Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose a Fishing Backpacks
In fishing bags and backpacks you can carry a variety of fishing gear, an inflatable boat and tent, and even a bucket for the catch. Some models are equipped with various boxes and boxes for storing small gear, and accessories. Such bags differ in capacity and are designed for transportation of boxes with fishing line and hooks, coils, water bottles, clothes and other accessories, which are necessary for the fisherman in the process of fishing.
Choosing fishing pack can be troublesome so make sure you take into consideration the following aspects:
Weight
The weight of the fishing bag is determined depending on its type (easel or soft), the number of additional elements like pockets and straps, load of the backpack with fishing gear. In terms of season, backpacks for fishing can be for summer or winter. A summer backpack for fishing can be with a heavy frame, because in summer it is much easier to move along the riverbank or the forest and therefore a small amount of additional gravity will not be so noticeable. In winter, snow drifts do not allow moving, and therefore too heavy backpack can take a lot of effort. Then fishing will not be fun. Therefore, a backpack for winter fishing should be as light as possible.
Storage
Pockets allow the angler putting a lot of small things more rationally. Moreover, one can carry all the necessary tiny things with him just in pockets. Fishing packs should have pockets for baits, coils, jars, which is very convenient. Some models are equipped with removable pockets-bags or pockets for drinking systems. The main compartment of the pack should be where the lion’s share of the necessary items is stored. The compartment for the sleeping bag is for the storage of sportswear, change shoes and various equipments. The divider in the main compartment separates the main compartment of the backpack from the lower part where the sleeping bag is placed. Such a partition is unfastened. Pockets serve for the placement of useful items: upper (on the valve) – for the map, compass, flashlight, camera, first-aid kit and other things that should always be at hand (the most reliable place for fragile items); space at the bottom is for small items (not suitable for fragile items); the front area (on the outside) – for books, notebooks, papers and other flat objects; side pockets are for small items that you may need at any time (a bad option for fragile things); on the strap – for a flashlight, a bar, a handle and objects of elongated shape; on the lumbar – for a compass, map, navigator, phone.
Comfort
It is obvious that loading the pack with heavy items can cause uncomfortable feelings and make you move slower. However, there are other issues that can make wearing pack comfortable and not. Unloading belt is absolutely necessary if you are going to move around a lot and carry a heavy load on your back. It redistributes weight from the back to the hips, unloading the spine. In addition, it fixes the back of the fishing backpack and does not allow it to hang out. The chest strap keeps the shoulders. In addition, it reliably fixes the backpack, completely freeing your hands. There should be the ventilation system on the back and straps that prevent excessive sweating and rubbing of body parts that are closest to the backpack, and the lower entrance will facilitate access to the contents. To ensure that the straps do not bump into the shoulders, they have to be stuffed with special filler at the points of contact between the strap and the body. It is good, if filler is a soft polyurethane or propylene foam. Fabric inserts are used in inexpensive models, but they are rigid and often twisted.
Waterproofing
Pay attention to the water-repellent properties of the material of fishing pack. It is important but not in all cases it will be useful. Such backpacks equally badly get wet and dry up. For a long journey more “blotted” materials are better suited, since the rapid drying of the backpack during parking is a primary factor. To protect the pack from getting wet it should include a raincoat, which is a waterproof case that is worn on the backpack from above during heavy rains or snow. Raincoat significantly increases the moisture resistance of the pack, especially in places of zipper.
Size
How big the backpack is, indicates the maximum amount of cargo that can be carried in it without risk of damage to the items. It is indicated in different ways and can be read on the label: some manufacturers mean by the volume of the total capacity of the backpack, others mean the capacity of the main compartment. The size of the pack depends on the volume, which in most models varies from 10 up to 30 liters. The choice of volume depends on the purpose of the backpack, and conditions of its use: small (10-30 liters) – for daily fishing; average (30-60 liters) – for weekend trips, short trips; large (60-130 liters) – for long walking and fishing. Great value is determined by the duration of the trip: 2 days – 28-40 liters; 4-6 days – 40-50 liters; 7-10 days – 50-60 liters; 10-16 days – 60-80 liters; more than 17 days – 80-100 liters and more.
Bank Fishing
Backpacks for long periods usually have a volume of over 50 liters, and up to 100 liters. Such volumes can carry a large amount of equipment for long distances, and even for a long time. Also, often, these backpacks are equipped with a system of belts and straps, slings, loops and fasteners for additional equipment. There should be a suspension, which is anatomical and has waist belt, which spreading the weight from the back to the legs and the pelvis. Having a back ventilation will give freshness to your back during a long walk and will save your efforts.
Multi-Day Trips
The pack, which volume is 45 – 75 liters – a good option for this type of fishing. It’s a medium-sized backpack, suitable for short trip for 2-4 days. There should be enough pockets and storage compartments, adjustable straps, raincoat.
Short Trips
For short trips, pay attention to backpacks in the volume less than 40 – 50 liters, as they are designed for several day trips, made of lightweight materials, do not have extra pockets and attachments, have a lightweight back structure. Be careful, normally lightweight backpacks have a clear load limit that they are able to withstand to provide a comfortable and trouble-free transportation of fishing gear.
Conclusion
Choose a backpack of proven brands. Carefully look for reviews of the backpack. Make sure the quality of the seams, zippers and other compartments are of a high quality. Fishing backpack should be tall and narrow, desirably water-resistant. A model of such form will not cling to branches in the forest and other obstacles. Do not forget the choice depends on type of fishing and how long you are going to spend time.
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