What are you Packing?

Vest or pack? That is the question.... Neither is per se better, but we all make the choice. As for the fellas here at TOSFly, we are all about the packs. Every fly fisherman has their own personal (and oftentimes passionate) opinion about the specific gear they use. This applies equally to the pack since it is arguably one of the most important items you have. It is no secret that the TOSFly pack of choice is one that we are pretty opinionated about. We all rock the Fishpond Waterdance Guide Pack. All of us except the legendary Chud Lee, that is, who recently sold out for the new Simms pack. Nonetheless, the Fishpond Waterdance Guide Pack is by far the most used pack by the TOSFly team, and we love it.

                

First of all, it is not nearly as hot as a vest! Right now, in the dead of winter this may not be an issue, but for those of you who fish year round (like us), you understand that the heat of the summer can lead to some uncomfortable fishing experiences. Wearing a vest, especially the Fishpond Waterdance Guide Pack, can remedy some of this problem easily.

I also like the versatility of this pack. I am able to twist the pack around my waist for easy access while changing flies. This is convenient because it allows me to have easy access to my boxes and tools. Moreover, the front pocket is a zip down fly bench, a feature that has protected me from losing numerous flies by dropping them in the water. After changing flies, I am able to twist the pack behind my back for extra back support while fishing. If you are like me, after hours of fishing, your lower back starts to ache just a little. If you have a Fishpond Waterdance Guide Pack, there is no need for a back supporting wader belt! Just twist the pack around behind you and tighten it up while casting. I promise you will notice a substantial difference.

The room in this pack is astounding! There are three zippered pockets, and for me the pack provides more than enough room for two CF Design nymph boxes and TWO Cliff bugger barns. Needless to say, there is a lot of real estate in these things (427 cubic inches to be exact!). You can also take multiple bottles of water with you thanks to the bottle holders on the side of the pack, alleviating the need to wear a camel back.

But, better than all the info above, this pack is HIGHLY durable and VERY reasonably priced. Check out your local fly shop to put your hands on a Waterdance by Fishpond!

The pack has been redesigned for 2011, so get your hands on one today!

And until next time, cast to The Other Side!!!

- J-Ferg