11 Best Waterproof Fishing Backpacks

1. 1. Orvis Waterproof Backpack

   Price: $298.00

   Shop now at Orvis
   Pros:

   • 500D nylon, TPU coating is tough as nails
   • Low profile design is meant to keep you as mobile as possible and also to avoid line snags
   • Front water resistant zippered pocket is awesome for stashing smaller sized gear
   • Rod/water bottle holder system on either side of the pack carries rod tubes effectively
   • Space for tool attachment on the shoulder strap that's perfect for forceps, nippers, etc.
   • 21 liters is a great size for day pack use that provides you plenty of space
   • Strapping is very comfortable and carries weight well
   • Includes a clip for attaching your net
   • Padded bottom for protecting sensitive gear
   • Excellent customer service from Orvis

   Cons:

   • Fairly expensive waterproof backpack
   • Not much on the exterior of the pack to secure fishing tools and equipment other than the shoulder strap and net clip
   • Zipper is pretty stiff in order to be totally waterproof and requires some strength to operate

   The Waterproof Backpack by Orvis is a top of the line fly fishing backpack that you will own and beat on for many seasons. It’s a little on the expensive side, but for good reason – this pack is a killer fishing companion.

   There are 21 liters of internal storage with this backpack, so there’s no shortage of space for packing everything you need for a day on the water. The main compartment is surprisingly spacious and furthermore has a flip-out panel of zippered pockets and mesh pockets that’s flush against the back for keeping all your smaller tools and items organized.

   The front, water-resistant pocket provides a space for stowing the gear you want easy access to while hiking or on the water. The front storage pocket is not totally waterproof like the main compartment, but your gear will still stay dry in there through even a heavy rain – just don’t put your camera or electronics in there if you plan on high wading or potentially submerging the pack. 

   There are two pouches with corresponding lash loops for securing rod tubes or water bottles on either side of the pack. These two spaces can be utilized for all sorts of storage adding some major versatility to this pack. Orvis has made it easy to load up two rods, reels, a ton of tackle, some layers, lunch and a camera with room to spare!   

   The shoulder strapping is contoured and padded for some serious comfort while on the move and also creates a tight, low profile fit while trekking or actively fishing. There’s even a space for tool attachment on the shoulder strap that’s perfect for your forceps.

    The waist and chest straps also allow you to comfortably carry a lot more weight with this waterproof backpack that you normally would with a 21-liter unit. Feel free to use this as a high capacity daypack or overnight pack – you can handle the weight.   

   The way this backpack wears makes it a great companion on the water that’s honestly not much more cumbersome than wearing a vest. Orvis has designed their waterproof backpack to cooperate with your body motion while hiking, wading and casting and has left the pack mostly bare on the exterior to avoid line snags.

   If you have the fishing funds to shell out for this waterproof backpack then you’ll be impressed by its longterm performance. 

   Find more Orvis Waterproof Backpack information and reviews here.

2. 2. Simms Dry Creek Z Backpack

   Price: $299.95

   Shop now at Simms
   Pros:

   • TRU® Zip waterproof self-healing zipper offers 100% waterproof-submersible protection
   • 420D Nylon double ripstop with TPU coating construction and 200D liner is built exceptionally tough
   • Compression molded hydraphobic back panel and breathable padded shoulder straps featuring a tool attachment port
   • Water-resistant exterior pocket for quick access to key items
   • Removeable waist belt features MOLLE webbing for accessory attachment as well as a small accessory pocket
   • Integrated net sleeve on front face with D-Ring
   • Dual stretch fabric water bottle pockets

   Cons:

   • Expensive option
   • Lacks a rod-carry system
   • No color options

   The Simms Dry Creek Z Backpack is a stellar option for serious anglers seeking a feature-rich, high-performance backpack option that’s built to last.

   Engineered with a 420D Nylon double ripstop with TPU coating construction and a 200D liner, this pack is built exceptionally tough, knowing that you’re going to abuse it. The TRU® Zip waterproof self-healing zipper goes on to offer 100% waterproof-submersible protection, so no matter how deep you wade or where you venture, your gear will remain bone dry.

