A Wading Belt Carrying System for Fishing | Net, Water, Wading Staff, Camera and More on Your Hips

** Use the code TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off everything in your cart at Precision Fly and Tackle **
www.precisionflyandtackle.com/
Perhaps the most overlooked part of a good carrying system is the wading belt . . .
Companion Troutbitten Article:
troutbitten.com/2024/01/16/vi... ‎
The Stuff:
BELT: amzn.to/2LfIFUO
NET HOLSTER: amzn.to/2GSDaGe
NET: amzn.to/2Xp1Xf6
WADING STAFF COLLAPSIBLE: amzn.to/2Q5GqSA
WADING STAFF TELESCOPING: amzn.to/3vFkEhx
GEAR KEEPER RETRACTOR: amzn.to/2PXdj3X
WATER BOTTLE: amzn.to/41ZhXDk
CAMERA CASE: amzn.to/3U3yjsO
DRY BAG LIGHT: amzn.to/4aWbfSR
DRY BAG HEAVY DUTY: amzn.to/4b1Uwxm
TRIPOD LIGHT: amzn.to/422QalN
TRIPOD STRONGER: amzn.to/4aXAYu8
-- -- --
Video production by Wilds Media . . .
www.wildsmedia.com/
-- -- --
Visit the Troutbitten website: 1000+ articles about fly fishing for wild trout in wild places.
troutbitten.com/
Listen to the Troutbitten Podcast:
podcast.troutbitten.com
-- -- --
Since 2014, with over 1000 stories, tips, commentaries, podcasts and videos, Troutbitten is a free resource for all anglers.
troutbitten.com/
Thank you for your support.
Fish hard, friends.
Dom

[@pierevojzola9737]

Hi, watching this reminded me of the saying “ Re inventing the wheel”! The only reason is that I am an ex Brit paratrooper and learned in the early sixties to use the 58 Pattern Equipment to carry all my patrol gear and transferred that idea into my fishing gear in the seventies when fishing in New Zealand. It took a while, but I ended up with Sims back support belt with a collapsible wading stick in a sheath on my left and a folding net in a sheath on my right. I now use an old Sims wading jacket with all my other bits and pieces in the specific pockets and attachments. By picking those two items and the rod from my car I can start my treck through the bush to the river and not worry that I have forgotten anything. Everything I need for a days fishing is either in my hand, in my jacket or on my belt the same way as when I soldiered for 20 years! The bonus for me is that I live in a anglers paradise and at 86 I am still hunting steelheads every winter. Cheers mate. H

[@Troutbitten]

Love it. Cool to hear your system, based on your own experience. And putting weight on your hips just makes sense.

[@donalddaniels2675]

So I'm not a fly fisher, nor a trout fisherman nor a wader... I live in S FL and when I fresh-water fish I normally walk high, weedy, overgrown canal banks, casting ahead of me as I go, and sometimes end up walking/fishing over a mile from my vehicle, then back. And I'm fishing for largemouth bass, panfish and the myriad of exotics that call this area home now with spin tackle. What I do have in common with you is the multitude of tackle carrying options that I too have tried (in my 60+ yrs of this type of fishing) and the attendant frustrations of each. From a hand carried tackle box to backpacks, sling packs, fishing fanny packs and even a camera case... and now finally for the past 10 yrs., a vest. (I looked at that video too) But this belt idea seems like it would be a great addition to my vest "system"! I normally don't carry fluids on me, even in the S FL heat, just because of the inconvenience. Being able to add that to a weight-bearing waist belt, especially on the sliding system you demonstrate, would be invaluable. Along with a pouch to keep a rain jacket or poncho in and my small tool pouch, I could be pretty much self-contained. Thanks for the idea!!

[@Troutbitten]

Cheers.

[@gregb8824]

Much better than a sling pack with everything hanging off of one shoulder. Ouch that's gotta hurt. Love the belt system.

[@Troutbitten]

Very much agree the sling pack. This belt system for the heavy stuff, and for me, a vest for everything else.

