VESTS & PACKS - fly fishing

For carrying your crapola.
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things I use
bimini for raft - amzn.to/31Vw4K4
tenkara pole - amzn.to/2PH9fEO
Smith sunglasses - amzn.to/2EJSyVm
Costa sunglasses - amzn.to/2FHEpdK
water cannon - amzn.to/2D1Swa1
streamer line - amzn.to/2tNrXAw
trout book - amzn.to/2VzzQVR
underwear - amzn.to/2Xbd5sZ
kids fly rod - amzn.to/2Bw5Nqz
fly tying tool kit - amzn.to/2MMveIP
multi rod tube - amzn.to/2ssbp0g
car rod rack - amzn.to/2DVN7n3
Sage ESN rod - amzn.to/2Sbfi4i
Galvan R5 reel - amzn.to/2DJ6BKD
RIO rio grande fly line - amzn.to/2zonwiU
wade net - amzn.to/2E035fY
boat net - amzn.to/2QXKkAA
camera - amzn.to/2P9Etma
hoodie - amzn.to/2zp7hlk
buff - amzn.to/2P4lZnb
tires - amzn.to/2DM6VIu
boots - amzn.to/2XWO09a
neoprene waders - amzn.to/2r6dzC8
gloves - amzn.to/2DWIbyo
gloves - amzn.to/2DTQuLr
floatant - amzn.to/2DJhAUr
dry shake - amzn.to/2Qho5Ve
bobbers - amzn.to/2THXteZ
waders - amzn.to/2R1GczB
forceps - amzn.to/2rZVbuT
split shot - amzn.to/2Rh4uFl
hand warmers - amzn.to/2KuOmdj
goggles - amzn.to/2CUsHsN
these are amazon affiliate links

[@rileyofcool2580]

True Kings Rock the cargo shorts with a small box of dries in the pocket

[@pierevojzola9737]

Hi Ben, I am 84 and have been fly fishing for 52 years. After checking on what the locals use I have gone back to the basics. As an ex Para I go out hunting with the least amount of gear that I can survive with, no extra weight, so in winter I use waders, boots Goretex layers Simms wading jacket, Simms back support belt, good wide brim hat, UV protection head and face mask and gloves. Net and two rods + wading stick. Back pack I leave on the bank. Flys etc etc odds and ends are in jacket pocket. And that’s it. Keep it simple and light! Cheers mate. Harera

[@parachutejjs]

Here’s what we know for sure. You must purchase and work through ALL of the options before settling on one. It’s just required.

[@halfasshuntingclub5330]

I’ve been using the same vest for over 10 years, it looks good on me eating my dinner at Cracker Barrel at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. With sweet tea of course.

[@AboutTrout]

Creel for life. Backpack lanyard combo is underrated.

[@4stringmanagmaildcom]

It's a vest for me. It weighs about three pounds. I also have a waterproof pack that's my "go bag". It has first aid kit, binoculars, rain shell top and bottom, sun protection, lighter, head lamp, spare cell battery, VHF radio, epi pens, my license and TWIC card. All the essentials.

[@brandonschartz2006]

Backpack, backpack! That guy on the magazine cover with the big brown, caught that fish in a closed section during brown spawn, a few dudes in Pinedale were pissed.

[@ianatkins1213]

Past few seasons I’ve mainly been using a small two pocket chest pack. Holds all you need for a day on the river, if your not travelling too far from your base.

[@johndorsey2617]

Me too! Waterproof backpack most of the time, the Simms zipper one. So nice.

[@michaelharris1455]

Lol! I still carry my stuff in the plastic bag from Sportsman's Warehouse that I brought it home in! Stay Huge! 😆

[@guylord3837]

I carry 2’ of 8x tippet wrapped around my tongue and just use the flies I find that lesser fishermen lost in the bushes. Cutting off tag ends? Just use a sharp rock. I don’t need any of your modern encumbrances. It’s just me out there naked with the fish.

[@KayakhacksFishing]

So true... if it can catch a fly line, it will!