   Equipped with a compression molded hydrophobic back panel and breathable padded shoulder straps, the Dry Creek Z has furthermore been built with comfort in mind.

   A tool attachment port on one shoulder strap, integrated net sleeve on the front face including a D-ring, and dual stretch fabric water bottle pockets offer a plethora of practical, but streamlined features. Simms has designed a no-nonsense pack here that provides you with everything you need to excel on the water, and nothing you don’t. The waist belt is even removable if you want to be even more streamlined while actively angling, and features MOLLE webbing for accessory attachment as well as a small accessory pocket.

   Arguably the best feature of all, a water-resistant exterior pocket has been included for quick and easy access to key items – an underrated feature in our opinion.

   All in all, an excellent option for a variety of fishing styles and contexts that will perform for many years to come – Simms has built a winner with this one!

   Find more Simms Dry Creek Z Backpack information and reviews here.

3. 3. YETI Panga Submersible Backpack

   Price: $399.95

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Shell is made from high-density nylon and thick TPU lamination to be puncture and abrasion resistant
   • Zippers are built with plastic so they won't corrode in salt water
   • Removable chest straps and waist belt
   • This bag floats! You could even use it as a life preserver in an emergency
   • Great size for daypack use at 28 liters

   Cons:

   • Great value bag, but still a price tag that's hard to swallow
   • Not a ton of internal organization potential
   • This pack might be a bit large for some smaller sized anglers

   The YETI Panga Submersible Backpack is an exceptionally durable, modular waterproof option that’s highly capable as a fishing companion and furthermore compatible with other accessories and add-ons.

   YETI builds some amazing quality gear, and this submersible backpack is no exception. This brand might seem a bit overpriced, but remember their equipment is also “over-engineered” meaning it will not fail you! YETI’s line of Panga airtight, submersible bags is one of the most rugged and indestructible options of waterproof storage on the market. 

   The “Thickskin” shell used for this pack is crafted from high-density nylon and thick TPU lamination. It’s designed to be puncture and abrasion-resistant so you don’t have to worry about damaging your pack on every adventure. The durability of this waterproof backpack makes it perfect for anglers who are HARD on their gear both on the water and while traveling. 

   Yeti’s “Hydrolok” zipper is also crafted to be exceptionally durable and long-lived against any conditions. Zippers make for a more streamlined, low profile waterproof backpack as opposed to roll-top closure, but they are more easily damaged and degraded. The construction of this zipper is plastic rather than metal-based so even saltwater won’t corrode or slow this unit down. Yeti even includes some zipper lubricant for maintaining smoothness.

   The Panga is very highly reviewed for being totally airtight. It’s what you pay for with Yeti – a product that performs exactly the way it’s advertised. This bag will absolutely keep your gear bone dry and will furthermore even float if it goes overboard. 

   As far as storage goes, what you see is more or less what you get with the Panga Backpack. There’s not a ton of organization potential with this unit, but it can be effectively set up for fishing. There’s one large interior pocket (28 liters) with an interior sleeve against the back and a mesh pocket against the front. This schematic maximizes internal space but still allows you to separate and organize your smaller gear from your bulkier items.

   Loops on the front of the pack allow for easy gear and tool attachment and also work as a modular attachment point for additional storage like the YETI Hopper Sidekick Dry. You could stash your forceps, nippers or tippet bar on the exterior of the Panga for easy accessibility or you could even secure an action camera or wading staff. There’s a ton of possibilities with an exterior like this, Yeti has done a great job at leaving it up to you how you regarding how to utilize the Panga. 

   Find more YETI Panga Submersible Backpack information and reviews here.

