Jump to content
Fly Tying
scottross09

Hip Pack vs. Vest

Recommended Posts

What are people's thoughts on a hip/chest pack vs. a vest. It seems that a lot of people are leaning towards the hip packs now a days, and I am thinking of making the switch myself. Any pros/cons on either options?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a chest pack and love it. I can pack everything in it for a day of hiking and fishing and its less restrictive then a vest plus my back pouch is waterproof so my back stays dry if I happen to catch something I want to take home and it fits over my camelback without leaving that hunch back look

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it all depends on how long you are going to be out and how consistent the conditions are going to be. When I only take a few items, I always wish I had brought something that I left behind. So I now take everything and that requires a vest. There is no way I can get sun screen, insect repellent, water bottle, energy bars, camera, rain gear, etc. into A hip pack. Add to that a the large fly boxes required for streamers and popppers, especially if a variety of species could be encountered.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I carry 2 or 3 or 4 fly boxes in a shoulder bag that has some side pockets for other needs such as leaders, tippet material, pliers, etc.. I wear a nylon fishing shirt with several pockets and loops. I have line clippers and cell phone in my shirt as well as wallet. I wade wet in summer. Much too hot here for waders and vest. I do like a vest in cooler weather but usually still carry the shoulder bag.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a chest pack and love it. I can pack everything in it for a day of hiking and fishing and its less restrictive then a vest plus my back pouch is waterproof so my back stays dry if I happen to catch something I want to take home and it fits over my camelback without leaving that hunch back look

 

 

Paul, what make pack are you using

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

orvis sling works for me

 

sling-pack-gr.jpg

 

I really like the looks of that sling pack. That is something to consider for sure. I was looking at the Simms Headwaters chest/hip pack, but maybe a sling pack may be the way to go. My only question would be then though, is it doable to have a net with you like you can hook to the back of your vest?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, I'm now too old to try and look cool. :angry: Used to use a vest (and looked damn good in it!), but switched to a fannypack I got at Wal-Mart or someplace. I fish strictly small streams, so don't need to lug around a lot of stuff.I can carry my flies and fishing suff, along with a homemade alcohol stove (1/2 ounce), cup, Tea, a few things for lunch, small water bottle, and a very small first aid kit.

 

I once asked my wife if she thought I was still good looking. Her reply was "Well, I think you're rugged looking." :rolleyes: I've given up on cool.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a chest pack and love it. I can pack everything in it for a day of hiking and fishing and its less restrictive then a vest plus my back pouch is waterproof so my back stays dry if I happen to catch something I want to take home and it fits over my camelback without leaving that hunch back look

 

 

Paul, what make pack are you using

I use the Cabelas multi pack I bought it off John Ridderdos great pack the front pouch unzips into a table and I have been guilty of tying a fly right in the middle of the river a couple of times :lol:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

 

I've always used the traditional fly vest, but liked the looks of the LL Bean Rapid River Vest Pack, read a number of excellent reviews on different sites, so decided to give it a try. I think it's great for a day trip, enough pockets to hold most of the accessories you will need to bring along. It's not a backpack, so it won't hold as much, but so far has been a good purchase for me. Just another option.

 

rapidrivervestpack.jpg

 

 

FredSG

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My only question would be then though, is it doable to have a net with you like you can hook to the back of your vest?

 

yes, there are two orange loops in the foto that can be used a net attachment points

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Conditions dictate. My condition is short man in a deep river. I typically carry an over the shoulder bag. Specifically a Vietnam War gas mask bag that I can stuff with a fair amount of gear. When I go deep I raise it over my head. Most of the time now I'm night fishing so I carry nothing. Three flies in my shirt pocket, a spool of fluoro and a pair of hemostats. Camera in wader pocket. No food, no water, no rain gear. Makes for a smaller profile at night when the big wary kids like to play.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...

×
×
  • Create New...