[@evanhammond7305]

I like a really simple vest on short trips and a backpack vest on longer ones.

[@-fishin]

I have a fish pond hip pack that is modular (slides) on a tight belt! I broke the buckle but now I just use it on any regular belt I want!

[@floydk2813]

Me Too! Best product out there. The Fishpond Switchback or Switchback Pro hip pack - sorry, "Fanny" pack 😆

[@JuliusPlissken]

A sling pack/lanyard combo is what i've been rocking lately, and it works for me!

[@robertchase199]

I went to the Umpqua chestpack with the removable backpack. I loved my Simms sling pack but when I injured my back, I couldn't do it anymore. I can carry quite a bit in the pack part and keep the chest pack with just my flies, tippet, bobbers and such. It is the best of both worlds that I have found. A backpack would be nicer for most things but not having access to the things I need quickly kills it for me. In the Bahamas, I used a dry bag backpack and used a lanyard for my tools and carried the flies in a pocket. It worked great but I wasn't carrying a net.

[@GigaBrand]

I’ve been using a non fishing Fanny pack. But I keep it around the shoulder so I can move it to the back when I need to cast.

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

I hate those stupid tabs too I cut them off and melt the end so they don't unravel. Cool video Ben!

[@gnlman]

spot on, as usual. In my experience {as with most things} less is more. Totally agree on the chest pack being in the way. Love the hip pac but......I have no ass so it does not stay on unless it is cutting off my circulation. I rarely do all day trips so I switch back an forth between sling and chest. Great video Ben. Thanks again.

[@koreysmith3635]

OhMyGosh! You are so right about those strap ends! I have never felt so validated! Funny and true...great vid. Thanks, Mr. Huge. -Korey

[@gemstatefisherman3409]

Broke out one of the most controversial magazine covers of all time!! The Colorado dude who fished a closed section of river without a license for that picture in Wyoming

[@peteacevedo3411]

Great information Ben.

[@ThePorpoisepower]

my net does a pretty decent job of balancing the load on my fly vest... but my giant ass fly boxes are occationally annoying in the side pockets and make me look even fatter than I already am.

[@CONEHEADDK]

I actually agree 100% with every single second in this video. After I gifted my self with a discus prolaps, by proving I was huuuge and strong, by lifting a log, that nobody else (of the old ladies and art students) could lift, up from a hole, while not being huuuge or strong, I can't wear a vest or a back pack any more. So I had to learn, to only carry the basics - and a fanny (thi hi ) pack can handle all I need for salmon fly fishing. Extra info for bad-backers - I can't use a tiny single hand rod for 30 minutes, without being dead the next day or several. But a two hand rod makes me use my whole back, and I'm better the day after 2-4 hours of aftm 8-9 veeery fast sinking lines, than after days of no casting - if that ain't luck, I don't know, whay is.. "The doc says, I gotta do it, for my back, honey". :D

[@jimmyrocket02]

I'm 43 with the back of a 70 year old thanks to advanced degenerative disc disease (thanks genetics) and after having one back surgery I'm determined not to have another. I used a sling pack for a while but found it way too easy to overload and it was killing my back. Plus it was on my casting shoulder and that got old quick. Then I tried a hip pack and ran into the infamous sag. I finally settled on Simms flyweight belt system (which has a shoulder strap to avoid the sag issue) and I think I've found my solution. I can swap parts in and out based on my needs. The pack also limits what I can actually carry (therefor limiting unnecessary weight) and it solves the problems I've had with other hip packs.

[@chrishobza839]

The first 20 seconds is 100% accurate

[@wingman8447]

All good. Thank you

[@kgilliagorilla2761]

For me it all depends on the trip. That said, wish I hadn’t sold that sweet P’gonia mesh vest I used to have....