4. 4. Breakwater Supply™ Fogland Submersible Backpack

   Price: $159.95

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • 100% waterproof, fully submersible, floating design
   • Hydrowall TPU construction offers high integrity and impressive flexibility
   • Main compartment AND front zippered pocket are fully waterproof
   • 25 and 15 liter sizing available weighing in at just 1.6 and 2 pounds
   • Permanently-welded seams, weatherproof nylon straps, non-corrosive UTX Duraflex hardware, and drysuit-grade airtight zippers ensure long lifespan
   • Molded EVA back panel and S-curve neoprene padded shoulder straps for enhanced comfort
   • Larger size includes mesh water bottle pockets on the sides, as as a lash strap and additional D-rings for external gear attachment
   • Removable chest strap features an emergency whistle on the clip
   • Remarkably lightweight and packable design can even be folded in half for compact storage and transport
   • Stretch-pockets are present within the back panel of the main compartment, as well as an additional zippered sleeve
   • Includes reflective accents as an added safety feature
   • Features a laptop sleeve for regular daily use
   • Available in a white or black aesthetic

   Cons:

   • Zipper tabs and D-rings on the backpack straps are prone to line snags if fly fishing
   • Lacks a lumbar strap for weight-bearing assistance with heavy loads
   • Side mesh pockets can accept a rod tube, but there is no real incorporated method of securing the tube higher on the pack

   The Breakwater Supply™ Fogland Submersible Backpack is a brilliant option for submersible storage that wears wonderfully for run-and-gun angling applications. Available in 15 and 25 liter sizing, the Fogland offers ample storage and an especially mindful pocket schematic for coherent organization of all your angling essentials.

   The Hydrowall TPU construction employed here offers high integrity and impressive flexibility, so you don’t need to worry about being gentle on this workhorse. Permanently-welded seams, weatherproof nylon straps, non-corrosive UTX Duraflex hardware, and drysuit-grade airtight zippers ensure long lifespan, so go ahead and wail on this one.

   The smaller option weighs just 1.6 pounds, while the larger model weighs in at 2 pounds even, so this is a remarkably lightweight option given its capacity for gear and integrated features. For travel applications, the Fogland is even flexible enough to be pressed flat and folded in half for stellar packability within a checked bag.

   I recently brought a 25-liter model out to Hawaii for use as my gear hauler while targeting bonefish on the flats, and its packability and overall performance exceeded my expectations. My favorite feature of the pack is the use of drysuit-grade airtight zippers on both the main compartment and front pocket, enabling 100% waterproof storage in both spaces. This enables you to stash a phone and/or other water-sensitive items within the easy-access front pocket, so you don’t have to constantly root around the main pack compartment for your essentials.

   In regard to storage and organization potential, the Fogland sports a killer array of mindful pockets, interior stretch-pockets, and even a laptop sleeve, so keeping all of your apparel, tools, and equipment effectively compartmentalized is made easy. Lash tabs on the main pack body go on to enable external attachment of more cumbersome gear, such as a fishing net.

   The larger Fogland model also features mesh water bottle sleeves on the sides, a front buckle strap, and additional D-rings for securing even more gear externally. Check out the attached video for a closer look at these features in action.

   When it comes to actively fishing while wearing this pack, a molded EVA back panel and S-curve neoprene padded shoulder straps ensure a high degree of comfort. There is also a removable chest strap included for keeping the pack nice and snug to your frame while wading and casting, but unfortunately, no lumbar strap is present for diverting the weight of heavier loads to your hips. At 25 liters you won’t be able to pack this bag dramatically heavy, but full days on the water with a full pack may nonetheless leave your shoulders a bit strained.

   Breakwater Supply has even incorporated some reflective accents into the pack face and included an emergency whistle at the chest clip for some handy added safety features – pretty darn mindful if you ask us!

   All things considered, this is a wonderfully equipped submersible fishing backpack that will remain a faithful angling companion for many seasons to come. No doubt a killer option from a US based, up-and-coming brand!

   Find more Breakwater Supply™ Fogland Submersible Backpack information and reviews here.

