I like the idea of chest/backpacks, but I have yet to find one that doesn’t slide up to my chin from the weight in the backpack. Do they make one that stays in place on your back? I’ve tried 3 and they all do the same thing with as little as a can of soda and a small bottle of water packed in it. Add a raincoat and a few fly boxes and the tug of war between the front and back begins.
Bruce
i havent seen a chest pack that still lets me see my feet! 
I havent seen my feet in years!..OH…I see what you mean now…:lol:
I have the Downs Chest Box set up in the middle and love it. Available from E. Hille Anglers Supply in South Williamsport Pa.
Here is a link. Mine is like the one in the center only in tan:
http://www.anglersupplyhouse.com/shop/custom.asp?recid=8
Really nice product and the box lids fold out to make a nice work bench. I do recommend the optional rod holder though.
Hey my feet are proof positive that nothing grows in the shade except fungus.:lol:
Thanks, Guys, I think.
I guess it’s going to be “a fete” getting answers to my post! I never had any trouble locating my feet, all I need to do is follow the smell. And…if you can’t see your feet–don’t blame it on the chestpack…Ha!Ha!
Bruce
I think what you want is a pack that is built on a traditional backpack suspension with a chestpack that clips onto the backpack straps. Look for solid backpack straps and maybe a waist and / or sternum strap. Fishpond has a few.
I’ve noticed that same phenomenon with my packs, whether they are the backpack type with a zip-middle vest-style front, or the center chest pack front. That is one reason why I prefer a fanny-pack style gear bag. Its good as long as you don’t plan to wade too deep! 
Stop shaving and oiling your chest.
I’ve tried over the years to use a number of chest packs. Never could find one I liked. This past Spring I tried the Fishpond Blue River pack. I use it primarily as a side carry, but it works great as a chest pack as well. I like the fact that it works well in front, or slung to the side. I am sticking with it & would recommend it to anybody.
Its just cabin fever is all. I never used to twitch this much…twitch this much…twitch this much…
If you’ve never tried a belt pack that you can slide around on its belt behind you so that it’s out of the way except when you need it, I recommend you do so.
I’ve used one for the past 10 years and wear my vest only when I need the extra warmth in the fall in the Rockies.
Uh-huh, need to get a little workout for that casting arm. :lol:
I use a Cabelas chest pack, and while it has issues, I haven’t had the problem of it riding up on me. The side straps are there for a purpose. If you don’t latch them, and just drape the pack over your shoulders, it will ride up if it is heavier in the back than the front. They call that gravity.
I have yet to find ANY means of carrying my stuff that makes me completely happy. Vests cause me pain, have pockets that are the wrong size or in the wrong place, packs have too many straps and buckles to snag line, don’t carry enough gear for a full day expedition, etc etc. I am about this close to having pack custom made for me, that has the right pockets in the right places, a decent suspension to carry the weight, a big enough backpack to carry lunch and other gear, and so on.
I’ve been using Filson tackle packs for many years, and since I often carry more things in the front than in the back, if anything mine weights down in the front and the back rides up higher on my back. However, the straps are adjustable where they go over you shoulders, as well as those straps that go around your waist, so you can pretty much eliminate the ability to shift one way or the other if you tighten them snug.
Here’s the link to the vest I wear: http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2092318&cp=2065674.2065688.3121450&parentPage=family
I’m amazed at why so many fly fishers think they need a full vest with half a hundred pockets. You’d be amazed at how much stuff these minimalist vests actually carry, plus they won’t give you a neck and back ache if you wear them all day and/or hike a considerable distance, as I often do.
I’m not trying to sell Filson products specifically, but one thing that I’ve found with Filson (and Patagonia also, for example) is that I’ve worn these vests until they practically wear out, then send them back for minor repair, and even when I don’t ask for a completely new vest, that’s exactly what they are prone to send you – you may a bit more up front for their products, but you’ll almost surely have it (or a new one at no charge) for a lifetime of use.
John
Gees, I didn’t think anyone knew I shaved my chest and oiled it. No secrets on this board. Ha! Ha!
I really like the idea of a backpack if I could just keep the chest pack part of it in place. This kind of outfit keeps pressure off of my shoulder and neck muscles, which ache when I wear a vest too long.
I swore after basic training that Id never wear a pack again…and I havent!
I have to second the Fishpond Blue River waist/chest pack slung on the side. I got mine about three years ago and will not go to anything else. I tried it as a chest pack and did not like trying to navigate freestones with something on my chest obstructing the view of what was in front of my feet.
If the water is low, it works very well around my waist, but it really is simpler to sling it over one shoulder and let it ride on the opposite hip.
A simple deduction, Watson.