If you’re a fly fisherman, then you know that your backpack is more than just something to carry your gear. It’s also an important part of the fishing experience.
The best fishing backpacks are made to be comfortable and practical. They have many pockets for storing your gear and come in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes. There is no such thing as the perfect backpack but there are some that stand out from the rest. This article will review some of the best fishing backpacks on the market today. We hope you find it helpful!
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What is the Best Fishing Backpack?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Fishing Backpack and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available backpacks for fishing that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these fishing backpacks.
We also wrote a brief fishing backpacks Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 6 backpacks for fishing based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Rodeel Fishing Tackle Backpack
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 4.6 pounds (2.09 kg) |
Rodeel Fishing Tackle backpack is great for any fisherman/woman who likes to keep their supplies organized and accessible at all times. The best thing about this fishing backpack is that you can fit many items inside without having them intermingle and become a total mess! The outside pockets are great for placing your smaller belongings like keys or money. Also, there are two strong belts which make carrying your fishing rods super easy! This bag comes with four large tackle trays, so you can keep your tackle neatly organized. It has a good balance between the size (not too small) and weight (not overly heavy). This makes it a very comfortable to carry around even when fully loaded. It is very comfortable to wear thanks to its breathable padding on the back.The only downside would be its vulnerability to tearing if overstuffed or loaded unevenlyIf you’re looking for a fishing bag that will hold everything and make it easy to carry items around, this is definitely the one for you!
Pros
- Large storage capacity, so you can keep all your fishing supplies well organized and separated,
- Two belts in which you can insert your fishing rods,
- Warm, breathable padding on the back of the pack to make it more comfortable
Cons
- The biggest con is that the bag might tear when it is overloaded,Some people have also complained about the missing tackle trays in their packages
2. Piscifun Large Capacity Tackle Backpack
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 17.7 x 12.6 x 7.9 inches (45 x 32 x 20.1 cm) |
The Piscifun Large Capacity Tackle Backpack has a protective raincover, retractable bottle pocket, hard molded sunglass case, indestructible Kam buckle and double SBS zippers. There is moveable clapboard in the main bag with rubber feet to protect the bag from water seepage. The storage capacity of this tackle backpack provides a lot of options for organizing your fishing gear as it includes internal dividers in pockets which can further separate terminal tackle. Another good thing is that the rod holders on both sides are made out of foam padding material so they won’t scratch up your rods. A really nice touch is that there is rod hold (bow) set up in the front outside cover which would allow you to put in your rod and have it ready to fish with.
A folding hard case fits well in the backpack and keeps you sunglasses safe, while the H-frame adjustable dividers allow you to customize each of the tackle storage compartments so that they can best match your needs. The backpack also has two zippered pockets on both left and right side of the bag for other items such as smaller lures or terminal tackle; there is a place to add an ice pack to keep your bait fresh. An internal mesh pocket will hold things like pliers or hook removers securely.
The Piscifun Large Capacity Tackle Backpack comes with four molded trays consisting of three large double sided divided boxes for tackle storage, plus one medium sized double sided divided box for soft baits and lures. The foam padding on the trays works well to keep your lures from shifting in transit, keeping them from damage. The only issue with the tackle boxes is that they are not completely separated into smaller cubbies so you cannot organize your larger terminal tackle effectively.
There is an internal mesh pocket which can be used to store items such as a forceps or other small tool or accessories securely. With all of these stations it allows you to make this backpack uniquely yours by assigning hooks, lures, weights, spinner blades and other terminal tackle to exactly where you want them.
The backpack has a large front pocket which is very handy for storing things such as your gloves or rain coat. It also has an external bottle holder so that you can carry along additional bottles of water with you on the road. A cell phone case can be attached to the bag as well; it clips onto the shoulder strap making it easily accessible. Lastly, there are two small side pockets which cannot hold large items but will hold smaller tools like pliers and hook removers.
With all these features available in one package it makes this backpack ideal for anything from weekend fishing trips, day trips, extended vacations or even sightseeing events where fishing may be involved.
Pros
- Comes with 4 tackle trays for easy organization,
- Padding makes it comfortable,
- Capacity is sufficient for all the equipment and some,
- Specifically designed with fishing trips in mind,
- Includes hard case suglasses holder and straps for 2 fishing rods
Cons
- All tackle boxes are all the same and offer up little variation
3. Piscifun Standard Fishing Tackle Storage Bag
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2.73 pounds (1.24 kg) Material: 1000D High Density Nylon Water Resistant: Yes |
This multi-functional fishing bag features rugged construction with water-resistant nylon fabric and high-quality craftsmanship. This fishing tackle bag also features high-quality and durable SBS full-length double zippers and an abrasion-resistant compression strap KAM buckle. The variety of carrying options is another outstanding feature of this Piscifun Fishing Tackle Storage Bag. It comes with a cross-body padded strap with an interchangeable waist strap that keeps the bag secured on your back and is adjustable for shoulder carrying. It also comes with a grab handle for convenient transport. This fishing bag can accommodate three tackle boxes and accessories on its outer pockets. It also features MOLLE webbing for attaching extra gear with D-rings. Other features we like include the internal waterproof lining that helps to keep your stuff dry in extreme wet conditions. It has a reflective lining on the front pocket for nighttime visibility and a breathable back panel.
