The best fishing backpacks are purpose built for the kind of fishing you want to do. If you spin fish or use bait casting rods, you’re very likely throwing heavy lures, and that requires compartment tackle boxes.
If you fly fish and want a fishing backpack built for fly fishing, you have even more great choices. Why? Many fly fishers are very mobile on the rivers they fish. They cover a lot of ground by walking, so they require a comfortable, high-quality fishing backpack.
Not surprisingly, many of the best fishing backpacks are also the best fly fishing backpacks. Still, there are a few types of fishing backpacks to consider:
Table of Contents:
- Best Fishing Backpacks
- Best ‘Tackle’ Fishing Backpacks
- Best Fishing Backpacks Under $50
- Best Waterproof Fishing Backpacks
Best Fishing Backpacks
The best fishing backpacks are often geared toward fly fishing, but they have features that all sorts of fishers can appreciate. These fishing backpacks are non-waterproof and excel in gear organization. They have lots of pockets and lots of fishing accessory attachment points. These are our favorites:
L.L.Bean Rapid River Vest Pack
The L.L.Bean Rapid River Vest Pack is part backpack, part vest. This popular, best-selling L.L.Bean favorite is loaded with fly fishing-specific features. The rear of the pack isn’t particularly huge, but you do get one large hydration bladder-compatible compartment, a small zip stash pocket, and a larger zippered pocket. There is a rod-tube holder on one side and a water bottle pocket on the other. The hip belt has two zippered pockets, too.
Meanwhile, the front is a full-on, multi-pocketed vest with attachment points for key fly fishing accessories like forceps, nippers, and fly floatant. Plus, you get two built-in zingers! As for pockets, you get a whopping eight zippered pockets, including two larger pockets suitable for bigger fly boxes. We particularly like the mesh front pockets, which are great for stashing odds and ends like strike indicators.
Shop the L.L.Bean Rapid River Vest Pack at:
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Orvis Bug Out Backpack
Orvis designed its new Orvis Bug Out Backpack as a fishing backpack first but then streamlined it so it could do double-duty as an overnight bag or a carryon backpack. It has lots of access, as well as a rod tube holder that deploys lower so you’re not wandering around with your rod tube high above your head.
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VEDAVOO Spinner Deluxe Daypack
VEDAVOO Spinner DaypackThe VEDAVOO Spinner Deluxe Daypack is handmade in America and has a simple-but-utterly-functional vibe. You can also adjust it to ride higher on your back for those times you wade deep. We particularly appreciate the side bottom loops that let you pack an extra rigged fly rod.
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Simms Flyweight Fishing Backpack
The new Simms Flyweight Fishing Backpack is part of the company’s new lightweight Flyweight Collection. The collection includes the HEXGRID attachment platform, which lets you attach accessories as well as additional components like pouches or net holders. Read our coverage of the Simms Flyweight Collection here, which includes new waders and our favorite lightweight wading boots.
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Best ‘Tackle’ Fishing Backpacks
What do we mean by ‘tackle’ fishing backpacks? We mean backpacks that are intended to hold lots of lures, specifically spinning and bait casting lures. Tackle fishing backpacks most often come with extra removable utility boxes. These boxes help organize lures, plus you can swap in different utility boxes of fishing gear for different kinds of fishing trips:
Bass Pro Shops Advantage Anglers II Backpack
The Bass Pro Shops Advantage Anglers II Backpack is built from rugged 600-denier UV-resistant fabric and has heavy-duty zippers. It also comes with four Bass Pro Shops utility boxes to help you organize your tackle. It’s even hydration bladder compatible.
Shop the Advanced Anglers II Backpack at:
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Spiderwire Fishing Tackle Backpack
If you’re a Spiderwire fan, the Spiderwire Fishing Backpack is the fishing backpack for you. It includes three medium-sized utility boxes with an adjustable main compartment. We like the foam-molded sunglasses case, of course, even though we’re almost always wearing our polarized sunglasses anyway.
