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I have begun shopping around for a new pack. I am just curious what you guys think of what you currently have or what would you buy if you were to get something new. I am still undecided on what type I want so if possible let me know what you like/dislike about yours.
I'm a huge fan of the big Orvis Guide Sling pack. Plenty of room. The tippet holder is a little awkward. I liked the hidden magnet spot for nippers, but my zinger was junk and I stopped using it. I used it all winter when I didn't want to deal with the added bulk of a vest. I've been thinking about ditching the vest all together. The reviews are true.
The Orvis Guide Sling pack is what I am really leaning towards. The reviews have been outstanding.
I'm not a fan of those packs. I have the new Umpqua chest pack and I wear it on occasion. It's really well balanced and fits well. There is a ton of room for everything. I was EU nymphing and fit 5 boxes, tippet etc and I could have put more in there. I fished with someone with one of those sling packs and they spent more time fumbling with the bag moving it around than actually fishing.
My fishing buddy has the Orvis sling and does like it a lot...said it took a couple full fishing days to really get used to it..now that he has, it seems pretty slick no problems for him at all. It easily holds more than most of us carry and is comfortable, cool and out of the way. I probably wont be trying it anytime soon as I have been wearing my guide vest for over a decade, I know where my stuff is which is half the battle when you carry too much stuff.
I must admit I am a total gear junkie. I carry way more than I will ever use. I have even considered just getting a lanyard being that I fish a lot during the week for only a few hours and really do not need to carry much.
+1 for the Orvis sling
Aaron's right. It's awkward to spin and get stuff out of. It gets caught on my waders a lot. If speed on the stream is your thing go with a chest pack or vest.
I bought the waterproof one for inclement weather and for that it does a great job. I'll keep it for steel heading for sure.
I bought a sling pack when they came out. If you adjust it using the shoulder strap and waist belt it is a pretty slick unit. It definitely not for everyone.
I've been leaning towards the umpqua pack that Aaron referenced. I'm using a Willy J Confluence for every day EU nymphing and the old version of the exodus pack for more gear intensive outings (holds additional spools and plenty of boxes easly).
That Orvis Guide Pack looks really cool, but I like the layout of my Willies too much. Everything is right where I want it.