[@johnwatson8192]

There's something strangely satisfying about watching you deliver your message whilst the snow is falling around you. I came here because I too have been re thinking my wading belt. For years I have had an elastic belt with metal d rings to attach my wading staff and net tether but I wondered how I could do it better as one of the big things for me was how to stop it slithering through the belt loops every time I need to pee and, as a 73 year old with T2 diabetes, that is more often than I wish. So I searched for a tactical belt with molle straps that would be a snug fit through the belt loops and wouldn't slip through whilst tending to other matters. I now have the option to rethink the way I carry my net; I don't like the idea of pushing it down the back of the belt or other methods that keep it flat to your back without articulation so I'm thinking along the lines of having it horizontal around the belt with the handle forward and the bow behind. It will probably be held in place by magnets but that's work in progress. Anyway thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject.

[@Troutbitten]

Cheers. Glad you found Troutbitten. I would keep things simple. Honestly, you can't beat the system I showed in this video. Ignore all belt loops on waders. You don't need them. Good luck out there.

[@martinhodell8465]

Great system & great video. Might be one of the most practical & highest impact on my efficiency of any tip I've encountered.

[@Troutbitten]

I think so too. Probably more consequential than rod or fly selection. And thank you.

[@LetsGoHalos]

After seasons with lumbar packs I finally grew tired of awkward rummaging while my net hits me in the face. Switched to the latest Patagucci vest and am loving it, but I got spoiled by having weight on the hips and can't give that up. Tried a bunch of different wading belts and attachments but couldn't get comfortable, mostly due to the water hanging below the belt line. So I just use my Fishpond Elkhorn lumber pack along with the vest. It securely holds two full size Nalgenes in the summer (or one and a big coffee in the winter) in the perfect position, keeps my net right behind my back where I like it, and weighs almost nothing. I probably look a little silly but it definitely adds hours to my time on the water. A horizontal water bottle holder on a belt would be a game changer for me!

[@Troutbitten]

Good stuff

[@MarkSofman]

Works for me, Dom. Spent a chunk of money on chest-, lumbar-, fanny- and sling packs trying to find the right fit. The belt system got me back to wearing what worked best: a vest.

[@Troutbitten]

I hear ya. There are so many other solutions out there trying to overcome problems that are mostly solved by just putting the weight on your hips. Glad you found what works for you.

[@ChasingDreamsLivingLife]

Thats great. Now lets see the whole setup with your vest or what ever you use to carry all your fly boxes and stuff. I'd like the see the entire system working together.

[@Troutbitten]

Right on. Follow those links!!! There's a Troutbitten video that shows what you're asking for. You'll find that I never leave you hanging. Troutbitten is a wide resource that goes far beyond this KZbin channel. So I always link important articles in the notes and on screen. I also try to mention, within the video, when there's another resource, like that vest video linked above. Here are some of those links, and there are more above: VIDEO: Troutbitten | What's in that Vest? Laying out the essentials and more kzbin.info/www/bejne/j53Oqad8l8aUr6M READ: Troutbitten | Wading Belt Carrying Systemm (companion for this video) troutbitten.com/2024/01/16/video-wading-belt-carrying-system/ READ: Troutbitten | Pack or Vest? Why I'm a Vest Guy troutbitten.com/2021/01/12/100-day-gear-review-simms-g3-guide-vest/ PODCAST: Troutbitten | Vest, Pack or Something Else? Carrying Your Gear troutbitten.com/2023/05/28/podcast-vest-pack-or-something-else-carrying-your-gear-s7-ep8/ Thanks for asking. Cheers.

[@billhession3750]

Substandard due to no Broken Heels six pack carrier on that Blackhawk mega belt. Just kidding, another excellent video with invaluable advice. Production values and content are seriously through the roof, does anyone do it better? Answer is no. Awesome team effort. Thanks guys for all you do and share, it has really made me a better fisherman. I bought the Blackhawk belt four years ago and it really could hold a six pack!

[@Troutbitten]

Ha. Good stuff. That belt could definitely hold a six pack. And thanks for your kind words.

[@ryanamesbury211]

This system changed the game for me. PS - you can pick up a military / police belt from army surplus stores very cheaply. Thanks again Dom!

[@Troutbitten]

Right on. Glad to hear it works for you too.

[@JohnLauber]

My favorite belt setup since reading your article. Thanks again for sharing this information (again) in video format. As you said, everything is right there and easy to grab as necessary.

