Best Fly Fishing Backpack 2023 (Fly Fishing Backpacks Review)

When wading into the waters, you need everything within easy reach so you don’t have to take long trips to the land every now and then. Opting for the best fly fishing backpack is not challenging as long as you consider the key factors.

These backpacks are designed to hold lots of items, therefore, become heavy when loaded. That said, you must look for one that is sturdy enough to withstand the weight, has waterproofing abilities, and is comfortable to wear. 

Generally, experts who spend more time on water prefer getting the best backpack for fly fishing.

After thorough research and field testing, we found Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack as the best fly fishing backpack. It overjoyed us with its high-end durability and impeccable overall performance. 

Below is a variety of options that you can choose for yourself based on the type of fishing and requirements. 

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10 Best Fly Fishing Backpacks of 2023

1. Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack – Best Fly Fishing Backpack of All Time

Specifications 

• No. of pockets: One
• Strap type: Shoulder and waist
• Waterproof: Yes
• Storage capacity: 28 liters

Fishpond rolls out the most innovative and well-designed products. Rightly so, this backpack has exceptional waterproofing abilities to prevent even the slightest moisture penetration into the bag. The TRU zip closure comes with self-healing properties and is also waterproof. 

There is one main compartment with a hefty amount of storage. On the inside, there is a clear pouch that you can remove. We stored keys and cell phones in it. The main compartment is mighty enough to hold two large fly boxes, one large tackle box, two extra reels, a jacket, two soft drink cans, and a medium-sized toolbox. 

The entire back of the bag is padded along with padded straps for comfort. The waist and sternum straps add stability. The daisy chain loops in the front allow multiple attachments. The bag comes with a water-resistant pouch that we attached to the front for extended access. 

Undoubtedly it is the best fly fishing bag that we easily wore in chest-deep water without worrying about our precious items getting wet. Surprisingly, everything in the bag stayed dry throughout. 

Verdict

When it comes to the best fly fishing pack, Fishpond is always on top that never disappoints its users. 

2. BASSDASH Fishing Tackle Backpack – Best Fishing Backpack With Organizational Pockets

Specifications 

• No. of pockets: Seven 
• Strap type: Shoulder, waist, and chest
• Waterproof: Only base

Less expensive than the Fishpond Thunderhead but It comes with a lot more pockets i.e., seven in number for the most schematic categorization. The main compartment is quite large and divided into two parts. 

We stored some wearables such as a jacket, caps, and gloves in one part. In the other pocket, we dumped an extra reel, soft drink cans, and some small tools. There are three small pockets on the sides of the bag, two on the left side and one on the right. 

On the front, there is a sturdy polarized sunglasses holder pocket followed by two large compartments below it. The lowest compartment is designed to store three utility boxes. Unfortunately, the entire bag isn’t waterproof, only the base is. However, it comes with a built-in rain cover that helped us while camping on rainy days. 

The breathable and padded straps are extremely ergonomic and great support on long fly fishing trips. Just what you’d expect from a top-end fly fishing day pack, it has numerous attachments and webbings for additional items. 

Verdict

If you love spending time on the water for multiple days and need a mighty bag with lots of pockets, no other could be a better choice than the Bassdash backpack.

3. YETI Panga Series Backpack – Best Dry Bag Backpack For Fishing

Specifications 

• No. of pockets: One
• Strap type: Shoulder, waist, and chest
• Waterproof: Yes
• Storage capacity: 28 liters

YETI is known to make some top-notch fishing gear and this impeccable backpack is no exception. It is the most expensive model on our list. Though most of YETI’s products come at a hefty price point, they never fail to perform in any condition, thanks to the over-engineered features. 

The Thickskin shell offers exceptionally high density. Speaking of robustness, the bag is abrasion and puncture-resistant, thanks to the TPU lamination. Being the best waterproof fly fishing backpack, our anglers submerged it in the water and none of the items were wet. The Hydrolok zippers work efficiently to keep the water out. 

Despite being extremely pricier than the Bassdash backpack, it lacks organizational pockets. It only has one main compartment with 28 liters of storage. Our top product i.e., Fishpond Thunderhead also has the same storage capacity and a single compartment. 

That said, it also held the same items as the Fishpond bag i.e., extra reels, large fly boxes, tool boxes, some wearables, and more. On the outside are some daisy chain loops where we attached a tippet caddy and other items. 

Verdict

Enjoy an extraordinary and comfortable experience with the best submersible fly fishing pack by YETI. 

4. Simms Freestone Backpack – Best Spacious Fly Fishing Backpack

Specifications 

• No. of pockets: Three
• Strap type: Shoulder and waist
• Waterproof: No
• Storage capacity: 30 liters

This bag from Simms offers the largest space to the anglers. Its tremendous 30 liters of storage can hold a wide range of supplies to help you spend a couple of days out easily. Available at almost the half price as our top product, this one offers two extra liters than the Fishpond Thunderhead backpack.

Its main compartment has a mighty space which enabled us to dump lots of items in it. One unique feature of this bag is the side entrance to the main compartment. This feature saved us from taking off the backpack to get items. We could simply swing it in the front and success through the side pocket. 

