Are you a passionate angler? Or perhaps, you are just thinking in joining a friend on his next fishing trip. In both cases, a good fishing backpack is must-have item to make the most of your trip.
Regardless if it is to a river or on a boat, there is plenty to carry with you when going fishing. Tackle boxes, fishing rod, bait, lures…. All need to be at hand and conveniently stored at all times.
Besides all your gear, you will also be taking with you important personal items such as mobile phone, glasses, car keys, dry cloths and other valuable stuff.
A good quality fishing tackle backpack will ensure not only that you will carry with you all the gear you need but also that you will do it comfortably not matter what the weather brings.
This comprehensive list will help you to choose the perfect backpack for your needs.
Best Fishing Backpacks
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack
With its large storage capacity, several zipper pockets, a permanent glasses case, and a bottle pocket, the Piscifun has everything you will need when going fishing.
The adjustable main compartment allows you to set up the bag according to your needs, offering between 11 to 18 storage areas capable of carrying all your gear fully organized.
The thick padded back with ergonomic breathable and adjustable shoulder straps ensures your comfort when carrying a heavy load of gear.
Made of water-resistant 1200D high-density nylon fabrics and top quality zippers, it includes a protective rain cover, making it one of the top backpacks in the market.
Wild River Nomad Backpack
The Nomad is Wild River´s soft tackle bag capable of carrying four 3500-series or six 3600-series trays.
It has a mounted molded sunglasses holder on top to keep your glasses always safe and the integrated LED light system will help you keep fishing under low light conditions.
With handy side pockets, the Nomad also has a removable pliers holder that goes from bag to belt so pliers are easy to find.
Besides, the front pocket cover folds down providing a very handy work surface. It also features a large upper storage area with a removable divider that can convert this bag to a full-size backpack for holding larger items.
To top it up, it comes with a must-have rain cover. In all, the Nomad is a top quality bag for the serious angler.
Calissa Offshore Tackle Blackstar
This is a large backpack able to hold all your fishing equipment from fishing line, lures, bobbers, tackle, bait, line weights, worms, and much more.
Besides, it comes with four tackle trays to stay fully organized while fishing. It also has a hard molded case to protect your sunglasses.
It’s not only lightweight and compact but also fully waterproof and made of high quality materials.
Its orange interior is great to locate your stuff easily when visibility is low. Its classical design and great finish makes the Calissa a classic backpack.
Kingdomfishing Multifunctional Fishing Backpack
Made up of three different detachable functions bags, a backpack, a shoulder bag and a phone bag, it has enough space to meet your different needs when going fishing.
Its multi-storey compartment and exterior pockets make easy to store lures, pliers, pole, fishing boxes, wallet, cup and other accessories in an organized and secured way.
The extra phone bag is great for you to carry your mobile phone safely. Made of premium quality 1000D water-resistant nylon fabrics, extra firm stitched, it features high quality adjustable buckles and sturdy YKK zippers, as well as waterproof thermal insulation material.
It is a moderate-sized bag lightweight to carry.
Shimano Blackmoon Fishing Backpack
The Blackmoon Fishing Backpack from Shimano is designed for anglers who walk to their local lake or river for a day of fishing.
Heavy-duty material provides durability, while thick shoulder padding reduces fatigue. With a zippered front opening and side pockets, this backpack provides easy access and plenty of storage possibilities.
With built-in mesh rod holders on both sides, includes two 3750 utility boxes.
Its compact medium-sized design made of top quality materials makes the Shimano a classic fishing backpack for serious anglers.
Spiderwire Fishing Backpack
The Spiderwire Fishing Backpack is perfect for anglers who have to trek to their spot and need the convenience, comfort and storage this pack brings to the table.
Its main compartment can be divided into three separate inner compartments: the top compartment would be ideal for personal items, the middle cooler compartment would keep your food, drinks and baits cold, and the lower compartment would be perfect for your tackle boxes (three are included with the bag).
It also comes with side zippered pockets, a fishing tool holder, a sunglass case and flat bottom so the pack can sit upright. In all, a very-practical and multi-purpose mid-sized backpack.
KastKing Fishing Tackle
Designed with the avid angler in mind, KastKing’s soft tackle bag makes it easy to organize and manage your tackle.
Made from durable 420D rip-stop nylon, the bag is built to withstand harsh conditions as the rip-stop nylon is treated with an outer hydrophobic coating and an inner PVC layer to prevent water intrusion.
