20 Best Fly Fishing Hip Pack (2023 Updated)

She’s a big gurl with a lot of room. You will love every inch of this pack. It fits everything and more. The zipper is a bit of a betch but once you get the hang of it, she is as smooth as butter.

This pack rocks! It’s comfortable, holds everything I need and is waterproof. It’s pretty simple and has a large enough space for a full day of fishing gear.

Fin & Fire couldn’t have made this purchase easier. Received my new favorite bag extremely quick! Great experience all around. Super happy with my purchase!!

Great waist pack. Waterproof inner pocket. Non waterproof zip pocket. Nice drink holder on the side. Main dry bag area. great for suncream, inspect spray, lip balm, keys, and waterways licence. Good materials, belt easy to adjust, don’t really feel it on.

Good overall product.

This is my third Overboard waist pack, not to say that they are poor quality. The first did have a fault and was replaced outside of warranty by OB. The replacement has now met its day after years of abuse, so on to this one.

The design has changed again with the addition of a small outer change pocket and it feels better again from the previous models. It still has the drinks pouch and is not see through any more which is fine for me.

This pack WIL keep your valuables dry whist out on your motorbike or whatever your chosen use is, good insurance for todays expensive phones!.

Great item!! Bag is 100% waterproof and airtight when rolled and clipped at the top. Not as airtight when clipped at sides so probably not as waterproof (not risked it). Bag is also handy for a lot more than just water sports in my opinion.

I love how roomie this bag is. I use it for things I want to keep close to me while on the river or lake. I took it paddle boarding last summer and strapped it to the board. The current and wind picked up and I couldnt get back to the put-in.

I flagged down a pontoon boat, who dragged my friends board and I back to the lot. My bag was strapped to it the entire time and was fully submerged with my phone and other valuables in it. When we got to shore I opened it and everything was dry!!! Hallelujah! Highly recommend for anyone who gets on the water.

I have had this pack for at least 7 or 8 years. I have used it both for work and recreation. For work I use it to keep my phone, wallet and other items dry while collecting water samples on lakes, and while wading in creeks and rivers to collect water and biological samples, often with the pack underwater for long periods of time.

Recreationally, I wear it on the outside of my sprayskirt while kayaking for my phone and wallet. I have yet to find water inside after having it inundated at work or at play. Another reviewer had an issue with water in the pack; I’m not sure if this is the case with him, but many folks will squeeze the air out of a roll-top dry bag when closing it.

this is a BIG mistake as it can create negative pressure inside which can draw water in. It is important to close the bag so that there is positive pressure inside which prevents water from entering the bag.

I own a number of different size and shape dry bags and have never had an issue with this. This bag has cinch straps attached to each of the faster buckles and it is important to draw these snug. when in use.

This bag seems to be made really well. The only downside is the lack of the tacky material that really seals other dry bags. I think that this is the reason that it isn’t 100% waterproof. A tiny bit of water creeps in if the bag is submerged.

This was under pretty extreme conditions wing surfing.

So, I bought this fanny pack about a year ago. I swore to myself that it would NOT turn into a treat pouch. see, I’m a dog trainer. But I also enjoy hiking, and told myself that this fanny pack would be STRICTLY for hiking and would stay dog-treat-stink-free.

Welp. I was wrong. After my third treat pouch (which I’d purchased from a dog training website and was specifically designed to BE a treat pouch), basically disintegrated after 2 months of use, I resorted to using the Mojave Waist pack.

And I am So. Glad. I. Did. I’ve now been using this bad boy for at least 6 months, specifically as a training pouch. It is so much roomier than ANY of my previous treat pouches, and has not started to fray at the seams like all the other ones started to do after 2-3 weeks of use.

See the tiny pocket on the front? Yeah, that one’s perfect for holding my keys and business cards. The bigger pocket? Poop bags and miscellaneous items. The biggest pocket? All of the treats. The cup holders for the water bottles? I have two tennis balls stacked in one of the holders, and the second holder is usually either for my phone or a regular water bottle.

