F-C Meramec River Chest Pack

I'm curious if anyone has one and what are your thoughts? I don't like chest packs but would use it as a lumbar pack. I am intriged by the two water bottle holders plus the pouch and forcep holder on the belt.

I have tried Fishpond's Blue River and even the Orvis Sling pack and always keep going back to my vest. But the older I get I can see the need to lighten my load. Not that I carry that much in my vest to begin with, I just feel more organized. I do have a Recycled Waders Big Fanny that I use when fishing rivers for smallmouth and also when I go to Florida's Gulf Coast, but I am not carrying as much as when I am trout fishing.

Dave

Check out Moutinsmith lumbar packs. These are small day packs that ride low on your back. You can get a set of shoulder straps for them too. I carry one working on trails. It is big enough for rain gear, lunch, first aid, and has water pockets. Check out 1 liter Platypus bottles.

I switched to a Fishpond Waterdance pack several years ago and am very happy with it. I haven't used the F-C pack you mentioned, but it looks similar. I find that my Waterdance holds plenty. I routinely carry 4 medium size fly boxes, small camera, small first aid / repair kit, water bottle and all of the usual accessories. I still have room to stuff in an apple and sandwich and a rain jacket if I really want to. For me, having the weight carried on my hips rather than on my shoulders / upper back makes a big difference in reducing backaches.

I used a chest vest for years, but got to the point where I really need to see where my feet are going. The first fanny pack I got turned out to carry too much of its weight horizontally out from my body and got really uncomfortable. The second one was more vertical, and was OK for comfort. I finally decided I missed the convenience of having more stuff in front where I could easily reach it, so I'm back to using a vest.

If you are considering a lumbar pack, I suggest buying it from a shop where they'll let you first test it out by loading it with the stuff you plan to carry in it then try it on.

Like Brad I too always keep coming back to wearing a vest. Which is what I have decided to stick with. I am going to go through mine and take out those items that I carry that I seldom if ever use.