How to Choose the Right Wade Fishing Pack

Finding the right wade fishing pack can make all the difference when you’re out on the water. The best wade pack keeps your gear secure, organized, and easily accessible, so you can focus on fishing instead of fumbling for tackle. Our helpful guide will walk you through the different styles, sizes, and features of wade fishing packs to help you choose the best option for your needs. Whether you prefer to travel light with a chest pack or need the extra space of a backpack, we’ve got you covered.

Wade Fishing Pack Styles

Choosing a wade fishing pack starts with deciding which style best fits your needs on the water. A wade pack must feel comfortable and be designed to keep your gear safe and accessible. Though there are plenty of wade pack styles on the market, we’ll cover the most common ones here. 

Waist/Hip Pack

The versatile waist pack is popular among wader fishermen. It rests comfortably at the waist or hip and sometimes comes with a shoulder sling for added support. A waist pack can be adjusted to sit at the front or the rear of the body, making it easy to find what you need but staying out of the way when casting or wading. Most models come with three main zippered compartments, often featuring small internal pockets for organization. Quick access to essentials without removing the pack makes this style a go-to for convenience. Some wade fishing waist packs include a water bottle holder and attachment points for accessories like nets, tippet spools, and key clips.

Sling Pack

The popular sling pack is ideal for wade fishing, offering more storage than a hip pack without too much bulk. A sling pack lets you access gear by simply swinging it from back to front; there’s no need to remove the bag completely. Sling packs come with one or two main compartments and several outer pockets, giving you plenty of room for necessities. Some models also come with water bottle holders, net storage, and an accessory attachment on the chest strap.

Chest Pack

Chest packs are worn just as their name suggests: right in the middle of the chest. This type of wade fishing pack is slightly smaller than other styles, making it lightweight and easy to maneuver. Chest packs are designed for efficiency and include compartments and pockets for fishing tackle, along with a spot for a net. They don’t offer as much storage space as other packs, and you typically won’t find a water bottle holder, but a wade fishing chest pack will have enough room for the basics. 

Backpack

A fishing backpack is the king of all wade packs, offering plenty of space for supplies. While not the easiest to transport, it is a lifesaver for wade fishermen who want to bring everything: tackle, snacks, water bottles, cooling towels, and even an extra pair of fishing waders. Fishing backpacks come with a large main compartment and multiple interior and exterior pockets, giving you all the storage and organization you’d expect in a bag built for long days on the water. 

Wade Fishing Pack Sizes 

Your wade fishing style will influence the size of pack you need. Are you someone who packs for every possibility, or do you prefer to travel light? Do you fish all day in remote locations, or are your trips quick and convenient? The best wade pack will match your fishing habits and keep your equipment protected and organized. Here’s how to choose the right size for you.

Big and Roomy

If you like to prepare for everything and bring along extra tackle, tools, and supplies, a larger pack is the way to go. Spacious fishing backpacks offer plenty of room for multiple fly boxes, extra line, leaders, and even a rain poncho or snacks for those long days on the water. Look for a waterproof pack to keep everything dry and secure, especially if you wade deep or fish in unpredictable weather.

Quick and Accessible

Some fishermen like to keep their most-used gear close at hand, making a pack with external storage a great choice. If you frequently switch out lures, tie on new flies, or adjust your rig throughout the day, look for a pack with exterior zippered compartments, tool loops, or magnetic closures. These features make it easy to grab what you need on the fly without digging through a main compartment.

Light and Minimalist

A compact pack is all you need for quick fishing trips, whether it’s an outing on your lunch break, an hour after work, or a short stop at your favorite spot. Lightweight sling packs or small chest packs provide just enough space for the basics: a small tackle box, a few tools, and some extra line. Less bulk means more freedom to move, perfect for the fisherman who values mobility over storage.

Just the Essentials

If you fish a few times a month and don’t stray too far from your vehicle or home base, a simple hip or sling pack should do the trick. Opt for a mid-sized bag that holds enough for a productive afternoon on the water: a small fly box, a couple of spools of leader, a snack, and a water bottle. Simple hip and sling packs are comfortable, easy to carry, and won’t weigh you down while you wade.

With the right pack, you’ll have everything you need within reach, so you can stay focused on the water and the fish. Explore the fishing packs and gear at frogg toggs to find the best setup for your next wade fishing adventure.