[@paulvirgo9798]

I rocked a vest back in the 90s (as we all did), but these days go with a sling pack. Keep it relatively light to help with the weight and I am right handed so don’t bump into the casting arm problem. Being able to swing the pack to your front and tie on a new fly, tippet etc is so useful. I would use a backpack (and have the Orvis Bug out) if I had to carry a bunch of extra crap and weight distribution mattered (my sling is the Fishpond Summit 2 - it’s great)

[@mrpoopypants9586]

Way to go Dad. Rebellious youth still hasn't figured out reverse psychology and all those years of "I have to take Ben fishing". Nice. Cheers from downunder. PP

[@tomlavey2717]

Dude you are funny!! Thanks for keeping it real!!!

[@slickydicky]

About the only thing I found that can even out a fly vest is a canteen if water. I guess you can carry lunch back there too. A fish pond San Juan, summit sling pack, and sagebrush vest is about all I uses. Really just depends which way the wind is blowing that day

[@adamomernick7463]

I hope there hear you about the end of the straps, hate those things

[@AnonymousOtters]

On hip pack comfort, there is a solution. Set your waist belt so that it supports the pack, and set the shoulder strap so that it only holds the pack when released. When you need to access the pack, pop the buckle and swing it to the front. When you're done, swing it back and reattach the waist. I find this super quick. YMMV. I don't like the pack belt and wading belt riding over each other, but its the best solution for me

[@ph1shstyx]

Rocking and rolling with the vest backpack combo... I love the extra storage of the backpack, but also like having some stuff up front and I don't like the chest pack as it definitely gets in the way.

[@DontUputThatEvilOnMe]

I use a chest pack which carries only my flies, indicators, leaders and other smaller items for fishing. If I’m going on a longer fly fishing hike down a river I’ll wear a backpack with it to carry a change of clothes, food, extra spool and fly line, etc. And if I’m going on a boat I’ll just put my chest pack in a backpack. This is so I’m not “that guy” on the boat trip.

[@rootriverrodco]

Great video!

[@charlieboutin3341]

Great information..100% on target with all descriptions. I can go minimal after bass. Forceps that have cutter and sharpener,1 extra tippet spool, flybox, and a water bottle, usually carry in pant pockets but if wading deep..sling pack or ultralight vest. If deeper I just take my crappy floating donut 🍩 (actually a U-boat now)😂😜. Thanks for all you share Ben. Love the youngster photo. Your dad would agree..you’re a Huge success! Have a Huge week.👍👍🎣👌

[@mikekuczynski1552]

Hey Ben , I’m pretty sure anyone who has fished for let’s say ten years or more can relate to your video . I’ve gone through all the packs and bags and feel they all serve a purpose . In the past couple of years I’ve been using the Thunderhead sling pack from Fishpond it’s big enough to put all your stuff in and a raincoat and lunch , but as you say it makes you feel off kilter at times .My go to is a Simms Dry Creek Z hip pack and a Yeti Panga backpack . I keep all of my stuff in the Yeti and once I get to the river I will put what I think I will need in the Z pack just for lightness and convenience while wading . International travel I take the Yeti , perfect carryon size and keeps everything dry . Thanks for reminding me why my wife and I have all of these packs and vests . It may be time for a spring garage sale . Thanks for sharing

[@thommiller5969]

I’ve got the LL bean convertible back pack. I’ve loved it for years and bought with credit card points.

[@troycrum9294]

Last year I got tired of it. Bought a nice little one-strap back pack. Yeah, I have to sit down and set the pack on my lap to change stuff up, but it has really increased the fun for me, and reduced the exertion. Besides, if I’m wading out deep, I can just put a small fly box in my shorts pocket. I do use a lanyard for nippers and forceps though.

[@Mossb3rg206]

That's the setup

[@Abandoned_Brane]

A murse, man purse is the best option for me. Fishpond lodgepole satchel is great for cooler weather. I've got a small lightweight thing for sure time..

[@Newlegacy1517]

I went back and forth trying to find the perfect set up for me and I settled on the LL Bean rapid river vest pack, it’s a perfect combo of a pack with vest boxes to keep some stuff up front it’s nearly perfect. The bottom sleeve for the rod tube is too small, and it’s not water proof, but those are the only cons

[@enopto]

You my friend have not discovered the hatpack. Perfect for keeping your crap up and away and it comes with a bonus curly straw for instant access to the golden nectar with single a suck from that teller of tales pie hole. Get with the times amigo!

