No matter where you prefer to fish, chances are you’re bringing gear with you. At the very least some lures and extra tools. In most cases, a backpack can go a long way in providing extra storage that’s easy to pack and comfortable to carry. In this post we are breaking down the best fishing backpacks for any fishing situation.
What Are the Different Types of Fishing Backpacks?
Backpacks are usually associated with kids or, occasionally, with adults working office jobs. But they’re actually a gear addition to your fishing kit and come in a variety of options. Let’s get a general idea of what’s out there on the market:
- Traditional Fishing Backpack – These are the “classics” when it comes to style, with two over-the-arm straps, a main compartment, and front compartments at the very least.
- Over the Shoulder/Sling Fishing Backpack – Sling packs have only one strap that goes diagonally over the shoulder and across the chest. Some people find this style more comfortable.
- Waist Pack – Think a fanny pack, but more versatile and meant for rugged use.
- Rolling Fishing Bag – Bigger can sometimes be better, and rolling bags provide a lot more space. They’re not ideal for hiking-in fishing areas, but are great for spots with pathways and piers.
What is the Best Fishing Backpack?
When looking for your perfect fishing bag, there are a few things to take into consideration. Of course, each fisherman will have different needs, so as you’re shopping around pay close attention to:
- Affordability – Is this product priced realistically based on the specs and features? Will you break the bank buying it, or are you getting a bang for your buck?
- Comfort – This is incredibly important and often overlooked. You don’t want to be hiking in to a river with an uncomfortable backpack. Make sure to try the pack on if you can and walk around with it a bit. The fit, weight, and structure should all be considered.
- Type of fishing – Not all packs are made equal, and that’s especially true when it comes to what kind of fishing you’re doing. A backpack made for ice fishing, for example, will differ greatly from a backpack made for fly fishing.
As you begin the search for a backpack, try to keep the above points in mind. We’ve found one pack that excels in all of those areas.
Signup for my monthly newsletter to get content and gear recommendations every month. I'll send you stuff I like, I will never spam you.
Best Tackle Backpack Overall – Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Overview
Talk about versatility! The Piscifun tackle backpack has everything an angler could ever want, from tackle storage space to the ergonomic design.
Pros
- This pack contains 18 sectioned storage areas with high-quality, secure zippers. Find a place for everything!
- The back of this pack as well as the straps are padded and made with breathable material.
- Piscifun includes additional gear such as a protective raincover, sunglasses case, and KAM buckle.
Cons
- There are so many storage areas, you may have a hard time getting to your tackle quickly.
- Due to the size, this pack can get heavy quickly.
What We Like About it:
- Piscifun’s backpack is affordable and goes on sale often.
- It provides ample storage space with multiple compartments.
- Two main compartments are structured for tackle trays and soft plastics
- Anglers who prefer their own tackle boxes and trays can choose to purchase this backpack without the trays.
- This is one of the few packs with a bottle holder for water bottles
Best Fishing Backpack with Rod Holders – KastKing Bait Boss Fishing Tackle Backpack
KastKing Bait Boss Fishing Tackle Backpack
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Overview
KastKing’s backpack comes with the perfect rod holders and tackle boxes, as well as a stylish aesthetic.
Pros
- This pack is made of Nylon fabric that holds up against rugged use and tough conditions.
- The 20 multi-functional storage pockets (6 of which are PVC) create versatile, organized storage for lures, tackle, and tools.
- The main compartment in this pack has a storage area of 34-liters and is adjustable with a fold-down padded partition.
Cons
- Heavy weight in this pack may make it sag.
- As a larger backpack, this is not an ideal product for kids or teens to use.
What We Like About It
- KastKing has included two rod holders built into the pack.
- There is ample storage with large compartments.
- A soft plastic organizing system keeps your tackle from getting tangled.
- Tackle trays are included with this pack.
- The Molle System that KastKing uses allows for customizability.
Best Waterproof Fishing Backpack – FishPond Thunderhead Submersible Fly Fishing Backpack
FishPond Thunderhead Submersible Fly Fishing Backpack
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Overview
The Submersible backpack from FishPond is geared toward those adventurous anglers who find themselves wading through rivers and ponds regularly.
Pros
- This backpack is fully waterproof and uses self-healing technology when punctured.
- FishPond includes a set of Lariat gear straps that can be used on either side of the pack.
- The shoulder straps, belt, and back panel are made of lightweight foam for comfort.
Cons
- At a higher price point, this pack might not be for everyone.
- There is less storage capacity than with other backpacks.
What We Like About It
- This pack has a large main compartment.
- Fully waterproof, it’s a great option for wading and navigating through deeper waters.
- The quality durable materials are built to last.
- This pack is also made of reusable, recycled materials.
- There are tons of attachment points for customization and adding more packs,
Best Rolling Tackle Backpack – Elkton Outdoors Rolling Tackle Box
Elkton Outdoors Rolling Tackle Box
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Overview
This backpack can be both carried or rolled depending on your surroundings, making for a versatile product with impressive storage capacity.
Pros
- The pack includes 4 rod holders and 5 removable tackle trays that fit snugly into the main compartment.
