Fishpond Switchback Wading Belt System Review

In this video Peter McLeod reviews the Fishpond Switchback Wading Belt System that he has just adopted. This system includes a pack that slides independently from back to front, a molded net holster for long-handled nets, a shoulder strap with tool and fly attachment, and options to attach Fishpond's molded wading staff pouch, drink holder, and Quickshot rod holder. It is a modular fishing system that can be suited to your needs and perfect for the riverbank.
To find out more contact www.guideflyfishing.co.uk/
to fidn out more about the Switchback System click www.guideflyfishing.co.uk/pro...
Another short film from Aardvark McLeod international fly fishing specialists, for more information on this or any of our destinations click www.aardvarkmcleod.com, or call [phone]. Alternatively sign up for our free weekly E-news service with news and reports from around the world www.aardvarkmcleod.com/contact/
#Fishpond #Switchback #lumbarpack #review #aardvarkmcleod

[@tomslusarchyk7866]

I like the ability to slide the bag around to the side or back. Made just down the road from us in Denver, Colorado!

[@simongill8344]

Great review and got myself one off the back of it so thanks. Most practical, easy use pack out there. I know some go on about it not being waterproof but seriously, the only think you carry fishing that REALLY cant get wet is your phone and car key. Solution... put it in a waterproof pack. Simples. No other system, sling or hip, solves so well the net carry problem like this does. Cheers 👍

[@secondstartotheright]

Can't wait for the follow up

[@danzaremba6500]

Thank you this is very helpful ! I’ll be buying this!

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Glad it was helpful! I am still using it and it works really well…

[@MikeScofieldComposer]

Very helpful and very well done. Thanks!

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks Mike!

[@cgeatches]

If you notice the end of this video where the guy has a heavier fleece top on, the pack will only come around a quarter of the way. If you have a 36 plus inch waste and wear waders in cold weather the belt is way too short. I tried using this system with waders and cold weather gear and it was almost useless. I have used a Fishpond Blue River chest/lumbar pack for many years and find the pack that comes with this system as inadequate for my general use. This system seems to have some good ideas but execution for people with larger waste size (38” plus including waders etc.) the short belt system makes it where you have to slide the kit around just like any other system. I returned mine as soon as I got home. I would certainly try again if there are some changes made and a pack like the Blue River is designed to be used with this system.

[@tywoodruff8578]

I think I've finally found the replacement for my chest pack/backpack. Think the only thing I would do different is wear the shoulder strap over the right shoulder and attach the strap on the left side. That way it would attach to the belt on the same side as the pack, and would support the weight of the pack better.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

It’s a great pack and I have found it really useful this season on the river. I wear the pack on the left with the shoulder strap on the left as then everything is away from my casting arm and possible hook up with lose line...

[@tywoodruff8578]

Makes sense. Thank you for the video. Was very helpful!

[@ef2967]

Bought this system and really wanted it to work for me, but I guess I am just not a hip pack guy. I didn't like the weight on my waste, and I use the longer net so the handle would constantly hit the back of my legs. Ended up going back to my Summit sling for now.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the comment and it’s not going to suit everyone for sure. I have since modified mine with a PLCE Y yoke system which I find distributes the weight evenly across my shoulders… the thing I like most about it is the sliding belt so I can spin it and my water bottle out of the way when I have finished with it…

[@rangerwhite7091]

The slide is a great idea. You have to suck your stomach in with the standard ones to move it round!!

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

You are so right!!🤣

[@TheSavagederek]

2 years on, how is it holding up. I really love the look of Fishponds kit and the Tacky fly boxes are superb. I really want to upgrade my vest this season and have been looking at their vests, I think it's the Upstream version, although they also have the Gore, which I assume is Goretex. I do carry a waistbag when I fly fish for Pike, and it is very useful.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Hi Derek! It’s still going strong, great piece if kit and has stood up to two years guiding no problems…

[@rangerwhite5165]

Great review. I have quite a few packs. Fishpond sling pack, Simms waist and Fishpond Gunnison. I'm at that phase in life, where i'm trying to reduce back ache. Very subjective, but from your experience, which packs are most suitable for back issues?

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Hi there, I too have tried many and it really depends on your needs.. do you need a lumber pack or back pack? This switchback system is very good I have to say and I have since modified it with a Y yoke system made from an old military webbing yoke which has made a big difference on the load carrying and spreads the weight well..

[@rangerwhite5165]

@@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing I have tried a sling pack and waist pack and I still find my back getting a bit sore after a few hours. L5 disc herniated years ago and still gives me problems. I can see the advantage in the swing pack, not having to suck your stomach in when turning the pack around!

[@binbagflyer]

Hi Peter Just bought one of these packs and being a sufferer of back problems it’s going to be a great help. One question, what size net is it you are using. Is it the mid length or “guide” length net. I’m interested in buying one for use on English chalk streams. I spoke to Olly today about a booking days on the Anton so that’s what the net would be used for (hopefully!!!). Cheers Ralph

[@binbagflyer]

@@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing thank you. As I've been a good boy that can go on Santa's list!

[@djTorchLive]

I see you had a water dance pack (I think) before. Is there a way to put it on rails like the Blue RIver pack?

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Hi James, I don’t think so as the straps are stitched into it....

[@soobz]

Watching you trying to get the net in and out shows how bad that design is. Why couldn't the net pouch rotate too?

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

I have actually grown to love it as I use it guiding. I think if the net pouch rotated it would be really annoying as the handle would tangle with my legs and it could even spin and fall out.

[@sergeanthetfield3001]

Hey. What do you do when you have to wade deep? Can you use the pack as a chest pack in any way, in case of a deep wade situation.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

If you are doing a lot of deep wading this is not the pack for you.. it’s totally belt based so it’s gonna get wet..

[@sergeanthetfield3001]

@@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing Thinking about if you can detatch the pack and somehow connect it as a chest pack for those few times (for me) when deep wading.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

@@sergeanthetfield3001 you can only detach the pack by threading the belt through secondary belt and then threading the pack off.. in all honesty would be easier just taking it off when deep wading in my opinion..

[@user-hr4vl7cd1d]

Какая сумка нового выпуска с карманами или на магнитном кармане?

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

The new one is larger with more space for guides..

[@milehigh_onthefly]

Chapeses?

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Of course… 😄

[@SindriJons]

hi, do you still use this pack? And how did you find it with weight in it.. like a water bottle + a beer or something? Have been thinking about buying this, I had the fp lumbar thunderhead but found it not practical, just to hard to open an close.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Still using it hard on the river out guiding and love it... I have the water bottle holder with a full bottle on the other side and it’s great!

[@yonexfox]

Not big fan of this belt, poor design, such poor design that bag will till to another side with all the weight.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the comment, can’t say I have this problem.. the only time it did that was when I had not pulled the middle belt through the end loops properly as it can get stuck there occasionally.. as soon as it’s freed and it fits flush the bag hangs correctly...