[@davidbrant5423]

I love your vids just because the so honest and that’s hard to find on KZbin anymore and I love jt

[@taconymph]

Great video as always, Ben! I'm definitely a hip pack guy, and have to give a shoutout to the Fishpond Switchback Pro hip pack. What I love about it is it uses the Switchback Pro wade belt, which allows you to slide the pack itself from front to back, without needing to rotate the whole belt around. Therefore the belt and shoulder strap always stay in place, but you still have the flexibility to shift the pack to wherever is needed. It also has a designated net holder on the belt, so your net stays in place when you are shifting the pack around. The only negative is that it is not waterproof nor is there a waterproof hip pack option for the belt at this point.

[@jaynesjunction]

Same, that pack sits soo low, I have filled it with water a few times. Ended up getting rid of it, for that reason and it was tight fitting on some boxes.

[@dolphinately561]

The opening remark is bussin no cap

[@ethanovenell2173]

Haha😂, “fly fishing usually happens around water”. so I’m not the only one they fly fishes for lizards.

[@dylanmounsey7515]

For the rant at the beginning I thank you sir 😂

[@guitarhiker4449]

Hillarious man! Agree with 99% of what you said! I started with a vest then went to a columbia chest pack and then a fishpond thunderhead waterproof lumbar pack. Pain in the butt tightening and loosening the waistbelt evrytime you spin it around. Orivis waterproof backpack was next and i still use one on some trips. Zipper is a pain sometimes though. But i found a sling pack i really like. The fishpond flathead sling. Its ambidextrious and i'm a lefty so that was super handy. Its also quite a bit bigger than any other sling packs i have found. It holds a ton but still sits very well on my back. Spins around front to back easy and has a one handed feature. Also has two waterbottle pockets for beers lol. The flathead sling was very well thought out imo. I just have to buy a semi specific flat handled net so i can carry it on the back of the sling. To each his and hers own though. But it is one i recommend trying out. Fish on!!

[@milehyandriver]

Lol I loved how you ended the video.

[@flyguy2021]

I’ve been through it all over the years and finally arrived at a rolltop waterproof fanny pack. It also provides a little support when wading waist deep.

[@carlmoeller56]

Spot on Ben. I own everything that you mentioned. Now I am back to a hip pack only waterproof. To augment getting at my essentials without swinging the pack around I am using a fishing lanyard. I haven't used these yet so I hope this system will be the best for me. The YETI waterproof backpack is great for traveling and getting compliments. I was wondering what your thoughts are on fishing lanyards and perdigon nymphs. Thanks.

[@dougchambers424]

Yes, fly fishing gear manufacturers, find a way to get rid of the fly line magnets at the end of every strap on a pack or vest. And over the years I have accumulated a gear pack of each variety except backpack (at least not a fly-fishing specific back pack). I find a use them all except the chest pack. My chest pack lives in the sweet spot of low capacity, awkward positioning, and line snagging ability.

[@vibratingstring]

I still fish in the LL Bean vest my father bought for me when I was a kid. It is pretty close to perfect. In addition to the big back pocket, each side pocket actually goes all the way around--it is all double--so I can shove fly boxes out of the way back there and still just reach in and draw it forward. It has good lower side pockets where useful things live. I don't over burden it with too much stuff. Flies are light--it isn't like I am trying to carry a bunch of 4 oz sinkers and a bait bucket!

[@andrewmilbankdrums]

No matter what your pack is, its bound to take a toll on your body after a full day of fishing if you're wearing it above the waist. The fishpond switchback is a perfect "hip" pack that takes the weight off your spine, gets your gear out of the way when not in use, and can hold just as much gear as a small backpack. Highly recommend!

[@rickoie]

Missed opportunity. I can't believe when he was talking about hip packs and said, "They're convenient for carrying a net", that we didn't get a quick photo of Annette Funicello...