5. 5. Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack

   Price: $299.95

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • 1680D TPU coated recycled nylon constuction is super durable
   • "Daisy chain" and D-Ring on the pack exterior for various accessory/tool attachments
   • Interior of the main compartment contains a zippered pocket and clear stash pocket
   • Removable hip belt can be vertically adjusted for different torso lengths
   • Zippered closure makes for a very lightweight, low profile pack
   • Compatible with Fishpond chest packs due to modular buckles on the shoulder straps and hipbelt
   • Excellent quality strapping for comfort and durability
   • Pretty large capacity at 28 liters, yet this pack feels much smaller on your person
   • Bad-ass, professional aesthetic 

   Cons:

   • One of the more expensive fishing backpacks
   • Rod tube straps are not wide enough for some larger sized rod tubes
   • Color choices make a statement rather than remaining neutral and may not be your style

   Here’s one of the ultimate waterproof fishing backpacks from renowned outfitter, Fishpond. The Thunderhead Submersible Backpack is a 1680D TPU coated recycled nylon backpack with a zippered main compartment that has both a high capacity and low profile, streamlined fit.

   This is an airtight unit that can be trusted wading high water or on the boat. There is an impressive total of 28 liters of internal space yet this feels like a sporty day pack. The fit and feel of the lightweight foam shoulder strapping and back panel make the Thunderhead a great pack for longer hikes and for actively fishing. This is the ideal size for anglers who want to use their waterproof backpack as their fishing station/tackle box as well as overall gear transport.

   There’s a great array of external loops and clips for securing your tippet loops and other tools. Fishpond has really decked this bag out on the outside for fishing purposes. The shoulder strapping is furthermore compatible with many Fishpond chest packs due to the modular buckles so you can easily attach a separate tackle system like the Medicine Bow Chest Pack and secure it to your front side for easy access – pretty neat! 

   The main, waterproof compartment of this fishing backpack has a zippered pocket and also a clear stash pocket. There’s an additional water-resistant compartment accessed from the outside of this pack that’s perfect for items like sunglasses or a smaller fly box.

   There’s one set of gear straps (velcro, buckled loops) included with this purchase that can be secured to either side of the pack. These straps can be used to fasten a rod tube, but some wider diameter tubes, unfortunately, won’t fit.  Whether your rod tube fits or not, the gear loops on the sides of the pack will come in handy for all sorts of things.

   The color choices are attractive (here’s a link to the orange option) and the overall look of the Thunderhead Backpack is downright bad-ass and professional.  It’s clean, tough and high quality in appearance and there are no big logos that make you look like an advertisement.

   For those that have been saving for a top of the line unit, the Thunderhead is a great way to spend your money. An excellent value bag from a top outfitter renowned for quality gear, no doubt a great choice of waterproof fishing backpack.

   Find more Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack information and reviews here.

6. 6. Best Value: FishPond Wind River Roll-Top Backpack

   Price: $99.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Very affordable waterproof fishing backpack - this is our pick for best value
   • 420D TPU coated Cyclepond Fishpond Fabric is super durable and rolls with ease
   • 38 liters max volume, but can be rolled down to create a smaller bag
   • Removable hip belt can also be vertically adjusted for different torso lengths
   • The included set of gear straps can be attached to either side of the pack and will recieve most rod tubes
   • Hip belt can be outfitted with accessoy attachments

   Cons:

   • Roll top closure design is a bit more cumbersome than most zippered waterproof backpacks
   • Not many external attachment points for securing fishing tools
   • Gear straps on sides of pack might not accomodate for larger diameter rod tubes

   Here’s a more affordable waterproof fishing backpack from Fishpond that’s essentially the same as the Thunderhead Backpack, but instead employs a roll-top closure rather than a zipper. The Wind River Roll-Top Backpack is one of our top picks of great value waterproof fishing backpacks, so those seeking the most bang for their buck should absolutely give this one a look.