The main compartment can handle numerous tackle trays and the large front pockets provide additional space for utility boxes or other items.
Rubber coated mesh pockets offer quick access to tools, maps or rain gear, and multiple external slip and zippered pockets make it easy to manage your fishing line spools, leader line, soft baits, terminal tackle and more.
Anglatech Fly Fishing Backpack Vest Combo
The Anglatech Fly FIshing Backpack Vest Combo is a cleverly designed bag for fly-fishing, as it is a vest and a backpack at once.
Its adjustable shoulder and waist straps make it comfortable to carry all your gear, offering the chance of distributing all the weight between the back and the front.
With easily accessible front pockets, all your gear would be within your reach at all times. It includes a 1.5-liter water bladder to ensure you stay hydrated.
Its breathable mesh back allows for air to flow freely so you can stay cool and dry at all times, regardless of the weather.
Piscifun Outdoor Fishing Bag
The tackle bag is made of high-density 1000D nylon fabric, durable and water-resistant, and large enough for carrying three 3600 fishing tackle boxes.
It has a main compartment, a fishing reel storage pack, three front zippered pockets, as well as right and left ones, a bottle pocket and other small pockets for personal items.
The Piscifun Outdoor tackle pack comes with double-stitched, heavy-duty zippers, X-Type Military-Grade elastic ropes, and adjustable, detachable, padded shoulder strap, breathable and comfortable.
It can be used as a sling shoulder bag, a handbag, or a fishing tackle box bag, making it a very versatile bag.
Angler Dream Fly Fishing Backpack
The Angler Dream Fly Fishing Backpack is a medium-size bag ideal for those anglers that prefer to travel light.
It features two tube rod holders on the sides, as well as several zipper compartments for gear and personal items. Various loops outside for accessory attachment are also available.
A couple of other features are: a handle for carrying the pack sideways and another strap on the shoulder strap to carry the pack upright. Made of high quality polyester fiber, it has breathable and adjustable shoulder and waist straps.
It is a light backpack offering good quality all around on top of its attractive camouflage design.
Blisswill Outdoor Tackle Bag
Featuring abrasion and corrosion resistance materials, this bag is also waterproof, environmental friendly, non-toxic and with an easily-to-clean interior.
Of moderate size, it offers more than adequate storage space for your fishing trip. It can fit two 3600 series stowaway boxes in the main compartment, and one pocket size tackle organizer box in the secondary outside pocket.
It has a fishing rod fixing strap, a bottle pocket, two extra pockets and two detachable straps. It comes in four designs: army green, black, kaki and camouflage.
Lixada Fishing Tackle Backpack
Made of high quality polyester, it is a water and tear-resistant backpack. Its lower tray compartment can hold up to four fishing tackle boxes (included with the backpack).
A removable interior divider integrates the upper and lower compartment as a large one for the storage of bigger items or more tackle boxes. Four zippered side pockets and two mesh pouches provide plenty of additional storage for small items.
The rugged base pad protects the backpack from being scratched on rocky ground. It comes with a handy rain cover too.
Yogayet Portable Outdoor Fishing Tackle Bag
This light small bag is made of water-resistant 600D high-density nylon fabric.
If features multiple storage compartments and several exterior multi-functional pockets, with enough storage capacity for you to carry tackle boxes and main fishing gear.
With top quality zippers and reinforced straps, it comes with both waist and shoulder straps so the bag can be used as a shoulder messenger bag, a waist bag, a sling bag or even as a handbag.
A truly multi-purpose cool bag available at a very affordable price.
Dr. Fish Fishing Tackle Bag
This is a shoulder bag made of heavy-duty 900D Oxford nylon, a high-density water-resistant fabric to keep tackles cool and dry.
It comes with padded waist belt and shoulder strap, detachable and fully adjustable for maximum comfort. It has a large center compartment with lots of multipurpose pockets and webbing belts, providing all sorts of organizing options.
It also features one top pocket, one at the front, and two more at the sides, all with interior mesh compartments.
All zippers, buckles and webbing belt are made of durable material. It comes in four different colors.
Hetto Fishing Sling Bag
Hetto´s sling bag is a very convenient-sized bag made of 1000D waterproof nylon.
Its very sturdy and covered with waterproof coating. Its compact design features plenty of pockets for the essential things needed for a fishing trip.
It is small enough to carry it comfortably but large enough to organize all your fishing gear like lures, tackle box, fishing reel, knives, etc. The shoulder strap is adjustable and detachable.
