The perfect way to spend an early spring morning or summer evening is through fly fishing! The calm waters, the chance of a huge catch, relaxing as you have a beer or two… What’s not to love?
However, you DO need to have the proper gear out while fly fishing, and there are quite a lot. Extra ladders, sinkers, even water to stay hydrated, you have to ensure that all of your gear is properly stored and ready to be carried in different locations safely. That’s where the best fly fishing sling packs come along!
These sling packs are versatile, safe, and make fly fishing much more fun. If you want to know what sling packs are best for a fly angler like you, read on for my comprehensive guide on it!
Quick Comparison: Top Fly Fishing Sling Packs
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. KastKing Sling Fishing Sling Bag |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 2. Piscifun Fishing Sling Bag |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 3. Fiblink Fishing Sling Bag |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 4. M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Fly Fishing Vest Pack |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 5. BLISSWILL Fishing Sling Bag |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 6. SpiderWire Sling Fishing Backpack |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 7. Allen Bear Creek Fishing Chest Vest |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 8. Fishpond Summit Sling Fly Fishing Pack |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 9. Orvis Safe Passage Sling Pack |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 10. K&E Outfitters Seeker Series Fly Fishing Sling Pack |
| Check On Amazon |
**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
The Ten Best Fly Fishing Sling Packs
Based on research, tests, and reviews, these are the ten best fly fishing packs to invest in today:
1. KastKing Sling Fishing Sling Bag
The KastKing Sling Fishing Bag is known for its ultra-lightweight design, best for those who want something lighter to accommodate heavier packs. It comes with a versatile design as well, which can work for more than just fly fishing, but other outdoor excursions.
It’s built with a water-resistant 600D polyester material, as well as the sizeable compartments that can fit up to two lure boxes, lures, fishing tools, and other small accessories. There are multiple pockets for organization, as well as Molle straps to attach different gears.
With its toughness yet light properties, it’s definitely the top choice especially when you have more to attach both in and out of the pack. Though not the biggest, it can hold a lot and still remain comfortable!
2. Piscifun Fishing Sling Bag
The Piscifun Fishing Pack is the ultimate sling pack that can hold a variety of gears inside and out. When you look at the pack at first glance, you can already see how well it was constructed, made of a water-resistant 1000D high-density nylon. It also comes with high-end equipment and attachment to ensure all your gear is safe and that you stay comfortable.
In fact, it beats most competitors as they have abrasion-resistant buckles and zippers that are almost indestructible! Besides its strong storage and compartment, it also has an innovative design with reflective stickers to keep you safe and noticeable.
For those who are more focused on getting something made to last for all intense fly fishing adventures and other excursions, this bag is for you.
3. Fiblink Fishing Sling Bag
The Fiblink Pack is a simple and classic design, but don’t be fooled, as it comes with such strong features. It’s built with 1000D heavy-duty nylon fabric, which makes it very durable and resistant to abrasion and tears. It also has a waterproof coating to ensure extra protection for all your items when in the waters.
The pack is built with a strong KAM buckle, SBS zippers, as well as multiple storage compartments, bags, and even external pockets with a water bottle holder! And of course, it also priorities comfort with a breathable mesh and widened shoulder pads with extra cushioning to wear for longer periods.
I highly recommend it for those who want a bit more storage space and compartments for more accessories!
4. M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Fly Fishing Vest Pack
The M MAXIMUMCATCH Fly Fishing Pack isn’t exactly a sling pack, but you wear it as a vest. It acts as a sling pack and backpacks you wear rather than worry about it over your waist or shoulder. Though coming at a slightly higher price, you get the complete package and construction to last for the long run.
The vest-style pack comes with two main pockets for your flies, three compartments for fishing gear, as well as a host of other zippers, pockets, and compartments to fit in small accessories and personal belongings. It’s built with fabric-lined mesh for breathability and lightweight fabric for extra comfort and durability.
If you’d rather wear your packs as a vest as a personal preference, this is a great choice.
5. BLISSWILL Fishing Sling Bag
The BLISSWILL is the ultimate multifunctional bag that works great for all types of excursions, including fly fishing. It’s got the right amount of strength and compartments to keep all your gear organized. But what makes it a great choice is also its good dimensions that can store all of what you need for fly fishing.
