Last updated on January 17th, 2024.
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Fly fishing sling packs have become increasingly popular in recent years. The reason: their versatility.
How do you choose the best fly fishing sling pack? Sling packs are a mix between a backpack and a hip pack. They come in a lot of different styles, shapes, sizes and features. In this guide we’ll tell you everything you need to know about fly fishing packs. We’ll present you our Top 13 favorite products. We will take a look at regular fishing sling packs and waterproof fly fishing packs. We will also tell you what to pay attention to before choosing your pack.
Disclaimer: All products in this guide are independently researched by our team. We only recommend products we believe in and never get paid for the reviews. Learn more about our review process here.
Table of Contents:
How to Choose the Best Fly Fishing Sling Packs
Fishing Sling Packs vs. Fishing Vests vs. Fly Fishing Backpacks
13 Best Fly Fishing Packs Quick Answer List
Best Waterproof / Submersible Fishing Sling Packs
What to Pay Attention to when Buying a Fishing Sling Pack
How to Choose the Best Fly Fishing Sling Packs
A fly fishing sling pack has only one strap that you wrap around your chest. This makes it the perfect hybrid of a fly fishing hip pack (one strap as well that you wear around your hip) and a backpack. You sling the pack around your chest, hence the name sling pack.
Most of the packs are really lightweight coming in around 1-2 pounds and can hold around 15 liters. The choice you have to make is whether you want a regular fly fishing sling that can carry your gear on a dry day or whether you want a waterproof pack (or even a submersible one). In this guide we’ll present you our favorites from both sections.
Fishing Sling Packs vs. Fishing Vests vs. Fly Fishing Backpacks
Sling packs have often become the preferred choice of a pack amongst fly fishermen and women. There are several reasons for that: usually they are really light weight. Sling packs are comfortable to carry all day as the strap distributes the weight well.
With just a flip of the strap you have all the pockets of the sling pack right in front of you for easy access. A backpack for example, you would have to take off first. Despite their lightweight and smaller dimensions they can hold a surprisingly large amount of fly fishing gear.
12 Best Fly Fishing Sling Packs Quick Answer List
1. Best New: Patagonia Stealth Sling Pack
2. Best Budget: Teton Fly Fishing Pack
3. Best Capacity: Simms Tributary
4. Best Fit: Orvis Sling Pack
5. Snuggest Fit: Umpqua ZS” Bandolier
6. Best Compact: Cedar Creek Fishing Sling Pack
7. Most Thought Through: Fishpond Flathead
8. Best Attachment Options: FishPond Thunderhead Submersible
9. Best Versatility: Patagonia Guidewater 15L
10. Best Style: Filson Dry Sling Pack
11. Best Loadability: Simms Dry Creek Z Fishing
12. Best Minimal: Orvis Waterproof Sling Pack
Best Regular Fishing Slings
In this first part of our review we want to present you with a few solid options if you are looking for a regular fly fishing sling packs to hold your essential gear. If you are looking for a waterproof fishing sling, click here.
1. Best New: Patagonia Stealth Sling Pack
Patagonia Stealth Sling Pack
Key features:
– Two big compartments
– Integrated net holder
– Plenty of attachment options
– Water resistant
Why we picked it:
Brand new for the season, we instantly fell in love with the Patagonia Stealth Sling Pack since it has everything you’re looking for in a compact, lightweight fly fishing sling. With a capacity of 10L you have a lot of room to pack multiple fly boxes, pliers, tippet spools and even an extra reel or a pair of sunglasses. The sling features one big main compartment divided into several smaller compartments which help keeping everything inside your sling tidy and facilitating quick access to your most important gear.
Another big pocket on the outside allows for more gear storage. I like to keep things such as my car keys, wallet or fishing license in this pocket since it’s the one that’s quickest at hand. The Patagonia Stealth Sling Pack features one big sling that’s nicely padded so you won’t have to compromise on comfort even when your sling is heavily loaded and you’re out for the entire day. A smaller strap can help keep the sling pack in place when you’re casting or wading.
