Waterproof packs have become a staple in the fly-fishing scene. Whether you’re sneaking up a first-order stream in search of native brook trout or wading ankle-deep sand flats for bonefish, keeping your valuables safe and secure is a non-negotiable.
I’ve tested my fair share of dry bags over the years. Different styles, different brands. Most of them left a lot to be desired. Some leaked after a few uses. Others were uncomfortable and bulky. The classic roll-tops usually kept things dry, but good luck finding your tippet in one without dumping the whole bag out on the bank. Luckily, the technology has come a long way, and the bags on the market today are miles ahead of what was available a decade—even five years—ago.
The one I’ve been reaching for lately is the Hella Dry Waterproof Hip Pack. It’s fully submersible, purpose-built for anglers, and thoughtfully designed with ergonomics in mind. You can wear it all day without irritating your lower back (which, as someone with back issues, is a massive win), and it has a low profile that prevents getting snagged on bushes and branches in the woods, while still having the capacity to hold all of your essentials.
Over the last few months, I’ve had it out on the Chesapeake Bay chasing stripers, wading in North Carolina for largemouth and smallmouth bass, and creeping up local streams targeting creek chubs and panfish. It has exceeded my expectations and performed as intended, with only one notable gripe. Hella Dry got the vast majority of the details right, and the result is a pack that I will continue to reach for in the future.
Material
840D TPU-laminated nylon shell
Zipper
TRU® Zip submersible
Storage
9-liter capacity
Construction
100% waterproof with RF-welded seams
Pros
- Genuinely Submersible
- Internal Organization
- Comfort
- Price
Cons
- External Organization
What I Liked
Genuinely Submersible
There are plenty of fishing packs that end up being more “water-resistant” than “waterproof” after a few sessions. Hella Dry doesn’t play that game. The RF-welded construction and TRU Zip zipper create a truly submersible bag. Your camera, truck keys, and phone stay bone dry even if the pack goes entirely under. That peace of mind can actually change how you fish. For example, I’ve found myself carrying my camera much more often simply because I trust the pack to protect it.
Internal Organization
My biggest gripe with traditional roll-top dry bags is that everything inevitably ends up in one chaotic pile at the bottom. Try digging for a pair of nippers or a specific spool of fluorocarbon while a fish is tailing in front of you. Hella Dry takes care of that. The interior sleeves keep smaller items locked in place, while larger items sit securely in the center. The smaller outside front pocket is also very handy for quick-access items. At nine liters, it hits a sweet spot—plenty of room for boxes, a rain jacket, and a camera, but not so massive that it becomes bulky or cumbersome.
Comfort
For me, hauling gear all day usually ends in lower back pain. But the Hella Dry’s adjustable, padded waist belt carries the load beautifully. When I’m traveling light, the belt alone does the trick. But when I’ve got the pack loaded down, I utilize the padded shoulder strap to distribute the weight evenly across my upper body. The shoulder strap is easily removable if you don’t need it, keeping things streamlined. As someone with persistent lower back issues, this modular support system is a godsend.
Price
I would happily rate this pack an 11/10 on value if I could. If you want a fully submersible hip pack from one of the major legacy brands, you’re going to be dropping significantly more coin. Fishpond’s Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar rings in at $250, the Simms Dry Creek Z is slightly more, Patagonia’s Guidewater sits at $239, and the Orvis PRO Waterproof will set you back $280.
The Hella Dry Waterproof Hip Pack comes in at a refreshing $115. That is an exceptionally good value. It delivers the same TRU Zip technology and welded construction for roughly half the price of the competition.
What I Didn’t Like
External Organization
While I appreciate the modular thinking behind the removable mesh water bottle pocket, in practice, it’s a bit of a flop. Once you drop a full Nalgene or Yeti in there, the whole pocket sways like a pendulum with every step. It creates an uneven, ever-changing weight that constantly tugs at your hip and shoulder, throwing off your rhythm as you move.
Additionally, the net holders are a great idea in theory, but they end up being somewhat cumbersome on the water. Sliding a net handle into the tight slots blind requires too much fumbling when the pressure is on. They do function, and they’re certainly better than not having a net holder at all, but to me, they feel like a bit of an afterthought.
Final Word
Not every angler needs a fully waterproof hip pack. If you stick to shallow water and fair weather, you can save your money and buy a standard nylon bag. But if your fishing regularly involves kayaks, skiffs, saltwater flats, foul weather, or wading, it’s a no-brainer. The Hella Dry Waterproof Hip Pack keeps your gear genuinely dry, wears all day comfortably, and doesn’t require a small loan to buy it. At the end of the day, it delivers peace of mind—and that’s invaluable when the whole reason you’re out there is to focus on the fish, not everything else.
Until next time, good luck out there!
Article by Flylords Food Editor Kirk Marks, an angler, photographer, and culinary aficionado based in Kent Island, Maryland. Give him a follow at @kirkymarks.