On the wearer’s left is a water bottle pocket to help them stay hydrated throughout. This Simms bag is not waterproof but its nylon fabric has a water-resistant coating. To enhance its durability, it is also tear-resistant. 

Don’t worry about rainy days, this pack comes with an integrated rainfly. It effectively saved our bag from getting wet when it poured down. Speaking of comfort, the breathable and padded straps prevented sweating and strain.

Verdict

Simms has a great reputation for having the best fly fishing backpack with one of the largest spaces and we totally love it.

5. Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack – Best Fly Fishing Luggage With Rain Cover

Specifications 

• No. of pockets: Seven
• Strap type: Shoulder and waist
• Waterproof: Only interior pockets

Available at a slightly higher price than the Bassdash backpack but comes with the same number of pockets i.e., seven. Both the bags have the same spots for compartments except for the one designed for sunglasses. Compared to our most expensive recommendations, this bag is way ahead when it comes to convenient organization. 

In the main compartment is a clapboard for the division which you can move and transform into a large single pocket. The lower compartment on the exterior has sufficient space to store four double-sided tackle trays. Rightly so, it did fit them all without snugging. 

Even though it is a relatively less costly choice, it doesn’t fall short on any feature. To optimize the user’s comfort, the straps are thickly padded with breathable foam. With the high adjustability, everyone on our team could try this bag and all were satisfied. 

The hard molded sunglasses case rests on the top of the bag. Identical to the Bassdash bag, it also comes with a built-in waterproof rain cover. Since it lacks one, if you are looking for a fly fishing backpack with rod holder, check out the Fishpond Thunderhead Backpack.

Verdict

The Piscifun fishing tackle bag provides absolute joy with maximum comfort on longer trips or weekend fly fishing. 

6. Aventik Vest Backpack – Best Fly Fishing Waterproof Backpack

Specifications 

• No. of pockets: Four  
• Strap type: Harness
• Waterproof: Yes

This backpack from Aventik is the best fly fishing backpack with waterproofing ability at a relatively affordable price. The bag sports three sizable compartments that allowed us to store large fishing items easily. Because of the separation, we were able to keep the products categorically. 

The fabric used to craft this bag is not only durable but lightweight and waterproof as well. In our experience, depsite being an amazing waterproof fly fishing pack, it also exhibited some incredible breathability during the rainy season. The bag didn’t let the water seep through but got slightly damp on the outside. However, it dried out quickly after the rain ended. 

While you may not find it even in the higher-end bags, this one comes with an extra insert space for a water bag. This space enabled us to attach a 2 liters water bag to the bag. It helped us to keep ourselves hydrated during long trips.

Unlike other choices, the Aventik backpack has a harness strap system. Our angles found it a lot more stable than those with a shoulder strap. Because of the breathable mesh back, there was no sweating. 

Verdict

All in all, this product from Aventik is the best fishing bag with a superb storage capacity, comfort, and waterproofing ability. 

7. Orvis Bug-Out Backpack – Best Fly Fishing Backpack With Net Holder

Specifications 

• No. of pockets: Four
• Strap type: Shoulder, waist, and chest
• Waterproof: No
• Storage capacity: 25 liters

This one from Orvis is quite an expensive choice and its features speak for the price. If you need a durable bag that is designed for convenience and lasts long, this one could be it. The overall storage capacity is 25 liters, slightly less than our top product. 

The main compartment is very deep and large hence, is able to store a wide range of items. These include fly boxes, reels, and so much more. On one side of the bag is a water bottle holder and on the other side is another zipper pocket. 

As we swung the bag in the front, this long pocket offered quick access to items like fishing lines, leaders, and lures. This amazing bag comes with a net holder at the back which can house even a large-sized net pretty easily. 

Speaking of comfort, almost every angler on our team loved the padded straps of the bag. Because of its adjustability, it easily fit people of various heights and physique. Even at a heavy price point, the bag lacks waterproofing ability. 

Verdict

Orvis bugout bag is indeed the best fly fishing backpack if you are a frequent angler who loves spending time on the water for a long period. 

8. Allen Company Fly Fishing Packs – Best Fishing Backpack With Rod Holder 

Specifications 

• No. of pockets: Five 
• Strap type: Shoulder, waist, and chest 
• Waterproof: No
• Storage capacity: 16 liters 

Allen Company has launched this superb backpack for anglers that are obsessed with fly fishing. Whether you are new to the adventure or have years of experience, the company has a bag for all. This model comes in four different sizes with the smallest one having 16 liters of storage capacity and the largest one with 30 liters. 

We tested all the sizes and loved each of them. Speaking of the smallest one, it has a decent storage space. There is one main compartment and two smaller zippered pockets on the front. On the sides are two mesh pockets, one on each side for storing water bottles and rods. 

To secure the rod from falling, there is a buckle present. Overall, our anglers found the bag’s construction quite heavy-duty. We used it for fishing and camping, needless to say, the loaded bag survived bumps and throws amazingly. 

One of the most unique features of this bag is its easy convertibility. That said, we were able to remove one strap and join it to the other side below. In this way, the day bag transformed into a sling pack in no time. 