[@Troutbitten]

Right on

[@shawnengland7496]

I kinda do a similar thing but with the Switchback from Fishpond. It’s so modular and works amazingly in tandem with a bottle holder and another pouch for my extra crap that I carry lol. I’ve definitely gotta add your wading staff carry method because up until I saw your video, I had been struggling with finding a solid way to carry it without it being in my way

[@Troutbitten]

Nice

[@danielcooper5636]

Very similar setup here, just with fishpond stuff. The switchback belt, waterproof chest pack (that new small waterproof lumbar pack looks great too), water bottle pouch, and a rod holder. The webbing loops for shoulder strap (included in the full switchback kit) also work great with a y-type tool belt suspender which is very nice for helping distribute weight and keep your belt from sagging without having to cinch it so tight. I also love the integrated net slot in the back of it and find it easy to adjust for layering.

[@Troutbitten]

Good stuff

[@mathewcampbell8479]

I love my wading belt system a la, Troutbitten. I'm about to try a small Fishpond Thunderhead lumbar to see if i can minimise even further (ie. no vest). From a water perspective, I carry the lightest cycling bottle possible (only 550mL capacity) but have a UV steripen in my lumbar pouch. Works brilliantly.

[@Troutbitten]

That's awesome

[@TaylorTheFishFreek]

Love the editing!

[@Troutbitten]

Thanks very much. That's Josh Darling of Wilds Media.

[@deltadeltas4558]

Love that belt! Just ordered one.

[@Troutbitten]

Cheers

[@hofmannsluresinc]

Hats off... nice work!

[@Troutbitten]

Thank you.

[@aaronabeyta3530]

Great channel with generous sharing of knowledge. Thank you. Your, shall we say, mantra about finding a system is just good advice (for life). Question…you’re wearing Simms waders but recently you were an emissary for Skwala - I may be reading too much into your disdain for an integrated wading belt (Skwala) - so my question is, all things considered what would you recommend for keeping dry out on the river? Thanks.

[@Troutbitten]

Right on. Definitely a good way to approach life too. :-) Troutbitten is independent. I wear, use and fish all kinds of stuff, so I can keep up with latest gear and know what works, what lasts and what doesn't. I'll never get locked into one thing. T Also . . . I mentioned this in the video. If you don't like the integrated wading belt on a wader, just cut it off or ignore it. Look at past videos. That's what I do with the RS waders and others. Because I always wear the wading belt system show here. Skwala makes two other waders without integrated wading belts. The Carbon and the Backeddy. To your last question, lots of waders will keep you dry, so there's really a lot more to the answer. Here's a link to the Troutbitten Recommended Gear page. There are many articles and reviews about the different waders we choose and why. troutbitten.com/recommended-gear/ I hope that helps. Cheers. Dom

[@petedufault8047]

Great video, thanks for sharing your carrying system. I have been thinking about this lately and wanting to do something similar as I am currently using a sling pack. The sling pack is not bad, but I tend to pack it with a lot of "just in case" items as well as necessities and water and it can get to be a little much after a while. Your tip on the type of belt will definitely be helpful as well. I have really enjoyed your podcasts, videos and articles, thanks so much for sharing your experience and helping to shorten the learning curve for so many!

[@Troutbitten]

Cheers. Thanks for your support across the channels.

[@ri-jm5tn]

I bought the same Blackhawk belt a couple months ago for the same reason. Clearly I’m not alone in my thinking 😁👍

[@Troutbitten]

Excellent

[@GDavis-lb8vu]

Love this video. I think it will address some of the items that I've wanted to work out.

[@Troutbitten]

Nice!

[@jeffcowles5328]

I freakin love fishin in the snow. Dig the videos and podcast - keep up the good work fellas.

[@Troutbitten]

Yeah, it was gorgeous out there, right?

[@jeffcowles5328]

@Troutbitten yep. It's been brutally cold here on CO over the last few days so I fear my locals are frozen now. This video gave me a nice mental break from a long day at work.

[@Troutbitten]

​@@jeffcowles5328That's cool.

[@Wendygaechter]

I have this setup. Great idea

[@Troutbitten]

Cheers.

[@billruland1494]

Glad to see you found a use for that belt! BTW, I bought a Blackhawk belt similar to yours.

[@Troutbitten]

Hey now! Thanks my friend.