The sling bag is a multi-function bag, ideal for indoor and outdoors activities such as traveling, camping, hiking, hunting, trekking and cycling.
TackleTime Fishing Backpack
The TackleTime backpack is a versatile backpack that is good for anyone who needs a lot of space. This backpack also has the ability to keep things cool and hold storage trays. In addition, it has a plastic grip handle on the top of the bag for holding one-handed.
Feature #1: Capacity
The main compartment of this bag can hold three large storage cases or five smaller ones. This means you don’t have to choose between your equipment and tackle when decided what to take. You can take it all and have it all organized as you want.
There are also two zippered pockets inside the main compartment for smaller items that need keeping separate or secure. There is a front compartment with individual pockets for smaller tools such as pocket knives.
Feature #2: Foil-Lined Pocket
That zippered foil-lined compartment is insulated and retains the temperature inside the pocket for longer than in the regular compartment. It’s also quite large and holds a decent amount of gear that you might need to keep cool or hot. Whether that’s bait or beer it’s a perfect size.
Feature #3: Free-Standing
A handy feature to have on any backpack is the ability for it to stand up on its own. This means you have both hands free to pack or unpack the bag, to pull out the items you need or just to put it down without worrying about it falling over and damaging anything inside.
Real Users Feedback
It is popular for the storage space and the insulated foil pocket.
Pros
- Large storage
- Two years limited warranty
Cons
- Not comfortable to carry.
YJ131 Outdoor Fishing Backpack
The YJ131 backpack is made with thick nylon material. It has two main compartments and a small front pocket. Plus the backpack offers a comfortable ergonomic design and versatility.
Feature #1: Storage
The two main compartments split the bag in half but still offer a lot of space. The bottom compartment opens up at the front. It stores trays of bait and tackle that can just be slid in and out of place with ease. This means it’s quick to access those trays and you’re not fiddling around in a jumbled mess.
The top compartment holds bigger items meaning you’re not sacrificing your larger gear for smaller bits in the trays. In addition, there are two small pockets at the front for smaller items such as your phone and wallet. The bag also has external pockets and a variety of loops on which you can clip all manner of items.
Feature #2: Waterproof
The bag is made with a 420 denier nylon material that is both durable and waterproof. This means any sharp tools you have in your backpack aren’t just going to rip straight through the material. Even if you’re caught in a torrent everything inside those compartments is going to be safe and dry. The bottom of the backpack is reinforced with the same material too so you can put it down on the wet ground without any concerns.
Feature #3: Comfort
The bag is ergonomically designed and in turn, is comfortable to carry. The shoulder straps are padded and lined with a mesh material; this encourages airflow and stops you from getting too hot and sweaty as you carry the bag.
Real Users Feedback
The backpack is as waterproof as they claim.
Pros
- Waterproof
Cons
- Too few reviews to be sure of the quality
Wild River WT3503 by CLC
The first Custom LeatherCraft backpack on the list is a compact backpack that has several external pockets. It holds trays and larger tools, has padded back panels and shoulder straps. It has several extras that will really make the difference to your trip.
Feature #1: Integrated LED Light
This tackle backpack comes with a LED light attached to the top of the backpack. This means that you can light up your bag contents day or night and can fish until dawn. It’s bright enough to see everything inside in the bag – the orange interior further aiding the visibility. It’s also movable to light up the outside of the bag and whatever else you need to see as the natural fades.
Feature #2: Storage
The bag is split into two halves. The bottom compartment fits up to four trays that are included when you buy the backpack. The top half of the bag is roomy enough to hold large bits of kit, drinks or anything else. The top compartment has a see-through zippered pocket.
There are several external pockets, all different sizes and zippered to keep everything safe and in place. External and internal mesh pockets give you easy access to certain items that can be seen easily and pulled out quickly when you’re in a hurry.
Feature #3: Weather Proof
The bag is made from a sturdy durable material that will stand up over time. It also comes with a couple of extra features on top of its durable material. There are base feet to reduce the wear on the bottom of the backpack. It also keeps the backpack dry when put on the wet ground. When there is heavy rainfall, the bag comes with its own waterproof protective rain cover that covers the entire backpack.
Real Users Feedback
Users love the bag for its overall quality and the attached LED light. Some users also mentioned that bag is light and comfortable to carry.