Besides these straightforward features you would expect in a top fly fishing sling pack, the Patagonia Stealth Sling Pack also shines with a few neat little extras such as integrated magnets on the front and the shoulder strap, that hold a fly if you quickly need to change your pattern – love it! I also dig the integrated net holder and the small waterproof inside pocket that’s removable to secure any valuables that need to stay protected from the elements. The Patagonia Stealth Sling Pack comes in two colors and weighs in at only 650gr (1 lb 7 oz).
Pros:
– Water resistant fabric can survive a shower
– Integrated magnets
– Thought through pocket system
Cons:
– The lighter color is prone to get a little dirty quickly
2. Best Budget: Teton Fly Fishing Pack
Key features:
– Big, easily accessible front pocket
– Well padded shoulder strap
– Integrated bottle and net holder
Why we picked it:
The Teton Fly Fishing Pack is a great entry into the world of fly fishing sling packs. For less than $60 it offers many features of higher priced fishing slings. Three zippered pocket can hold a lot of gear, especially the easily accessible front pocket. We like the sleeve at the bottom to carry a water bottle. There is another one at the side to carry your landing net – great features!
The Teton Fly Fishing Pack is lightweight at only a little over 1 lbs (0.45 kg). The shoulder sling is nicely padded and provides excellent comfort for all day fishing fun. A foam fly patch can hold your flies and the Teton Fly Fishing Pack offers several attachment options on every side.
At only $59.99 the Teton Fly Fishing Pack is an excellent choice if you want to give sling packs a try but are not yet sure they are your weapon of choice for the future. You can’t go wrong with this one.
Pros:
– Plenty of attachment options
– Thought-through pocket concept
– Highly accessible outside pocket
Cons:
– Can be a bit bulky if fully loaded, especially on smaller people
3. Best Capacity: Simms Tributary
Key features:
– Rather shaped than a backpack than a sling pack
– A lot of room for extra gear
– Integrated net holder
Why we picked it:
If you have been fly fishing for a while you surely know about the quality of Simms products. The Simms Tributary is no exception to this rule. If you’ve read any of our other gear guides, you’ll know that we like to recommend entry level products from premium brands. The reason: often their knowhow from high end products trickles down into their entry level products.
This is also true for the Simms Tributary. We like the fact that it’s made from durable recycled polyester. This sling can hold 10L which makes it a great choice for a day trip. Beware, that the Simms Tributary is not ambidextrous like its brother, the Simms Freestone, and hence has to be worn over the right shoulder.
The Simms Tributary features one main compartment and a small zippered exterior pocket. A net sheath can comfortably hold your landing net. The shoulder strap is well padded for all day comfort. If you are looking for a straight forward, well made fly fishing sling pack, go for the Simms Tributary.
Pros:
– Packs a lot of gear due to its more rectangular shape
– Nicely padded shoulder strap
Cons:
– Can be a little obstructive when you carry a lot of gear
4. Best Fit: Orvis Sling Pack
Key features:
– Lightweight and slender shape
– Integrated bottle holder
– Easy access to important gear
Why we picked it:
The Orvis Sling Pack is our favorite choice for a light weight sling fishing pack. At 17″L x 9¾”W x 6½”D. 11L/671 cu. in., the Orvis has great, compact dimensions. The design of the Orvis is very thought through and the cushy, foam-padded shoulder strap makes it an ideal choice for long days at the river. It is made from 100% recycled cordura.
The Orvis Pack also features multiple tool attachment options. On the bottom it has a water bottle pocket and it also comes with a net holder. Great choice if you want to go light weight at an unbeatable price of less than $100.
Pros:
– Lightweight and small
– Thought-through attachment options
– Tippet spool holder is a neat little feature
Cons:
– Since it’s lightweight and smaller it’s not the ideal choice for people who want to carry a lot of extra gear
5. Snuggest Fit: Umpqua ZS2 Bandolier
Key features:
– Plenty of gear attachment options
– Smart compartments on the inside
– Foam fly patch for easy access on top
Why we picked it:
The Umpqua ZS2 Bandolier Sling Pack Camo (read our in-depth review here) almost carries like a fly fishing hip pack. Its slender silhouette won’t obstruct your casting no matter whether you wear it across your chest over your shoulder or – as we did – around your hip (see photo below)
The large main compartment can be used to store bigger items such as a fly boxes or even a small lunch if you’re on the water all day. All around the bag, the Bandolier features plenty of attachment options. What’s best about the new version of this sling pack (ZS2) is the fact that it’s now fully compatible with accessories from Umqua’s ZS2 line increasing your flexibility when heading out to the water.