Shop the Spiderwire Fishing Backpack at:
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Shimano Black Moon Fishing Backpack
Shop the Blackmoon Fishing Backpack at:
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Bass Pro Shops Stalker Backpack
The Bass Pro Shops Stalker Backpack includes three utility tackle boxes and lots of handy pockets. You get a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket at the top, a padded hip belt with pockets and mesh stash pockets, as well as external and internal organization pockets. Plus, the integrated rod holder system lets you securely pack a spinning rod with the reel attached.
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Wild River Recon Lighted Backpack
Shop the Wild River Recon at:
Amazon | Bass Pro Shops | Walmart
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Wild River Multi-Tackle Large Backpack
Shop the Wild River Multi-Tackle Large Backpack at:
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Best Fishing Backpacks Under $50
There are not many fantastic fishing backpacks under $50, but there is one that we’re willing to recommend — and a couple more that typically cost around $60~.
Bass Pro Shops Extreme Qualifier 360 Backpack
The sub-$30 Bass Pro Shops Extreme Qualifier 360 Backpack is hard to beat for the price-to-value ratio. It has a large main storage area and plenty of pockets for organization. You can also unzip the bottom section from the main backpack to change up the access while you’re on the water. Bass Pro Shops even lets you add three made-to-fit lure boxes to the pack for a nominal increase in cost — and still keep you well under $50.
Shop the Extreme Qualifier 360 at:
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Allen Gunnison Switch Pack
The Allen Gunnison Switch Pack is an affordable fly fishing backpack that also converts to a sling pack. Like most Allen fishing gear, the Gunnison Switch Pack delivers a solid feature set and boasts a compelling price-to-value ratio.
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Plano E-Series 3600 Tackle Backpack
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Best Waterproof Fishing Backpacks
The best waterproof fishing backpacks all come from the best fly fishing gear companies — and they’re all very good. When you’re wondering if a waterproof backpack is worth it, know that these backpacks are built to last. In fact, any of these backpacks could be the number one best backpack on anyone else’s list — they’re that good.
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack
The Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack is an extremely tough, well-designed waterproof fishing backpack. We’re big fans and it was a sad day when it was time to send our review unit back to Fishpond (full review here). The Thunderhead Submersible Backpack is made from Fishpond’s ultra-rugged 1680d TPU-coated recycled Cyclepond nylon material. While it’s possible this material could puncture if you fell down a steep and rocky slope while trying to get to the river . . . it’s more likely that you’ll have to fall several times to tear through it. Meanwhile, the waterproof TIZIP zipper is stout, which is what you should expect from all waterproof zippers. You need two hands to open and close the zipper, which you should also expect. To help, Fishpond includes a couple of built-in loops you can use with your offhand to create leverage. Once you get the hang of using waterproof zippers, you’ll appreciate the surety they provide.
Like most waterproof fishing backpacks, the outside pockets are spartan at best — you get a small pocket on the back (which is sometimes called the front of a pack), but Fishpond does include a D-ring and a daisy-chain for attaching accessories. Fishpond also includes two rod tube straps. The removable hip belt has a strap on each side for pliers or adding a pocket. Overall construction is just fantastic, and the Fishpond Submersible Backpack is downright handsome. One last note here: Fishpond offers a roll-top waterproof fishing backpack, which is also excellent, but the fabric isn’t quite as burly.