   The roll-top closure makes this pack a bit more intensive to operate and slightly less streamlined, but it also gives it the advantage of being able to adjust in size. Roll the Wind River down minimally and utilize the entire 38 liters of volume or give it a few extra rolls to make it more compact and low profile. The ability to choose your pack size is a huge advantage and makes this waterproof backpack great for day use as well as for travel and more intense fishing expeditions.

   Fishpond has unfortunately not included an array of gear loops on the exterior of this pack like they have with the Thunderhead, but there is a large water-resistant pocket on the outside that’s great for stashing less water sensitive gear. There is furthermore a set of gear straps included that can be secured to either side of the pack for cinching down a rod tube or any number of things.

   The submersible main compartment like the Thunderhead Backpack, has a zippered pocket and a clear stash pocket. This is a fishing backpack with some pretty killer organization potential that you can really customize to your fishing style. 

   The strapping is top notch and engineered for maximum comfort and can also be paired with a number of Fishpond chest packs due to the modular buckle system. If you pair the Wind River with a fishing chest pack then your gear capacity and organization is downright exceptional.

   Absolutely the go-to waterproof backpack for fishermen on a budget that refuse to settle for sub-par gear – you won’t find a better value waterproof backpack.

   Find more FishPond Wind River Roll-Top Backpack information and reviews here.

7. 7. XELFLY Submersipack Waterproof Backpack

   Price: $79.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Available in 18 and 25 liter sizing
   • Floating backpack with an integrated air valve to ensure bouyancy - 100% submersible and waterproof
   • Equipped with two mesh water bottle pockets, a zippered pocket on the outside of the pack, and an external D-ring and web loops for extra gea
   • Constructed of heavy-duty, puncture-resistant TPU coated nylon with extra-strength waterproof zippers
   • Sunglasses keeper located on one of the shoulder straps
   • Foam padding on shoulders and back for quick air drying, adjustable sternum straps, and hip straps all enhance the comfort and fit
   • Reflective tabs for added visibility and safety
   • Lifetime guarantee
   • Awesomely affordable

   Cons:

   • Water bottle mesh pockets will not accommodate larger size canteens
   • Lacks organization potential within the main compartment - just one elastic pocket
   • Limited color selection

   The XELFLY Submersipack Waterproof Backpack is a wonderfully affordable option available in two different sizes that’s bound to impress you with its integrated features, quality of construction, and overall functionality. 

   Available as an 18 or 25 liter pack, this is a compact, low-profile fishing companion that wears nice and tight for unhampered motion while hiking and actively fishing. Foam padding on the shoulders and back for quick air drying, adjustable sternum straps, and hip straps all enhance the comfort and fit here, so all-day wear even when fully loaded is not a burden.

   A fairly unique feature, there is a built-in air valve here that you can manually inflate with just a bit of air to ensure the pack floats if it’s dropped in the water. Not terribly necessary if you plan on keeping the bag opn your back while fishing, but an awesome feature for those embarking on river trips, and for boaters that might end up losing a pack overboard! 

   While this pack is not ideal for large, intensive gear loads, you can still pack a fair amount of gear here due to the external lash tabs and D-rings enabling you to secure additional tools and equipment. A zippered pocket on the front of the pack also provides you with a space to stash a few on-hand essentials, just don’t count on the front pocket to be fully waterproof like the main compartment. There’s even an integrated sunglasses keeper located on one of the shoulder straps for your eyewear.

   Constructed of heavy-duty, puncture-resistant TPU coated nylon with extra-strength waterproof zippers, you can furthermore plan on using and abusing this backpack for quite some time. The brand even includes a lifetime guarantee, so you can truly purchase in confidence.

   Find more XELFLY Submersipack Waterproof Backpack information and reviews here.