Pros:
– Excellent, snug fit that won’t hinder your casting
– Stylish, modern camo design
Cons:
– Only thing I could think of is a small transparent pocket on the outside for quick access to a fishing license
6. Best Compact: Cedar Creek Fishing Sling Pack
Key features:
– Integrated Fly Patch
– Bottle holder at the bottom
– Rod attachment option
– Comes in two colors
Why we picked it:
Just like the Teton Fly Fishing Pack, the Cedar Creek Fishing Sling Pack is another great budget option. What I like most about the Allen is its very accessibility. The smaller front pocket flips open towards the bottom opening up a surprisingly large compartment. The bigger fly boxes can easily be stored in the big main compartment that opens via a zipper accessible from the top (which is very practical since it prevents gear from falling out, which is particularly important when opening the bag when standing in the current).
On the bottom, the Cedar Creek features a bottle holder (only for smaller bottles). A removable fly patch, a rod tube holder on the side, multiple D-rings and a padded shoulder strap are all features of a quality sling pack. At only 1.15 lbs the Cedar Creek is also surprisingly lightweight making it a great companion for hiking fishing trips. The capacity is a little smaller than on the Umpqua Steamboat ZS2 1200 Camo or the Simms Tributary but should still be plenty enough for a day trip.
Pros:
– Great accessibility of the pockets
– Integrated bottle and rod tube holder
– Removable fly patch
Cons:
– Degree of padding is not quite up to the level of the Teton Fly Fishing Pack but still good enough since the bag is smaller and hence it won’t get too heavy
7. Most Thought Through: Fishpond Flathead
Key features:
– Shaped almost like a hip bag
– Plenty of attachment options
– Ambidextrous (can be worn over both shoulders)
Why we picked it:
The Fishpond Flat Head tops our list of the best regular fly fishing packs. It has an incredibly value for money and is an excellent choice if you want a long-lasting product. Fishpond have established themselves as a fly fishing gear authority.
The Fishpond Flat Head is a lightweight fishing sling pack, weighing in at 1.75 pounds (0,8kg). It is ambidextrous which means it can be worn over both shoulders. This fact increases comfort on a long fishing day. Features an adjustable shoulder-strap and an additional cross-body strap for extra stabilisation.
Inside the Fishpond Flat Head features two dividers to keep your gear organised. Two large pockets for water bottles on the side and right and left hand net slots.
Pros:
– Great bonus features such as tippet spool holder or fly patch
– Can holders on each side
Cons:
– Bigger items like a wading jacket might difficult to fit into the Fishpond
Best Waterproof / Submersible Fly Fishing Packs
Now that you have a good idea of the best regular packs out there, we want to take a look at our favorites from the section of waterproof / submersible fly fishing packs. These are more expensive because of their technology. The best waterproof fishing slings are fully submersible. That means you can put them under water and they will keep your gear dry no matter what.
In order to achieve this they are made with waterproof zippers such as the famous TIZIP. These are much more expensive than normal zippers and hence submersible fishing slings all come in at $200+.
8. Best Attachment Options: FishPond Thunderhead Submersible
Key features:
– Fully submersible
– Extra pocket for small items on the back
– One big main compartment
Why we picked it:
The FishPond Thunderhead Sling (read our in-depth review here) is one of the fishing sling packs in our review that are fully waterproof. Take this sling pack in your hands and you will instantly feel its sturdiness. It feels like an elephant skin. A small zippered outside pocket (not waterproof, only water resistant) holds your essentials.
The reason why waterproof sling packs such as the FishPond Thunderhead Pack come in at over $200 is the technology that ensures these packs are really fully waterproof. A crucial part in this are the waterproof TIZIP zippers. Open and close them for the first time and you will immediately feel the difference to a normal zipper.
