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Chest/Hip Packs
Recently got exposed to Fishpond/Orvis fishing gear packs at a fly fishing show. After looking at these at the show and on the internet there seems to be a wide variety available.
Does anyone have any experience with using any of these types of gear bags out on the streams/rivers ? Does anyone have any preference between the chest type packs and fannypack type ?
I'm considering getting one to carry my fly gear. I'm looking for one mainly to carry gear for day outings.
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This topic has been covered various times here and on other boards but I can offer this advice:
I haven't used a vest for years and instead use a Richardson Box for flies and a waist belt for the rest. It works for me because I streamlined what I carry. If you go the chest/fanny pack route; lay out everything you think you need for a day outing and if possible take it with you to the store when you look at the packs. Some of them are a LOT smaller and hold a lot less than you think.
Also keep in mind if you wade deep, the fanny pack will get wet. If you consider a chest pack, try casting with it on. Some folks I know HATE having something on their chest while fishing.
Good luck
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I have a convertable chest/fanny pack made by 'Fish Pond'. It has extra straps hidden in a pocket that let you were it as a chest pack, a fanny pack or over the shoulder side pack.
As a chest pack it has great access, but in the chest position it limits my range of vision directly in front of my feet. I don't like this in tough wading conditions.
The fanny pack position is tout of the way, but I need to loosen the belt and move the pack to the front to get at something.
I tend to wear it in the 'over the shoulder' position most of the time. The pockets are easy to access and as long as I keep it on my none casting side I don't get the line wrapped around it.
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The problem with chest packs is that once you start filling them with boxes, they really interfere with the ability to see your feet and sort of get in the way. I've never tried a fanny pack so I won't comment on that. I still think a regular vest is the best thing for trout fishing. I use a small chest pack for warmwater fishing, but I have to keep it minimally loaded for the reasons I gave above. The only other thing I'd recommend is the Wood River type of bag. I don't know if they're made anymore, but I have one to bring on plane trips because it's easier to pack than a vest.
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I have the fishpond pack mentioned earlier - and the problem is that when you really load it up, it sticks out too far in front, and sort of interferes with the double haul. I sometimes wear it slung on the side, or as a fanny pack on my back - but then I have to move it when I want something out of it. It holds quite a lot, (3 small CF boxes, two large waterproof CF boxes plus all the usual gadgets and gizmos) but it's still pretty bulky and as often as not, I end up just setting it on the bank beside me rather than wearing it. I use it as my all-purpose bag, and sometimes I will leave it in the car and just take a box, the nippers and some tippet with me to fish.
All-in-all, it's not a bad bag, but I'm not entirely happy with it. It holds a lot more than most chest packs, but I wish the space were distributed better - it just sticks out very far in front.
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I use the Waterdance pack from FishPond for fishing and guiding. It can be worn as a chest pack but I usually keep it around my waist or on a shoulder.
Love it. I can carry just enough stuff and it keeps me from loading it up with everything I own.
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Thanks for your input and sharing your experience.
Some of the issues you raised were ones that I had some concerns about. In particular how bulky the packs could be, how they might impact your casting, and how readily accessible they are. The idea of the bulky ones blocking your vision of your feet is one I don't really care for.
I must admit some of the chest packs and waist packs do look bulky and cumbersome. Right now, I have been carrying limited gear in my wader front pocket and also a fly box inside my waders(held up inside by my belt). Seems to work ok for now.
Once again great input.
Maybe I really don't need one of these types of gear handlers. :shock:
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Dear Bob,
I haven't worn a vest for about 15 years and I will in all likelyhood never again wear a vest.
Currently for trout fishing I use an Orvis Safe Passage chest pack without the hydration bladder. For bass fishing I use a William Joseph chest pack. The lightness and comfort I get from a chest pack beats a vest hands down for me.
I suffer from Dunlap's disease and I haven't seen my feet while wading since I was a child, so the visibility issue is a non-issue to me. :lol:
Best Wishes,
Avalon :D
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>>Maybe I really don't need one of these types of gear handlers.<<
You know Bob, when I get a day off during the summer and go fishing I just put a small fly box in a pocket along with a few weights,... a lanyard around my neck and that's it!
The FishPond and Orvis packs are nice but I sure wish they would come with instructions - especially the FP stuff. I have no idea what to put in all the little pockets.
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Aftershaft:
I've looked at the Fishpond items and I'm not sure what goes into those pockets either.
Avalon: As I go through the seasoning process, I begining to "suffer from back end sucked up to the front syndrome"