- The weight capacity for this backpack is 26.5 pounds, and heavy-duty wheels allow for use in rugged locations.
- An upper compartment makes for quick and easy access to your most-used gear.
Cons
- This pack can be a bit bulky to carry as a backpack due to the square structure.
- Standard tackle trays will not fit the main compartment, so you’ll need to use the included trays.
- The wheels do not swivel.
What We Like About It
- The handles and wheels are sturdy and constructed with rugged use in mind.
- The rod holders are reinforced.
- This pack comes with tackle trays.
- There is tons of storage space and pockets for different gear and loadouts.
Best Bank Fishing Tackle Backpack – PLAY KING Fishing Backpack Chair
PLAY KING Fishing Backpack Chair
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Overview
PLAY KING goes above and beyond in including additional features with this backpack. It’s a treat for anglers who enjoy comfort and style.
Pros
- A small fold-out stool is built into the structure of this backpack.
- Sternum straps keep the pack secure during hiking in or out of an area.
- Deep containers have removable dividers to tailor storage to your needs.
Cons
- The chair is on the smaller side and not meant for long-term use.
- Compared to similar products, the price point on this backpack is on the higher end.
What We Like About It
- PLAY KING’s pack is great for setting up shop on the bank of a river, pond, or stream.
- It’s lightweight but also manages to include a comfortable chair
- This is a large capacity pack for anglers with a lot of gear and tackle.
- It comes with 3 tackle trays.
Best Sling/Over-the-shoulder Fishing Pack – FishPond Summit Sling Pack 2.0
FishPond Summit Sling Pack 2.0
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Overview
Over-the-shoulder bags are all about comfort, and the Summer Sling is no exception.
Pros
- There are a total of 7 interior and exterior pockets for organizing your gear.
- FishPond is well-known for the drop down fly/cargo bench, a perfect addition for fly fishermen on the move.
- Additional features include an exterior water bottle holder and Hypalon tool attachments.
Cons
- This pack is on the smaller side compared to other fishing backpacks and has less storage space.
- Over-the-shoulder slings are not comfortable for everyone.
What We Like About It
- This pack is made with a comfortable over the shoulder strap.
- There are several different attachment points for adding accessories of your choice.
- There are 7 different pockets for organizing tackle.
Best Ultralight Sling Fishing Pack – Orvis Mini Sling Pack
Orvis Mini Sling Pack
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Overview
If you’re looking for a simple design for short trips, the Orvis Mini Sling may be the pack for you.
Pros
- The simplified design cuts down on storage confusion and an overabundance of zippers.
- This backpack is made from 100% recycled ECO Cordura material.
- The main body of the pack contains several storage and drop pockets with zippers for security.
Cons
- This pack is not waterproof.
- With a 5 liter capacity, this backpack is not recommended for long-term trips with more than the basic gear needed.
What We Like About It
- The Min Sling is comfortable and lightweight.
- It has several attachment points for tools and accessories that fit your needs.
- This is a great pack for quick trips and every day essentials.
Best Waist Fishing Pack – Piscifun Fishing Waist Bag
Piscifun Fishing Waist Bag
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Overview
The Piscifun fanny pack is light-weight and a great option for quick fishing trips where essential gear is right at your fingertips.
Pros
- The waist belt is adjustable and has a hook and loop fastener as well as a quick release buckle.
- 5 outer pockets make reaching your gear quick and easy. A combination of zippers, hook and loop fasteners, and mesh pockets provides a variety of storage.
- Made of durable material, the pack weighs only 10.5 oz.
Cons
- Some pockets are less secure, with velcro instead of zippers.
- The water bottle holder will only fit a 16 oz. bottle at most.
- The material this pack is made of is not waterproof.
What We Like About It
- This pack has strong waist straps to keep it secure as you move.
- Included is a water bottle holder and quite a few different accessory pockets.
- The compartment can fit a small double sided plano and a couple packs of soft plastics.
- The waist bag is great for little day trips or wading.
Best Ultralight Fishing Waist Pack – Chums Trekker Waist Pack
Chums Trekker Waist Pack
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.Overview
The Trekker Waist Pack is a larger-size fanny pack that comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- The pack has moderate storage with two zippered pockets and an internal organizer pocket and key clip.
- Some anglers choose to wear this pack over-the-shoulder as the strap is long enough to allow for that adjustment.
Cons
- This pack may be awkward for tackle, as Chums recommends it for items like tools, cell phones, and keys.
- If cinching the strap tightly, the extra length hangs down and can be frustrating for some anglers to work around.
What We Like About It
- This is not a fishing specific pack, but great for when you only need to take a few items out to the water, perfect for ultralight fishing.
- It’s ideal for anglers who prefer pond hopping with minimum gear to lug along.
- This waist pack can fish some terminal tackle and a few packs of plastics.
- It’s an essentials-only option for the minimalist fisherman.
Are Tackle Backpacks Worth It?
The short answer is, Yes. Tackle backpacks may look bulky and cumbersome at first, but they offer a different type of storage and organization for anglers who spend a lot of time out on the water. When you need more than just your essential tackle, these packs can provide additional features like water bottle holders, rod slips, fold out chairs and more. Spend less time looking for items and more time fishing.