Waterproof sling packs are not as feature rich, especially on the inside. Their strength lies in keeping every drop of moisture out. If you know you’ll wade deep or will be fishing in wet areas such as the Pacific Northwest, go for a waterproof pack such as the FishPond Thunderhead Pack. You won’t regret spending the extra money.
Pros:
– Build to last and withstand the harshest conditions
– Well-padded shoulder strap
– Great gear attachment options
Cons:
– Less versatility due to focus on the big main compartment
9. Best Versatility: Patagonia Guidewater 15L
Key features:
– Integrated rod tube holder
– Ultra durable construction
– Fully submersible
Why we picked it:
The Patagonia Guidewater 15L is the successor of the brand’s famous stormsurge sling that was a fly fisherman’s favorite for years. Now Patagonia has reworked its popular submersible sling pack to make it even better.
We like the fact that the new Patagonia Guidewater 15L is made from 100% recycled nylon material. The shoulder strap does not absorb water. The main compartment zipper can be opened from both sides making access as easy as it can be. The ambidextrous pack features a net holder and a rod tube holder.
The Patagonia Guidewater 15L comes in black and blue and weighs in at only 1lb 7 oz (670g). A small separate pocket on the inside can hold your essentials such as a wallet or keys. One of our favorites of the season.
Pros:
– Excellent build quality that means the product will last you for years
– Rod tube holder is a neat little feature
– Additional attachment options for gear
Cons:
– A little heavy when carrying it all day
10. Best Style: Filson Dry Sling Pack
Key features:
– Front pocket provides easy access for car keys or wallet
– Sturdy handle on the side to carry it like a bag
– Multiple attachment options
Why we picked it:
The Filson Dry has been released for the 2021 season. Just like the FishPond Thunderhead and the Patagonia Guidewater it is completely waterproof, even when submerged.
Following Filson’s design philosophy, the Dry Pack is a beautifully minimalistic sling pack. It features one padded shoulder strap that enables you to quickly swing the pack around for easy access. The main compartment is protected by the sturdy T-ZIP.
The zipper for the small exterior pocket of the Dry Pack is only water resistant. The Dry Pack features a D-ring to attach a net for example. An extra handle on the side secures a safe grip at all times.
Pros:
– Can be carried like a bag
– Outside pocket is great for permits, etc.
– Very tough fabric
Cons:
– Can be a bit bulky on smaller people
11. Best Loadability: Simms Dry Creek Z Fishing
Key features:
– Backpack shape offers a lot of room
– Easily accessible, zippered front pocket
– Highly versatile attachment options
Why we picked it:
Here is another excellent option if you are looking for a waterproof, fully submersible fly fishing sling pack: the Simms Dry Creek Z. The brand new version comes in a light grey and features a wide, comfortable shoulder strap. Exterior lash points all around the sling allow for the attachment of extra gear such as pliers or nippers.
The Simms Dry Creek Z also comes with a neat slide-in pocket for your fly fishing net. On the inside, the sling features mesh pockets for storing small items. All your gear goes into the big main compartment. A big front pocket on the outside can hold a fishing license. But be careful, it’s only water resistant but not waterproof.
Pros:
– Very sturdy, yet lightweight
– Provides a lot of storage space
– Multiple points to attach gear across the sling pack
Cons:
– Not the smallest sling pack tested – not ideal if you want to be light on your feet
12. Best Minimal: Orvis Waterproof Sling Pack
Key features:
– Fully waterproof, yet lightweight
– Features tippet spool holder and fly patch on the outside
– Bottle holder on the bottom
Why we picked it:
The Orvis Waterproof is the last waterproof sling pack in our test and it’s fully loaded with nice little features. Orvis reworked their traditional waterproof sling pack to incorporate feedback from fly fishermen in the field.
The Orvis Waterproof features multiple attachment rings across the entire pack. The tippet spool comes in handy when you need to change tippets in the pouring rain. A fly patch on the side of the Orvis Waterproof can hold your used flies.