Pros
- Comes with trays and rain-cover
- Comfortable
Cons
- Small
Shimano Blackmoon Fishing Backpack
This backpack is a beast of a backpack that opens up fully so that the two halves lie flat. It has several external pockets and comfortably shaped shoulder straps.
Feature #1: Storage
The bag is pretty big, and the main compartment is zipped closed in the middle, meaning it can be opened fully to lie flat. It can store several trays of tackle and lures, or just a couple of trays and some larger gear. Whatever configuration you need to take all your kit with you means you don’t need to sacrifice anything to make it all fit.
There is a front panel that opened up into a pocket for smaller items like your phone or wallet. There are two side zippered pockets and two side mesh pockets mean there is a place for everything you need.
Feature #2: Comfort
The shoulder straps are not only thick and well-padded but they’re shaped as well. This means that they fit better over your shoulders and against your back. As well as this there are three padded back panels, two against your shoulder blades and one lower down that sits against your waist. This reduces the pressure on these points and stops any of the contents from pressing or poking into your back.
Feature #3: Durability
This backpack is made from a very thick and durable material. It will hold up well over time rather than wear away and break. Sharper bits of kits won’t break through the material either, meaning you don’t have to worry too much about what you put in the bag damaging the bag itself. It also comes with a rain cover for when you’re caught out or fishing in the wet weather. Everything you’ve packed will be safe and dry in any weather condition.
Real Users Feedback
Users like how comfortable it is to carry and how solid it feels overall.
Pros
- Large capacity
Cons
- Heavy even when empty
Calcutta Fishing Backpack
The Calcutta backpack has room for storage trays that sit in the bottom compartment of the backpack. It also has some solid handles and shoulder straps and is made for function and comfort.
Feature #1: Storage
The bag comes with those three trays that fit nicely in the bottom half of the bag. This is great if you don’t already have trays to sort and organize your lures and tackle into. The top half of the bag opens up into a larger compartment for bigger items.
There are two zippered side pockets that pull out and have pockets that have flap closures on them. Above that, there are another two zippered pockets so you can be guaranteed there is a place for everything.
Feature #2: Stability
The backpack has an internal frame that offers great stability and function. This means that the bag can stand upright without tipping over so you can put your bag down wherever you are safe in the knowledge it won’t fall over and damage or spill anything you have inside. It also offers more durability to the bag, holding together better and longer.
Feature #3: Comfort
There are padded shoulder straps on this backpack, which should be a standard in bags where you’re going to carrying a heavy load but on top of that, this bag has a padded foam back panel. This stops the weight of your gear from putting too much pressure on your back and waist. This means that you can carry heavier loads for longer without worrying about injuries. A must for anyone with a lot of heavy fishing gear.
Real Users Feedback
Users of the backpack love that it stands up on its own. They also love that it comes with its own rain cover to prevent water from getting into the bag.
Pros
- Stands up on its own.
- Well padded.
Cons
- No loops to clip extra items onto.
- Expensive for what you get.
Wild River WT3604 by CLC
The second Custom LeatherCraft bag on the list also has an integrated light, a bigger storage capacity, well-padded shoulder straps and a few nifty extras making this an excellent backpack.
Feature #1: LED Light
The WT3604 also comes with a LED light attached at the top of the bag. This is perfect for seeing everything inside the bag – especially if you’re standing over it and casting a shadow or trying to find something in the waning light. The light also can be used out of the bag, offering you the opportunity to fish regardless of the time without having to bring your own lantern or light and not add to the gear you have to bring.
Feature #2: Storage
The main compartment is horizontally split into two. The bottom half holds six medium trays or four larger ones, sliding into place easily giving you extra organization. The top compartment is large enough to hold more trays if you have them or larger items like extra reels.
As well as this, the middle panel that separates up the two compartments can be removed to make one larger compartment so you can use the bag as a regular backpack, take clothes or a laptop in there or organize your kit any way you want. There are side pockets on both sides, and mesh pockets too so there is a place for everything you need to take whether you’re going for the day or overnight.
Feature #3: Extras!
This backpack comes with all the organization you need, enough space for everything and a few handy extras you might not have thought of. At the top of the bag, there is a molded pocket for your glasses to keep them safe at all times, that can sit open so you can grab them quickly when you need them.
There is a removable plier holder that you can clip onto your belt so you always have them on hand and web loops to attach other tools too. It comes with a rain cover that you can remove from its own space in the bag to completely cover the backpack to protect it from the rain.