My only complaint is that the water bottles that come with the fanny pack are cheap, leak, and difficult to drink from. I ended up trashing those. But the pack itself is wonderful, which is why it still gets five full stars.

I HIGHLY recommend this waist pack as a treat pouch to any dog trainer or pet parent.

Comfortable. Flexible. Mine was well made. Having two bottles helps balance the load. Is comfortable wearing front oriented, back oriented, and even side oriented. Can carry an afternoon’s worth of your favorite energy treats.

More than just adequate.

I bought this for my dad when he is outdoors. It seems well made, the belt, pouch and bottles. I think it’s a great idea, and it wide enough that you can put a bottle of pop in it too. It’s a good alternative to a hydration pack.

Definitely good for walkers and carries your keys, phone, etc.

I have a backpack hydration pack that I used for mountain biking, but sometimes I feel it hurts my shoulders. So about a month ago I bought the Osprey Seral 7 pack, and so far I like it. I have wide hips, so this pack sits perfectly in place.

I didn’t feel it during my rides. I do think the bladder is a bit hard to fill up by myself, but I like the way it closes. I also think the bladder is a bit hard to dry out. You really have to prop it open with something.

The pack has enough room for some tools, a snack and some other stuff you want to take to the trails. Whatever pack you have, the side pockets never seem to be big enough for your cellphone. I know it’s better protected in the pack, but still.

As far as hip packs go, the Osprey Savu is one of the most versatile and spacious packs that I have seen and used. I purchased it mainly for when heading out on longer rides that may call for an extra water bottle or snack, but doesn’t exactly demand a full size hydration pack.

One of the great things about this pack is that it has the ability to carry 2 full size water bottles where many hip packs can only carry 1, and you can also fold these compartments away and make the pack a little more compact.

2 boothes in the pack + a bottle on the bike makes plenty of hydration without carring a backpack. In addition to the 2 water bottle holders, there is a main storage compartment which is perfect for some essentials, snacks, your phone, tools and other essentials, as well as a smaller compartment next to the main compartment that is handy for a wallet and keys.

There are also 2 smaller storage compartments on both sides of your hips that are also great things that you might want to be easier to access. Bottomline, this is a great quality pack that is extremely versatile and doesn’t break the bank.

Out of all the hip packs with bladders I’ve used, I like this one the most. As per most osprey packs, it has an extremely robust and quality build to it. The bladder is clean, easy to use, and lacks the gross plastic taste that comes from a lot of other bladders.

The hose is not detachable, which I see no issue in. Full of water and tools the pack doesn’t bounce around on my back during descents and I don’t notice it at all during climbs. It’s easy to grab the hose and drink from it, and then reattach to the magnet.

My only gripe about this pack is it’s lack of storage space. It seems to have only 1 zipper pocket, which means your storage is shared with your bladder. I would of liked to see some other zipper pockets and some storage that isn’t shared with the bladder.

Otherwise it’s a great pack, and for the $75 price tag I wouldn’t go with any other brand. Not to mention ospresy’s epic warranty, which keeps me buying their bags time and time again.

Definitely small, but perfect for a small fly box or similar, and a few other fishing items. Seems well made of good materials. It also looks great and wears comfortably. Perfect for my kayak.

I put the necessities of the driver in this. Reading glasses to see the map, a ballpoint pen, and a license. This is very useful for drivers who get on and off frequently and do not interfere with the seat belt in a small size.

The Allen Bear Creek Micro is just what I was looking for. A smallish chest pack that can maneuver through thick brush without getting tangled yet still has enough capacity to target certain species of fish.

This thing is legit. Would recommend at least trying it out. They hold their value well So if you don’t like it you can sell it pretty close to what you paid for it. And just under 30 bucks it doesn’t really hit the wallet that hard The Inner liner plus additional zip pocket offers organization options.