Made with 1000D water-resistant nylon, the pack comes with the extra-firm stitches and the adjustable shoulder strap. Furthermore, it has non-toxic and environment-friendly materials to ensure you and the world’s protection!
Its comfort is the main feature here, having the triangle strap design with longer and wider shoulder pads to relieve fatigue efficiently. If you need something more comfortable but with enough space, you’ll appreciate the BLISSWILL pack.
6. SpiderWire Sling Fishing Backpack
If you’re not looking for something too big but just enough for the necessities, the SpiderWire Sling Pack is for you. It’s comfortable with the good padding acrid the shoulder strap, which makes it optimal for fishing trips. It’s also small and lightweight for your comfort, made of soft polyester.
Take note it isn’t lightweight, but holds a good amount of items, coming with one tackle box. It can hold two tackle boxes and has one main compartment, two pockets, an organizer pocket, sunglasses pocket, and a front tool holder.
This is recommended for someone who wants to keep things simple and also use it for more than just fishing trips, but in the trails or even for casual use! It seems to hold up well and can fit a lot of belongings without damage.
7. Allen Bear Creek Fishing Chest Vest
The Allen Bear Creek is a small yet efficient sling pack, which holds the bare necessities. If you already use a backpack or vest but want something more accessible for lures and small tools, then this micro pack is a good choice.
You attach it around your neck, coming with a padded neck strap and a net D-ring for attaching tools. It can hold one medium-sized fly box and a few smaller accessories and belongings, enough for a fly angler to appreciate. Furthermore, it has a good build, made of heavy-duty zippers and the polyester material.
Sure, it may look small, but you’ll be surprised by how much it can hold! For fly anglers who want something compact and comfortable to carry use a few things around, choose the Allen Company.
8. Fishpond Summit Sling Fly Fishing Pack
Many appreciate the fishpond Summit Sling Pack because of its many features and strong fit. Yes, it’s a bit pricier compared to other sling packs, but if you have the budget, you get more than what you pay for!
It has the unique and patented drowse down fly or cargo bench, having an outside hook and loop to attach fly foams too. The pack even comes with a Hypalon and tool attachment in various accessible areas for convenience and ease of use.
As for its build, it’s made with YKK water-resistant zippers and the flexible TPE lash tabs. There is also a net sleeve to place in more items as needed, and a water bottle holder underneath to keep things secure. All you need in just one smaller pack without the discomfort!
9. Orvis Safe Passage Sling Pack
The Orvis Sage Sling Pack is one of the most comfortable packs available for fly anglers. It’s built with extra and smooth padding, as well as the breathable material at the back to keep you cool and without fatigue. The entire pack is made with a 410D nylon fabric with a waterproof coating for adequate strength and durability.
It’s a bit more expensive, but it also comes with other features such as a brighter design to easily find it. The bag also comes with a zinger and tool attachment system and a forced heath with a magnetic anchor. Plus, there are cord loops to add a tippet bar AND a water bottle holder, which is more than enough for bringing around during your trip!
10. K&E Outfitters Seeker Series Fly Fishing Sling Pack
Last but not least, the K&E Outfitters Seeker Series Fly Fishing Sling Pack offers a TON of room for all your fly fishing necessities. It’s made of lightweight material and the extra shoulder padding for extra comfort.
While it isn’t the most durable, it lasts longer and is made best for its huge storage room. Plus, it comes with a one-year warranty to ensure you have your money’s worth!
You can easily access it and adjust as needed, without having to take off the pack. The complete sling pack comes with nippers, a tippet holder, retractor zinger, and a thermostat, all required for any fly angler. For its large volume, extra comfort, and the amazing organizational compartments, it’s a good investment.
How to Choose the Best Fly Fishing Sling Packs
There are so many things to look into when choosing the best fly fishing sling packs. While it’s not the most crucial part that affects your fishing performance, it’s directly connected to your comfort and all your necessary accessories’ safety! That’s why it’s important to take your time to research and invest in a sling pack suitable for intense conditions.
Here are the following factors to consider when selecting a fly fishing sling pack:
1. The Fabric and Denier
The first thing you should consider is its fabric since this is what can help protect your accessories while lasting long without much scrapes and damage. As much as possible, invest in sling packs with about 600-700D nylon or similar grades of polyester. These are tough and will be able to withstand a ton of use for years to come.
