The 6 Best Fly Fishing Chest Packs in 2024 – Buyers Guide

best fly fishing chest pack

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If you’re looking for the best fly fishing chest packs then you are in the right place. We reviewed 6 of the best fly-fishing chest packs in terms of comfort, storage space, water resistance and number of accessories to determine the Fishpond Cross Current chest pack is the best for most fly fishermen.

The Fishpond Cross Current chest pack has a deceptively large amount of space, has a handy fly storage pad, is waterproof, comfortable for long backcountry trips, and is well-priced. Here are our top picks:

Image Product Details  
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest OverallFishpond Thunderhead Chest Pack
  • 179.95
  • Fully waterproof TIZIP Zippered main compartment
  • D-Ring For Net Attachment
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest ValueAllen Boulder Creek Fishing
  • 35.27
  • Affordable price
  • Amazing Capacity
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flyfisherpro-table__imageMost ComfortableFishpond Cross-Current Chest Pack
  • 149.95
  • Magnetic Drop Down Work Station
  • D-Ring For Net Attachment
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flyfisherpro-table__imageMost Storage PocketsUmpqua Rock Creek
  • 79.99
  • Clever back panel
  • Adjustable for the perfect fit
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Best Fly Fishing Chest Packs Reviewed

With all our reviews, we aim to sum up the product quickly while providing you with all the important info, so you can make your decision quickly and ultimately be happy with your decision.

Fishpond Cross-Current

Fishpond Cross-Current

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Pros

  • Environmentally friendly
  • Plenty of storage
  • Comfortable padded straps
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • Could risk some neck strain

This handy little chest pack by Fishpond looks small but looks can be deceptive. You’ll be amazed at how much you can fit into it. Strap it on, and you’ll easily be able to store enough for a full day of fly fishing, whilst feeling free and unrestricted by a hefty backpack or awkward waterproof sling pack.

With comfortable, padded straps, you’ll be able to wear it all day without feeling those aches and pains. It is really adaptable and so it’s suitable for almost anyone to wear, no matter their shape or size. It’s quick and easy to adjust the strap, too. The Fishpond Chest Pack looks great and is waterproof too.

Even the zips on these chest packs are water-resistant, so even if you’re wading in deep water, you don’t have to worry about your phone, camera, or other gadgets.

Umpqua Rock Creek

Umpqua Rock Creek

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Pros

  • Clever back panel
  • Lots of pockets
  • Abundant storage space
  • Adjustable for the perfect fit

Cons

  • On the smaller size

The Umpqua Rock Creek ZS chest packs were designed with comfort and simplicity in mind, and they could run for the title of the best fly-fishing packs around. They’ve foregone the potentially tricky neck strap, which can become uncomfortable.

Instead, this pack has been designed with a supportive back panel and mesh straps, which hit the balance perfectly between support and ventilation. You can wear the Umpqua Rock Creek ZS chest pack all day on the river without suffering with aches and pains, but you won’t risk overheating either.
It’s compact in size, similar to fishing vests, but you can still store all your essentials if you pack carefully. Team it with a backpack for a full day of hiking to mountain rivers or lakes if you need to carry a ton of supplies.

Allen Boulder Creek Fishing

Allen Boulder Creek Fishing

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Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Amazing capacity
  • Strong, durable zippers
  • Several internal pockets
  • Ample space to store gear

Cons

  • Shoulder straps can get diggy
  • Zippers can be stiff

In our opinion, the Allen Boulder Creek fly-fishing pack is one of the best on the market now (especially if you’re on a budget). This bag has an attractive design in olive green shades which will blend in on the river, and even more importantly, it’s durable, hard-wearing and strong.

It’s a good size and is designed to stand up to loads of heavy us. Plus, it’s got all the pockets and attachments you could ever need to store all your flies and other gear.

We’d recommend this for anyone, but it’s especially appealing if you don’t want to break the bank; it comes in at an impressive price for everything you get.

Umpqua Overlook

Umpqua Overlook

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Pros

  • Attractive but simple design
  • Impressive capacity
  • Can attach a net with the d-rings and web loops

Cons

  • Expensive

Umpqua Overlook pack is a top pack from the medium price range for chest packs. It looks stylish and cool, with tons of handy features like a tippet and accessory pockets, plus loops and D-rings to store your collapsable fishing net and other items.

You’ll feel cool all day on the river thanks to the mesh fabric on the straps and on the panel that sits on your front and back. Compared to fishing vests, you’ll definitely notice the difference. It even comes with a small backpack that you can clip onto the back panel for extra options to store tools on those long days out.

The Umpqua Overlook fishing offers more than your average basic pack without breaking the bank. It does have a higher price point than other models on this list, but the premium features for fly fishing make it worth the spend.

Fishpond Thunderhead

fishpond thunderhead chest pack

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AMAZON US/UK

Pros

  • 1 completely waterproof pocket
  • Helpful interior pockets

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Buckles are stiff
  • The front zipper pouch is not very deep

The Fishpond Thunderhead is ideal for those who are passionate about fly fishing and like to have all their gear handy, without it weighing them down.

It’s adaptable – you can wear it together with any of Fishpond’s best fishing backpacks for long days out when you need extra storage space. Or attach it to your boat to keep it secure out on the river, no matter what the water conditions are or what’s on the menu. You can even mount it on a wading belt, so versatility is a huge plus with this fly fishing pack. You can see that these chest packs beat fishing vests, hands down.

