In the last several years, fly fishing hip packs have grown in popularity tremendously. They can accommodate a great deal of gear without restricting your mobility.
Instead of using a backpack or sling pack, you might want to consider using a fly fishing hip pack, often known as a fanny pack. There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these items. While a fly fishing backpack may accommodate a lot of gear, a fishing hip pack is ideal for carrying only the most basic items like pliers, tippets, an additional reel or spool, and sunglasses. Generally, a fly fishing hip bag will suffice.
It’s fitting that a hip pack would be called a hip statement. The beauty of this is that it’s virtually imperceptible during casting. It doesn’t make it as hard to move around as a fly fishing backpack or sling pack would. The hip pack has therefore become the preferred pack option for many fly fishermen and women.
Best Fly Fishing Hip Packs Quick Answer List
- Simms Flyweight Hip Hybrid System
- Orvis Guide Pack
- Filson Ripstop Compact Waist Pack
- Fishpond Gunnison Guide Pack
- Patagonia Stealth Hip Pack 11L
- Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar
- Patagonia Guidewater Pack 9L
- Simms Dry Creek Z Fishing Hip Pack
- Filson Dry Waist Pack
- Orvis Waterproof Hip Pack
Hip Packs for Fly Fishing That Aren’t Waterproof
In the first section of this tutorial, we want to have a look at non-waterproof fly fishing hip packs as those are the most economical ones. Here is an assortment of hip packs we recommend.
Simms Flyweight Hip Hybrid System
The Simms Flyweight Hip Hybrid System is a new hip pack from Simms’ brand-new Flyweight range, designed to be the lightest option possible. It gives you a lot of leeway and customization possibilities when it comes to designing your hip pack.
The Simms Flyweight Hip Hybrid System is manufactured from robust 420-denier Cordura and is highly weather-resistant. In addition to the Flyweight Tech Utility Belt, the package includes the Flyweight Large Pod and a bottle holster. There are two major compartments in the Large Pod, both of which have zippers but are not waterproof. The entire circumference of the belt is 50″.
Specs / Dimensions: Flyweight Tech Utility Belt: 28” x ¼” x 5” | Weight: .4lb/.20kg
This lightweight pod measures 10.25 inches by four inches by seven inches and weighs one pound and forty kilograms.
A light-weight bottle holder Large: 4” x 4” x 6.5” | Weight: .15lb/.05kg
Orvis Guide Fly Fishing Hip Pack
The Orvis Guide Hip Pack is a brand-new waist pack that is also of high quality. Like the Simms Flyweight Large Pod Hip Pack, the Orvis hip pack has well-thought-out features that make it stand out. For example, the tippet holder and fly patch on top of the hip pack show how well-thought-out the design is.
Also built from a Cordura fabric, the Orvis Guide Hip Pack is held in a really lovely, mild grey hue. The spacious main department is unlocked with a zipper that opens up the interior section including a zip pocket, drop-in pockets, and stretch mesh pockets for adequate storing chances. Also features an additional shoulder strap as well as bottle storage on the side of the pack.
Specs / Dimensions: 12½”W × 9″H x 5¾”D. 9L/549 cu. in. / 1 pound, 7 ounces
Filson Ripstop Compact Fanny Pack for Fishing
The Filson Ripstop Compact Waist Pack is also a brand new product for the 2021 season. It is as traditional a hip pack as it gets. Held in a stunning moss green hue, it’s the right choice if you consider yourself a minimalist. Because of its understated appearance, it may be worn in a variety of settings without seeming like a fly fisherman or woman.
The Filson Ripstop Compact Fly Fishing Waist Pack is constructed from ripstop nylon, making it extremely lightweight and pleasant to wear. Padded back panel and spacer mesh on the rear of the Filson Ripstop Compact Fly Fishing Waist Pack promote airflow on hot days. Multiple zipped pockets provide you with many storage choices. Extra gear can be stored in the webbing loops and buckles.
Specifications: 11″L x 4-1/2″W x 6-3/4″H, 5L capacity. Weight: 213g/7.4 oz (or 7 pounds).
Fishpond Gunnison Guide Pack
American firm Fishpond has numerous supporters among fly fishermen and ladies – understandably so. If you want to bring a little additional gear to the lake, the Fishpond Gunnison Guide Pack is an excellent option. It has a bulkier profile than the Filson Ripstop Compact Waist Pack, but it gives even more storage possibilities for your nippers, tippet spools, pliers, and fly boxes.
The Fishpond Gunnison Guide Pack is made of recycled nylon and has a broad waist strap that appropriately distributes the weight of your gear. The inbuilt net holder for your fly fishing net is another handy feature. A water bottle holder makes sure you keep hydrated at the river. This is the best option for anglers who wish to carry their whole fly-fisherman gear with them.
Specs: 10L or 610 cu. in. – Dimensions: 14″ x 9″ x 7″ – Weight: 2.1lbs/0.95kg
Patagonia Stealth Hip Pack 11L
The Patagonia Stealth Hip Pack 11L is another wonderful option if you are seeking maximum adaptability. Its form resembles that of the Fishpond Gunnison Guide Pack. Featuring a water-repellent surface thanks to the use of 100 percent recycled nylon ripstop fabric (not waterproof though). If you fill the hip pack, the broad waistband and the shoulder strap provide excellent support.
The large main compartment of the Patagonia Stealth Hip Pack 11L can accommodate many (big) streamer boxes and features a variety of zipped compartments. On the surface, several connection options such as D-rings and sleeves allow excellent versatility. The embedded magnets on the front of the Patagonia Stealth Hip Pack 11L may hold flies, nippers, or pliers so that you can rapidly change tactics.