[@bradcastaneda]

Hip packs are the way. Best option for the widest amount of scenarios, hands down.

[@vdogmr12]

I have a fish pond tech pack and it’s the best parts of the accessibility of a vest but the pack on the back holds my camelback and all my other stuff including coldies and the pack weight balances out the front vest weight. Best of both worlds.

[@KingThallion]

tiny little fishpond chest rig + backpack is the way to go.

[@judithkelly2556]

Vest for me good weight distribution and everything ready to go . I do carry a waist pack if I take food and drinks .

[@johnneame2180]

Fanny............... Fnarrrrr 🤭

[@mikaellilliestrom]

Agree 100%

[@brewster84067]

Great video. I'm slightly ashamed to admit that I've collected one of each over the years, because like a lot of us flyfisherpeople I'm always searching for the perfect setup. Most of the time I tend to go to with a lanyard and a waist pack that slides on a waist belt and out of the way when I'm not using it (and keep my coldies in a cooler on the bank). But for those long days, with lots of hiking, nothing beats the lanyard and a backpack (which of course is where I too carry the coldies).

[@spintoday]

Fishpond Wind River, which is also a fun place to fish and a good movie with Jeremy rennick. Carry on bag, deep wading bag, boat bag.... I gave up vests and non dry bag packs a few years ago, and will never be going back. I use a lanyard and keep a box of flies and tippet in my waders and only need to access the bag when doing tactical changes, on the bank where it’s meant to be done. I like to carry a lot of gear and an emergency down parka in case of taking a swim in coastal Oregon steelhead waters in winter. Brrrr.

[@davidmusselwhite547]

I use both. A sling pack and vest. In the summer I use the sling pack. Because it so hot. In the Fall or winter. I like a vest. Adds to the warmth

[@everettstevenson6110]

I mostly fish GSMNP, hike in and out about 6 - 12 miles. I use a 32 liter pack and small chest pack. I’ve used sling and waist packs. Current set up is best. The latter two creates muscle fatigue and soreness after long days.

[@byvanbyvanov2750]

I used vest a couple of seasons and after I found out that I need around 3% of the stuff in it, changed to a lanyard! 😂

[@jeremiahjohnson9942]

I know everyone is going to say this, but it depends on what and where I'm fishing. If I am just grabbing and going from the house, I have a vest set up and ready to go on a hook by the door. Longer hikes out all day fishing, I'll throw the vest in the pack and rock both. The vest is very simple, though. It only has like 6 pockets, I think, and it's big enough to run over a rain jacket if I need to.

[@camerannC]

Love my sling pack.

[@geoffbeavis6426]

I’ve tried them all and gone back to the vest.

[@J.D.Supreme]

A sixer of coldies on the back, two loaded in my beer helmet and I'm throwing sauce to sippers!

[@tysobol]

This is my favorite video of yours I've seen yet! I'm a designer/developer at a fishing company in Montana, and am trying to figure out how fit a sixer of coldies in some apparel and outerwear projects I'm working on right now. I'd love to pick your brain sometime

[@HugeFlyFisherman]

Email me through my website.

[@LeakyWaders]

Hip pack for a day on the stream. Backpack for back country longer trips.

[@DiggingSmith]

i spent 200$ on a Simms freestone pack and feeling like a champ harnesing the power of Simms to catch more fish, my friend bought the exact same pack with out simms branding at a hiking store for 65$....I'm still bitter

[@DGaydon]

I swear by the Pesca Pack from Pescador on the Fly (epoxied the damn snaps) & backpack. I put it on the waist strap of my backpack, wear it on my hip and can easily slide it forward for easy access to a small fly box and my flair (floatant in the phone holster).

[@baileymoto]

Fly fisherman carry more gear than the typical grunt does during the initial invasion.

[@charlesmello1600]

I catch all my fish, fresh and salt water, on a size 20 perdigon. I only use 1 15ft 7x leader all season, cause I never break off and I never lose flies. I keep a seven pack of coldies in my waders. Vests and packs are a thing of the past.