It’s on the higher end of the price scale, but it’s excellent quality and does the job well. All your supplies and gadgets can stay safe and dry within the fully waterproof main pocket – perfect if you like to carry your camera with you to snap some shots of the gorgeous scenery or your whopping catches!

Aventik Fishing

Aventik Fishing

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Pros

  • Bargain price
  • Great for beginner
  • Large zippered main pocket
  • Can adjust the neck and waist strap

Cons

  • Small fishing chest bag
  • Not waterproof

If you’re on a budget, consider getting the Aventik fly-fishing chest pack. It’s a steal, coming in at a jaw-droppingly low price and it will get the job done.

Sure, it may not look or feel as luxurious as some of the more expensive fly fishing brands. But if you’re all about getting the most out of your fly fishing hobby without breaking the bank, who cares? The fish certainly don’t!

The Benefits

Chest packs were additionally used as add-ons to vests to provide an additional storage area [1]. Modern ones are lightweight, easy to access, and have lots of storage space for all your fly fishing essentials. They offers all these advantages while being comfortable to wear.

They typically aren’t too bulky, and they shouldn’t get in the way of casting, but still allow you to store everything you need. You won’t have to worry about a hip or waist pack getting soaking when you wade deep out in the river. But there are also fly fishing hip packs in the market today.

It’s quick and easy to get your hands on any fly gear you need – a great advantage when you’re already holding your fly rod, best wading staff, and/or net in deep, flowing water.

Chest Pack Vs Fishing Vest

“But vests keep everything easily accessible and in front of me?” I hear you saying. “Why don’t I just get a vest?”
Vests have traditionally been used for fly fishing, but can feel bulky and cumbersome, particularly over thick winter layers or waterproofs. You may feel sweaty and can start overheating before long plus the big pockets on your chest can get in your way when you’re trying to cast your fly.
When you’re fly fishing, you want to feel free to move however you like. You don’t want to have your mobility restricted or you won’t be able to adapt your cast to hit those tiny pockets of backwater. [2]

The chest packs we’ve selected are all light, breathable and comfortable while giving you full freedom of movement.

If you’re in the market for a vest then check out our article where we review 9 of the best fly fishing vest options available today.

Things to Consider Before Purchase

While you’re shopping for options, there are a few different factors to keep in mind so you have the best experience. These are as follows:

Storage Space:

How much gear do you tend to carry with you when you’re fly fishing? Do you carry the bare minimum, just your flies and a handful of other necessary items? Or do you like to pack for every eventuality, store all the gear,  and take a hearty lunch with you too?

These are things you’ll need to consider when deciding what will be the best  chest pack for you. They come in a range of sizes, from tiny, minimalist packs right up to sizable packs to store everything but the kitchen sink. Some chest packs can even store a good deal more than traditional fishing vests offer.

A good tip is to get everything you normally carry on a fly fishing trip to see how much space you’ll need.

Comfort

Chest packs are often worn for long periods of time, so comfort is a necessity. Look for padded straps that share the weight ergonomically and equally across your body, to avoid an achy back or neck at the end of the day.

A good chest pack will be made from breathable fabrics or even have mesh areas, to help you stay cool on the hottest days. That’s one of the main reasons anglers go for them over traditional vests.

durability

Durability

They should stand up to frequent use and last years, so you can enjoy your fly fishing trip without worries. It should be made from strong, durable fabric, with sturdy zips, buckles, etc to keep your equipment safe.

The last thing you want is for your fly pack to rip or a zip to break while you’re in the water, emptying your supplies out into the river.

Adaptability

Some chest packs can be worn either on the chest or threaded through a waist belt for greater versatility. If you use a boat, see if your chosen fly chest pack can be secured safely to your boat. In this way they offer a lot more adaptability than fishing vests.

Waterproofing

It goes without saying that they should be waterproof, to keep your gear dry all day. This is especially important if you like to carry your smartphone or GoPro camera with you. But take care, as some fly packs may be just water-resistant rather than waterproof – make sure you note the difference.

Price

Of course, price will always be a factor any time you’re shopping for something. Are you an avid fly fisher who gets out on the water every weekend for most of the year, and you’re happy to splurge on a more expensive chest bag that will last you a long time? Then you’ll be happy to pay that higher price for a durable, premium product.

Or are you searching for functional at an affordable price that will do the job? There are some great budget chest packs out there. Low price doesn’t have to mean low quality, either.

Wrap Up

If I were to suggest, my top pick would be the Fishpond Cross-Current as it a better overall chest pack.

Our chest pack has become an essential accessory on our fly fishing trips. Especially in summer when you want to be as light and free as possible. They make it easy to carry and access all your tools and necessary items without having to lug around a heavy backpack or sling bag.

Remember to look for something lightweight, waterproof, and comfortable, with plenty of pockets and attachments for all your supplies. You’ll be all set with any of the recommended chest packs from our list.

So all you need to do is think through exactly what your own individual requirements are, such as when, where and for how long you’ll be wearing your chest pack, to find the perfect pick for you. With a range of price points, you’ll find something to fit your budget. We always aim to provide reviews for the best products while offering you some variety to choose from!

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