[@david-marynoll5699]

Great video. I have that belt, it's awesome. I just ordered the net holder and will start carrying my water on the belt.

[@Troutbitten]

Hey now!

[@david-marynoll5699]

@@Troutbitten, The holster and leash showed up today. What a sweet setup. Thanks.

[@mongolhuu]

Belt loops are handy on waders with zippers.

[@Troutbitten]

True story. And if you're committed to the belt loops, you can't really rig stuff this way. Everything is a trade off.

[@misternicholas]

Have you looked at the yeti sidekick? That bag with the fishpond belt is working really nice for me.

[@Troutbitten]

I have, yes. For me, it's just a little narrow for carrying my camera. It's also a little more length than I need. Ha. We're all pretty picky, aren't we? Can you fit a camera in your sidekick?

[@Matt_Burns]

Ever use the opros third arm attachment for your belt? Just picked one up and it seems like a real nice piece of gear. Planning on using it to bring another rod along that I won’t have to leave on the bank.

[@Troutbitten]

I've used it, yes. Not my thing. Gets in the way a lot, for me. Cheers.

[@bobross1608]

How do you so effortlessly put that bottle on that carabiner 😂, im trying to replicate that bottle setup but its taking me a bit to just open the carabiner

[@Troutbitten]

Hi there. I think the key is that the opening of the carabiner should face out. Aside from that, it's how you hold the loop of the water bottle, I suppose. But I've done it ten thousand times, and that helps. Cheers.

[@gregd6799]

Put the weight on the hips, not the shoulders or one shoulder. It was a game changer for me. I use a vest, too, but try to keep it as light as possible. Sure do enjoy your videos and articles. Thanks.

[@Troutbitten]

Thanks, Greg. Much appreciated. Glad you connected.

[@tomemmel7810]

Great video. I just ordered the belt and net holster. What carabiner do you use for your water bottle? Thanks Dom!

[@Troutbitten]

Good stuff. Honestly, any regular sized carabiner will do. Nothing special. Doesn't even need to be climbing grade . . . unless you plan to hang off it. Ha.

[@boomerrubble]

Thanks for the great idea! Size medium belt... If you don't mind me asking what size of waist are you? I'm a 34 in waist size for pants. Wondering if I should get a medium or large. Thoughts?

[@Troutbitten]

I think the measurement on those belts are listed on the site. I wear a medium and have a 32 inch waist. Cheers.

[@johnkinsfather6369]

Try Fishponds Switchback 2.0. Has a studier belt with pack. I am on 3 rd season. Have water bottle, wading staff and net buddy on left side . Pack slides around on right side.

[@Troutbitten]

That won't work for the camera, my friend. Not waterproof. We need a submersible solution for camera gear. No way we're taking the risk without it. Cheers.

[@LetsGoHalos]

​@@Troutbitten Maybe check out their new Thunderhead Lumbar "Small" variant. The entire waist support is removable so it can attach (and slide) on any sturdy belt system. Might be just the right size to carry all that camera gear in one grab-and-go bag.

[@Troutbitten]

Right on. That's what my friend, Bill, is using, and I just ordered one yesterday. Bill is part of the Troutbitten Podcast, and we did a full episode on carrying a camera while fishing.

[@johnkinsfather6369]

@@Troutbitten fortunately I just carry a Canon Powershot in my Shirt pocket with a short laynard. I would trust myself with a real camera.

[@LetsGoHalos]

@@Troutbitten Nice. Might come in handy in the salt too. I could also see it making for a nice little boat bag that can be attached to a raft frame, cooler, kayak seat etc.

[@warrenkolodziejski863]

what retractor are you using for the wading staff looks heavy duty

[@Troutbitten]

It's a Gear Keeper. But it's important to get the right one. Check out the links to everything in the video description. Check out the companion article linked in the description. Check out the full wading staff video. Check out the Troutbitten Recommended Gear pages: troutbitten.com/recommended-gear/ Cheers, and thanks for asking.

[@timbotrout]

Troutbitten EDC

[@Troutbitten]

Every day.

[@rumdab]

Where did you get the tripod bag at 7:37?

[@Troutbitten]

It's a simple water bottle holder that I picked up on Amazon.

[@frankwestphal4525]

I don't really use waders, is it possible to use the belt without them?