[@AnonAnon-ym8sk]

Ladies love the vests

[@painteater19]

Tried the lightweight backpack route but got tired of constantly moving it back and forth. I roll with the hip bag and a flybox in my chest wader pocket

[@paulnoble684]

On one trip I got so pissed at those strap nubbies that I cut them off and melted the webbing endy-bits with a stick from the campfire. Yes, I'll have to be careful of pull-throughs but it's been so worth it.

[@captnfloyd]

Old school 2wd Ford ranger hands down

[@Mossb3rg206]

This video left me just as unsure about what setup to use as ever haha. It's all about what kind of fishing you're doing, and how long you'll be on the water. Personally, if I can get away with a lanyard and one of those yakoda utility pouches attached to my waders... As long as there's beer or water nearby, I'm good. I like to be free lol. I think the move is a utility pack and landyard, with a backpack if you're gearing up for a long one.

[@clarencehouck8401]

Vest pack is the way I roll

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Use electicians tape and tape over the webbing stopper. LOL

[@mikepumphrey3308]

Those tabs are straight up line magnets, I cut mine off for this reason!

[@ryanh6081]

Have done small backpack or chest rig that holds 2 boxes. Need nothing else. Hip packs always seems to attract crap

[@ridge8096]

Definitely back pack, holds more fluids!!!

[@capt_ramius]

People that wear neck lanyards: We’ll see ourselves out, thanks.

[@jaynesjunction]

Nailed it on those stubby strap ends. Umpqua was getting close to a zero sweep front, ended up not liking the design. I had a Fishpond sliding waist pack with integrate net loop, but it is awkward to use, and tight fitting on boxes. I am have a Umpqua check / backpack which as potential but the dang thing keeps sliding up to the point of choking me. Can't put anything in the back heavier than tissue paper, or the front will crawl up on yah. And please note - the net loop on the pack is beyond worthless... unless you are elastic girl and can stretch and bend you arms around the pack. My go to right now is the old Willy Joseph small front pack - stellar day pack... the only downside is the neckstrap will rub the heck out of your neck as it slow flakes away.

[@bigscandi]

I pick up an Orvis chest pack to force me to minimize my gear load. The only complaint I truly have with it so far is not being able to watch my footing. I don't own any waders so I do shoreline until the weather gets better then I wet wade. Anyways, a few weeks ago because I couldn't watch my footing I slipped and fell in a pool of mud.

[@randycovington3510]

Cool stuff! Got any ideas on carrying a pistol in Bear country?

[@Mossb3rg206]

Ummm... Ideas? A 10mm if u wanna be safe. I keep a 9mm with hollow points on me whenever I fish.

[@kirkstark3870]

I converted a chest pack to a hip pack using one of the straps around my waist so I'm confused as to how to name it

[@lonewizzard8456]

I go chest pack, vest and backpack while tenkara and euro nymphing. It is the way.

[@cptjeff1]

I think Lee Wulff got it right. Vest all the way for me. If you need more weight in the back pocket, pack a few more beers or keep a few more trout.

[@lyleburlingame2276]

How can you carry a large steelhead net with a long handle with a vest ? I’ve been missing fish bc my smaller net that hangs from my vest isn’t big enough for those big trout ? Use some kind of belt attachment for the net , can anyone recommend ?

[@Eeland_Stribling]

Vest gang!

[@jimpurvis4420]

I’m a waterproof sling bag guy but I’ll use a bum bag (haha) on the occasion. I recently added a water roof pouch to the strap on my sling for a few small things which has been handy. Don’t laugh at my hemos hanging from the strap if you see me.

[@lukebonagurio4503]

I like fanny and shoulder's packs, back packs for full day bc I need food and a jacket.

[@christopherkenney3581]

Still wearing a vest I bought in the 90s, so you know I'm cool! (Only for trout though)

[@kenfitzpatrick1230]

I found a " Gap " sling pack ( triangular ,one strap) about ten years ago in a thrift shop about $ 3 bucks . . . All I need, carries gear I know I'll need for that day. Have never looked for anything new, I just don't need it