8. 8. Skog Å Kust BackSåk Pro Waterproof Floating Backpack

   Price: $139.95

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Roll-top design built from heavy duty 420D ripstop Nylon coated with TPU with watertight, welded seams
   • 35 liter size provides ample space to pack all your essential gear, without being too cumbersome
   • Completely airtight and waterproof exterior front pocket
   • External webbing and D-rings on the pack face and shoulder straps provide additional space for securing tools and accessories, and also work as lash-down points
   • Spacious interior features a laptop compartment, a large zippered pocket, an elastic mesh slip pocket, and a clip for excellent organization potential
   • Adjustable sternum clips, removable waist strap, and padded back support for enhanced comfort carrying heavy loads
   • Exterior side elastic pockets for storing water bottles, and other gear you want to have on hand
   • Interior features a high-visibility white TPU coating for better viewing inside of the pack
   • Reflective elements on both the front and back of the bag for added visibility in low-light conditions
   • Multiple colors to choose from
   • Reasonably priced

   Cons:

   • Some anglers may not be fond of the roll-top design as opposed to a zippered closure - but roll-top bags require less maintenance
   • Waist belt lacks any real lumbar support or padding
   • Lacks a rod-carry system

   The Skog Å Kust BackSåk Pro Waterproof Floating Backpack may not be explicitly engineered for angling applications, but it will no doubt excel on the water as a capable companion for most fishermen, and at a very reasonable price point compared to more specialized options. 

   Built with a roll-top design from heavy-duty 420D ripstop Nylon and coated with TPU with watertight, welded seams, this is another fully waterproof backpack option that you can depend on to keep your sensitive items safe. Even the front exterior zippered pocket is completely airtight and waterproof, enabling you easy access to your phone and other essentials without having to open the roll-top.

   At 35 liters, the size of this backpack provides ample space to load all of your essential gear, without being too cumbersome to wear. External webbing and D-rings on the pack face and shoulder straps go on to provide additional space for securing tools and accessories and also work as lash-down points.

   The pack’s spacious interior features a laptop compartment, a large zippered pocket, an elastic mesh slip pocket, and a clip for excellent organization potential. A high-visibility white TPU coating on the interior liner is even present for better viewing inside of the pack – a simple, but a brilliant feature.

   Adjustable sternum clips, removable waist strap, and padded back support provide enhanced comfort when carrying heavy loads, so if you choose to do some rigorous trekking with this pack, it’s up for the task.

   The brand has even included exterior side elastic pockets for storing water bottles, and other gear you want to have on hand.

   Offered at a more than fair price point,m and available in a few different color options to match your preferred aesthetic, don’t sleep on this more than adequate option from Skog Å Kust!

   Find more Skog Å Kust BackSåk Pro Waterproof Floating Backpack information and reviews here.

9. 9. BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack

   Price: $69.95

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Highly affordable option perfect for minimalist applications
   • 25 and 35 liter options available
   • Built from 500D waterproof PVC with high-frequency welded seams
   • Can be closed like a standard roll-top pack, or the side clips can be utilized for adjusting a more snug, compressed fit
   • Main compartment includes mesh pockets and a key clip for a fair degree of organization
   • D-rings at the pack's sides enable you to secure additional gear externally
   • EVA foam padded back and cushioned adjustable shoulder straps for enhanced comfort
   • Reflective patch and trim around the external zipper for added visibility in low-light conditions
   • Wide color selection available

   Cons:

   • Lacks interior organization potential compared to more technical packs
   • No water bottle sleeve present
   • Some anglers may prefer a zippered pack as opposed to the roll-top design implemented here
   • No rod carry system

   The BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack is a highly affordable option perfect for grab-and-go minimalist applications where a technical, specialized fishing pack is not necessary. If you’re seeking a storage system that is streamlined and comfortable to wear that offers ample watertight capacity for your essential fishing gear and accessories, this is a solid go-to worth checking out.

   This is a slightly less feature-rich backpack than the Pro version listed above, so carefully consider your angling needs when comparing the two models.

   Available in 25 and 35-liter sizing, you can select an option that best suits your gear load. Built with a 500D waterproof PVC construction with high-frequency welded seams, you can furthermore rest assured your gear is totally safe in there. 