Other than polyester or ripstop nylon, you can also choose packs made of TPU welded plastic and DWR treatment with zippers to last longer.
2. Strength and Durability
Besides the fabric is durable, other parts of it should be just as strong as well. This goes for quality zippers and sewing. Go for study and non-corrosive zippers that don’t rust easily when exposed to water.
It’s best to get YKK zippers that have plastic teeth, as metal teeth would end up corroding, getting stuck and being unable to open or close. This is extremely important especially when you’re fishing in saltwater!
3. Is It Water-Resistant?
Of course, you need a waterproof pack, you’re a fly angler! However, non-waterproof options also hold some benefits.
Waterproof sling packs offer extra protection to keep all gear and accessories dry. That way, you won’t have to worry about any damage or things getting wet inside, though they have very little add-ons and pocket variety.
With a non-waterproof sling pack, you have a ton of variety and with even more pockets and storage compartments. If your main focus is protection, go for waterproof options. But if you want more pockets and don’t see yourself wading around deeper saltwater, then you may want to consider a non-waterproof sling pack.
4. How to Store Accessories
When getting a sling pack, you need to consider how much gear and accessories you’re planning to carry. This boils down to individual preferences and other different factors like the weather.
High-quality sling packs can carry a lot of necessary gear while still staying lightweight. Usually, they are worn around your waist and chest, you just have to be wary of the exact dimensions (such as how many liters the pack is) to see how much it can hold.
You also need to make sure that your sling pack strap is comfortable and adjustable. It’s best to get a wider strap with a bit of cushioning, which allows you to distribute the weight evenly. It’s also recommended to get a pack you can place over either shoulder and that’s adjustable according to your size.
5. Compartments and Pockets
These are important elements to ensure that you can store all equipment required and still have it accessible. Sure, a ton of pockets seem ideal, but too much of it can end up confusing you as to where everything is. There should be a balance of how many pockets you NEED based on what exactly you’ll be carrying.
Plan out what you’ll need to bring in your sling pack to envision the type of bag you need and what each compartment is for. This adds to the organization and an easier time getting gear quickly without issue while in the waters.
Besides the storage and compartment, you may want to consider something that comes with or can carry a net. This makes it easier to retrieve the net and get your catch during the most critical moments!
6. The Attachment Systems
The typical attachment system for sling packs is D-rings, though it can also come in lashings or loops. These have you attach items outside the sling pack for easier access or in case it doesn’t fir the pack.
For fly anglers who want quicker access to waterproof items outside the pack, getting strong D-rings, tool sheaths, and a lot of attachment points is a great choice.
7. Water Bottle Holder
For those who plan to be out fishing for hours on end, you need to stay hydrated! While some are good with placing water bottles in their pack, it takes up space and can lead to leaks. Instead, go for sling packs that have water bottle holders outside the pack, which offers quicker access and fewer chances of spills and accidents.
8. Your Comfort
Your comfort is a crucial element in selecting a sling pack, especially for those who plan to wear it for hours to days on end! You’ll need paddings not just on the straps of your pack, but around the back of it as well, which presses into your body. Besides padding, have packs that ensure better breathability and ventilation around your body, which helps in hotter days.
9. Weight vs Practicality
Weight isn’t the hugest factor when selecting a sling pack, but still should be considered. Remember, the more gear and accessories added to the pack, the heavier it gets. Because of this, you’ll want a sling pack that won’t add even more to the weight you carry.
Balance the functionality of what you’ll bring with the amount of weight the sling pack has, as well as the weight of your gear.
Tips on Using and Caring For a Fly Fishing Sling Pack
It’s also crucial for you to learn how to use and care for your chosen fly fishing sling pack. That way, you’re assured of a sling pack to last for years to come. Follow these tips to clean and care for your sling pack well:
- Make sure that your entire bag has been emptied with all pockets unzipped before washing it. It’s best to wipe it down and dust it first, removing all bigger debris and stains. If there are any crumbs around the edges and crevices, use a handheld vacuum to get as much dirt as you can, or to use an air blower and a makeup brush to loosen up the debris.