Specifications / Weight: 19.75 ounces (560g) – Size: 8.25″ x 13″ x 3″ – Capacity: 11L (671 cu in) (671 cu in)
A Final Word About Fly Fishing Packs that aren’t Waterproof
As you can see from our overview, there are lots of alternatives to pick from if you are searching for a fly fishing fanny pack. Depending on your demands you might choose a more simple style such as the Filson Ripstop Compact Waist Pack. If you need the maximum packability and versatility, the Patagonia Stealth Hip Pack 11L and the Fishpond Gunnison Guide Pack are excellent choices. If you’re searching for a lightweight variant, try the Simms Flyweight Large Pod Hip Pack. Remember that none of these hip packs are waterproof, even though some of them are water-resistant. We’ll now take a look at waist packs for fly fishing that are both waterproof and submersible.
The Best Hip Packs for Fly Fishing That Are Also Waterproof
As you can see from our assessment above, fly fishing packs may be a highly handy gear at the water. A non-waterproof model will do the job well most of the time. If however, you know that you will fish a lot in rainy weather or want the highest reliability in isolated regions or when wading deep, you might consider a waterproof waist pack. No matter what the weather, you can count on them to keep your gear dry. Here is a handful you won’t regret spending your money on.
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar
The Fishpond Thunderhead Submerged Lumbar is among our favorite submersible fly fishing hip packs. As was previously stated, truly waterproof fly fishing waist packs almost typically feature a single large compartment secured by a waterproof TIZIP zipper. This is the situation in the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar as well. On the exterior, there features a small zipped pocket for storing small items like keys that isn’t waterproof.
The Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar is manufactured from recycled nylon and features a foam-cushioned back panel and hip belt for all-day comfort. It includes an inbuilt net slot, much like the Fishpond Gunnison Guide. Multiple loops make it simple to connect tools like a nipper or pliers to the gear. The adjustable shoulder strap can assist spread the weight on long days. Comes in numerous hues.
Specs / Dimensions: 1.65 lbs/0.75kg – 13.5″ x 9″ x 5″ – 10L or 610 cu. in.
Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack 9L
The Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar mimics the Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack 9L. Weight distribution is ensured by the use of a cushioned waist belt and shoulder straps. The Patagonia Stormsurge also comes fitted with the incredibly robust TIZIP zipper that makes it entirely submersible. With a 9L capacity, it is significantly smaller than its predecessor (the Stormsurge 10L) (the Stormsurge 10L).
It is equipped with an interior organizer and several connection hooks on the exterior. The Patagonia Guidewater Hip 9L, which weighs only 1lb 6 oz (610g), is substantially lighter than the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar, making it an excellent option for smaller fishermen and women. Comes in black and a new blue. 64 percent of the fabric is repurposed waste.
Specs / Dimensions: Weight: 610 grams; Dimensions: 13 inches by 9 inches by 9 inches; Volume: 9 liters (549 cu in)
Simms Dry Creek Z Fishing Hip Bag
The Simms Dry Creek Z Fishing Hip Pack is another excellent alternative for those in need of a fishing waist pack with the highest level of waterproofing. A TRU-Zip zipper guarantees the main compartment remains dry regardless of the weather. Interior stretch mesh pockets provide for convenient storage of all your gear.
Similar to the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar, the Simms Dry Creek Z Fishing has a net holder for convenient transport of a fly fishing net. You can get the Simms Dry Creek Z in a number of different colors.
Dimensions: 19 x 7 x 9 in. (48.3 x 17.8 x 22.9 cm) (48.3 x 17.8 x 22.9 cm) 28 ounces of weight (793.8 g) – Capacity: 29 L (1770 cu. in) (1770 cu. in.)
Filson Dry Fishing Waist Pack
The Filson Dry Waist is a stunning, tough waterproof fly fishing pack. To keep this fanny pack as simple as possible, the Portland-based producer used 840-denier nylon, which is very strong and long-lasting. On top, the TPU coating is resistant to UV radiation and chemicals, thereby enhancing the lifespan of the product.
Equipped with an extra-wide waist belt, the Filson Dry Waist Pack provides all-day wearing comfort. A TIZIP zipper secures the large main compartment. For more adaptability, the shoulder strap may be removed. Go for the Filson Dry Waist Pack if you want the best in durability and prefer a simple aesthetic on the water.
Dimensions: 12-3/4”W x 9”H x 4-3/4”D – Capacity: 8L
Orvis Waterproof Hip Pack Fly Fishing
The TPU coating on the nylon fabric of the Orvis Waterproof guarantees that it is entirely waterproof. Zippers from YKK Flexseal help keep the main compartment secure. The Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar’s broad waist belt is an excellent match for this belt, which keeps you comfortably in place all day. You can utilize the removable shoulder strap to relieve some of the strain on your hips.
The Orvis Waterproof features a fly patch on top to dry the flies you used. Pliers and tippet spools may be attached to the fishing waist pack’s side using additional loops on the gear. The bottle compartment on the bottom of the fanny pack comes in useful on hot days.
Specs/Dimensions: 12″L x 8.5″W x 5″D – Capacity: 7L / 427 cubic in.
Last Words
As you can see from our overview, most of the waterproof, totally submersible fanny packs are made in a similar method. All of them have a huge main compartment secured by various manufacturers’ waterproof zippers. In the end, size, form, color, and so on are all a matter of personal taste. In terms of simplicity, Filson and Patagonia have the best packs, but the Fishpond Thunderhead takes the cake for its adaptability and meticulous attention to the finer points.