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New Simms Chest Pack... Review?

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Jase

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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I think it's time I switch up my pack set up. I've tried just about everything, except for a definite chest pack.

Used a lanyard for a while... didn't like it dangling from my neck all day hiking through a stream. Tried a vest... felt too cumbersome on hot days. For the last 5-6 years, I've been using a Fishpond waist pack and although it's held up well and carries more than enough stuff for wading, I'm ready for a change. By the end of last season, I was getting tired of having my storage pockets behind me, and always having to slide the pack around everytime I needed tools, flies, etc.

After searching around, I found this chest pack from Simms.
https://www.simmsfishing.com/shop/new-arrivals/waypoints-dual-chest-pack-s17.

Haven't seen this one around much.... new product? Anyone use this pack and can give a review? Ideas on other packs to look in to?
 
Mayfly Aviator

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#2 ·
Love a good pack discussion. I've had most of the offerings out there and found that I need a couple to fit my needs on different outings. My favorite big hip pack is the William Joseph hip pack with the magnets. Nice thing about it is that you can reach back and grab what you need without swinging it around. Swinging the pack around is a pain, especially when you are layered up and have a net tucked in the waist band.

I like chest packs enough, but it takes some getting used to. The best chest pack is the smallest pack - look at the fishpond San Juan or older Simms dry creek. Those big molded Simms packs are bulky on the waist and I imagine they will seem big on the chest.
 
Kfish

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#3 ·
I've tried the Simms Waypoint chest pack before. The compartment size are just about right, not too small that it becomes useless but not too bulky either, and the front opens out like a tray that's useful. After a few outings I did not stick with it because after a while the neck strap gets pretty annoying. I've tried other chest pack as well and the Simms is the best in term of ergonomics, the load spreads out toward your shoulders (unlike the others that constantly pull on your neck) but even that gets tiresome after a while. I've tried hanging a net in the back strap to balance out the load, much better but still not ideal with the net dangling in the back.
Ultimately I decided the chest pack route wasn't for me and went with an Umpqua Bandolier pack, you can wear this as an ambidextrous sling or waist, I wear as a sling.
It's light, compact, holds enough stuff but unobtrusive and swing around easy enough. As for the net I would just tuck it behind my back on the wading belt. This setup has been working well for me both in the salt and rivers for the past year.
 
JohnB

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460 Posts
#6 ·
Personally it looks like too much stuff at chest level for me, but I've never tried it on and use a smaller chest pack. I've got a small Sage chest pack that can also be lengthened to sit on my hip which I like.
 
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