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sling pack?

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sling
8K views 24 replies 21 participants last post by  David Loy  
#1 ·
need to pick up a sling pack, 2 hours from nearest fly shop, so not in a position to window shop for one,m so tapping the forum for recommendations. 6'2 x 190#, just need enough room for a couple of fly boxes, usual steelhead gear while tramping along the river. Not looking for a large 'and the kitchen sink' model, my days of hiking for miles from the truck are behind me..thnx
 
#10 ·
I've been running this for a couple years. Fly patch and pocket on front strap that is big enough to be used as a holster. Also has a waterproof pocket on inside. Carries nice and pretty adjustable too. Don't know what it's called, but someone here will know. View attachment 158797
Patagonia vest front sling
 
#12 ·
I use the Umpqua Bandolier sling for most of my fishing , it's ambidextrous. Holds a couple of full size fly boxes, tippet holders, hemo sleeve, zinger sleeves..light and compact and leaves room for a hanging net on the back.
I like to wear it on the left shoulder since I cast with the right.

Lou
 
#14 ·
I just got the new Simms Dry Creek Z sling for Christmas. I've had a couple different non waterproof slings but wanted something that would keep my stuff dry when fishing the beaches during the winter. This one is pretty good. Only downside I've found so far is being that it has a submersible zipper, it can be a bit of a pain to open and close as it's very stiff. The little loops on either end of the bag are to hold on to while closing up or opening the zipper. I really like the net holder slot on the back of the bag. The inside has a few mesh dividers, but is mostly an open space for your stuff. I looked at the Patagonia waterproof sling but it was much bigger than I wanted. The new Orvis waterproof sling was on my list as well and around the same size, but ultimately decided I liked the new Simms a bit more because of the net holder. Cost definitely is an issue with the waterproof slings, as you're going to be in the $230-$250 range.
Image
 
#15 ·
I got the original Orvis sling when it came out...then, when they released the guide model, I got one of those as well.

Since then, the guide model has been my go to for nearly every fishing trip.

That said, there's definitely a lot of extras I carry that I wouldn't strictly need, plus I like that it's big enough to give me the option of wearing a hoodie in the morning, then taking it off and jamming it inside later on if I get too warm.

The shit you "need" expands to an amount that will fill whatever carrying solution you decide to go with. Still, I don't find the guide sling at all uncomfortable, even loaded down with 5-6 fly boxes, a heavy film camera, hoodie, and a few beers.
 
#17 · (Edited)
Been using this one for a year now and its been fabulous:

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/game-winner-camo-sling-pack#repChildCatid=1601019

The pack has hideaway mesh water bottle holders that unzip from each side. The pack distributes the weight of the bottles exceptionally well. Plenty of room to hold flyboxes as described by the OP and other typical gadgetry. Only downside is not many lashing points on the pack's exterior for tools, tippet holders, etc. pin-on zingers are a good option. No D-ring for net but this is really a hunting pack. Good padding and pretty water resistant. Excellent value for the money...I bought it with a Christmas gift card.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#19 ·
some feedback on the Maxcatch sling pack - comfortable to wear, excellent shoulder padding, quick release waist strap, light and well made (time will tell), pulls around to the front position exactly as it should for access, well laid out storage pockets, enough room for both my fly and centerpin gear. A lot to like for a pricepoint pack.

cheers
 
#21 · (Edited)
I like sling packs because everything is out of the way until I need it. I also use this 15 liter 2015-2017 version of the PAS sling pack as a replacement for my 7 liter 2012-2014 PAS; now pretty much relegated to PS beaches. There are some things I really like, a couple of small issues that I've learned how to work with, and one issue on both versions that I am really struggling with.

I absolutely love having a pocket on the strap for keeping my hemo-scissors secured so they don't foul my fly line that is right there when I need to unhook a fish without slinging the pack around to get at the hemo pocket like you do for the 2018 version.

I often log my trip data with an Android fishing app and like the larger "phone pocket" conveniently on the shoulder strap so I can quickly snap a photo of fish in my measure net before releasing and enter catch data without slinging the pack around.

I like the larger size PAS to be able to carry a rain jacket and my Korkers bar soles while I hike in the non-studded Kling-Ons on longer approaches to fish high-remote streams.

I like having the rod straps to carry a Tenkara rod on a long hike in, and even a second Tenkara rod when I think that conditions warrant. However I sewed a small fold over at the free end of both straps so they can't accidentally slip through the cam buckle and get lost. Also I threaded a neoprene drink bottle koozie with belt loops onto the straps to provide a more secure rod "pouch" and a little protection.

When I sling the pack around to get into the front fly pocket to change flies or rigs, the hemo-scissors are behind me. I found a Walton's Thumb multi-tool on a short shock cord lanyard fits securely into the little hypalon sleeve next to the water bottle pocket and is convenient when the pack is out front.

The thing that gets me is the position of the net keeper D ring over my right shoulder. I cast right-reel left so I use my left hand to hold the net when landing a fish. The net naturally gravitates to the right and I can't easily reach back to grab it with my left hand. That's especially annoying when hand-lining in a big struggling fish on a Tenkara rod. If I stick the handle of my longer handled tamo-net inside my wading belt on my left hip, the net tends to get fouled up on the pack. I could probably ditch the big tamo and buy a shorter folding net to put on my wading belt but I like the long handle to easily reach the fish. Anyone have another idea how to overcome this annoyance?
 
#22 ·
I have the Orvis Guide sling pack and the Patagonia Atom Stealth sling pack. I use the Orvis pack for tons of stuff outside of fishing - around town, traveling, biking, skiing, hiking - and I have gotten several inquiries about it. The Atom Stealth is small and compact, and a nice pack. I will often say I want to go minimalist, but by the time I throw in my fly boxes, tippet and leaders, a few gadgets, a water bottle, some lunch, a small first aid kit, phone, maybe a small camera, toilet paper, wallet and license, and some sunscreen or what not, the packs fill up pretty quickly. I like both, but I would give the nod to the Orvis due to its larger capacity. I'vd never found myself saying "gee, I wish it didn't have so much room"; I just don't fill it unless necessary. Probably about 50% if the time I use most of the volume. Both packs are extremely well made, are comfortable, and are backed by companies with great customer service. I'm 5-11 200 and both packs fit fine.

Good luck!