Shop the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack at:
AvidMax | Backcountry.com | Trident Fly Fishing
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Patagonia Stormsurge Waterproof Pack 30L
Patagonia Guidewater Backpack 29L with included pocket (at left) and with the Stealth Workstation accessory (at right).The new for 2022 Patagonia Guidewater Backpack 29L replaces last year’s Stormsurge Pack. The new Guidewater retains the same basic rugged, fully-submersible design but streamlines it for 2022. The main waterproof zipper now opens wider for easier gear access. Instead of a small rear pocket, Patagonia updates the rear with webbing loops sized to fit accessory pouches for customizable organization. The Stealth Workstation — pictured above installed on the Guidewater Backpack at the right — is a separately purchased accessory, but the interior zippered mesh organizing pocket (pictured on the left) can be used inside the pack or attached to the outside of the pack. So cool. The only drawback is the lack of a padded hip belt, which we appreciate when we load packs heavy and hike far. One more thing: If you don’t need full waterproofing, check out the new Patagonia Stealth Pack, which is packed with lots of organizational fishing pockets and accessory connections.
Shop the Patagonia Guidewater Backpack at:
AvidMax | Backcountry.com | Patagonia
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Simms Dry Creek Z Fishing Backpack
Simms Dry Creek Z BackpackThe new for 2022 Simms Dry Creek Z Fishing Backpack is another awesome waterproof fly fishing backpack. At first glance, it seems similar to the competition, but there are several standout features, starting with its new zipper. The Dry Creek Z’s waterproof Tru Zip zipper is a self-healing, toothless zipper that delivers 100% submersible protection. The zipper angle and reach also gives you great access to the generous 35-liter interior. For this newest version, Simms improved the waist belt so that it’s more supportive with MOLLE webbing attachment points for fishing accessories or small packs. Plus, if you don’t want the waist belt, you can remove it. New for 2022 are also two stretch water bottle pockets on the sides of the pack. But wait, there’s more: In case you want to use this pack for more than just fishing gear, there’s a laptop sleeve inside. The main shell fabric is now more rugged — it’s made from a 420D nylon double ripstop with a TPU coating.
If you like to slip a longer-handled net into a net scabbard, well, the Simms Dry Creek Z Fishing Backpack has a cool integrated net scabbard. Basically you poke the handle down through a sheath of material on the front of the pack (the rear when you’re wearing it) so that the net rides up. One more thing: If you like Simms quality but want a more budget-friendly price, try the Simms Dry Creek Rolltop Backpack. It’s a 30-liter roll-top waterproof backpack.
Shop the Simms Dry Creek Z Fishing Backpack at:
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YETI Panga Backpack 28
The YETI Panga Backpack 28 is an ultra rugged waterproof backpack that’s just as good on a stand-up paddle board or hiking in the rain as it is for fishing. Like all YETI gear, the Panga Backpack is overbuilt for extreme durability. It has a few standout features, starting with the massive waterproof zipper. The zipper extends far down the sides of the backpack, making it easy to get to gear. You get a double set of daisy chain loops on the exterior of the pack that you can use as attachment points for accessories or a net. YETI also included three grab handles — one at the top and two at the sides. You might be thinking, who cares about extra grab handles? We do — and you will, too. Here’s why: You’re going to stow your pack deep inside of your car, in the back of a pickup, or in a boat, and having multiple grab points will make it easy for you to reach over other gear or obstacles and grab the pack. Plus, you could use the side grab handles as a lashing point for a rod case or other gear. (Read our full YETI Panga review for more detail.)
YETI also includes an interior sleeve for a laptop or tablet, along with a mesh interior pocket that’s great for keys. The waist belt is just a strap, but you can also easily remove it if you don’t need it. If you want a little exterior waterproof storage for smaller odds and ends, you can add the YETI Sidekick Dry to the rear of the Panga Backpack via the aforementioned daisy-chain grid attachment points.
Shop the YETI Panga 28 Backpack at:
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Orvis Waterproof Backpack
The Orvis Waterproof Backpack does everything very well. At 1,282 cubic inches, it’s a bit smaller than some waterproof fishing backpacks on this list, but the interior is organized with a few handy zippered pockets. There’s a D-ring on the back and three other accessory attachment points. You also get a more generous exterior pocket, along with water bottle pockets. Also included are rod tube straps, and you can let the rod tube ride in a water bottle pocket for extra security. The zipper is a YKK Flexseal zipper, which isn’t as beefy as the Fishpond’s TIZIP, but it’s waterproof and opens wide for easy access to the main pack body. We like the gear station on the left shoulder strap for forceps and nippers. The TPU-coated 500D nylon material is pretty stout, and we like the padded bottom, which is great when you want to protect camera gear or electronics, which is the kind of thing we sometimes forget is inside when we drop our pack on the rocks.
