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As a fly fisherman, you need to be able to keep your flies and fishing tools within arm’s reach when you’re in the water. There are a few ways to accomplish that, and while you’ll find plenty of anglers who prefer a vest or a full sized backpack, there’s a strong case to be made that a fly fishing sling pack is better.
A fly fishing sling pack provides a room to store all your choice fishing essentials, but it’s small enough that it won’t weigh you down. That’s good not only for comfort, but for safety. Sling packs also have an unobtrusive design that gives you a full range of motion, which is important when you’re making dareful casts or fighting a big fish.
Another key advantage of a sling pack for fly fishing is that it makes all your flies and fishing tools easy to access. Because it’s designed to be slung over one shoulder, you can quickly swing your pack around and access all its contents without having to take it off.
There are a lot of quality sling packs you can choose from. Whether you’re an advanced fly fisherman or a relative newcomer, there’s a fly fishing sling pack to fit your needs and budget.
Best Fly Fishing Sling Pack – Quick Reference Chart
| Amazon | Bass Pro Shops | |
| Maxcatch Fly Fishing Sling Pack (Editor’s Choice) | CHECK PRICE HERE | N/A |
| Orvis Sling Pack (Upgrade Choice) | CHECK PRICE HERE | CHECK PRICE HERE |
| Bmsing Fly Fishing Chest Pack (Budget Choice) | CHECK PRICE HERE | N/A |
| Kylebooker Fly Fishing Sling Pack (Honorable Mention) | CHECK PRICE HERE | N/A |
| White River Fly Shop Aventur1 Sling Pack (Honorable Mention) | N/A | CHECK PRICE HERE |
Table of Contents
- Maxcatch Fly Fishing Sling Pack (Editor’s Choice)
- Orvis Sling Pack (Upgrade Choice)
- Bmsing Fly Fishing Chest Pack (Budget Choice)
- Final Thought on The Best Fly Fishing Slink Packs
- Frequently Asked Questions About Fly Fishing Sling Packs
Maxcatch Fly Fishing Sling Pack (Editor’s Choice)
It’s hard to beat the Maxcatch Fly Fishing Sling Pack for comfort and functionality. Made of high-quality polyester and 500D nylon with a water-resistant TPU coating, it’s an able companion on any fly-fishing adventure.
The pack is designed to be worn on the right shoulder, and the shoulder strap and back panel are covered in soft mesh that makes it breathable and comfy to wear. It’s very easy to swing the pack around to your front when you want to access any of the compartments. The Maxcatch Sling Pack also has an extra nylon strap that goes around your waist to keep the pack stable while you’re fishing.
The whole package is lightweight and durable, and has several zippered compartments in addition to the spacious main compartment. The zippers have grippy, oversized pulls so you can easily get ahold of them even when your hands are wet. There’s also a built-in fly patch and a velcro pad for an additional fly patch.
Another great feature is the pair of lash tubes on the side of the pack, which can be used to carry a fly rod in a rod tube. A landing net pocket, D-ring, water bottle pocket and several attachment loops and straps are also integrated into the design.
Some users have noted that the shoulder strap can slip and loosen over the course of a long day of fishing, especially when the pack is fully loaded. That minor complaint aside, it’s hard to find fault with the Maxcatch Fly Fishing Sling Pack.
Pros:
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Versatile storage options
- Water resistant
- Includes rod tube holder
- Easy access zip compartments
Cons:
- May loosen while wearing
Orvis Sling Pack (Upgrade Choice)
If you’re looking for a fly-fishing sling pack upgrade (or if you just want to go high-end right out of the gate) then the Orvis Sling Pack is a great choice. This pack comes at a higher price tag than any other on our list, but it’s tough to argue that it’s not worth it.
First and foremost, this sling pack offers a pretty amazing amount of storage. It holds 11 liters, which might not sound like a lot, but the spacious main compartment and smaller drop-down zippered compartment provide more than enough space for all your fly fishing gear and tackle, and that’s without even considering all the exterior attachment points.
The most innovative of these is the “tippet whippet,” a recessed docking station with tippet bar that holds your tippets on convenient spools for easy tying. It’s really a groundbreaking design and the only strike against it is that the tippet whippet is a bit fragile.
A velcro fly patch and several loops and attachment points are located on the strap, so you can store flies, hook removers, line snippers and other tools on your chest where they’re easy to reach without adjusting the pack. There’s a water bottle pocket on the bottom.
The Orvis Sling Pack is also unique in that it’s meant to be slung over the angler’s left shoulder, as opposed to the more common right shoulder pack design. This frees up your right arm and shoulder when casting, which is a great feature for right-handed anglers. The pack is made of 100% recycled Eco Cordura, and has a water-resistant TPO coating.
Pros:
- Spacious storage compartments
- Tippet Whippet serves as knot-tying station
- Recycled materials
- Water-resistant
- Left shoulder strap leaves right arm free to move
- Convenient chest storage on strap
Cons:
- High price tag
- Tippet Whippet prone to breaking
Bmsing Fly Fishing Chest Pack (Budget Choice)
Bmsing isn’t exactly an instantly-recognizable brand, and it’s understandable to be wary about buying a product from a company you don’t know. That being said, this Fly Fishing Chest Pack is a great bargain, and you’re not likely to find a better option for less than $20.
