The Rundown: Riversmith Convoy Collection

Welcome back to “The Rundown,” a Flylords original series where we take an all-encompassing look at the latest and greatest products from your favorite brands in fly fishing. We review high-level info and tech specs here while sharing our initial impressions. To cap off each installment of “The Rundown,” we hear from product designers who brought their vision from blueprints to the showroom floor. 

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In this installment of “The Rundown,” we will provide an all-encompassing look at Riversmith’s new Convoy Collection. 

Table of Contents

1. Background
2. What’s New
   • Convoy Duffel
   • Convoy Hauler
   • Convoy Travel Pack
   • Convoy Gear-Roll
   • Convoy PackOut Bag
3. Interview with Riversmith

Background:

If you’re familiar with Flylords, you’ve likely seen our “Behind the Brand” and first iteration of “The Rundown” with Riversmith. We dove into the company and its obsession with building the best rod carriers possible. 

Riversmith was founded in 2018 and is still relatively new to the fly fishing space. With an uber-competitive scene, they needed to solidify themselves as a premium brand building purpose-built products. That is precisely what Riversmith did with the River Quiver rod carriers, catapulting them into a leading brand in fly fishing accessories. Just take a look at your local trout stream; chances are you will see River Quivers dotting the lots. 

When we last spoke with the Riversmith team, inklings of a new line focused on traveling anglers were in the works. Now it is here with the new Convoy Collection: a product line featuring five new bags covering every aspect of travel and organization.

What’s New:

The excitement of a fishing trip is hard to beat. It’s why we love fly fishing and what keeps us coming back. But, this excitement can turn to chaos when you make it to the river and realize you forgot crucial gear. To avoid the dreaded drive home in search of gear, Riversmith developed the Convoy Collection. 

Riversmith’s mantra is “Protect What is Important.” This includes your gear, time, and overall experience. The Convoy Collection features five new products to streamline the packing process and keep you organized. They include The Duffel, The Hauler, The Travel Pack, The Gear-Roll, and The PackOut Bag. Below, we dive into each to better understand the new collection.

Convoy Duffel: 

Specs/Features:

• Sizes: 45 liter and 70 liter
• Sunglass Pocket
• Document Pocket
• Roll-Top Dry Compartment
• Ripstop and Power Mesh Pockets in Lid
• Deployable Backpack Straps
• Removable Rod Tube Straps

The Convoy Duffel is designed to be a traveling angler’s best friend. Available in two sizes–45 and 70 liter–this pack is the answer for anglers looking to stay organized while traveling. A built-in dry compartment keeps essentials dry, while several pockets keep you organized. Whether far off the grid or traveling through a bustling city, the Convoy Duffel is a do-it-all solution.

Our Experience: 

The Convoy Duffel is Riversmith’s answer to a do-it-all bag, whether traveling or on the water. Unlike other waterproof bags we’ve used, this bag is the first on-demand waterproof bag. Riversmith implemented a unique rollable waterproof bag inside the center compartment to achieve this. Simply open the bag, place your gear inside, roll down the top, and secure it with the buckles when needed. This technology results in a lighter bag and the ability to add internal pockets and storage that other waterproof bags lack. When you don’t need the waterproof layer, it folds out of the way for easy travel. 

Of the two models, the 45 and 70-liter, we’ve tested the 45-liter. This size makes a great boat bag for essential gear like rain jackets, sun hoodies, fly boxes, and anything you want to keep dry. It also doubles as a great carry-on for flights. While the waterproof on-demand is a new concept, the benefits are undeniable. If you are used to traditional waterproof bags, it may take some getting used to. Just make sure you seal it off before you hit the water.

Convoy Hauler: 

Specs/Features:

• Sizes: 45 liter and 60 liter
• Waterproof Roll-Top System
• Waterproof Thru-Zip Side Access
• Aluminum Zipper Pulls
• Custom Molded Bottom
• Rip Proof and Waterproof Shell
• Molle Strap System
• 3-Carry Options: Shoulder-Strap, Strap Handles, Side Handles

The Convoy Hauler is Riversmith’s answer to a do-it-all carry/tote bag. Like other bags in this collection, it is designed to be fully waterproof to keep gear dry and safe even in the worst weather conditions. It is available in two sizes, 45 liters and 60 liters. Anglers looking for an easy travel bag with plenty of storage should consider the Convoy Hauler. 

Our Experience:

Riversmith’s Convoy Hauler is a fully waterproof tote bag for anglers on the go. It comes in two sizes: a 45-liter model and a 60-liter model. Like traditional tote bags, it can fit a lot of gear. Mine lives on my skiff, filled with fly boxes, extra reels, rain gear, water bottles, and more. I trust this bag in the salt because of its fully waterproof design. Similar to the Convoy Duffel, the Hauler has a roll-top waterproof bag. This bag covers the entirety of the internal pocket and is paired with a waterproof outer shell. While roll-top bags are great for keeping water out, they can be a pain to get into. Riversmith solved this with a waterproof side pocket, granting access to the waterproof main compartment.