I’ve used this pack from fueling longer runs, picking up 3 -4 onions from the grocery store, as a firing range side pack and on casual cycling trips across town or meeting up with peeps.

Took this bag with me everywhere on my three month road trip. This pack never missed a hike, rain or shine. Did the job! Kept my essentials secure. The clip for the keys helped my nerves as i always forget to close the zipper.

Very easy to clean. Still looks new. As far as quality, it’s made well enough to last a long time.

Super small. Even too small for my 6 yr old. My kid uses it on her 18 inch doll. It fits a lip gloss and a small trinket , nothing else. Only 5 inches across and 3 inches in height. It’s more like a toy.

And of course, it’s extremely cheaply made.

These are BIG fanny packs. Look at the dimension and determine if they are right for you. They were exactly what I was looking for. Big, roomy, holds a lot of gear for a day hike. Construction seems solid.

If you have a smaller waist, you will need to snip the belt to make tighter adjustments. Overall it’s a great, larger sized pack. Love it!.

I bought the same one 4-5 years ago and it had a much better strap that did not slip. This one slips and I have to wear it all day. Hmm. Wish they would go back to the sturdier strap that was a bit wider and of heavier material.

9/5/21 The belt completely slips and does not hold at all. So disappointing because the one I purchased a few years ago. same product number. had a much better belt and did not slip at all. I wore this old one out.

I purchased online, something I’m not comfortable doing for personal items (I’m short, and find it really hard to get proper fit without trying things on in person), and now regret my purchase. The pack is smaller than I expected, and yes, I did check measurements in advance, but the way it tapers, it won’t hold what I need it to.

my two pair glasses and wallet. Additionally, the super wide waist strap is very much out of proportion to the small size of the bag. The strap is 1. 5″ wide, which is just too wide, and the ends of the straps on each side are turned under and stitched so they stick out.

It’s not a great design, in my opinion.

I bought this fanny because I wanted something that would hold my keys and my phone. Women’s pockets are not large and I wanted to free up my hands. I love the canvas fabric and the two zipper pockets.

It’s perfect for going to the game or walking down the street. So convenient!.

This little bag is the best. It fits so much, it’s super comfy, the material is great, and it has amazing little details. I’m obsessed. Only wish is that it were water resistant but I will manage just fine!.

This fits a lot of stuff. It holds my iPhone, a small wallet pretty much everything I need it to hold. I didnt end up using it much so I decided to give it to a friend of mine who also likes fanny packs and purses.

I call it my “murse” (male purse) and wear it as a cross-body instead of a waist-pack. I go for walks in rainy Seattle and I hated having to carry all my things in my pockets. This carries my wallet, keys, beanie, gloves, phone, snacks.

Zippers have never failed or got caught. The clip is very study and clicks loud and assuredly. If you want something that is made well, is durable, and kick ass, buy Carhartt.

I had a little fanny pack for about a month. It was. Eh. I finally broke it because frankly I am rough on my gear. I bought the hip pack and i am floored with the heavy duty straps, buckles, and zippers.

I love the small hook on the inside for keys so i’m not searching for my keys bouncing everywhere. Carhartt you hit it out of the park once again.

Disappointed with the front zipper falling off within 2 weeks of regular use. Otherwise a good carrying case just wish zipper held up

I’ve recently reviewed this product and gave it low marks however with more in-field experience of the hip pack comes with more positive feedback. I would have to say coming from decades of fishing with a vest was an eye-opening experience switching to a hip pack.

I learned that carrying the minimum – yet essential gear for a days fishing is far easier than before for hiking long distances or navigating through heavy bush to get to the “secret” spots. This bag can carry my seven fly boxes, lunch and accessories without any problems.

The quality of the build is clearly Simms with their attention to detail. The zippers and zipper pulls work extremely well with no hang ups and the magnetic parts for the main compartment flap and forceps keeper are really nice additions.

