Material: 840-denier nylon
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Good storage organization
- Compatible with Orvis chest pack
Cons:
- Expensive
Waterproof backpacks do a great job of keeping gear dry, but most lack any form of
internal organization. The Orvis Pro Waterproof Backpack solves this problem with well-
placed internal and external storage pockets. Inside the pack, anglers have a large
mesh back pocket divided into two sections. For fly boxes, tippet spools, and other
small gear items, offering ample storage to keep your frequently used items within
reach. The main compartment of this pack has plenty of storage for rain gear, camera
gear, and larger fly boxes. Outside, the pack has a mesh water bottle sleeve to free up
space inside the pack. On the water, two-rod tube straps allow anglers to bring a spare
rod for changing conditions or the inevitable broken rod. For an all-around pack, the
ample storage and comfortable design make the Orvis Pro Waterproof Backpack a must
for salt and fresh anglers looking to protect their gear.
Best Rolltop: Simms G3 Guide Backpack
Best Rolltop
Simms G3 Guide Backpack
Key Features:
- Storage Capacity: 50 liters
- Pack Style: Backpack
- Material: 420D Nylon Double Ripstop with TPU
Pros:
- Ample storage
- Rolltop and zippered pockets
- Net holster
Cons:
- Best sized for multi-day trips
Rolltop dry bags are standard in waterproof fishing bags. They are dependable to keep
gear dry during the most demanding conditions. The Simms G3 Guide Backpack set out
to do this and much more. With 50L of storage, this is by far the most of any backpack-
style pack we tested. The main pocket is the rolltop style, featuring a buckle snap on
each side for secure closure. Inside is one large compartment with plenty of storage for
jackets, large fly boxes, and anything else you need to keep dry. The integrated external
zip pocket sets this pack apart from other rolltops. Inside this pocket are two zippered pockets and two drop pockets. This is the best way to access it for frequently used gear
like fly boxes, tippet spools, and extra leaders. Comfortable straps and a built-in net
holder make this pack a complete fishing system. My only gripe is the size. At 50L of
storage, it is much larger than most packs and is a bit much for quick outings.
Best Backpack: Breakwater Supply River Ute Waterproof Backpack
Best Backpack
Breakwater Supply River Ute Waterproof Backpack
Key Features:
- Storage Capacity: 20 liters
- Pack Style: Backpack
- Material: 420D Nylon TPU Shell
Pros:
- Ample internal organization
- More affordable than other waterproof packs
- External lash points
Cons:
- Currently only available in one size
A recurring theme with waterproof backpacks is sacrificing internal storage to keep your gear dry. However, that is not the case with Breakwater Supply’s newest fishing pack, the River Ute. This 20L waterproof fishing pack features two internal storage sleeves, an internal pocket, and an external waterproof pocket. Combined, this gives anglers all the storage they need to separate fishing tackle, extra layers, and anything else they may pack for a day on the water.
This pack also comes with external lash points that can secure a rod tube for pack trips. In addition, the River Ute has a waist and chest strap for comfortable and secure carrying. The 20L size works well for day trips, but it would be nice to see other sizes make their way into the lineup.
Best Sling Pack: Patagonia Guidewater Sling 15L
Best Sling Pack
Patagonia Guidewater Sling 15L
Key Features:
- Storage Capacity:15 liters
- Pack Style: Slingpack
- Material: 100% recycled nylon
Pros:
- Comfortable sling pack design
- Accessible from either side
- Removable internal pocket organizes gear
Cons:
- Will slide down when loaded with heavy gear
Traveling light on the river is essential for exploring new water and finding new spots.
When I know I’ll be moving frequently, a sling like the Patagonia Guidewater Sling is my pack of choice. This waterproof sling is lightweight and sized to fit the perfect amount of
gear for short day trips. The pack’s internal storage is adequate for rain gear, fly boxes,
and the essentials. A removable internal pocket can hold small items like nippers,
leaders, and tippets. The pocket can also be placed on the outside of the pack to avoid
digging through your pack for frequently used gear. Unlike other slings, this is truly
ambidextrous, meaning the pack can be accessed through either side. A comfortable
main strap and side clip to secure the pack complete the package.
Best Hip Pack: Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar
Best Hip Pack
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar
Key Features:
- Storage Capacity:75 liters
- Pack Style: Hip pack
- Material: 900D TPU Coated NewStream Fabric
Pros:
- Comfortable sling pack design
- Accessible from either side
- Removable internal pocket organizes gear
Cons:
- Can tilt down when loaded with heavy gear
The issue with most hip packs is that they ride at hip level and are naturally prone to filling
up with water. Enter Fishpond’s Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar pack, a waterproof
hip pack capable of holding all the essentials in a comfortable and compact package.
With 10L of storage, there is plenty of room to hold all the gear needed for day trips. A
combination of a hip and removable shoulder strap makes this an incredibly comfortable
pack when carrying heavy loads. The pack comes with a built-in net holster to keep your
net close by. Pair it with Fishpond’s accessories like tippet spool holders and zingers for
a complete system ready to tackle the water.
Best Duffel: YETI Panga 75L
Best Duffel
YETI Panga 75L
Key Features:
- Storage Capacity:75 liters
- Pack Style: Backpack/duffel
- Material: ThickSkin™ shell
Pros:
- Ample storage space
- Thick and durable shell
- Can be worn as a backpack
Cons:
- Lacks internal organization for longer trips
Anglers looking for a pack for multi-day adventures and float trips should look no further
than the Yeti Panga. Available in three sizes, the 75L is the best size for multi-day trips without taking up extra room. Two adjustable straps can act as a backpack for easy
packing. If your bag takes a spill, the durable ThickSkin™ shell protects and keeps your
gear dry. This pack also doubles as a great space saver around camp. It’s easy to store
gear outside of a tent without worrying if it will stay dry in case of a storm.
Final Thoughts
A waterproof fishing pack goes a long way on the river. Whether a surprise rainstorm or
a spill in the water, they protect your gear and keep you organized for a day of fishing.
They are no small investment, and countless options are available. Choose a pack that
benefits your style of fishing. Consider size and pack type to get the most out of your
investment and a bag that will be used for seasons to come.
