I’ve been lookng to buy a vest/backpack for fly fishing, but here’s another idea. Does any use a traditional vest and buy a back pack separately? If so, what back pack do you recommend for fishing?
My initial thought is that it would greatly limit access to your vest
I hadn’t thought of that.
+1
I use a vest to force myself to carry only what I need, though I do admit to having gadgets that have never seen the light of day. 
If I did use a pack I would probably use a fanny pak mounted just blow my chest, but then I wouldn’t wear a vest as it would impede access to the vest pockets.
If I need anything more than my vest or hip pack, I use my larger camelback/backpack.
I like Ralph’s method. When carrying more than normal, I use a backpack with fishing stuff clipped to the front straps.
When using my vest, I carry heavy stuff, like a water bottle in a small waist bag which replaces my wader belt.
I would love to see some pics of backpack vest combo rig … As I am trying to work a solution here too…
Me, too. It was a dumb thought.
I fall under the guise of “old dogs vs new tricks”.
For my serious outings, where I’ll be going up or down river, waders or the canoe, I prefer the vest. There’s a different pocket for all kinds of bric-a-brac plus doohickey loops to hang stuff from.
Should I come up on some creek or small stream, or a suitable river bank, for a short try, I’ll don the hip boots and The Fishpond fanny pack.