The hip pack wears nicely with many adjustment points, the net scabbard is a great feature and the pockets on the belt are nice and convenient and well thought out. I researched several hip packs and slings and still find this to be the best so far.

Is it perfect? No. I gave it four stars because my only gripe is the shoulder strap pad. Let me preface that most anglers will probably never use the strap and will just spin the hip pack to the front.

Easy if you’ve got no belly. The shoulder strap for me is essential so when I unclip the belt the hip pack hangs on my shoulder while I spin it to the front. The strap has a sliding shoulder pad and what is annoying is that pad gets caught on the adjustment buckle so the pad either ends up in front or back and the bare strap digs into my shoulder.

That buckle may not interfere with other body types but for me it is quite distracting having to constantly adjust it. Simms needs to look into this. Overall, you won’t be disappointed in this product.

I bought the fifteen hip pack in Port colour and was excited to find a bag that’s a bit larger than the lululemon everywhere belt bag and would fit my passport for an upcoming trip but I was so disappointed! The hip pack is made from a rough fabric that prevents the bag from easily sliding across your body when you swing it from your back to your front in order to access it.

In addition, the strap edges are also rough and catch on the fabric of your clothes, further making the hip pack a nuisance to comfortably shift and use while wearing. As a further irritation, the clasp that holds the excess strap fabric in place fails to securely hold the excess strap in place so the excess strap is constantly needing to be put back into the clasp.

I was looking forward to this hip pack but was so disappointed. Not loving it.

I bought this hip pack for a two week trip around Europe. It was the perfect size, fit everything I needed each day (wallet, sunscreen, sunglasses, hand sanitizer…) and it wasn’t bulky. Also, the zipper worked well and never got caught up in the fabric when opening or closing.

My only complaint is about the plastic clip that keeps the extra strap length connected to the other side of the belt. It slips sometimes and could have been better designed. I fiddled with it a bit each time to make sure it laid flat, but it wasn’t a big deal compared to the overall function and look.

If I could add anything, it would be an inside zipper pouch for change or small items.

This little pack is super cute. It’s great to wear as a crossbody, and the color is perfect (I got the tan/glittery one) as it’s a versatile neutral. I would, however, give it 3. 5 stars if I could. For one, there is no internal pocket that people would generally use to put cards or other valuables in—it’s just one large, lined pocket.

This isn’t the hugest dealbreaker, but is an inconvenience. The other reason I’d decrease the stars I because the leather pull on the zipper isn’t very secure. On my first wear of the pack, the pull came off, and though there’s a full zipper even without the leather pull, it’s an accent that you’d hope wouldn’t detach so easily.

Also, the plastic hook that holds the excess of the adjustable strap isn’t very effective if you’re moving around a bunch. Despite these shortcomings, the pack is what I was looking for in regard to color, size, and versatility of use.

There were just a couple of constructional things that I feel could’ve been better executed!.

I bought this about 7 months ago after searching for a waist pack I could use with my pocket-less waders. I already had tried the 1L patagonia waist pack but it was too small for anything but trail runs.

This pack is perfect for what I needed – roomy, durable, and comfortable. I frequently use it when hiking to alpine lakes without my waders to fish since it can fit a wind breaker, some flies, and a water bottle/sawyer filter system along with attaching my rod case and net.

The loops and straps also allow me to hook things like my net, forceps, and knife onto the straps while I’m fishing. When I put on my waders, it’s easy to adjust to a bigger waist size and I can twist it around me when I need to swap out flies.

I did a longer hike this fall and needed a day pack for gear and was able to put the day pack above this waist pack so I could also bring all my fishing gear along. Above all my other fishing gear, this was the best purchase I’ve made.

I used to stuff everything in my jacket pockets since I didnt want to deal with a pack and zippers and straps on a lift. This bag somehow fits a nalgene, snacks, hand warmers, an extra layer, and my phone.

