sundrunk
Member
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2006
- Messages
- 969
Only thing I don't like about chest packs is that I can't see my feet when I'm wading, walking over rocks,,Danger
pcray1231
Well-known member
Just another option to consider. Personally, I like a chest box, rather than a pack. The two I know of are Richardson and Downs chest fly boxes. I have a Richardson, but the Downs looks very similar (cheaper, but plastic instead of metal).
They are comfortable and flies are incredibly easy to get to. My camera, when I take it, is velcro'd to the front of the box which makes for quick and easy access. Keys, shot, tippet, etc. is put into a coat pocket in the wintertime, and in the summer it hangs out in a small belt pouch. Nippers, thermometer, leader straightener, etc. all are attached to the box straps with zingers.
They are comfortable and flies are incredibly easy to get to. My camera, when I take it, is velcro'd to the front of the box which makes for quick and easy access. Keys, shot, tippet, etc. is put into a coat pocket in the wintertime, and in the summer it hangs out in a small belt pouch. Nippers, thermometer, leader straightener, etc. all are attached to the box straps with zingers.
ConMan
Member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2006
- Messages
- 112
I stopped using a vest years ago and would not go back. As others have mentioned, once I switched from a vest to a pack the strain on my neck and subesquently my shoulders and back was reduced dramatically. During short trips - I don't even feel the pack. When you get to the super long days on the water and 7 or 8 straight days of wearing the pack I start to feel it. But those types of trips were killer with a vest.
I use the Orvis Pack that was the model similar to this one http://www.tcoflyfishing.com/TCO_Fly_Fishing_L5_Product.cfm?productid=34199 that they don't make anymore.
What I find great about the pack vs the vest is when I peel a layer or two after fishing the cool morning, I can put it in the back pack and/or on the straps outside the back pack and it's really not an issue. Cramming that into the back of a vest, along with water bottles, etc. is just not feasible.
I use the Orvis Pack that was the model similar to this one http://www.tcoflyfishing.com/TCO_Fly_Fishing_L5_Product.cfm?productid=34199 that they don't make anymore.
What I find great about the pack vs the vest is when I peel a layer or two after fishing the cool morning, I can put it in the back pack and/or on the straps outside the back pack and it's really not an issue. Cramming that into the back of a vest, along with water bottles, etc. is just not feasible.
Raff
Member
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2009
- Messages
- 77
A few years ago I switched from a vest or chest pack to a hip pack from William Joseph (the catalyst), and I will never go back. The hip pack is the way to go.
http://www.williamjoseph.net/product_details.php
http://www.williamjoseph.net/product_details.php
S
scotto
Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2006
- Messages
- 549
For me its a waist/hip pack or less (lanyard + 1 flybox). My waist pack is a LL Bean pack from their hiking/outdoor gear catalog. Big enough for all my gear, plus a sandwich and packable jacket if needed. It has 2 water bottle holders and some attachment rings.
ConMan
Member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2006
- Messages
- 112
I just bought a hip pack - from Fishpond not WJ - but it's very similar. I'm looking forward to fishing with it this weekend for Steel.
flipnfly
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2009
- Messages
- 1,132
heres my opinion if anyone wants it i use a chest pack and i like how everyhting isright there but what i dont like is how i cant see where im placing my feet so i would say a vest for bigger guys or a hip type pack i hear the wj pack with the magnetic closures is very nice and keeps your flies dry i think ill be switching soon i used to like a vest but they dont make em as big as i am lol i even used to use a kreel when i bait fished that wasnt too bad just hurt my neck