Real Users Feedback
Owners of the backpack like how tough it is as well as being able to fit in so much of their gear they have room for more.
Pros
- LED Light
- Large Storage
Cons
- Expensive
- Lanyard breaks quickly
SKB Stream-Tek Tak-Pac
This backpack is of a different design to most of the others – shaped like a tall tackle bag it has a handle at the top as well as shoulder straps so it can be carried either way. There is enough room for trays and other kit and it’s durable and water-resistant.
Feature #1: Storage
The backpack comes with three of its own plastic storage trays for the organization of all your lures and tackle but can hold four total if you need them. The front of the bag opens up fully and lies flat for you to slide the trays in and out without any problems.
The main compartment is split into two horizontally like many of the other bags but what makes this different is that while you store the trays in the bottom half, the top part of the compartment is split into three small sections so you can organize your other kit without them being jumbled mess in the bag.
The lid of the bag has a zipped mesh pocket and a small flap closed pocket for smaller valuables, the front flap has a pocket too so fit thin items, and lies flat as well. There are several external pockets on the side, both mesh and zippered for any extra kit and tools you might need.
Feature #2: Durable
The bag is made with a 600 Denier fabric, so it’s thick and strong. This is good if you have any sharp tools in the top compartment, between the compartments extra lining in the top and this thick material you don’t have to worry about the tools cutting through the bag.
It means the bag won’t fray or wear out either so it will last you a long time before you need to think about upgrading. The material also has a water-resistant coating so a light shower or any splashes from the body of water you’re next to shouldn’t get in and damage any of your kits or leave it sitting in a pool of pond water.
Feature #3: Removable Cooler Bag
This backpack comes with its own removable insulated cooler bag. This sits nicely on top of your trays at the bottom of the compartment meaning if you don’t need it you can swap it out for another tray of other bits of kit. However, if you do need it it’s there to keep your snacks and drinks cool while you’re at the lake and can sit next to you on the bank for when you’re hungry.
Real Users Feedback
Users say this backpack will last a long time, with one owner having had one for ten years.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
Cons
- Tall
- Smaller Capacity
Okuma Fishing Backpack
This backpack has a large capacity, is made of a durable material and has solid zippers making for an overall durable bag for your gear.
Feature #1: Durable
The bag is made from a thick 600 denier polyester material which means it’s strong enough to hold up over time without wearing out at those usual pressure points. The stitching is reinforced and the closures are oversized composite zippers means they won’t break if you overfill the bag a bit.
The material has a PVC coating meaning its rip resistance and water-resistant. Good for those with sharp tools or lose tackle in the back, and great if you’re caught in the rain – everything in the bag remains dry in the time to takes to put the additional rain cover on.
Feature #2: Large Capacity
The bag has a lot of capacity. There is room for a lot in the main compartment so you can choose to fill your bag with trays of lures and bait or fill it with a couple of trays and a few larger items like a spare reel and some tools.
There are nine internal pockets so there is a place for everything inside the bag and several external pockets, some that are zippered and a couple of mesh pockets. It makes for a good bag to go somewhere overnight over even for a few days.
Feature #3: Comfort
The bag has padded shoulder straps to help spread the load of the kit you’re carrying and stop there from being too much pressure on your back or shoulders.
There are corrugated plastic sheets on either side of the inside of the bag and while that doesn’t sound very comfortable they frame it and keeping it in shape so that it continues to sit well on your back and fit against you without getting lumpy or twisted in places.
Real Users Feedback
Owners of the bag say it holds a lot and is big but comfortable to carry.
Pros
- Lots of storage space
Cons
- Heavy even when empty
Wild River Tackle Tek Fishing Backpack
With storage space, gadgets and places for your sunglass, pliers and everything else you need and then some, this backpack has something for everyone. There are padded shoulder straps and sternum strap to balance the load on your back and a rain cover.
Feature #1: USB Power Supply
The backpack comes with the rechargeable power supply, and four USB cables with different pins so whatever device you have – an Apple phone or an Android one – you can charge your phone on the good. This is great for when you’re away for a few days in the middle of nowhere.
No need to find a power outlet when you carry one with you. This also means you can take any manner of electronic kit with you. As well as the battery pack, the backpack comes with a solar panel that can be used to recharge the battery pack while you’re out on the water.
So while you’re away from civilization and the world for a few days you don’t need to be completely cut off. The solar panel means you’ll always have power for your phone for however long you’re fishing.
