scottross09 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2012 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? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riffleriversteelheadslayer 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2012 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
heavynets 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2012 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Laxi 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2012 Hip pack just looks silly and is something that old tourist use! You catch more fish if you look cool! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ditz2 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2012 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2012 orvis sling works for me  Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bruce Derington 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2012 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scottross09 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2012 orvis sling works for me   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? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chase Creek 0 Report post Posted September 5, 2012 Well, I'm now too old to try and look cool. 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. Â I once asked my wife if she thought I was still good looking. Her reply was "Well, I think you're rugged looking." I've given up on cool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Christopher Downing 0 Report post Posted September 6, 2012 I recently bought this Fishpond Chest Pack and I love it. I can fit 4 nymph boxes or two big streamer boxes in it with room to spare. Best fly fishing purchase I've made in years! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riffleriversteelheadslayer 0 Report post Posted September 6, 2012 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FredSG 0 Report post Posted September 6, 2012 Hi, Â 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. Â Â Â FredSG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted September 6, 2012 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? Â yes, there are two orange loops in the foto that can be used a net attachment points Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boutdoors 0 Report post Posted September 8, 2012 Hip packs can be limiting and I use one if going for a short time, otherwise I use my chest pack. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nightheron 0 Report post Posted September 22, 2012 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites