Whether it’s about being an outdoor enthusiast and a long-time fisherman, or someone that wants to jump into the beautiful and popular activity, having a lot of gear to carry around is essential. There is a difference between having your equipment all packed up in a convenient way that is best suited for you, and be ready for a nice fishing day, and just having a generally frustrating day with carrying less equipment that you wanted to.
In fact, we know that you know what we are talking about here. Yes, we are talking about fishing backpacks, and all the greatness it can provide for you. Fishing backpacks is not like the ordinary backpacks you see when you go down the street and people are wearing. No, they are specially made for fishermen or in other words known as anglers.
It’s every angler’s dream to be the best in fishing, and the thought of even scooping the biggest fish in the area gets them even more happier and excited for the sport. Well, in fact its not just a sport, it’s a hobby and a sport being wrapped together in one.
There is a saying that goes: “Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish, and he will eat his entire life.”. Now back in the early ages people that went fishing, went out with just a stick and some rope attached to it, and on the end of the rope, a hook with some bait on it.
Nowadays, with the technology being even more advanced, people have been carrying too much equipment, even for them. But all that equipment has to be placed somewhere, in order to travel more faster from a location to location. That’s why fishing backpacks exist.
In this article, we are going to review for you our best choices for fishing backpacks that you can get your hands on.
The Best Fishing Backpacks Reviewed
| Editor’s Award | Brand |
| Our Top Pick | Wild River by CLC WT3604 Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack |
| Alternative Top Pick | TackleTime fishing backpack |
| Best Value and Most Waterproof Fishing Backpack | Phantom Aquatics Walrus 25 Premium Waterproof Backpack Dry Bag |
| Best Budget Option | Bowhound Fishing Bag Outdoor Tackle Storage Bag Shoulder Backpack Cross Body Sling Bag Great for Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Camping |
Our Top Pick: Wild River by CLC WT3604 Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack
Our Top Pick
Wild River by CLC WT3604 Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack
The ideal one to go for. The Wind River Nomad a soft tackle “single solution” backpack. Seeing what you carry in it in dark environments is no problem with its LED light system that is designed just for that purpose.
The backpack is undoubtedly the dream for every fisherman. It has a uniquely made rain cover to keep the contents inside the bag dry and it has strong web loops to secure the tools you carry.
It features a large upper storage area with a removable divider which can convert this bag into a full-size backpack for storing or holding larger items. It also has a capacity to hold up to six 3600 series and four 3500-series trays.
Any fisherman that takes the activity seriously, or people that just do it for a hobby will appreciate the innovation and thought that went into the Wind River Nomad backpack.
What We Like:
- Integrated LED light system | It’s LED system that is integrated into the bag allows you to see your work surface or in the backpack from dusk till dawn. No more having to pull out your flashlight or phone to try and see where you put your stuff.
- Protection from rain | The fishing backpack features a protective rain cover that can be quickly deployed to keep your contents safe.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Alternative Top Pick: TackleTime fishing backpack
Alternative Top Pick
This backpack has 2 serious qualities that every fisherman needs. It’s lightweight and versatile, and it weighs 3 pounds.
It’s suited to carry various gear and accessories for all kinds of hobbies, not just fishing. This bag is designed to carry equipment for hunting, camping, picnicking, hiking and traveling.
The TackleTime has a separate storage section that is foil insulated. It makes it convenient for everyone who wish to have a more relaxed space. The bag is also reinforced on the back to help with holding the gear.
It has a 2-stage knife sharpener and it also has space for a hydration reservoir, which means you don’t need to carry water bottles on your journey. Also, there is a clear window for documents like Identification and license.
What We Like:
- Lightweight and easy | The main and important reason for any person that has a hobby that involves carrying a bag, need to consider buying this backpack because of it’s lightweight materials, making it easy to carry.
- Hydration reservoir compatible | Of course like we mentioned before, the bag is compatible with a water holding reservoir, giving you more space inside the backpacks that you could’ve filled up with storing water bottles.
Things to consider:
- Reinforcement can bend | The reinforcement that is used to give you a better feel when carrying heavy equipment can bend, making your easy hikes a little more difficult, with some back pain included.
- A bit expensive | For its price, there could be other bags to consider buying that are cheaper, but they are for sure not going to be as lightweight as the Tackle TIme backpack.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best Value and Most Waterproof Fishing Backpack: Phantom Aquatics Walrus 25 Premium Waterproof Backpack Dry Bag
Best Value and Most Waterproof Fishing Backpack
Phantom Aquatics Walrus 25 Premium Waterproof Backpack Dry Bag
Actually, the name says it all. The Phantom Aquatics Walrus 25’s most important feature is that it’s really waterproof. We gave this backpack the spotlight for best value not just because its 100% waterproof of course, but it has more purposes than just keeping your gear dry.
It can float safely when dropped in water, no matter how packed it is, it can protect not just from water, but from dust, sand, and dirt, and it has a two-way sealing system.
This is the backpack to have for those rainy days, and you can also wear it while you go in the lake for those tad longer casts, or if you want to get up close and personal with the fish.
What We Like:
- Great value | We’ve mentioned this like a thousand times by now, but it’s really the main reason why this bag is our best valued fishing backpack. Plus, it’s a huge advantage to a fisherman’s needs, or hikers, or any person that could accidentally or purposely get in touch with water.
- Great comfort| The back panel of the bag is designed with air-flow, so your back can breathe and not get sweaty on the hot days when hiking.
- Very rugged | It has a unique high frequency welded construction. Not just waterproof, but also crash, or fall, or hit proof.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best Budget Option: Bowhound Fishing Bag Outdoor Tackle Storage Bag Shoulder Backpack Cross Body Sling Bag Great for Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Camping
Best Budget Option
Not what anyone would expect from a bag like this one. This Bowhound fishing bag has a unique design, instead of sitting on both shoulders and on top of the back like all the other bags, this one sits on the side on the lower part of the back.
This little bag is a multifunctional and versatile outdoor bag that can store all your fishing essentials. It’s made with heavy-duty nylon material, also with three polyurethane layers that guarantee some reliable water resistance.
It has interchangeable straps, giving a better fit and upgraded comfort.
Alongside from fishing, you can also use this mini bag for hunting because it can reliably hold and store ammunition and extra mags. You can also store some water bottles on each side of the tackle sling bag for an easier hydration.
The bag can be adjusted to fit all body types and offer some extra support.
What We Like:
- Sturdy and smooth zippers | For a bag this small, it surely is made to last. Along with its water-resistant feature, the bag’s zippers are very durable and are not going to give in and break easily.
- Multiple quick-access pockets | Having a backpack can be a hassle, because you need to get it off your back, and open it and search for the gear you need. The Bowhound Tackle bag sits on the side of your back, quick to access without having to remove it, and it even has quick access pockets.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a fishing backpack hold, what should I put in it?
Well, you could put a little bit of everything in it. Actually, you need to put everything that you need on your fishing trip.
Here is a list of the most common things fishermen put in their fishing backpacks:
- A tackle box | Lures, flies, extra lines, sinkers, different kinds of sinkers.
- Rods | Some extra rods can be carried with you to use with those extra reels, for more fishing action.
- Reels | Different kinds of reels so that you can have some variety to choose from in case you want to switch fishing methods
- Food or snacks | Wouldn’t be a fishing day without carrying some snacks or sandwiches, drinks are essential as well. A cooling compartment would come in handy for those
- Bait | Can’t go anywhere without bait. You need to store it to use It later on to catch some big fish. Though you might want to search for a fishing backpack with a cooling compartment, so your bait doesn’t end up being rotten. Not just a problem with the fish, but a problem with cleaning it afterwards.
- Documents | You also need your fishing permits, ID, cell phone and license. But be careful where you put them, you might get them wet if you don’t have a water-resistant compartment available on your bag.
But the list surely doesn’t stop there, along with those essentials, you can personalize the bag and put whatever you need and want for your trip.
What to look for in a fishing backpack?
Well, the most important part is that you would want a backpack that is made with strong materials like nylon, that is element resistant and has a smart design to it. Having pockets for gear and a well thought out internal organization system.
If you can find on a backpack for your money that already has these features, plus more, then it’s a bonus.
What is the ideal volume of a fishing backpack for a regular fishing trip of more than 2 days?
You can go for a 50 to 60-liter backpack in terms of volume, which is equivalent to 3,000 to 4,000 cubic inches of volume so you can have a lot of items packed, especially if you have a lot of fishing gear. If you have other activities other than fishing then you should keep all of your fishing gear in a gallon baggie within the backpack that you choose to use.
Why should you pack a pocket knife in your fishing backpack?
It’s ideal to bring a pocket knife because you never know what will happen in the boat and in your fishing adventure. A pocket knife is a great emergency item or tool that will help you to cut lines and is also not very spacious in your fishing backpack and can also be taken with you if you have a fishing vest with many compartments.
Other Worthy Mentions
These are ones that didn’t quite make the cut as one of the top picks but are still interesting enough to be worth a look.
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack Large Waterproof Tackle Bag Storage with Protective Rain Cover
A very nice choice for fishing, hiking, hunting, and other activities, it has great features, plus its price is great for its value.
Key Features:
- Comfortable and ergonomic.
- An adjustable main compartment.
- 11 independent rooms, with 18 separate small areas in total.
SHIMANO BLACKMOON Fishing Backpack
Built for anglers who walk to their local lake or river for a day of fishing. The material is heavy duty and it provides durability and the shoulder pad is thick, really comforting, and it reduces fatigue.
Key Features:
- 2 way zippered front opening for easy access.
- Durable textured fabric construction.
- Custom Shimano zipper pulls.
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