Chest Packs?

[mikewrx]

Always have a lot of trouble hauling all the stuff around for a day out on the beaches. Anyone have recommendations on specific chest packs? I'd like to carry at least 2 large and one medium fly box.

Thx and tight lines

[Ray]

Search for fanny packs using the search tool above the thread box. Lots of folks have found this to be a better option for SW flyfishing. I've been using one for many years and love it.

Something like this is all you need.
http://www.rei.com/product/47820589.htm?

[dlangan]

We all have our own preferences on what works for us. I use JW Outfitters fanny packs for trout on the Delaware. But, as a friend use to say, the less confidence you have the more you carry (I think there's a lot of truth in that)...

So for salt, where I have way less confidence, I do carry a little more (3-4 big boxes). Plus I carry at least one extra spool. Now throw in tippet, munchies, etc.

Anyway, for me, I have really liked the Buck's Bags SW chest pack. Made for large boxes, sits high out of the way of the stripping basket. Doesn't interfere with hauling...

Getting back to this confidence thing. I love my Pungo 140! But it gives me the option to bring everything. Man give me an inch and I can be silly.

So, I like the Bucks Bags chest pack but perhaps Ray's suggestion instills some discipline (#$119)

[mikewrx]

How do you get stuff out of the fanny pack in a hurry? Like when you've just been bitten / broken off and the fish are blitzing in front of you?

[Ray]

I just unzip the pack and reach in and get what I need. I know where each item is and have pliers and nippers at my side on the belt of the pack.

[mdrew9]

I have a William and Joseph Coastal I am trying to unload.

[Eddy Merckx]

I'm sure the Coastal is a good pack, but it has a certain Pamela Anderson look to it, doesn't it?

[mdrew9]

I'm sure the Coastal is a good pack, but it has a certain Pamela Anderson look to it, doesn't it?Nothing wrong with looking like Pamela Anderson is there Eddy?

[Tie-Dye-Fly-Guy]

honestly i use back pack for nice days or when covering water and want to bring lunch and extra flylines. truth is that if its not sunny and beautiful i have my wading jacket and i can have everyhing needed and more fit easily in jacket pockets. dont like to have anything hanging outside trout vest style as it will undoubtedly find its way around my flyline. also helps with longer retieves and stripping basket. my 2 cents worth

[stuhutch]

$59 - Orvis Safe Passage Chest Pack, a great chest pack especially for the money. Has front side packs to get at stuff while wading and backpack with straps also.

[El Bishop]

When wading I've tried a backpack but it was a pain to have to take off and put in the stripping basket to get out a new fly or whatever. A waist pack seems easier as you can just slide it around and get out whatever you need quickly but doesn't everything in it get soaked? I like Ray's suggestion but that thing doesn't look waterproof.

Anyone ever tried the Simms Dry Creek Chest/Hip Pack?

[Onshore]

From the beach, when not planning to wade deep, I have been using an LLBean Fanny Pack for two years now. I also use it when plugging the beach and carrying just soft plastics and a few jigs and poppers. When wading, I'm using a Cortland Chest pack. I don't know if the latter is still available but Bean has a number of fanny packs.

[bones]

$59 - Orvis Safe Passage Chest Pack, a great chest pack especially for the money. Has front side packs to get at stuff while wading and backpack with straps also.

Ditto the Orvis.

[tyteloop]

Mike, I've used several. "Buck's Bags" makes the best. Not over designed like some fashionable ones you see these days, and not expensive. I have two of them, so one's available if you're interested. It's got two huge front pockets that will hold the large salt water fly boxes. Also several smaller pockets and pouches for tippets, leaders, and other gadgets. Also has a small deep pocket on each side that I use for a camera and all my bug spray,sun block, etc. The rear pocket holds an extra box, reel or a rain jacket. It's dark green, only slightly used. Cost new - $65. Used to you for $40 and I'll pay the postage! If you're interested, email to tyteloop@aol.com.

[saltydancindave]

It's probably not made or sold anymore, but the Columbia Flats over the shoulder bag would hold a fair amount of gear for a day on the beach. Put a medium fly box in & the other boxes in the pockets of a fishing shirt. Quality & machine washable !

[MauiFlats]

I'm currently using Cabela's newest iteration of the 3-in-1 chest pack... still trying to decide if I really love it, it's been great so far. The chest pack portion has a good deal of storage, but it's a bit bulky (can't see your feet). It has the option of being used as 1) a light chest pack w/ a small pocket on the back area, and 2) you can also attach the full backpack using quick-snap buckles. The third part of the '3 in 1' is that the chest pack portion unclips and attacheds to a thick waist belt to turn into a fannypack or over-the-shoulder sling deal.

Pretty versatile, and the fit is OK, but some of the WJ or Orvis packs may fit better. The 3-in-1 is $59; also Cabela's regular chestpack is pretty good, I think it's only $39 (nothing detaches there, it's a chestpack and moderately-sized backpack).

I just looked up the Orvis Sage Passage, it looks very nice; FYI, it's on sale at the Orvis site, $41 vs $59 originally, so it may be a steal at this price.