- If you see stains, use stain removers with an old toothbrush, leaving it for around half an hour.
- If you sling pack is machine-washable, place it inside a laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent any zippers or straps from getting caught in your washing machine
- Use only a small amount of gentle laundry detergent and wash it with cold water on a gentle cycle
- Air-dry your pack thoroughly and avoid using the dryer, which can shrink the pack. All zippers should still be left unzipped and hung outside down outdoors, which can also lift away any leftover odor
- You can clean it lightly without the need for washing machines with a clean sponge and a small amount of soap. Just lightly scrub any stains and spots around your pack and rinse using clean and cool water, sponging it down.
- For deep cleaning, vacuum all seams and crevices of your sling pack and remove its straps, washing it separately with a sponge and soap. Fill a large tub or sink with lukewarm water and mild soap, submerging the pack and swishing it vigorously while singing off all stains and spots. Drain the water and rinse with clean water, doing twice to completely remove all soap residue
- Always clean your sling pack right after using it from a fishing trip to prevent it from getting damaged or looking spotty from the stains and uncleaned debris.
Another way to care for your sling pack is to load it properly. Here’s an informative video showing you how to load your fly fishing sling pack to make good use of it:
Frequently Asked Questions
There is more to learn about a fly fishing sling pack than just choosing and caring for one! Here are frequently asked questions many readers have wondered about:
1. How full should my fly fishing sling pack be?
This depends on two things: Your skill level as a fly angler, and the size of your pack.
Fly fishing will require more equipment, with experienced anglers bringing types of flies compared to novices. A good rule of thumb would be to pack one extra lure or fly for each one you plan to use. This is a safe number to ensure that you won’t miss any huge catches.
Also, look into how big your pack is. Avoid making it too full to the point you’re forcing to stuff accessories in! This can damage both bag and accessories, so focus on packing things in a light and balanced manner.
2. What should I pack inside?
For fly fishing, it’s crucial to pack in lures, flies, bait, and pliers in case of quick fixes that need to be done. Obviously, you’ll also need bigger equipment you can’t pack in the pack, like your fly rod!
Most sling packs can hold tackle boxes, which have a wide variety of necessary fishing accessories. Make sure you have a checklist and add only what you NEED and what the pack can handle. If your pack isn’t waterproof, make sure you only pack in accessories that are water-resistant and won’t get damaged from water exposure.
3. How do I pack a sling pack anyway?
The first tip is to NEVER fully load your sling pack, especially with tools and accessories you don’t plan on using. Only take the necessary accessories you need, packing it in a way that the least important ones go in first, and the ones you’ll use most are located near the opening of the pack.
Wear your sling pack depending on its type, may it be over your shoulder, around the waist, or on the back. But situate it in a way that it’s easy to access as needed, and that it fits snugly around your body to prevent it from falling or from discomfort.
4. Why are sling packs so important?
Sling packs are important for many fly anglers for the following reasons:
- It can hold a lot of necessary gear you can easily access compared to your clothes’ pockets or big backpack. It’s ergonomically designed to easily rotate for getting all your gear within seconds
- They are lightweight and you can easily carry it around no matter where you go, even when in the waters!
- They have larger carrying capacities with storage compartments for better organization
- There are many types of sling packs to choose from according to your size, adjustability, and other accessory needs
5. Do I get a chest or waist sling pack?
You can find many different types of sling packs based on how you wear it, with chest and waist packs being two of the more popular ones. Both of them are easily accessible and can be rotated to protect or get accessories needed.
There’s no one better than the other, as this is based on personal preferences. Some may like waist packs as they feel uncomfortable with the strap near their neck, while waist packs can feel bulky around the upper body, restricting movement. I suggest you test out both before making your decision!
Wrapping It Up
Investing in fly fishing sling packs can get confusing, but worthwhile, making it a good investment for all anglers out there. With a ton of benefits offered, you can focus more on fishing rather than fumble around looking for accessories! Plus, everything stays safe without the worry about things getting destroyed.
Hopefully, this article on the best fly fishing sling packs gave you an idea of what you should get for your next adventure. So start packing right and get a new sling pack for your fly fishing expeditions now!
If you have any questions or want to share your reviews or experiences using a sling pack for fly fishing, then comment below. All your thoughts are much appreciated!