The first thing that makes this pack stand out is its versatile wear options. The straps are fully removable, so you can choose to wear the pack over your right or left shoulder. You can also configure it to be worn as a chest pack or on your belt as a hip back.
The Bmsing Fly Fishing Chest Pack has a rugged, no-frills design that includes a good-sized main compartment and a smaller front compartment. The latter has an inner mesh pocket with a built-in foam fly patch inside. Exterior attachment points for gear are pretty minimal, but there is one mesh pocket on the front, plus a few elastic straps.
Overall, the design of this pack might be a little too bare-bones for advanced fly anglers who really want to keep all their gear smartly stored and within reach. This could be an excellent starter sling pack, or even a great option for kids to take fishing with them.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Multiple methods of carry
- Great for kids and beginners
- Durable
Cons:
- Limited storage options
- Basic design
- Not waterproof
Kylebooker Fly Fishing Sling Pack (Honorable Mention)
This sling pack from Kylebooker didn’t quite make our top spot, but it’s too good to leave out. With generous 15” x 10” x 5.1” dimensions, it’s one of the most spacious fly fishing sling packs we looked at, and its abundance of zippered pockets have more than enough room for even the most well-stocked angler’s arsenal of gear.
The Kylebooker Fly Fishing Sling Pack is also lightweight and comfortable, with a padded back panel and shoulder strap. The padding is good and soft, though not quite as thick as some other sling packs. Ths Kylebooker pack is made of polyester and lacks a waterproof coating (not a huge issue, but it would have been a nice touch).
A fly drying patch is included inside one of the front zippered compartments, which opens outward to create a convenient workspace. You’ll also find an abundance of exterior storage options, including a D-ring, landing net sleeve, water bottle pocket, hidden spring clasp, and a velcro pad for the attachment of another optional fly patch.
With an adjustable strap designed to be worn over the right shoulder, this pack fits most average-sized anglers comfortably. If you’re over 6 feet tall or have a huskier build, it might be a tight fit.
Pros:
- Spacious
- Versatile gear storage
- High quality materials
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Too small for larger anglers
White River Fly Shop Aventur1 Sling Pack (Honorable Mention)
With a design that’s stylish as well as functional, the White River Fly Shop Aventur1 Sling Pack is more than deserving of consideration. It’s made to be slung over the left shoulder, which is great for anglers who prefer to have their right arm and shoulder free for casting.
The Adventur1 Sling Pack has a simple, straightforward layout, which includes two large zippered compartments and four smaller zippered pockets, plus two convenient tool stations. It’s great for anyone who wants to stow a lot of gear and tackle, but prefers an uncomplicated design. The pack is made of durable polyester. The fabric itself is water-resistant, but the zippers and seams are not.
The shoulder strap is fully adjustable, and fits most anglers. Some users have noted comfort issues stemming from the strap rubbing on the neck over the course of a day on the water. The White River sling pack also has a waist strap for added stability.
Pros:
- Ample storage space
- Straightforward design
- Rugged materials
- Left arm design
Cons:
- Potential comfort issues
- Not waterproof
Final Thought on The Best Fly Fishing Slink Packs
If you’re in the market for a new fly fishing sling pack, there are a few things to consider. But don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you. In this article, we introduced you to the best fly fishing sling packs on the market and give you all the information you need to make an informed purchase. We also gave you a buyer’s guide so that you can find the perfect sling pack for your needs. Are you ready to go fly fishing? Pick up a fly fishing sling pack and get out on the water today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fly Fishing Sling Packs
Are sling packs good for fly fishing?
Yes, sling packs are good for fly fishing because they allow you to keep your tackle and fly box close at hand. They are also lightweight and comfortable to wear, which makes them perfect for long days on the water.
If you are looking for a good way to keep your fly fishing gear organized and accessible, a sling pack is a great option. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can find one that fits your needs and style. Plus, they are affordable and durable, which makes them a wise investment for any angler.
How do you pack a fly fishing sling?
There is no one definitive way to pack a sling for fly fishing, as there are a variety of factors that can come into play, such as the size of the stream you’re fishing and the type of flies you’re using. However, there are a few general tips that can help:
- Start by putting your flies in a small box or vial. This will help keep them in order and prevent them from getting tangled or damaged.
- Next, put your tippet, leader, and line into a larger container. You may also want to include some weights and floats here.
- Finally, pack your rod and reel in a separate bag or case. Make sure to include any extra line, hooks, or other accessories you may need.
By following these tips, you can create a sling that is clean and easy to use.
Does Orvis sling pack have net holder?
No, the Orvis sling pack does not have a net holder. It can carry a fly rod and other gear while you are wading or fishing. The net holder is not feature on this pack. There are other packs on the market that do include this feature. If you are looking for a pack with a net holder, there are several options to choose from.
- Some slings have a zippered pouch on the front for holding a net. Other packs have a built-in net holder that is located on the side of the pack. There are also packs that have a retractable net holder. If you are looking for a pack with a net holder, it is important to consider the type of fishing that you do.
- If you primarily fish for trout, then a pack with a zippered net holder would be a good option. If you fish for bass, then you may want to consider a pack with a retractable net holder. The built-in net holder is a good option for those who do not have a lot of extra space to carry a net. It is also important to consider the size of the net that you use.
- Some nets are small and can easily be carried in a pack. Other nets are large and require a lot of extra space. It is important to choose a pack that will accommodate the size of your net.