In addition to its intuitive design, Riversmith included three carry methods: a shoulder strap, side handles, and reinforced handles on each end for heavy loads. A MOLLE panel on the side can attach additional gear, like the Convoy PackOut Bag. For ample storage, running rough water, and dodging storms, the Convoy Hauler has become a staple on my skiff for added waterproof storage. 

Convoy Travel Pack: 

Specs/Features:

• Rip Proof and Water Resistant Outer Body
• 3 Side Continous Strap Handle for Easy Retrieve
• 270 Degree Zipper for Maximum Access
• Passport, Keys, and Document Pocket
• Breathable Foam Back Panel and Backpack Straps
• Custom Molded Lid with 4 Internal Mesh Pockets
• Deployable Backpack Straps
• Lockable Aluminum Zipper Pulls

The Convoy Travel Pack is built for destination anglers. When you’re headed on the trip of a lifetime, make sure your gear is safe and organized in one bag. A multitude of internal and external pockets offer ample organization. The Travel Pack is sized to accommodate full-size rod tubes, reels, fly boxes, and any additional gear for the adventure ahead. It’s sized to be a carry-on, so you can ensure you are the one in charge of all your gear. 

Our Experience:

The Convoy Travel Pack is designed as a tool for destination anglers. It features a backpack configuration for easy carry and internal storage for anything an angler may need. An internal crush-proof pocket keep rods protected, in or out of rod tubes. Additional dividers keep reels, fly boxes, and clothing organized and secured. It is designed as a carry-on but can be checked with its crush-proof design and lockable zippers. 

So far, we’ve flown Delta, United, Southwest, and American Airlines with no issues carrying on the Travel Pack. An additional side access pocket fits passports, a phone, or a wallet for quick access. When going through security, this keeps us organized. 

Convoy Gear-Roll: 

Specs/Features:

• Backpack or Shoulder Carry
• Pockets for Waders, Boots, Slings, Packs, Fly Boxes, Tippet, Nets, Rods, and Reels
• Adjustable Molle Clinch Closure
• Ripstop and Power Mesh Waterproof Pockets Inside
• Strap for Hanging Vertically
• Removable Changing Mat

The Convoy Gear-Roll is an angler’s answer to full-kit organization. Everything from waders and boots to rods and reels has a place in this pack. It can be worn as a backpack or utilizing a shoulder strap for adaptability on the go. The perfect addition for wade anglers, all your gear has a spot, whether wet or dry.

Our Experience:

The Convoy Gear-Roll is the most innovative bag in the Convoy Collection. The bag has three separate compartments that roll out, hence the name. The first pocket is an open mesh, perfect for wading boots, wet or dry. The second pocket has expandable mesh for waders, a backpack, or a sling pack. The last compartment is built from a waterproof shell for electronics, maps, and any valuables you want to protect. On the backside of the pack, anglers can remove a portable changing mat to keep gravel out of their waders when it is time to fish. Movable straps allow this bag to be carried on the shoulder or as a backpack. 

We’ve used this bag extensively as wade anglers. It allows us to keep our gear organized and doubles as a hauler with storage for multiple rods and a net. When hiking to alpine lakes, this bag lets us bring waders and boots in dedicated compartments in addition to all our fishing gear. 

Convoy PackOut Bag:

Specs/Features:

• Rip Proof and Water Resistant Outer Body
• Inner and Outer Pockets for Fly Box Storage
• Forcep and Hemostat Straps
• Horizontal and Vertical Attachment Straps
• Aluminum Zipper Pulls
• Removable and Washable 11×22 in Trash Bag

The Convoy PackOut Bag is designed as an essentials-only fishing pack. With adequate room for tippet spools, fly boxes, and tools, it is perfect for the day-trip angler. As an added benefit, each PackOut Bag has a removable and washable trash bag. Epitomizing “leave no trace behind,” anglers can be sure they leave their destination better than they found without dirtying their fishing gear.

Our Experience:

The Convoy PackOut Bag is the smallest bag in this collection. It is designed for minimalist anglers who want to travel light while still having the essentials. A single pocket fits fly boxes, tippets, and floatant, while dedicated spots for your forceps keep tools handy. Our favorite feature of this bag is the removable and foldable 11-in x 22-in trash bag. This allows us to pick up trash we find fishing, leaving the water cleaner than we found it. Additionally, a multitude of carry methods make it a versatile pack for short trips.

A Short Interview with Riversmith:

With tech specs in hand and thorough field testing completed, we had to speak with Riversmith’s Jason Thomas, the mind behind the Convoy Collection. 

Flylords: Give us your name, job title, and how long you’ve been with Riversmith:

Jason: Hey there! I’m Jason Thomas, the Director of Design and Product Development at Riversmith. I joined the product team in 2021, and it’s been an exciting ride!

