DS Fishing Blog

I am constantly looking for ways to minimize what I carry on the water. By nature, I lack the organizational skills that I envy in my friends who have garages tidier than my kitchen. So, I'm always trying to follow their lead to insure that by the end of a long day of wading I'm not exhausted from carrying fifty pounds of gear with me while I'm fly fishing. I swapped out my fly fishing vest for a functional and ergonomic chest pack awhile back and I couldn't be happier.

For years I used a vest to carry everything. It was great, so I thought, because I could carry everything I thought I might possibly need with me. I often do some trekking so I would also have a light pack with me to hold my lunch and a water bottle/filter. At the end of the day, my neck and back were killing me. On top of that, the pack didn't fit quite right with the loaded vest, so it was a bit cumbersome and awkward.

Well, a couple of years back I watched a friend scramble around and over rocks effertlessly with a small chest pack. I decided to give it a try. I was given the advice of a guide friend of mine to avoid some of the larger chest packs because it was a bit like having "baby onboard" to use his phrase. This was good to know because knowing me I would have gone for the biggest pack so I wouldn't worry about forgetting anything and then I would have had even more back issues at the end of the day from stooping forward constantly.

Now, I have a couple options depending on where I am. Check out my review of the 'Nook Sack by Recycled Waders for one of the great options I use. If I'm going to be on some bigger water and out longer, I will still bring a back pack, but my chest pack doesn't get in the way. I let it sit about belly high and I use it over one shoulder with the waist belt cynched. This way I can swing it behind me when I'm casting. If my shoulder gets tired, I switch it to the other side - Brilliant! Both my 'Nook Sack and my chest pack allow me carry three fly boxes and all the essentials. Give it some thought, it just may be time to retire that vest of yours. Riverbum has a fine selection to choose from.

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