Feature #2: LED Light
Another bag with a LED light, this one had both green and white lights and can be set at three different levels so you always have the right kind of light for the environment and the time of day. You won’t have to lug a heavy lantern along with you or stop fishing because the sun is setting and the light is too low. The light can also be moved and used to light up the inside of the bag which is orange to aid with visibility during the day too.
Feature #3: Storage
The bag is split into two main compartments. The bottom one holds four medium-size trays so there’s enough room for everything you need to organize down there. The top compartment is open for bigger bits of gear and the divider can be removed so you can find the best configuration for all your kit before you even leave the house.
There is a small front pocket for a cell phone or wallet, a molded pocket at the top to keep your glasses safe from damage. There are four zippered side pockets, mesh pockets on top of two of those and a removable plier holder.
Real Users Feedback
Customers like the versatility of the backpack and the gadgets that come with it.
Pros
- LED Light
- Good capacity
Cons
- Expensive
- Too few reviews to be sure of the quality.
Phantom Aquatics Fishing Backpack
The phantom aquatics bag looks understated but has some serious features including a 25L capacity that makes it a great bag for any fisher and is versatile enough for anyone to use.
Feature #1: Waterproof
The bag is entirely waterproof thanks to the material it’s made from and the novel fold and seal closure. The top of the bag is folded over three times, the side buckles are connected and tightened then another buckle is connected across the top of the bag.
This stops the water from getting in through the opening of the bag and keeping everything dry. This means you can take the bag out into the lake in your waders, or drop it in the river without any of your contents getting wet or ruined. This type of closure means there is no risk of a breaking zipper.
Feature #2: Large Capacity
The bag has a 25L capacity which might not mean much when it’s laid out as just a number like that but it means it holds a serious amount of kid. It can hold several large trays, some large pieces of kit, clothes and probably still have room for more.
It’s one big compartment though so not a lot of organization on offer, but if you have trays then a lot of your kit is already organized and you can sort everything else around them as you want. The amount of space means you have room to play around with organising your gear.
Feature #3: Comfortable
The bag is made to be comfortable to carry, which with the large capacity is pretty important. The shoulder straps are shaped and padded and there is a waist strap to help you manage the load. The straps are lined with mesh to encourage air flow as is the back panel. The back is also padded and has lumbar support so you can be sure of a comfortable carry even if you fill the back to bursting and carry it for a long time.
Real Users Feedback
Users love how waterproof this is and have bought for that reason alone. Users also love the large capacity of the backpack.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Waterproof
Cons
- No internal organization
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Fishing Backpack
How do you know which is the best back for you? It’s all about what you need from the backpack. There are four main factors to consider when looking for the best fishing backpack.
Those factors are:
- Size & Capacity
- Organisation
- Waterproofing
- Comfort
Factor One: Size & Capacity
Backpacks come in all shapes and sizes but you can’t consider any bag that isn’t big enough to carry everything you need. Whether your trip is one day or several you need room for everything you would normally carry with you in a regular fishing backpack. Getting a backpack specially made for the fisherman in mind means that you can guarantee it’s made with your gear in mind from your lures to your sandwiches.
Factor Two: Organisation
If you wanted to spend your time at the lake rummaging through your bag you could buy any old bag and dump all your gear into it and head off. Instead of wasting time digging through everything a little organisation can go a long way. Backpacks with internal and external pockets are a must. Once you know exactly what you have you can figure out exactly what you need.
Factor Three: Waterproofing
This should go without saying but if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors surrounded by water (even if you’re not in waders in the water) you want a bag that can keep your kit dry regardless of the weather or how far into the lake you are?
Factor Four: Comfort
All that kit you take with you isn’t going to be light, and while carrying it in a backpack is certainly going to be easier it can just shift the strain onto your back and shoulders. So a comfortable backpack is important, something that will help balance the load properly and can be carried for a long time.
Final Verdict for the Best Fishing Backpack
Once you know exactly what you need from a backpack it makes it easier to narrow it down to the right fishing backpack for you. Some of these have extras that may be exactly what you want or you may want something a little simpler. Looking at all the backpack in terms of those main factors will help you decide.
