Chest Pack

[GoldenFly]

I'm wanting to purchase a new chest pack and would like some feedback as to what to buy. Currently, I'm looking at the William and Joseph Confluence and Escape. Also the Watermark Caddis and Midge. Both brands look to be very similar and I'm just wondering the differences between the brands and the type of packs in a practical sense. The three main concerns I have are; the back pack size; total size of the pack; and the fit. With the back pack I usually carry canteen of water, some type of food, and a rain jacket. Of course I would like something smaller in size and not to cumbersome for casting. I currently have a older Cabelas pack and it tends to slide around on my shoulders even at its tightest fit. I would be looking for something that fits snug for walking and casting. Any suggestions?

 

[albatross]

I have an escape pack from here:
http://www.mrfc.com/MadisonRiverShopping/SearchResult.aspx?KeyWords=AWJ30C

Can't beat the price and I love the pack.

I carry a hydration bladder, raincoat, lunch, and every fly I own with no trouble. It is actually a frame pack and it carries well on the hips and doesn't move around on my body.

 

[tomgamber]

I have a Fishpond pack that I can use on my chest or my waist. Maybe want to look into one that multitasks in that way...

 

[wetnet]

I have the W&J Confluence. Still have room for the bladder. It's an extremely light pack and doesn't hurt my shoulders like my past paks. It sits high on the chest so if you're kneeling or in deep water it's noot getting water logged. I had an Orvis and never used half the pockets. This pack has what I need. A very efficient pack. So far the best pack suited to my needs yet.

 

[GoldenFly]

albatross,

Thanks for the link and the advice. I just bought the escape. The price was too good to pass up.

 

[albatross]

Your welcome!

 

[ErnieBall]

Golden: Alby actually turned my on to the escape pack as well, and I love it! When I got it though, I wasn't completely satisfied. I felt that the pouches below the breast were hindering my cast and other things. Well, the solution was: I moved the pouches down onto my waist and threaded the straps through the belt loops and attached them in the back. When you get it, you'll see what I mean. Just wanted to let you know that this is possible if you have the same issue. Other than that, great pack! Love it.

 

[Hooligan]

I 've been using a Filson Strap Vest for the past year and I love it! You can get your water and sandwich in the back section, and I think you can squeeze a thin rain jacket it there, also. It also helps to alleviate/minimize my back pain. For me, that's a BIG plus!

I've tried a confluence- type chest pack, but I didn't like the front middle bulge- it tended to obscure the view of my feet while wading (and I need all of the sight of the stream bottom I can get- I'm a klutz!).

I have a Fishpond pack/vest that is essentially the same as the Escape model. I do like it but I tend to overload it. I use that for my long range recon type fishing excursions. It's great for that.

I also recomment you check out Madison River Fish Company's "clearance" page Madison River Fish Company.

I think all of us fly fishing addicts live part of our sporting lives in quest of the perfect vest. Let us all know how you make out.

John

 

[wetnet]

I have to agree that the confluence comes out at the chest. I don't have a problem with it and I've had back surgery but if you need to look down it could cause a problem. I love it for every other reason, it's light, the flies are right there and it does not make my back hurt and I can still pack a water baldder and pretty much everything I need. The front pouch could be tighter to the chest but it's a great way of to stow flies away without them falling out all over. Still liking my pack. I feel my way more with my feet then looking down at the monsters that will send me onto my back. But

 

[afishinado]

I didn’t really need these, but at this price I bought them anyway. I know it is shocking for any of us to buy gear we really don’t need, but I’m sucker for a sale. I really like the type of chest pack with two side pouches rather than a large one in the front so I can see where I’m walking or wading. Check them out:

http://www.shoploonoutdoors.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=92

http://www.shoploonoutdoors.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=150&osCsid=a78c13199d09d79b73f2fa99992229b6

http://www.shoploonoutdoors.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=30

 

[Fredrick]

Tweed you twisted my arm so I got this http://www.shoploonoutdoors.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=152

 

[wgmiller]

Afish,

Damn you for posting those links!!! :-D I've probably gone through more vests/chest packs in my short fly fishing career and not due to overuse, but that $29 Rip Tide sure is tempting...

 

[dkile]

Back to the chest pack question again. Doing some research for myself here and thanks for the help on the previous posts in August. It seems some of these product links have been removed and do not work anymore.

I am have been looking at the FishPond chest packs. I was looking at the DOUBLE HAUL CHEST/BACKPACK SYSTEM. I need to be able to carry my fairly large DSLR camera with me and it seemed that this could do it. I may have to go over to a vest, but like the versitility of the Double Haul system. Don't need a bladder as water is just over rated.