Pros
- Multi-functional and compact design for any outdoor excursion,
- Features several storage spaces for organization,
- MOLLE webbing enables attachment of additional gear,
- Provides a variety of carrying options with adjustable straps,
- Rugged and water-resistant construction with high-quality hardware
Cons
- Uncomfortable due to minimal padding on the shoulder strap,
- Seams may come loose quickly with heavy use
4. GZ XINXING Bug Out Bag
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 43 liters Weight: 3.6 pounds (1.63 kg) Size: 20 x 13 x 11 inches (50.8 x 33 x 27.9 cm) |
This is a large capacity bug out backpack with enough space to accommodate three days of essentials. It has two main compartments with additional smaller compartments on the front, a molle system for hanging extra gear, and a velcro strap for morale patches. Despite its large size, this rucksack has well-padded and comfortable back and shoulder straps with adjustable waist and chest straps to keep the pack secure on your back. It features a high-density polyester fabric construction that is water-resistant, and with reinforced seams throughout the bag for durability. The gift kit includes 6X D-Rings, a hydration tube clip, a water bottle pouch, a waterproof rain cover, and a PVC flag patch.
Pros
- Includes a free gift kit and a 30-days money-back guarantee,
- Reinforced seams all around the bag,
- High-density polyester fabric construction,
- Great quality materials and durable construction,
- Great value for its size,
- Large capacity storage for first responders
Cons
- Poor quality zippers
5. Tacticon 24BattlePack Tactical Backpack
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 2.7 pounds (1.22 kg) Size: 19 x 13 x 10 inches (48.3 x 33 x 25.4 cm) |
The Tacticon Assault 24BattlePack is the best tactical backpack on my list because it features adjustable retention straps that can expand the packs capacity from 20L to 40L capacity. It also features a padded laptop pocket that makes it good for everyday carry, while its molle straps, accessory compartments, and waterproof interior lining make it versatile for an outdoor adventure. The backpack includes an insulated hydration bladder compartment with a drink tube access hole and hanging clips to hold it. Also included are a velcro concealed carry handgun holster and polymer D-rings for carabiner attachment.
Pros
- Up to 100lbs of carrying weight,
- Double-stitched seams on the entire backpack,
- Cross compatible with many accessory Molle pouches,
- Water-resistant interior lining keeps your stuff dry,
- Adjustable retention straps to adjust the backpack capacity, Heavy-duty waterproof zippers
Cons
- Shoulder straps are narrow for carrying heavy loads,Short waist straps
6. Hannibal Tactical 36L MOLLE Assault Pack
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 36 liters Size: 20 x 13 x 12 inches (50.8 x 33 x 30.5 cm) |
The Hannibal tactical molle backpack is a multipurpose, military-style tactical pack with a 36L capacity. It features two main compartments with front and back compartments, and a variety of pockets to keep your stuff organized. The compartments also feature two quality zipper pulls to access your gear more easily and a molle web dominator to secure loose straps.The molle webbing throughout the front and sides of the pack is one feature I like the most because it allows you to attach lots of tactical gear. You can also use the padded hydration compartment to carry your laptop when going to work and replace it with the hydration bladder when going for your outdoor activities.
Pros
- High quality and durable double zippers,
- Features two main compartments for storage,
- Wrap-around molle webbing to attach additional gear,
- Great value for your money,
- Waterproof rubber lining in main compartments,
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps
Cons
- Loose stitching on the shoulder straps,Attachment slots are smaller than normal
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the Best Fishing Backpack is below:
Overall best fishing backpack out there: Rodeel Fishing Tackle Backpack
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: Piscifun Large Capacity Tackle Backpack
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Piscifun Standard Fishing Tackle Storage Bag
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying fishing backpacks
Choosing the right fishing backpack size
A fishing backpack is a bag, usually nylon, that can be carried on the back. It can be used as a fanny pack or for fly fishing. The length of the rod and how you want to use it will determine the size of the backpack. A small backpack will suffice for light use with short rods. Bigger packs are best for all day and heavy duty use with long fishing rods. You should also make sure that your backpack is made from abrasion resistant material like nylon or polyester because when you’re carrying heavy weight and swinging in arc your bag might get snagged on something or rub against a tree. For instance, metal zippers would not do well if they rubbed against trees and bushes. When choosing the right size of fishing backpack ensure that it has a lot of pockets for storing your gear so you can organize everything and retrieve them easily before going to your next spot. An integrated rain cover is also needed if you plan on fishing in bad weather or places with dodgy weather like near waterfalls where stormy winds are a common occurrence.