   This pack can be closed like a standard roll-top pack, or the side clips can be utilized for adjusting a more snug, compressed fit. We find this detail to be underrated, especially when it comes to applications such as wet wading and actively fly fishing where you want your pack’s profile to be as streamlined and out of the way as possible. 

   An EVA foam padded back and cushioned adjustable shoulder straps are also integrated for enhanced comfort – a surprising feature at this price point in our opinion.

   The main compartment includes mesh pockets and a key clip for a fair degree of internal organization, but this pack most definitely lacks the organization potential of more technical bags. If you need a dry space to stash a few layers, lunch, and a tackle box, or fly box or two, you’ll find the interior schematic to be totally adequate; but more intensive gear/accessory loads might be difficult to accommodate here.

   D-rings at the pack’s sides enable you to secure additional gear externally, but aside from that, there is a lack of attachment points, and also no water bottle sleeve. There is however a water-resistant zippered pocket perfect for stashing your on-hand essentials.

   Find more BackSåk Waterproof Floating Backpack information and reviews here.

10. 10. Sea to Summit Rapid Drypack

    Price: $255.30

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Slim profile, 26-liter dry pack great for actively angling
    • Seam-sealed, roll-top pack built from abrasion-resistant, TPU laminated, 420D nylon
    • Includes both an internal and external water proof zippered pocket for enhanced organization and easy-access to gear
    • External stretch mesh side pockets work well for stashing water bottles and other gear
    • Ultralight option weighing just 27 ounces
    • Interior lining of the pack is white for improved visibility of contents
    • Adjustable, ventilated shoulder straps and webbing waist belt with an ergonomically-designed back support panel
    • Includes an external lash tab for securing extra gear/tools, or even a net to the outside of the pack
    • Large top handle is present for more comfortable lifting
    • Fair price point

    Cons:

    • Some anglers may not prefer the roll-top closure compared to zippered bags, but this style requires less maintenance
    • No rod carry system
    • Lacks the interior organization potential offered by some more technical packs

    Offered at a fair price point and engineered to wear nice and streamlined for fast-paced on-the-water pursuits, the Sea to Summit Rapid Drypack is not to be overlooked while shopping for a trusty fishing backpack.

    This is a slim profile, ultralight (just 27 ounces!) 26-liter dry pack great for actively angling, so if you’re a fly fisherman or someone who finds themselves covering lots of water while wading or boating, you’ll find a friend in this high-speed, low-drag option. Engineered with a roll-top design, you can cinch the sides of this pack down utilizing the side clips for a nice and snug, tight-to-body fit.

    Crafted from abrasion-resistant, seam-sealed TPU laminated 420D nylon, you can dunk this bad boy with full confidence that your gear will remain dry. It’s built with both total water exclusion and long lifespan in mind, so you can plan on owning this pack for a while.

    Including both an internal and external waterproof zippered pocket for enhanced organization and easy access to gear, the Rapid Drypack offers a more comprehensive schematic and feature-rich design than you might expect for its size and price point. Side mesh pockets, a large grab handle, and adjustable, ventilated shoulder straps and webbing waist belt all play their part in making this a highly capable pack. 

    The external lash tab for securing additional tools and accessories is also quite handy, and can likely be modified to efficiently secure a fishing net within reach.

    Not to be ignored, the interior lining of the pack is white for improved visibility of the bag’s contents. Sea to Summit has really hit all the bases here.

    If your gear load is not especially large or heavy, and the idea of a particularly streamlined submersible pack excites you, be sure to give this reasonably priced, well-engineered bag a look!

    Find more Sea to Summit Rapid Drypack information and reviews here.

11. 11. Cor Surf Dry Bag Backpack

    Price: $64.97

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Very affordable option
    • Tough 500D PVC Tarpaulin construction makes for a strong and flexible pack
    • Nice external storage/attachment points for gear that you want to have on hand
    • Side mesh pocket could be modified to recieve a rod tube
    • Reflective patches as an added safety feature
    • Two sizes (25 and 40 liters) and two colors (green and grey) available
    • 5 year warranty

    Cons:

    • Not designed specifically for fishing
    • Roll top closure is a bit more cumbersome than a zipper
    • Lack of external attachment points for smaller tools/gear

    The Cor Surf Dry Bag Backpack might be the perfect fishing backpack for you if price is a big factor. This roll-top waterproof backpack offers a lot of the features typical of a fishing backpack despite not being specialized for angling.