It’s padded and structured against the body so it doesn’t feel lumpy. I like the two mesh stretchy exterior pockets and my stuff stayed dry and warm all day despite wipeouts in -30. I got so many compliments too!! I wish we carried this pack at mec since i’ve referred my friends and shoppers to purchase this, and now I want more in other colours.

This is great. I mostly use it for travel as a sling to use as a sneaky second personal item on flights and to keep travel essentials super handy. But I’ve also used it as a proper waist pack for hikes and it fits a rain jacket / extra layer for windy summits and a snack or two.

The water bottle holders are great for enough water for a couple hour hike and it is just about everything you need. It’s a great bag.

I use this product every day, no joke! The Explore Hip Pack is unlike any other side bags out there. I honestly didn’t know I needed it until I used it for the first time, and now I use it every day.

This bag is great for everyday commuting, it’ll keep your belongings safe and easy to access. This bag is stylish, lightweight, and inconspicuous. The perfect bag for the stylish explorer. Also, for the price this bag is 100% worth it, most bags of this nature are way more costly for the quality you receive.

The only complaint I have is the one pocket inside the bag that is a little loose. Really wish the bag had more compartments. That being said I would buy this side bag again and again.

First it’s heavy and you put a few things in it and it gets even heavier. The thing that bugs me the most is it only has one outer zipper; instead of two zippers that can meet halfway. So if I want to reach or put something inside the bag, I got to practically undo the whole zipper.

This usually entails having to stop and fuss with it. Of course, I could unzip halfway, but most bags come with two zippers and I can’t believe Showerpass missed this smple engineering design. I do like the two places to put a Ranger Hip Flask.

Another thing I don’t like is the length of the waist strap. I’m a 36″ inch waist and have the belt strap extended all the way out and can barely connect it. WIth a jacket it, it’s a chore. The Specs say up to 48″.

Huh-uh, nope.

This bag fit everything I needed for a full day of hiking, including but not limited to: 2- 24oz water bottles, 2 tupperware containers of food, my plastic trowel and other toilet supplies, stowed my clothing layers as the day grew warm, map, multi tool, bird book.

All this and it still wasn’t completely full. I even hooked on my walking pole and hat when not needed. I was concerned this bag was too large for my short 5′, 110# frame but I was comfortable in it all day.

It was wonderful to be hands free, shoulder free, and not experience the sweaty back syndrome. I will recommend this bag to all my hiking friends!.

First time I’ve used a hip pack for trout fishing and I have to say it’s awesome ,not quite as waterproof as you state but pretty good. I did make a slight modification in terms I cut and glued in a more ridged base to keep the pack from collapsing.

Maybe that’s something that could be an optional extra when supplying the item. All in all I love it and your friendly service is second to none , thank you to the team at Showers Pass , kind regards, Glenn.

I bought this to add some versatility to fishing options. It quickly clips onto the Bugout pack to make quite a comfortable total unit allowing quick access to tools and flies whilst carrying a considerable amount for just about every outcome.

However as a unit itself it allows one to wade deeper than with the bugout pack or fish light when fewer options are required, of the session shorter. The small chest pack is large enough to carry two small two sided fly boxes a small torch, floatant, sinkent, line cleaner and spare leaders.

Spare retractors have good locations to allow multiple tools such as clippers, clamps/forceps, dispensers and used line dispensers. At first I thought the tippet dispenser would be good but in practical use I found it awkward especially without those elastic covers over each reel to prevent overruns.

An integrated snip blade in the tippet cover is also essential. As I indicated on the Bug Out Pack review, the integration is not perfect. It is not easy to access or remove the back pack whilst the chest pack is attached to the back pack.

I have found it necessary to return to shore, remove chest pack to remove or access the back pack.

As always Orvis comes up with a stunner. Light weight, right structure and rugged. Fished with it all day yesterday, just enough room for two fly boxes and just what you need. It opens up nice and easy and is rigid so the contents are easy to use.

