Fly Fishing Product Reviews | Recycled Waders Nook Sack and Messenger Creel

Recycled Waders 'Nook Sack and Messenger Creel

Written by Paul S.

Product Review: Messenger Creel and 'Nook Sack

Made by: Recycled Waders

My friends at Recycled Waders recently sent a little care package in the mail. They had read my thoughts on their company in my blog post and asked that I take a first hand look at a couple of their products. I don't think anyone would argue that the idea of recycling makes perfect sense. Take something that is used, break it down, make a new one, rinse and repeat. Who wouldn't want to get on board? Especially conservation minded fly fishermen.

The problem arises when we blindly "recycle" and end up doing more damage. I bet you didn't know that recycling plastic and paper products, the way it is usually done today, is incredibly inefficient and usually requires more resources and energy and contributes to more long term damage than if we just did the old fashioned landfill method. I'm not saying we shouldn't recycle. I'm saying we should make sure what we do works and if it doesn't, take the time to solve the problem instead of creating a new one. All this leads me to why I think Recycled Waders are a breath of fresh air. They take your old fly fishing waders and "repurpose" them into practical and reusable items. Each item is made by hand and totally unique. It doesn't get efficiently greener than that. What they sent me was their messenger creel and 'nook sack.

First, I'll start with the messenger creel. Here's the specs: Messenger Creel by Recycled Waders

Messenger Creel

The Recycled Waders version of the traditional messenger bag. Not all of us can fish for a living, but those of us that aspire too can certainly enjoy the versatility of the Messenger Creel. Three zippered pockets to keep your smaller items separated and secure. The large main pocket has enough room to carry your laptop and documents for that important business meeting, your favorite school books or your largest box of flies, rain coat, water bottle and a snack - you decide.

Approximate dimensions:

Main Compartment: 16"W x 11"H x 5"D

Front Panel Pocket: 16"W x 10"H

Flap Pocket: 16"W x 4"H

Internal Pocket: 8"W x 8"H

The first thing I noticed was how light the bag was. It's amazing how far technology has come with waders. The bag is just the right size for me and what I haul around. I, personally, don't carry a laptop around. If I did, the only concern I would have would be the lack of padding or protection. On the other hand, it is often that padding that creates the extra weight that usually steers me away from these bags. Like everything else, there is a give and take. There is ample room and the stitching is solid. I have no worries that this is going to fall apart before its time. In the few days I've been carrying it around, I've already gotten unsolicited compliments. I think the only change I would make are with the zippers. I had one zip improperly and I had to re-zip to make sure it closed correctly. This may turn out to be inconvenient in the future if the zippers decide to not close at all. Time will tell there, but that is the only thing I would change. Other than that, it really is the perfect, light weight messenger bag. Plus, you have the pleasure of having your waders and all the fish stories they could tell by your side all the time now.

Now, for the Nook Sack...here are the specs:

'Nook Sack

The pouch that started it all. Named after the King Salmon it was designed to chase, the 'Nook Sack keeps your fish chasing essentials slung close by without all the extras. Roomy enough for 2 large boxes of flies, a large spool of leader, hook file, nippers, bug dope, and license. One main pocket to hold your large fly boxes; a smaller internal pocket, and an external zippered pocket.

Approximate dimensions:

Main Compartment: 11"H x 7"W x 3"D

External Pocket: 8"H x 7"W

Internal Pocket: 6"H x 6"W

The 'Nook Sack, as the story goes, came into being when its inventor realized that he was carrying way more stuff in his vest than he needed. While envisioning what he'd replace his vest with, he gouged an irreparable hole into his waders... And here we are. Ironically, I came to the same realization about "over-gearing" last year when I took notice of how little my fishing buddy would bring with him on the water. I spent months trying all the packs, bags, and sacks that were on the market to finally settle on what I thought was perfect. I wanted something I could strap around my waist and over my head. That way I could slip an arm through and shift the whole thing to the side or behind me when casting, then bring it back around when I needed something. The problem was it was too heavy. It was uncomfortable on my neck and the strap around the waist was superfluous. I mention all this because the 'Nook Sack really is what I needed in the first place. Again, it is light weight. I can't stress how important that is going to be when you have it on the water. And speaking of water, it's made of waders so its water resistant (there are zippers and stitching, so it's not quite water proof, but damn close).

It's not too big and it's not too small. It can easily fit 4 fly boxes (C&F), but that wont leave you much room. If you use 2 boxes you will have plenty of room for all of your other needs. An inside and outside pocket let you organize some of your smaller items. Other than that, there are no frills. There is no fold down fly bench that seems to be all the rage on chest packs these days, but I, for one, will not miss it. For me, I would wear this bag with my head and one arm and shoulder through the strap so I can swing it behind me. But, you can just as easily use the neck strap only and let it sit at your chest. The only issue I have is the same one I had with the creel, the zippers will have to prove themselves over time. But, time will tell, because, I will tell you right now, this puppy is hanging with me on the water and replacing the "new bag" that I got last fall.

Messenger Creel $60

'Nook Sack $30

Recycled Waders have a couple winners here. Click Here to go to their site.

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