    For a budget unit that will still keep your gear bone dry, this is a great go-to.

    Tough 500D PVC Tarpaulin construction means this is a rugged fishing companion. COR hasn’t cut any corners in terms of materials, this pack can absolutely hang with the competition when it comes to long-term durability. 

    This bag will float if it ends up in the water so it could be perfect for the drift boat, kayaking, and other fishing styles where your gear has the potential to go overboard. For fishermen who enjoy bringing a camera or other sensitive electronics, a floating submersible pack is a wise move.

    The main compartment of this pack doesn’t give you much in terms of organization, but it provides you with plenty of space for cumbersome gear. There’s a 25 and a 40 liter size available (in green or grey) so you can choose between high capacity and really high capacity. 45 liters is more than you should ever need for day pack use, but this larger sized pack could be perfect for travel. 

    Perhaps the best feature of this waterproof backpack is the large water-resistant zip side pocket that allows for fast access to the gear and fishing tools you want on hand. There’s also a side mesh pocket for tucking a water bottle or for modifying a rod tube attachment depending on your style tube.

    There’s not really any external points on this pack for securing gear like forceps, nippers or a net so you’ll have to be creative with how you set this budget bag up. 

    The air mesh padded back panel and shoulder straps provide solid lumbar support making this bag a fine option for longer, intense hikes. This is a pack that’s up for whatever you put it through so rest assured it won’t hold you back when you embark on more intensive fishing expeditions. It’s challenging to find a true dry bag that also feels like a trail-pack, so this unit gets big points there.

    All in all, if absolute protection of your gear from wetness is what you’re looking for, this is one of the best value, affordable options out there. With a little creativity and patience, you’ll have no issue setting up this waterproof backpack to be a complete fishing machine. 

    Find more Cor Surf Dry Bag Backpack information and reviews here.

Submersible Backpacks Are Great For Wet Wading!

While the applications of a waterproof fishing backpack are virtually endless, they excel particularly well when it comes to wet wading. When you're up to your chest while chasing fish in the river or on the tidal flat, you need to have total confidence in your gear.

If you're someone who loves to throw on a pair of wet wading shoes and fishing pants and take the plunge in search of fish, don't overlook the benefits of a fully submersible pack.

Waterproof Waist Packs

If you're seeking waterproof storage, don't neglect the advantages of utilizing a waterproof waist pack or lumbar pack.

Waist packs might not offer the same level of storage as backpacks do, but they wear much more streamlined and low profile for actively angling, and can even be paired with a waterproof backpack in order to better compartmentalize your gear.

While our list of the best waterproof waist packs covers all of the top options, our highlighted favorites are as follows:

• Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar Pack
• Orvis Waterproof Hip Pack
• Mountainsmith DryTour Lumbar Pack
• YETI Hopper Sidekick Dry

Waterproof Sling Packs

A sling pack is a kind of happy medium between wearing a full-sized backpack and a less cumbersome waist pack. If you don't require the storage capacity of a backpack, but don't think that a lumbar or hip pack will offer quite enough, then chances are utilizing a sling pack will be just the ticket!

Fortunately, there are some excellent waterproof sling pack options. A few of our favorites include:

• Orvis Waterproof Sling Pack
• Fishpond Thunderhead Sling
• Simms Freestone Fishing Sling Pack

Technical Fishing Packs

If you have a more specific angling style or pursue fish in environments or contexts that call for a unique approach or tactics, you'll want to check out our list of the best fishing backpacks for a look at some truly versatile and specialized pack options that will wonderfully accommodate all of your gear and gadgets.