Factor One: Size & Capacity
- The blackmoon backpacks are built for anglers who walk to their local lake or river for a day of fishing
- Equipped with thick padded shoulder straps that provide incredible comfort and reduces fatigue
- Constructed of heavy duty and durable textured fabric construction providing long-lasting use
- With a zippered front opening and zippered side pockets this backpack provides easy access and tons of extra storage for accessories
- Built with a front loading tackle box storage with adjustable dividers / includes 4 plano 3650 utility boxes
The Shimano Blackmoon and the Phantom Aquatics are definitely are at the top when it comes to capacity. They both hold a lot of gear and the most trays, which is great for people who need mostly go on longer trips and have a lot to take with them.
The Wild River WT3604 by Custom LeatherCraft offers decent capacity that can be expanded on by removing the divider if a big space is something you need over carry several trays.
Factor Two: Organisation
- FISH AT ALL HOURS: This lighted fishing tackle backpack features an integrated LED light system so you can fish any time of day.
- PROTECT YOUR GLASSES: This fishing tackle backpack has a mounted molded sunglass holder to help keep your glasses safe.
- REMOVABLE PLIER HOLDER: This fishing tackle backpack has a removable plier holder so your pliers go from bag to belt and are easy to find.
- PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS: This fishing backpack features a protective rain cover that can be quickly deployed to keep your tackle backpack...
- CONVENIENT WORK SURFACE: The front pocket cover on this fishing tackle backpack folds down to provide a handy work surface.
Storage trays are key when it comes to organization in a fishing backpack, and while not all of the backpacks come with the trays included they are not hard to come by and the space to carry those trays is more important.
The WT3604 by CLC holds the most trays and both that bag and the SKB Stream-Tek Tak-Pac offer extra pockets and organization for everything you need. The Okuma is great for this too, with enough room for trays in the main compartment and those nine internal pockets on top of the external pockets.
Factor Three: Waterproofing
- Roll-top 100% waterproof backpack, Floats safely if dropped in water
- Protects contents from dust, sand, dirt and water, Unique High Frequency welded construction
- Two-way sealing system, Padded shoulder straps and lumbar support
- Comfortable back panel with air-flow design, Elasticated front webbing
- Super reflective patches on the front of the bag and both shoulder straps, Large internal zip pocket
The Phantom Aquatics bag is definitely the best bag in terms of waterproofing. Between the material and the fold and clasp design on the top closure, the bag has endless reviews by owners who all confirm its waterproof qualities.
The YJ131 Outdoor Fishing Backpack is also waterproof which is a better option over the bags that while durable are only waterproof once you’ve deployed the supplied rain cover. If you’re caught in a downpour you don’t want to be caught out trying to cover the bag.
Factor Four: Comfort
- TACKLE BACKPACK: The Calcutta Squall Tackle Backpack offers extreme functionality and is loaded with practical features. Multiple pockets and...
- DURABLE: Designed to be long lasting and durable, this bag has reinforced stitching and quality zippers and components. It will keep your lures...
- PORTABLE: The pack features thick-padded backpack straps to make carrying your gear comfortable. Travel from your home to the car to the boat without...
- STORAGE: This oversized pack comes with three 3600 double latch trays and will hold up to six 3600-size tackle trays. There’s room for all your gear...
- CALCUTTA: Born in the back of a Florida tackle shop in 1991, Calcutta was created with a rebellious spirit and an ambitious goal to build hardworking...
Again the Phantom Aquatics bag is at the top of the list, being most comfortable to carry with padded shoulder straps and lumbar support and it’s has a waist strap to help you balance the load on your back without it all pressing down on your shoulders.
The Calcutta Fishing Backpack also has a padded back and these are definitely the most comfortable to carry, along with the Wild River WT3503 Custom LeatherCraft backpack that owners say is a comfortable carry too.
My favorite backpack for fishing
This is a pretty hard decision, but while the Custom LeatherCraft bags have the gadgets and the organization, the Wild Rover bag can charge your phone, gadgets don’t catch those fish, the Phantom Aquatics bag hits more of our factors than just that.
The 25L capacity means that even though it doesn’t have those internal pockets you have a lot of room for trays upon trays of lures, tackle and bait that you can organize before you even put them in the bag and still have room for larger items like extra reels, clothes, snacks or all the gadgets you own.
The bag is more than just waterproof too, it can be dropped in whatever body of what you on or at without damaging anything inside and will float too. The material of the bag is also dust and sand proof so it’ll keep looking good but keeping that dirt off will stop it from getting in the bag too, and getting into your gear.
The bag is going to see you through some great fishing trips, whether they are long or short, in rain or shine, it’s versatile enough for any sort of fishing trip.
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