On the bottom the Orvis Waterproof has a water bottle holder. With a capacity of 14L it’s right up there with its contenders such as the Simms Dry Creek Z, the Patagonia Guidewater 15L or the Filson Dry. Waterproof but not submersible.
Pros:
– Highest versatility of all waterproof sling packs tested
– Fly patch and tippet spool holder are easily accessible
– Slender shape provides great freedom of movement
Cons:
– Not the best choice if you want to bring a lot of gear
What to Pay Attention to when Picking your Fishing Sling Pack
There are several things you should pay attention to before making a choice.
Space: Depending on how much gear you want to fit inside you should consider buying a bigger or smaller sling pack. A bigger one gives you more flexibility but the additional weight can be annoying on days when you don’t need to carry too much gear.
Shape: Fishing sling packs come in all sorts of variations. Some feature multiple pockets (downside: they can get bulky) others try to keep it simple and focus on the essentials. A smaller, slimmer pack will give you more freedom of movement.
Ambidextrous: Sling packs used to worn over your right shoulder mostly. Nowadays more and more manufacturers are offering products that can be worn over either shoulder.
Waterproofness: This is a crucial characteristic of a sling fishing pack. Although you wear it higher than a waist pack it can potentially get wet when you are wading really deep. The same holds true on a really wet day. If you want to be on the safe side, go for a waterproof one. They are a bit more expensive because of waterproof zippers for example. But on the other hand you are safe with them no matter the conditions.
Conclusion on the Best Fly Fishing Sling Pack
As you can see from our reviews, a fishing sling pack is a great, lightweight option to carry a lot of fly fishing gear easily. Depending on your needs you can get one that can hold more stuff or a more minimal sling pack for a lightweight setup. If you want to be on the safe side for all conditions, get a waterproof sling pack. They are absolute bulletproof.
Fly Fishing Sling Packs: Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a sling pack over a traditional fishing backpack or vest?
Sling packs are designed to provide easy, one-handed access to gear without having to remove the pack. They can be swung to the front for access and then slid to the back when fishing. They offer a balance between storage capacity and mobility, making them ideal for fly fishers who are on the move.
How much gear can I fit into a sling pack?
Sling packs are designed for efficiency, providing space for essential gear like fly boxes, tippet, leaders, and some personal items. While they may not have the capacity of larger backpacks, they are perfect for anglers who prefer to carry just the essentials for a day on the water.
Are fly fishing sling packs waterproof?
While many sling packs are water-resistant, not all are fully waterproof. Some high-end models offer waterproof zippers and materials, but it’s always a good idea to check the product details or use a waterproof pouch for electronics or other sensitive items.
How does the weight distribution work with sling packs?
Sling packs are designed to distribute weight across the shoulder and upper back. This design not only provides comfort but also ensures that the pack stays stable and doesn’t shift around, even when casting or wading through water.
Can I wear a sling pack with a wading jacket?
Yes, most sling packs are designed to be slim and ergonomic, allowing them to be worn comfortably with a wading jacket or even a life vest. Just ensure the straps are adjusted correctly for a snug fit.
Is it easy to switch the sling pack from one shoulder to another?
Many modern sling packs are ambidextrous, meaning they can be easily switched from one shoulder to the other based on the user’s preference. This can be particularly useful to distribute weight or for ease of access depending on the fishing scenario.
How do I clean and maintain my fly fishing sling pack?
After a fishing trip, especially in saltwater, rinse your sling pack with fresh water. Empty all pockets, open all zippers, and let it air dry. For dirt or stains, use mild soap and a soft brush, then rinse and let it dry. Periodically check for wear and tear.
What features should I look for in a top-quality sling pack?
When choosing a sling pack, consider features such as water-resistant or waterproof material, multiple compartments for organized storage, D-ring or tool attachment points, padded straps for comfort, and an ergonomic design that fits well on your body.
Our Expertise
Why you should trust us: Leonard Schoenberger and his team have tried and tested hundreds of rods, reels and other fly fishing gear over the years. We always express our honest opinions about a product to help you make a solid purchase decision. We never get paid for reviews and are proud of keeping our editorial independence. Our focus is on bringing you the latest in gear so you can have a great time at the water. Thanks for being a reader of The Wading List.