Any thoughts?

 

[PaulG]

afishinado wrote:
I didn’t really need these, but at this price I bought them anyway. I know it is shocking for any of us to buy gear we really don’t need, but I’m sucker for a sale. I really like the type of chest pack with two side pouches rather than a large one in the front so I can see where I’m walking or wading. Check them out:

http://www.shoploonoutdoors.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=92

http://www.shoploonoutdoors.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=150&osCsid=a78c13199d09d79b73f2fa99992229b6

http://www.shoploonoutdoors.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=30

AfishOver the years I have spent a bunch of money on vests, chest packs, and the box never could fine what was best for me. Two years ago I got another new vest, not sure how many thats been. I don't like the chestpacks because I can't see my feet, and now days I have enough problems wading.

To make a long story short, before I got the new vest, I had make up my mind to buy the chest pack with the side pouches, and while at the flyshop I changed my mind and got the vest :-x been pissed ever since!

PaulG

 

[TimMurphy]

PaulG wrote:

afishinado wrote:
I didn’t really need these, but at this price I bought them anyway. I know it is shocking for any of us to buy gear we really don’t need, but I’m sucker for a sale. I really like the type of chest pack with two side pouches rather than a large one in the front so I can see where I’m walking or wading. Check them out:

http://www.shoploonoutdoors.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=92

http://www.shoploonoutdoors.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=150&osCsid=a78c13199d09d79b73f2fa99992229b6

http://www.shoploonoutdoors.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=30

AfishOver the years I have spent a bunch of money on vests, chest packs, and the box never could fine what was best for me. Two years ago I got another new vest, not sure how many thats been. I don't like the chestpacks because I can't see my feet, and now days I have enough problems wading.

To make a long story short, before I got the new vest, I had make up my mind to buy the chest pack with the side pouches, and while at the flyshop I changed my mind and got the vest :-x been pissed ever since!

PaulG

Dear Paul,

What are you complaining about? I haven't seen my feet in decades. I'm not sure they are even attached to me still unless they hurt?

Call me a cynic but so many of these new trappings are nothing more than a way to get people to spend dough on something they already have.

I do use a chest pack, it's an Orvis Safe Passage pack. I like it, but it doesn't carry as much as I carried in a Columbia Vest and a Richardson knock-off box that I used years ago.

I'm always short of something or another and therefore buying some widget or gadget to make it all better. It never gets better than today dude!

I'll never learn!

Regards,
Tim Murphy

 

[PaulG]

Tim

I have to omit I hadn't seen my feet in a long time myself. Since my stomach problems I have lost over 70 Lbs in a little over a year...tough way to lose weight!

The one problem is, my waders look like hell on me now....way to big.

I got to ask you, with those huge feet you have, how can you not see them ;-)

PaulG

 

[afishinado]

Tim,

I bought an Orvis Hydration Chestpack (old model) and removed the water bladder. I carry everything but the kitchen sink in it and it's very comfortable.

One suggestion, if you stopped carrying the 12 pack of Yuengling in your pack, maybe you would have more room for fishing stuff. At least switch from bottles to cans, and leave the ice back at the truck!

:-D

 

[Crotalus]

I found a chest pack i liked - the William Joseph Gear Bag, but i havent been able to match it up with a decent backpack yet. The original was too small, couldnt carry anything in it.

I made a few modifications and attached it to a Watermark backpack, now i can carry stuff but the backpack is not that great of a design and puts a lot of pressure on my shoulders and back.

Got a William Joseph fanny pack last year, very comfy, but again no storage to carry lunch or an extra shirt or wading jacket.

Just ordered a WJ Drifter pack, has many good features that should make it more comfy to carry all day. Will need to modify the chest pack i have to it onto the clips, but shouldnt be a hassle.

As for wading, i havent had many if any problems, just lean a little left or right to see where i am going.

 

[afishinado]

Like I said, my CP from Orvis is no longer made. Look for the chestpack models with a hydration bladder and remove it. The backpack is the size of a good daypack and you can carry a raincoat or jacket, lunch, water bottle, or even 12 pack of bottles with ice, if your are so inclined.

 

[TimMurphy]

afishinado wrote:
Tim,

I bought an Orvis Hydration Chestpack (old model) and removed the water bladder. I carry everything but the kitchen sink in it and it's very comfortable.

One suggestion, if you stopped carrying the 12 pack of Yuengling in your pack, maybe you would have more room for fishing stuff. At least switch from bottles to cans, and leave the ice back at the truck!

:-D

Dear afish,

I never drink while on stream.

Perhaps that explains why I never get more than a "Walker" or two away from the truck? ;-)

Regards,
Tim Murphy