[@Troutbitten]

Yes, for sure. You don't need belt loops to use a belt. In fact, as I show in the video, belt loops prevent us from sliding things around. Again, look at military and law enforcement applications. Often the belt goes on over the top of everything else so gear is slidable around it. Anyway, no you don't need waders for this belt. Cheers.

[@Petergoneflyfishing]

What size of carabiner would you recommend for this belt?

[@Troutbitten]

Just the standard, common size of carabiner works perfectly. The small ones don't fit around the belt.

[@adrianmowat]

What do you do with your rod when you need 2 hands for something?

[@Troutbitten]

To me that's easy. Just tuck it under my arm. I guess I'll sometimes put it between my legs too. But tucking it under an arm is what I think most anglers do. Pretty simple solution.

[@adrianmowat]

Yeah pretty simple. I tried a third hand rod holder on my belt for a while but the plastic clip that holds it in place started to weaken and the rod just drooped. I was wondering if you might have some kind of attachment you find useful but I guess the simplest solution is the best

[@Troutbitten]

Yup

[@tedcouch2757]

Curious why you choose to carry 2 pounds of water instead of a water filter, something like a grayl.

[@Troutbitten]

Good question. For me, it's just simpler. I've used filtration systems. Some are hard to suck the water through. Others have a system where you use muscle power to push it through. Those make drinking easier, but they're heavier too. That's a big factor. You might have less weight to carry in actual water, but the filter weighs something. Then there's the cost to replace filters, remembering to dry them out in between sets, etc. There's a lot more to a filtration system that I learned I did not want to deal with, after I did deal with it for a while. Also, I drink a lot of water every day. So I want that convenience. In the summertime, when I need even more water than that, is when I bring the filtration systems out. Cheers.

[@tedcouch2757]

@@Troutbitten good point, I bounce between the UltraPress and a Nalgene, I use the press when I know I will need more water that day. Thanks for the reply, we love Troutbitten around here!

[@Troutbitten]

Cheers. Thanks very much

[@TechAssuranceATL]

Wait a minute, Simms waders, where are your Skwala waders??

[@Troutbitten]

Troutbitten is independent. I wear, use and fish all kinds of stuff, so I can keep up with latest gear and know what works, what lasts and what doesn't. I 'll never get locked into one thing. The Skwalas are great, and are still in my rotation.

[@TechAssuranceATL]

@@Troutbitten , just messing with you. It was your exposure to Skwala's that got me to buy them...and LOVE my Carbons. Love your stuff...and know you give equal representation...Cheers! And as always, thanks for sharing you WEALTH of knowledge...From another Bald-Fly-Fishing-Dude

[@Troutbitten]

Right on.

[@MikeWitmerNatureJournal]

Cannot wade very deep with that camera carried there I am guessing?

[@Troutbitten]

Sure I can. That's the point, my friend. The dry bag keeps it submersible. Honestly, I would never take a real camera on the water without a fully waterproof solution. Too risky. Gotta be ready for anything.

[@spotburningsucks4043]

Simms? I thought you guys repped skwala…

[@mathewcampbell8479]

May be because it's the Skwala RS waders that have the inbuilt belt that need to be cut off.

[@Troutbitten]

Troutbitten is independent. I wear, use and fish all kinds of stuff.

[@Troutbitten]

​@@mathewcampbell8479No. Like I said in the video, just cut it off. That's what I've done on the RS waders. You can see that in other videos. Belts and belt loops are an afterthought, good for some anglers and not for others, but not something to make your wader choices around. Those are my thoughts anyway. Cheers.

[@patches152]

"the vest isn't that heavy" Bust out a scale and prove it!

[@Troutbitten]

Ha. I've already done that many times. I'm a little nuts about the details. It's just under five pounds with everything in there. Again, I sure wouldn't want the rest of the weight that's on my hips on my shoulders. I've done that. It sucks.

[@patches152]

@@Troutbitten I'm with you. backpacking turned me into a total gram weenie, and I've adopted the same mentality with fly fishing. I have many spreadsheets and gear lists comparing reels, fly boxes, tools, and anything else you can think of by weight and volume, trying to simplify and optimize my time on the water.

[@Troutbitten]

​@@patches152It matters for sure.