Best Fishing Backpacks for Any Situation

By Get Fishing •  Published: 11/05/22 •  16 min read

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.

Best Fishing backpack

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:

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: 

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. 

Best Tackle Backpack Overall – Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack

Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack

Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack

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Overview

Talk about versatility! The Piscifun tackle backpack has everything an angler could ever want, from tackle storage space to the ergonomic design.

Pros

Cons

What We Like About it:

Best Fishing Backpack with Rod Holders – KastKing Bait Boss Fishing Tackle Backpack

KastKing Bait Boss Fishing Tackle Backpack

KastKing Bait Boss Fishing Tackle Backpack

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Overview

KastKing’s backpack comes with the perfect rod holders and tackle boxes, as well as a stylish aesthetic.

Pros

Cons

What We Like About It

Best Waterproof Fishing Backpack – FishPond Thunderhead Submersible Fly Fishing Backpack

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FishPond Thunderhead Submersible Fly Fishing Backpack

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Overview

The Submersible backpack from FishPond is geared toward those adventurous anglers who find themselves wading through rivers and ponds regularly.

Pros

Cons

What We Like About It

Best Rolling Tackle Backpack – Elkton Outdoors Rolling Tackle Box

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Elkton Outdoors Rolling Tackle Box

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Overview

This backpack can be both carried or rolled depending on your surroundings, making for a versatile product with impressive storage capacity.

Pros

Cons

What We Like About It

Best Bank Fishing Tackle Backpack – PLAY KING Fishing Backpack Chair

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PLAY KING Fishing Backpack Chair

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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

Cons

What We Like About It

Best Sling/Over-the-shoulder Fishing Pack – FishPond Summit Sling Pack 2.0

FishPond Summit Sling Pack 2.0

FishPond Summit Sling Pack 2.0

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Overview

Over-the-shoulder bags are all about comfort, and the Summer Sling is no exception. 

Pros

Cons

What We Like About It

Best Ultralight Sling Fishing Pack – Orvis Mini Sling Pack

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Orvis Mini Sling Pack

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Overview

If you’re looking for a simple design for short trips, the Orvis Mini Sling may be the pack for you. 

Pros

Cons

What We Like About It

Best Waist Fishing Pack – Piscifun Fishing Waist Bag  

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Piscifun Fishing Waist Bag

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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

Cons

What We Like About It

Best Ultralight Fishing Waist Pack – Chums Trekker Waist Pack

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Chums Trekker Waist Pack

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Overview

The Trekker Waist Pack is a larger-size fanny pack that comes with a lifetime warranty. 

Pros

Cons

What We Like About It

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:

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? 

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. 

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