Fishpond Waterproof Sling Pack vs Hip Pack vs Backpack // Which One is Right for You?

[@1Troutguy]

I have Thunderhead Sling for Spin fishing. The Thunderhead Lumbar for Fly. The Thunderhead Backpack for longer days. Love them all!!

[@redsflyshop]

Good stuff!

[@bradcastaneda]

I have the lumbar pack, and totally agree. The net does get in the way when I need to re-rig. You can work around it, but it’s not ideal.

[@clysher]

I do multi-day downstream wade trips. Recently chose the Wind River Roll Top for my loadout. Fits all my sleeping gear, bag, liner, hammock, pad, as well as several boxes and wallets. The straps are very comfortable and when fully strapped up this bag doesn't move at all while loaded with 20lbs of gear. I loved my Patagonia pack, but it just doesn't hold still like this thing. I almost bought the Simms G3 Guide pack, but it was a bit overkill.

[@redsflyshop]

Sounds like a great adventure, love this!

[@dcm703]

Have had the same orange sling for ~8 saltwater trips now. It’s built like a tank, absolutely perfect wading flats bag and it can double as a skiff bag

[@redsflyshop]

Great testimonial!

[@kennyo116]

I went to a switchbackpro - as it slides just to avoid the problem you brought up on the net in your face issue on the the waterproof model. I still have it and use it for fishing when I'm not needing the net or need the waterproof more. the switchbackpro is a bit smaller for storage but if you offset the buckle a touch - it works wonderfully and you have an easy time with accessing the net and putting it back

[@Sides1160]

I find that with the hip pack I don’t use the net sleeve. I just tuck it behind the pack. I use the sling pack for spey fishing. It just stays out of the way.

[@misternicholas]

Hey Joe, great video as always! I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on the new version of the fishpond lumbar pack? The fishpond wading belt with the second "rail" system for the bag to slide back & fourth is a game changer and solves your issue with the net getting in the way. I also like that I can add a wading staff and everything is all on one belt "system." I haven't had a lot of time with this setup yet but I'm hoping it solves all my gripes.

[@heavenknowsimmiserablenow14]

Typically I don't really carry the net on the river, I just carabine it to a rope and have it float down stream and it works really well. My gf does this with her wooden wading stick. I'm still trying to find the perfect net for our style of fishing, So far I found the Rushton Nilkitkwa, haven't got one yet, which is made from wood and about 40" long and has 7"x22" net dimensions. They make one called the Brian Chan which is 49" long and a 9"x19" net, which is probably the most perfect guide dimensions. I don't guide though so the Nikitkwa is probably the sweet spot. A long narrow net makes the most sense for multiple reasons; however, most nets that are longer have a giant tennis racket shaped basket. The only ones I could find were the Rushtons.

[@TylerSchell-e6u]

I’m trying to decide between the lumbar and sling. I do want to run the water bottle on my pack. The lumber seems to be more ergonomic on where it attaches to the waist belt. But I agree about the bed in your face. Have you attached the water bottle holder on the sling? I can’t find any pictures of people doing that on line

[@redsflyshop]

I've run the water bottle holder on the Lumbar, didn't like it after a while. I was using a Yeti metal bottle and it was too sloppy. If you haven't bought yet.... I would get the sling. I have both and tend to reach for the sling more and more often. I think maybe if you put the water bottle holder on the sling and used a Nalgene or something light that would work better.

[@justinryan4705]

Love the slings but beware for some people the weight on on shoulder and then add a day of casting and your neck/back/shoulder can really ache. Looking for the waist pack now because of that

[@redsflyshop]

I hear ya. You throw a heavy water bottle in that sling and it gets heavy fast. More than about 3-4 hours and you'll be feeling it. I sure like the net holder on the sling though!

[@FD-dh2fu]

Tried the lumbar pack but that shoulder strap actually hurts after a while. They should have made it fatter and cushioned. The thunder sling packs seems more comfortable?? Thanks for the info

[@redsflyshop]

I would agree yes, I think overall the sling is my favorite because it holds a net so well.

[@uldricditch9622]

What type of net shown in this video and is it available in the shop ?

[@redsflyshop]

We do have those, in stock! That is a Fishpond Nomad Emerger Net - redsflyfishing.com/products/fishpond-nomad-emerger-net

[@cachi-7878]

That’s one of the reasons I don’t carry a net although I am always wishing I did.

[@redsflyshop]

The Sling works really well with even a good sized net. It's the most sleek IMO.

[@gregkosinski2303]

I do a backpack with a net on a retractor on my left side. I can clip a chest pack on the front if I’m going to be switching flies and leaders a lot, just the backpack with a lanyard in front with a couple boxes in pockets, or go super clean front with tools in pockets too. I really like that I have the option to hold more gear and I like the weight being distributed so well

[@stephenitano8806]

Why not just bring a spare pre-waxed chain to Unbound instead of rewaxing?