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L.L.Bean Waterproof Switchpack
The L.L.Bean Waterproof Switchpack includes a built-in chest pack that you can swap from the rear of the pack to the front of your backpack straps for easy access to accessories while you’re fishing. For the hike out, you can return it to its place at the rear of the pack. So cool.
The 30-liter main compartment uses an efficient and effective roll-top closure system that is completely waterproof. The body of the pack is constructed from a durable TPU-coated double ripstop nylon fabric. The thermo-formed back panel won’t absorb water, so it’ll keep doing its job even in the rain. The waist belt has handy zip pockets on each side. The main pack also includes two sets of side rod case straps. The chest pack has room for fly boxes and multiple attachment points for zingers and accessories. A D-ring at the top of the pack is a ready attachment point for a net.
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Grundéns Rumrunner 30L Backpack
Grundéns Rumrunner 30L BackpackThe Grundens Rumrunner 30L Backpack is a great sub-$100 waterproof backpack option. The classic roll-top style closure, by the way, is rugged and effective.
Shop the Grundéns Gage Rum Runner at:
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Types of Fishing Backpacks
Of course, purpose-built fly fishing backpacks can also work very well for spin fishing enthusiasts. All fishing backpacks usually have accessory attachment points and pockets designed to fit fly boxes, pliers, and typical fly fishing gear, but they can usually swallow larger tackle boxes, too.
Still, if you’re looking for the best spin-fishing or bass fishing backpacks, skip to our favorite hard-tackle oriented fishing packs for spin fishing and bass fishing.
If you’re looking for the best fly fishing backpack and aren’t opposed to high-quality packs designed to be worn all day long, you have many backpack options — there are a half-dozen fly fishing manufacturers making fantastic backpacks for fly fishers. There is, however, one critical distinguishing factor in all of the best fishing packs: waterproofing.
Waterproof fishing backpacks are focused around one large waterproof pocket — the main portion of the pack itself. Obviously, this means you can fish in the rain without your gear or lunch getting wet, but it also means you can wade deep without soaking your backpack.
The downside is that you lose out on extra handy external pockets and gear organization. Non-waterproof fly fishing backpacks excel with pockets, and frankly, they’re just easier to use overall — until you want to wade deep or fish in the rain.
Are Waterproof Fishing Backpacks Worth It?
We tend to prefer waterproof backpacks. Why? Peace of mind. If you need to wade deep or if the rain starts, you just don’t have to worry about your fishing gear, your electronics, or even your sandwich.
Plus, part of the main point of carrying your fly fishing gear in a backpack is to get it on your back and out of the way. The point is not to access it frequently.
If you want frequent gear access, you’re probably better off with a fly fishing hip pack, a more agile sling pack, or more traditional vest — but that’s still not the whole story. Some of our favorite fishing backpacks integrate with chest packs or vest-type straps to give you the best of two worlds: massive carrying capacity with up-front access to gear. One example is the L.L.Bean Waterproof Switchpack.
Whichever kind of pack you need, choose a waterproof fishing backpack when you plan to fish through the rain — and you want to keep your gear dry!
Bonus: The Classic Patagonia Black Hole Duffel with the ‘Fitz Roy Trout’
If you’re interested in fishing backpacks, you might be interested in the cool Patagonia Black Hole Duffel with the Fitz Roy Trout. If you ever get stuck in the outdoor adventurer gift-giving department, this is a great lifetime duffel — and it’s good as a fly fishing gift idea, too.
Shop the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel – w/Fitz Trout – at:
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