Flylords: What was your role in the creation of the Convoy Collection?

Jason: My role at the company is to drive product and innovation. I designed the collection with plenty of input, feedback, and support from a lot of great, knowledgeable people. In the end, I took the lead in guiding the collection from the initial idea to its release. 

Flylords: What purpose/problem does the Convoy collection aim to serve/solve?

Jason: These bags are packed with simple features that solve dozens of minor problems anglers have faced, but at their core, they’re designed to minimize the hassles of getting to and from the water with your fly fishing gear. The goal is to reduce friction and protect your equipment, giving you more time and confidence to focus on fishing.

Flylords: Riversmith is commonly known as the producer of rod holders, ranging from the River Quivers on cars and trucks to the SwiftCast on rafts. What inspired you to venture into travel gear and bags? 

Jason: That’s right; Riversmith has built a reputation for that. We kicked off with the hugely successful River Quiver, followed by the SwiftCast rod rack for watercraft. But at our core, Riversmith is a product engineering company focused on solving problems in the outdoor recreation space, especially fly fishing. Both products were designed to address a fundamental challenge: maximizing our time on the water while protecting our gear—particularly fly rods. 

These new bags tackle the same issue, but this time, they’re designed to safeguard all your gear. After all, the transport isn’t just your car, truck, or raft—it’s you. This highlights our current focus on travel, but Riversmith has a broad vision, and we’re just getting started.

Flylords: What attributes about this collection do you think anglers will value the most? 

Jason: As anglers, we often face trade-offs when searching for the perfect bag. We might think, “This one is incredibly durable but heavy,” or “This one is lightweight, but how does it hold up against moisture and wear?”

I hope anglers find reassurance in our bags, knowing they don’t have to compromise. They’ll experience the best of both worlds: outstanding durability, waterproofing, and a lightweight, functional design. Over time, they’ll appreciate how these bags evolve with them, adapting to their growth as an angler and offering unmatched versatility.

Flylords: What did the design process of the collection look like from initial conceptualizing to launch day?

Jason: The Gear-Roll is an excellent example of the process, so I’ll go into detail about that. We began exploring problems to solve in January 2023, starting with moisture transfer and breathability for carrying both wet and dry gear. Could we create a bag that handles it all? We drew inspiration from existing products like garment bags and tool rolls but faced the challenge of ensuring the bag would roll up into a consistent shape, given that everyone’s kit is different. I even bought an industrial sewing machine to sew prototypes, testing different sizes to fit most people’s gear. After numerous iterations and input from our team, we found that less specific pockets made the bag more versatile and that only a small percentage of gear needed to be waterproof.

Once the concept was solid, we shared it with our ambassadors and gathered their feedback through video conferencing and during hands-on experiences at the Riversmith RoundUp. This led to further refinements. Even after presenting the collection to extremely well-traveled anglers at industry expos, we made additional tweaks to improve functionality, delaying the launch by months, which was worth the wait.

When the bags were finally ready, we put them through cyclic factory testing and extreme real-world testing—dragging a loaded Duffel behind a vehicle on gravel roads, throwing it off a 50-foot cliff, and then letting it float down a river. The bags held up remarkably well, confirming they were not only solving the problems we aimed to address but were also built to withstand harsh conditions. With that confidence, we documented and created content in preparation for the launch.

Flylords: Why the name “Convoy”?

Jason: The name ‘Convoy’ came from the idea that these products are meant to travel together, getting you confidently from point A to point B, no matter where that is. And, well… that wild convoy scene in Sicario might have played a part too! If you’ve seen the movie, look at our introduction video for this Collection. You may notice where we paid homage.

Flylords: Can we expect to see this collection expand in the near future?

Jason: Absolutely! We’re actively working on adding another five products to the lineup. Stay tuned and keep in touch for upcoming field-testing opportunities. We appreciate you guys!

Final Thoughts:

The Convoy Collection from Riversmith seeks to change how we, as anglers, travel. An uncompromising line of products, time, and thought went into every detail. From waterproof designs to strategically placed pockets and everything in between, this collection has quickly become a staple in our travels. Whether it’s a destination fishery or a simple trip to our local rivers, the collection offers us the tools to stay organized.

If you’re wondering if these bags are for you, here are some final words. The Convoy Collection is Riversmith’s answer to any angler, regardless of experience level. The technology incorporated into each bag is versatile and adaptable to different scenarios and fisheries. As you expand and grow as an angler, the Convoy Collection provides the tools needed to tackle any adventure. 

Thank you to the Riversmith team for allowing us to participate in this project over the last year. To learn more about the Riversmith Lineup, Click HERE.

Thank you to the following photographers: Jesse Packwood, Zento Slinger, & Jason Paez, Riversmith Ambassadors Eric and Andy Braker. 

This article was published as part of a paid campaign between Flylords LLC and Riversmith. All opinions presented in this article are genuine and solely reflect the opinions of Flylords LLC. 

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