fishpond vests

[C&R]

Anyone own one of these? Currently looking at the Gore Range and Open Range models.

 

[sstasiak]

I own the Wasatch Tech pack. I like it a lot because I can fit a ton of stuff in it. I usually ALWAYS carry a lot of things, so it works out for me and it's comfortable when all packed up. After looking at many of the Fishpond models, they seem to all have comfort in mind with nice padded shoulder straps, padded back and front.

 

[RickW]

I have their double haul chest / backpack. I can tell you this, I am very pleased with the quality.

 

[C&R]

Steve, Rick: How are those bad boys on hot days? Seems like little to no ventilation. That's why I was checking out the two models I mentioned.

 

[sstasiak]

I haven't had any problems with it getting too hot because of the vest.

 

[Shaq]

I have backwater and wasatch. Backwater for winter---bigger backpack for lots of estra clothes wasatch for trout. What you lose in ventalation you gain in stuff and i have the hydration and it is worth every penny

 

[C&R]

I have a water pack for mt biking and found those hydration bladders to be less than what I expected. Water always tastes like plastic. Gets moldy quick too unless you promptly clean and dry properly.

Regarding the ventilation...that's one of the reason's why I decided to stop using the traditional vest and go to a chest pak (which didn't work out as I planned). Checking out the Fishponds is my next option. I think the Backwater and Wasatch would get me pretty much back to where I started w.r.t. ventilation. Recently I notice myself planning my trips a little more carefully and carrying less fly boxes. Maybe the Gore or Open range would work best for me. Its good to know that so far everyone agrees that they like/love their Fishponds.

 

[Shaq]

I went through a five year period of trying to downsize my tackle. I have given up in favor of a more pleasurable experience on the stream. I bring lunch and go sun-up to sundown and am much happier for it. If you are a 3 hours a session kinda flyfisherman then the smaller packs might be for you but if you put a mile between you and the car before fishing then you need the bigger pack.

 

[RickW]

C&R, so far I've only used mine for steelheading. I'll be using it this year for salmon in September / October. There can be some warm days so I'll have to wait-see. It does have a hydration bladder so that will be a plus.

The one thing I like about the back pack is that on those days that start cool and then warm up, I'll have a place for the shed layers.

 

[C&R]

Do any of you find the built-in foam ripple inserts convenient and make good use of them or do you just take the inserts out and use your own fly boxes?

 

[RickW]

If i'm fishing for salmon, steelhead or lake run browns, there are only a few patterns I use, so I load the ripple foam up with comets, egg patterns, stonefly nymphs, and a few green weenies. Any extra flies I keep in boxes in the back pack.

 

[MACFLY]

fishpond double haul

I have the double haul chest pack. Things I like about this pack

good ventilation
great hydration
Ample storage
easy access to flies

things I dont like

Need more rings to attach things like hemostates and clippers
I found the front of the pack protrudes out far enough that I tend to get tangled up with the fly line. Of course this could be my problem only but I would definitely check it out by casting with it first. All in all I like it especially when I am out west and fishing some out of the way places. The hydration bladder is great and its comfortable to wear.

 

[afishinado]

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">I've tried several pack/vests and have finally settled on the Orvis Safe Passage pack w/ the hydration bladder. I remove the bladder and the pack holds my raincoat, extra clothes, thermos, etc. The pack is just the right size. The most important feature is that it it has two smaller tackle bags that hang on each side. I agree, that the problem with all other packs I have found is that they are in the way with everything up front. Your fly line hangs up and you can't see where you are stepping. The Orvis bag is ideal for me. The only downside I find is that it hangs lower that I like when I wade in deep water. This winter I will work on that by shortening the shoulder straps.

</TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on">
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[RickW]

I have the double haul also. My biggest gripe is that I wish I could get the Glacier modules, which dock with the DH, without buying the whole glacier system, same with the Windwalker.