Verdict

Regardless of your experience and fishing technique, Allen Company has the best fly fishing backpack for all with a brilliant heavy-duty construction. 

9. Bass Pro Shops Advanced Anglers II Backpack – Best Heavy-Duty Fly Fishing Backpack

Specifications 

• No. of pockets: Nine
• Strap type: Shoulder, waist, and chest
• Waterproof: No 

From exceptional durability to great organization, this bag from Bass Pro Shops is an ultimate hero. Speaking of the price, finding such a reliable bag with heavy-duty zippers and overall construction is not easy. The fabric used is UV and water-resistant which goes a long way. 

We were stunned to find out the nine pockets in the bag. These include a large main compartment where we stored a variety of items. On the front are three pockets along with a hard-shelled sunglasses pouch. Even though the bag itself is not completely waterproof, it includes a waterproof pouch to store electronics. 

On the sides of the bag are durable mesh pockets for storing water bottles and rods. Similar to the Bassdash backpack, this one also features a drop-down external pocket that can hold four full-sized utility boxes.

When using it on rainy days, we used the built-in waterproof rainfly that covers the bag entirely. Fortunately, the cover is also quite durable that didn’t let through even a single drop of water into the bag. 

Verdict

If you are looking for quality over everything, this is the best fly fishing backpack from Bass Pro that you can invest in. 

10. Osprey Daylite Daypack – Best Budget Fly Fishing Backpack

Specifications 

• No. of pockets: Four
• Strap type: Shoulder, waist, and chest
• Waterproof: No
• Storage capacity: 13 liters

This is a one-size bag with a capacity of 13 liters only. It not only has the lowest storage space compared to all other products we reviewed but is also the most budget-friendly option. Considering that, expecting anything too much from this backpack won’t be fair. 

The four pockets include one large compartment ideal for big tools, fly boxes, tackle boxes, reels, drinks, jackets, and more. It has an internal sleeve where we stored the hydration pouch and some even kept their tablet. 

Whereas, the exterior pocket easily stored tools like pliers, clippers, fishing lines, etc. speaking of the side pocket for the water bottles, it is pretty big and can easily store a large-sized water bottle. 

Since it is a relatively small bag, unlike our favorite Fishpond Thunderhead backpack, it cannot hold items for several days. That said, we took it for single-day trips, and needless to say, we didn’t run out of supplies by the end of the day. 

Verdict

If you are an occasional angler and need a highly functional and the best fly fishing backpack under a budget, Osprey Daylite bag is for you. 

Buying Guide

There are a couple of crucial aspects that make a bag the best fly fishing backpack. Make sure to look for these factors in every product that gains your attention. This will help you invest in the right bag that goes a long way. 

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1. Storage Capacity And Organization

The first thing that you must notice is how spacious a backpack is. Usually, the storage capacity of a flyfishing backpack is determined in liters. These bags vary incredibly and can range between 20 liters to a whopping 50 liters of storage. Remember, greater space will come at a high price point so, only look for it if you actually need it. 

Moreover, ensure that the bag you are getting comes with a decent number of compartments along with internal pockets. These help in the easy organization of all the fishing essentials. Also, you can secure the dry and wet items separately from each other in different pockets. 

2. Comfort And Adjustability 

Fly fishing isn’t a short activity but takes several hours. The anglers spend lots of time on the water to catch their prey while wearing backpacks all the time. Considering that, your bag should be comfortable enough that provides good stability with proper weight distribution. 

The straps must be padded as well as adjustable. Some models have straps with a high degree of adjustment so that they can fit people of varying physiques. 

Types of Fly Fishing Packs:

• Best Fly Fishing Chest Pack
• 10 Best Fly Fishing Hip Packs
• Best Fly Fishing Sling Pack
• Best Fly Fishing Gloves

3. Waterproofing

The majority of the best fishing backpacks are waterproof. Whether you wade in deep or shallow water, a waterproof bag offers the ultimate peace of mind. Most of the top-end fly fishing backpacks come with this amazing property that prevents the items inside to get wet. Furthermore, such bags are also reliable on rainy days. YETI Panga Series Backpack is our go-to choice for the best waterproof bag. 

FAQs

1. Are all fly fishing backpacks waterproof?

No, you might not be able to find all the backpacks with waterproofing abilities. This creates a variety of anglers. It allows those who don’t spend lots of time on the water to buy non-waterproof bags that come at a relatively lesser price point.

2. What makes fly fishing backpacks better than other pack types?

The most prominent reason that makes backpacks better than any other fly fishing bag type is the hefty storage. For anglers who spend their weekends or go on long trips, no other bag would be as convenient as a fly fishing backpack. 

Conclusion

The overwhelming number of options indeed creates confusion when it comes to choosing the best fly fishing backpack. Therefore, you must only look for those that are integrated with the key factors of durability, spaciousness, and comfort. 

In our experience, the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack is an absolute stunner. Though expensive, it has features more than anyone would expect. The bag is completely waterproof and submersible in the water and extremely durable for the roughest conditions.