Are Fishing Backpacks better than Tacklebox?
Tackle boxes will always be a classic, but they can be awkward to carry for longer distances when you have your hands full with other gear (including lunch boxes, coolers, etc.). Over the past decade or so, fishing backpacks have grown in popularity. The majority of backpacks include storage for tackle boxes or trays, so you’re just building off of the basics. Because of the variety of products on the market, anglers can also customize a pack based on their particular needs and fishing niche.
Who Needs a Fishing Backpack?
Backpacks may be a hard sell if you only carry one or two extra hooks, your bait, and a rod down to a nearby water source. But for anglers who want to carry a good amount of gear and stay organized, backpacks can be a game-changer.
Styles like the fanny pack or smaller backpacks allow for easy access to gear while keeping your hands free. Move comfortably in or around the water while having everything close by, but dry and secure.
How to Better Organize my Fishing Backpack?
For starters, take advantage of those built-in tackle trays or boxes and get those organized first. Chances are, if you have a classic tackle box you’re already familiar with this level of organization.
If you’re using a backpack without a tackle tray included or you’d like to organize your pack using the different compartments, try some of the following organization options for tackle and lures:
- By size
- By species (ex. Trout, bottom feeders, bass, bluegill or panfish)
- By color
- By type (ex. Jigs, spinners, buzz baits, soft plastics, flies)
Being familiar with your backpack and how you’ve organized it will make finding your gear when you need it fast and easy.
How To Choose A Fishing Backpack
With their popularity growing, there’s a shocking variety of fishing backpacks on the market these days. Where do you start when you’re choosing one? There are a few things you should take into consideration to narrow down your options.
Fishing Situations
Where and how are you fishing? Are you pond hopping or fly fishing in a busy river? Will you be in a boat or wading with minimal gear? Of course, quite a few anglers don’t fish just one way. Keep that in mind, too, and look for a versatile pack that has storage and room for organizing according to your preferred fishing needs.
Size/Carrying Capacity
If you’re more inclined to hike out to a remote river to fish, you’ll probably want to look at the larger backpacks that have a better storage capacity for all your gear needs. But if you’re just pond hopping for a chill day and want a few different lures on hand, you might be better suited to the fanny pack styles that are light-weight and stress-free.
Pay attention to size and carrying capacity, because there’s nothing worse than getting stuck out on the water with too little storage and a lack of gear when the fish are hitting.
Features
Added features are always a bonus and, sometimes, a pleasant surprise when you’re purchasing a fishing backpack. We’ve gone over some of the necessities that every pack should include, but what extra features can you keep an eye out for that might make your fishing experience easier and more enjoyable?
- Tackle trays included – Some backpacks are made to fit standard tackle trays, but not all are. In this case it’s more convenient to purchase a pack that has tackle trays included so that when the time comes, you know you’ll have storage for your lures and bait.
- Attachment points – If you travel with multiple rods, you’ll likely be happy with the added feature of a rod holder or two. This will allow you to travel hands-free, but take your favorites with you.
- Wheels – Depending on where you’re fishing, wheels can be incredibly convenient. If you’re walking a pier or a gravel path leading out to a bay, switching from carrying to wheeling your backpack can be a relief.
- Chair – This feature is harder to find among fishing backpacks but can definitely come in handy. Look at specs for fold-out chairs carefully, as they’ll have a certain weight capacity and may not be meant for long-term use.
- Water bottle holder – Without a doubt, a water bottle holder is one of the most important – and easily overlooked – features a fishing backpack can have. Stay hydrated on your trip and make sure you have the space to pack at least one bottle of water!
Durability
There’s nothing worse than taking a pack out a few times and, on a day you’re really excited to get fishing, realizing it’s coming apart at the seams or full of holes. Check out the material that the pack is made of to make sure it’s durable and can stand up to wear-and-tear. Some favorites among anglers that have proven themselves time and again are nylon and any waterproof material (including packs with rain slips).
Comfort
Comfort in a backpack is extremely important, although it might not be the first thing you take into consideration. But if you’ve ever bought the wrong backpack, you know that ensuring you have a proper fit and style is crucial. Many anglers enjoy hiking out to their favorite fishing area, and you’ll likely be lugging the pack around with you all day. Padded straps, waist clips, and the right structure will literally take the pain off your shoulders.
Can you take a backpack ice fishing?
Taking a backpack ice fishing is a great way to stay organized out on the ice. Backpacks provide extra storage for those essential items: hand warmers, warm drinks, extra space for lures, hatchets, and whatever else you use while fishing. In the more extreme weather you’re likely to face while ice fishing, backpacks can be a literal lifesaver.
Conclusion
Picking the right backpack is important, as you’ll want to make sure it has the space you need as well as any added features you think will be helpful – bottle holders, for example, within easy reach. They are functional and make a great gift for the fisherman or woman in your life.We’ve touched on our favorites, but as you begin your search, remember to look at price point, additional features, durability, and comfort.