The shoulder straps should be adjustable so you can customize the fit. You don’t want your shoulders to hurt when carrying the bag for long periods of time.
Fishing backpack compartments
There are many different kinds of compartments to choose from when you’re trying to find a fishing backpack that will meet your needs.
The main compartment is often large enough to carry all the fishing gear but smaller packs may have side pockets for carrying extra items like drinks or water bottles. You should also make sure the backpack has other features like haul loops and rod holders so you can take your equipment with you easily. Considering all these things before purchasing a fishing backpack will ensure that it’s right for what you need and that it will last for years. Some more specialized fishing backpacks will have a dedicated compartment for carrying your tackle trays and reels.
Water resistant vs. waterproof
Water Resistant backpacks Water resistant backpacks are designed to avoid the effects of water and moisture. These backpacks will keep your gear from getting wet without any additional protection, but they are not waterproof. If the backpack is made from a material that does not absorb moisture, like nylon, then you can think of it as water resistant.
Waterproof Backpacks
Waterproof backpacks are designed to protect your gear completely from water damage. These bags are made using heat sealed zippers, special watertight lining fabrics and other waterproofing materials that will keep your gear dry wherever you go.
Carrying methods
There are different carrying methods for fishing backpacks. The most common is a shoulder strap that goes across the chest and allows you to carry your equipment on your back. You can also choose a waist belt or cross-body design that goes over both shoulders for more comfort while walking long distances. If you plan on using your backpack for fly fishing then a chest pack is better so you can access your gear easily. You might want to choose a larger shoulder bag if you use fly rods that are longer than 9 feet because these require a bigger interior space of the bag.
Tackle bags are also great if you’re looking for backpacks that are smaller and more versatile where you only carry some of your fishing gear. These bags can be used as slip cases or sling bags so they’re easy to take with you on the go.
Questions and Answers About fishing backpacks
What makes a fishing backpack different than a regular one?
When you’re choosing a fishing backpack instead of a regular one, try to make sure that it will stand up to carrying all the gear you need. You’ll need a bag that is designed to withstand the weight and abuse of being on your back all day while fishing. You’ll also want to make sure that the backpack has been made from a material like nylon or polyester because these materials are resistant to abrasion and wear. The last thing you want is for your bag to start showing signs of wear and tear when you’ve only had it for a few months. The other difference between a fishing backpack and regular one is the number of compartments on the inside. When buying a traditional backpack, you’re often looking for a bag with a large main compartment that will hold all your gear. However, fishing backpacks usually feature multiple pockets to separate and organize your equipment so you can quickly find what you’re looking for without having to dig through everything else.
Can a fishing backpack be used only for fishing?
Some backpacks are designed specifically to be used for fishing. These bags will have specific features like rod holders, haul loops and a larger interior space that is meant to hold all the gear you need for an entire day out on the water. However, a regular backpack can also be used for fishing if it has compartments to separate your gear. It’s recommended that you choose a backpack with nylon or polyester fabric because these materials are resistant to wear and tear.
How long does a fishing backpack last?
A fishing backpack will last for a long time as long as it is still in good shape. You need to maintain your backpack by cleaning it regularly, inspecting it for damage and storing items that are not related to fishing inside of the bag. If you buy a high quality backpack then you will be able to use it for many years without any issues.
How to wash a fishing backpack?
Fishing backpacks come with easy care and maintenance instructions to guide you on how to clean the pack. Here are some basic cleaning tips to keep your backpack in great shape after every use.
1. Empty the backpack and use the small attachment of a vacuum cleaner to suck out the dirt and debris inside the bag quickly. 2. Remove any detachable straps and pockets that you can clean separately.
3. Use a soft brush to brush off loose dirt off the outside of the pack. 4. Use a mild detergent solution to spot clean stains using the soft brush. 5. Wipe down the outside and inside pack with a cloth in mild detergent solution and let it air dry completely before storage.
6. Always clean your fishing backpack after every use to prevent a build-up of stains and odors.
What to pack in a fishing backpack?
The first thing you will need to pack is your fishing gear. This might mean rods, reels, lures, nets or any other items that you will use while fishing. You can also include a container of bait if you don’t have any on hand when you’re on the water. You want to make sure to include enough lines and hooks so that you won’t run out while fishing. It’s also important to have these items in accessible compartments so they are easy to find when you need them.
Some people like to pack their clothes inside of their backpack so it doesn’t get caught up with all their fishing gear. You might want to include a change of clothes so you don’t have to worry about getting dirty when you go out fishing.
You can also pack some snacks, water and sunscreen in your backpack so you’ll have everything with you while on the water. You want to prevent yourself from being hungry or thirsty because this will just distract you and take away from your fishing time. Also, it’s a good idea to pack these items in a container inside of your backpack so they stay protected and organized.
Note: Some experienced anglers like to just open up a backpack cooler filled with ice, beer and snacks when they get to the lake or river so that way they can be ready for any eventuality.
