Fishpond Packs, Bags, etc...

[Gregg]

While at Kiene's yesterday, a section of the vest wall caught my eye. I know this brand has been around for a while now, but this was the first time I'd actually held one of their vests...very impressed. I know this will draw some fire, but to me, these packs make Simms & Patagonia look almost obsolete! I currently have a Simms Guide vest, an Abel Versi-Pak, and a Loon Flack Jacket, and while they all work great for each purpose, the Fishpond pack/vest seems to cover all three! I picked up the Wasatch vest/backpack combo and was very impressed by the workmanship, as well as the numerous pocket options. The fly boxes are platform style with interchangable foam inserts. Plenty of interior room, comfortable straps, hydration, as well as a full backpack for long hike-in day trips.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a233/gjshaw/misc/Wasatch.jpg

What I dig most are the little details. There is actually a hemostat holder, which keeps one more thing out of my way, as well as specific tipped pockets which aren't halfway around my back (like the Simms vest). Everything feels compact and organized.

At the shop there is a larger model, the shooting star, which looks perfect for serious hikes or even light overnight use.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a233/gjshaw/misc/ShootingStar.jpg

Even the travel bags look functional and well built, and aren't ridiculously overpriced like some of the fancier name brands we're all used to.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a233/gjshaw/misc/Chinook.jpg

I'm really excited (as I'm sure you can all tell) about what seems to be a long overdue update to one of the most important pieces of gear we all use. If you get a chance, check them out. Lifetime warranty, good looks, functionality, reasonable price?!? I have a feeling these packs / bags will do very well against some of the more well known brands in the near future... :D

link to the fishpond website: http://www.fishpondusa.com/

[Paul B.]

Hey Greg, Will the tech pack hold a pair of short rod tubes on the sides? Thank you. Paul

[jbird]

I think fishpond specializes in packs. Simms, patagonia, abel, etc. does not. Fishpond is probably the leader in the industry, with William Joseph puting out some excellent packs too.

I need to figure out the right pack for me. I am currently using a chestpack that I have converted into a fannypack. I am gunshy about wearing anykind of front pack because there are too many things for line to get caught on when a fish takes off at mach speed. I have lost a couple of potential trophies when my loose line wraped around something on my vest, or chestpack.

I much prefer a vest, like that tech pack above, for conveinience. I am pretty satisfied with all the gear I've assembled for this Godforsaken sport.....except my vest/pack situation, hmmmmm.



J

[Chris V]

Gregg,

I bought the fishpond "double haul"- combo chest/ backpack a few years ago- maybe the first year it was made :?:

Anyway- while it is functional, the chestpack is fairly small and I had two of the zippers break on me :angry: I do still use the chestpack in the summer time when its hot, but mostly use my patagonia vest- which I have had NO problems with.

The packs your looking at are much larger- so you shouldn't have the problem with storage. Hopefully they have improved the quality of their zippers in the past couple of years :?:

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Fishpond is pretty hot stuff because I can hardly get any of it.

I think they have evolved their stuff every year.

Like jbird says William Joseph is the other company to watch here.