Only improvement i would say is the waist strap ends need better loops to tidy them out of the way. But generally if you have a fishing hut and want to meander on the bank with minimal kit it’s perfect.

This has been a great purchase! It is perfect to keep stocked in the truck for quick after work creek wading. I love the size of the bag. It’s small enough,that it does not bother me or get in my way.

It holds 2 reels,couple fly cases, cell phone(boo), and essential gear. I like that I can carry it over my shoulder or as a waist pack.

For a while I’ve been using a large sling pack but it has a tendency to swing around just as I’m reaching down to net a fish. This has thrown me off balance and almost taken me down a few times. OK, OK! I’m carrying too much stuff.

But now I’ve cut my sling down to a small size and carry the balance of my stuff in this hip pack. It’s big enough for several fly boxes and that other stuff we all need like indicators, spare reel or spool, etc, etc.

And it can serve as my wading belt with wading pole sheath attached and net tucked in back. It’s perfect for me. If I’m wading a little deeper I put it over the opposite shoulder from my sling like an old fashioned crisscrossed bullet belt.

Simple and effective. Might work for you too.

this is what I’ve been searching for the last eight to ten years! Almost perfect in everyway. I’d liked to have seen a water proof pouch inside to hold your phone and car key fob (well when you catch the huge fish you can also take it’s picture).

I have not got every doo dad placed on my pack yet, but there’s plenty of room for just about anything. Even some places I’s a bit unsure of. 110% recommended! gary.

This pack has proven to be the perfect size. It holds all of my steelhead float fishing arsenal. I can wear it all day with no discomfort. Great hip pack and highly recommended.

Becoming more of a fan of lumbar packs for hiking to keeping stuff at hand so I don’t need to be going through my pack for small things. I’ve been using the MR Hip Monkey, which is great for things like fishing where I can put pretty much everything I need in it and eliminate a backpack, but it’s a little too big for use in combination with a 40L+ hiking pack.

I have the MR Forager pouches than mount to the pack hip belts as well, but wanted something separate from the pack setup, so I went for the Mini Forager. It’s a well built unit that will accommodate larger people, which is a plus as I find many lumbar packs don’t.

The waist straps are pivoted, so they move with you as opposed to providing a rubbing point. It’s got a quick access pocket in the back, a main pocket, and a zippered compartment in the main pocket. The Mini Forager has more than enough room for a wallet, keys, a phone (or smaller point and shoot camera), granola bars and miscellaneous small things if you were looking for an urban carry setup.

For a back country carry, it can hold a headlamp, a folding knife, lighter, compass, and other ancillaries. Honestly, it’s a little small for what I would like to use it for, but that’s not its fault.

I’ll be A/BIng it against a Full Moon to see what works best.

I think this is an awesome hip pack. I use it for trail running and I find it works better than others I’ve used in the past because the hip belt is made of wider webbing so it doesn’t dig into my sink nearly as much.

It allows me to set then tension just right to minimize bounce and it just feels much more secured and comfortable than other options out there. The one thing I would say it that its volume is no where near the 1.

3L quoted in the specs. It’s probably closer to 600ml. I can barely fit a 500ml soft flask, my cards, keys, phone and a small snack in there. But I wouldn’t want to carry much more than that for running anything under 20Km and the smaller volume ensures that everything stays in place.

Highly recommended… especially if you feel that running wests are too warm to run with in the summer heat.

I was looking to declutter my pockets. I really only needed to carry three things – one or two sets of keys, my wallet, and cell phone. A wind breaker with three pockets or a small fanny pack? With summer coming in hot Sacramento the pack was the right choice.

But there are so many to choose from. Mystery Ranch was the right one for me, and it’s also made to sling over the shoulder. The mini-pack snugly holds my wallet in an inside zippered pouch, and my phone and keys in the rest of the space.

Perfect. We’ll constructed. Light and compact, holding my essentials. And love the color choices. Thank you.