First, we'll start off with the price. Coming in at $179.95 it puts a slight dent in your wallet but if your in the market for a new bag, its 100% worth the price. Here are the specs from the Fishpond site...
Chestpack
- Recycled lightweight CYCLEPOND exterior fabric
- Chestpack is the Low Tide Chestpack
- Modular design docks to the front and back of the larger backpack
- One main storage compartment that can accommodate large fly boxes
- Gear attachment tabs, and loops
- Neck and waist straps included for use as a stand-alone chestpack
- Quick clip attachment
Backpack
- Recycled lightweight CYCLEPOND exterior fabric
- Air LTE back and shoulder strap
- Padded, contoured shoulder straps for load control and carrying comfort
- Modular design allows the chestpack to dock on the front and back of the pack
- Two large backpack compartments
- One small accessories pocket for quick access to the necessitie
- Two zip-out rod tube holders
- Wading staff lash point attachment system
- Net attachment D-ring
- Holds up to 100 oz. hydration bladder
1,220 cu. in. (Backpack)
Holds up to 100 oz. fishpond Waterlog Hydration Reservoir (optional)
Backpack 10.5" x 19' x 7"
Chestpack 5.5" x 9" x 1.75"
Holds up to 100 oz. fishpond Waterlog Hydration Reservoir (optional)
Backpack 10.5" x 19' x 7"
Chestpack 5.5" x 9" x 1.75"
I did a quick comparison to other packs in its category from the other major brands. Mind you, I have not tried these packs but merely seen and/or read about them. Check it...
Fishpond Tech LTE Low Tide Chestpack/Backpack-
Cost- $179.95
Fabric- Recycled "CYCLEPOND" exterior fabric. Decently waterproof up to the extent of a quick dip in the water (as I quickly learned with a little swim a didymo covered rock decided to send me on).
Space- 1,220 cu. in. (backpack).
Misc.- Has more compartments than I know what to do with! Holds two rod tubes on either side of the backpack. Has a little hidden side compartment for cell phone, maps, or miscellaneous items your want to keep away from moisture and have quick access too. Amazing amount of space for a big or small trip, perfect for wading the flats, taking on your skiff, or wading a good amount of water without having to worry about stopping back at the car. I love that it carried my lunch on two separate trips and all of my gear (and still had PLENTY of room for more). Has a holds up to 100 oz Fishpond Waterlog Reservoir (optional). Comes with chest pack attachment that quick clips to the chest part or back of the backpack. Great for hiking due to amazingly lightweight design and breathable fabric (so your shoulders aren't all awkwardly sweaty).
Simms Dry Creek Day Pack-
Fabric- 420 Denier, double-coated polyurethane nylon shell, 210 Denier lining.
Space- 1,173 cu. in.
Misc.- Just a backpack, but is also $50 less. Super waterproof. Smaller cu. in. = not as much gear, pretty small backpack. Also has small interior pocket for camera, cell phone, etc. Has rod holder on right side, perfect for your tube. One or two gear loops to hang things from. Simms name...
William Joseph Costal Backpack/Chestpack-
Cost- $169.95
Fabric- Unclear...probably some sort of nylon.
Space- 22"x14"x8"...cu. in. not mentioned on site but to give you an idea, the Fishpond pack is 10.5"x19"x7" so the Willy J pack is slightly bigger.
Misc.- Not much known about the pack based on the WJ website. Comes in two colors, either blue or sage (sage is shown above). Fully weight bearing waist belt with pockets in them for quick access, awesome, definitely something I wish the Fishpond pack had. Lots of packets and a gear loop for holding/storing gear. Removable chest pack, just like the Fishpond pack. $10 less than the Fishpond pack.
Cost- $159.00
Fabric- Tough, highly water-resistant 840-denier coated ballistics nylon with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish.
Space- 1,708 cu. in. The most of any pack above.
Misc.- Highly water repellant. More space and storage than I'd know what to do with. Just a backpack, no chest pack. Side pockets for rod tubes or water bottles and plenty of gear clips. 100% waterproof internal cell phone, wallet, camera pocket. Fleece-lined sunglasses pocket, drop-down molded work surface, and specialty designed packets for all of your gear including fly boxes, hydration bladder, and more.
Overall, I honestly have to give the Fishpond backpack a 4 out of 5 stars. The price is the biggest turn off for the backpack. The comfort and easy access (not pockets within pockets where things just tend to get lost in) are huge pluses. I love the fact that it can carry two rod tubes and has the potential for strapping another on the top for long trips. The chest pack is another plus. Although its kind of small, it has the room to carry everything you may need for quick access. I love the space...like I said before, I put a bunch of stuff in there and still had room for a lunch, jacket, and more. I really wish it had the front pockets along a waist belt like the William Joseph Coastal has since the chest pack can be removed. BUT the chest pack does have the quick snaps and is really easy to remove and store on the back. I had more gear clips than I knew what to do with which is great for me since I tend to carry a lot of tools based on the scope of fishing I do (Striped Bass to Largemouth Bass to Trout). The chest pack is detachable and has separate straps so your really buying two separate straps. If your in the market for a new bag and don't care about price, I'd pick the Fishpond backpack 9 times out of 10. You really can't go wrong with a company that has so many years of experience with building top of the line products. They have an amazing guarantee behind their products (not to say the other companies don't) and supports widespread conservation through environmentally friendly products.
Me on the Gunpowder with the pack...
Boom...Morgan
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