Fly fishing demands gear that can keep up with the conditions. From rain-soaked hikes to sunlit banks, your bag is your basecamp. It carries tools, lunch, hope — and sometimes your keys. That’s why we reviewed dozens of packs to bring you the best fly fishing bags of 2025. We selected each bag based on five factors: durability, weather resistance, comfort, intelligent layout, and user feedback. Whether you’re a backcountry minimalist or a well-stocked streamer slinger, there’s a bag here for you.
For a deeper dive into how to choose the right bag or backpack for your fly fishing adventures, check out our companion guide: Best Fly Fishing Bags and Backpacks – Complete 2025 Buyer’s Guide.
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack
Our Description:
This fully waterproof backpack is built for anglers who charge into the thick of it. The welded construction, submersible zipper, and rugged straps make it perfect for deep wading or rainy drifts. It’s the bag you forget about because it never lets you down.
Vendor Description (Amazon):
“A fully submersible, waterproof backpack crafted from 900D TPU-coated NewStream fabric, featuring a TRU Zip waterproof closure and a sturdy harness system for comfort.”
Orvis Guide Sling Pack
Our Description:
A favorite among guides and serious weekend warriors. This sling offers exceptional balance, smart pocket layout, and easy access on the go. Built with recycled CORDURA, it wears like iron but moves like cloth.
Vendor Description (Amazon):
“Designed with a 100% recycled CORDURA re/cor fabric, this sling pack offers exceptional capacity, durability, and convenience for anglers seeking a multifunctional storage solution.”
Simms Dry Creek Z Sling Pack
Our Description:
Slick, waterproof, and field-tested. The Dry Creek Z features a submersible zipper and molded back panel, keeping gear dry and close to your body. A great pick for both hike-in fisheries and boat decks.
Vendor Description (Amazon):
“This sling pack features a compression-molded hydrophobic back panel and breathable padded shoulder strap with tool attachment ports, ensuring comfort and functionality.”
Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack
Our Description:
This hip pack strikes a near-perfect balance between mobility and organization. Built to take splashes and light rain, it features smart compartments and quick-access points for tippet, flies, and tools.
Vendor Description (Amazon):
“A durable, water-resistant hip pack designed for anglers, offering adjustable waist straps and ample storage space for essential gear.”
Fishpond Summit Sling 2.0
Our Description:
Fly-fishing’s utility knife. This sling features a built-in fly patch, tool docking stations, and compartments that feel tailor-made. It’s comfortable, durable, and designed by anglers who actually fish.
Vendor Description (Amazon):
“This sling pack includes a patented fly-drying dock, multiple compartments for organization, and is constructed from recycled materials for eco-conscious anglers.”
Orvis Mini Sling Pack
Our Description:
Sometimes less is more. The Orvis Mini Sling is a 5-liter powerhouse of essentials-only design. Great for short days, tight quarters, and stealthy streams where extra gear only gets in the way.
Vendor Description (Amazon):
“A compact, 5-liter capacity sling pack made from 100% recycled ECO CORDURA fabric with TPU coating, designed for minimalist anglers seeking efficiency.”
Simms Freestone Sling Pack
Our Description:
This pack checks all the practical boxes: roomy, durable, and ambidextrous. Pockets are logically placed, straps stay out of the way, and the build quality holds up even after seasons of abuse.
Vendor Description (Amazon):
“Lightweight and durable, this sling pack offers multiple zippered accessory pockets, including a secure stash pocket with a key clip, ensuring organized storage.”
Patagonia Stealth Sling
Our Description:
Quiet, smooth, and streamlined. The Patagonia Stealth Sling is for the angler who values simplicity and ease of movement. It sits close to the body and holds just enough to fish seriously — without the bulk.
Vendor Description (Amazon):
“A durable sling bag featuring a side release buckle, tablet sleeve, and adjustable strap, providing versatility and comfort for anglers on the move.”
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar Pack
Our Description:
Built for waist-level warriors. This waterproof lumbar pack lets you wade deep while keeping gear dry and accessible. It’s a great option for wet wading or those who prefer balance over back strain.
Vendor Description (Amazon):
“This fully waterproof lumbar pack boasts a clean layout for organizing gear, a TRU Zip submersible zipper, and padded comfort for all-day wear.”
YETI Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack
Our Description:
Not your average fly bag — and that’s the point. The Panga is a crossover waterproof pack for anglers who demand bombproof gear. From whitewater crossings to salt spray, it’s a tank disguised as a backpack.
Vendor Description (Amazon):
“An airtight, waterproof backpack merging the durability of the Panga Duffel with a tried-and-true backpack design, featuring ergonomic DryHaul shoulder straps for comfort.”
Comparison Table
|
Bag Name |
Type |
Waterproof |
Capacity |
Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fishpond Thunderhead Backpack |
Backpack |
Yes |
High |
$$$ |
|
Orvis Guide Sling Pack |
Sling Pack |
Water-Resistant |
Medium |
$$ |
|
Simms Dry Creek Z Sling |
Sling Pack |
Yes |
Medium |
$$$ |
|
Patagonia Guidewater Hip Pack |
Hip Pack |
Water-Resistant |
Medium |
$$ |
|
Fishpond Summit Sling 2.0 |
Sling Pack |
No |
Medium |
$$ |
|
Orvis Mini Sling Pack |
Sling Pack |
No |
Low |
$ |
|
Simms Freestone Sling |
Sling Pack |
No |
Medium |
$$ |
|
Patagonia Stealth Sling |
Sling Pack |
Water-Resistant |
Medium |
$$ |
|
Fishpond Thunderhead Lumbar Pack |
Lumbar Pack |
Yes |
Medium |
$$$ |
|
YETI Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack |
Backpack |
Yes |
High |
$$$ |
Conclusion
The best fly fishing bag isn’t the flashiest or most expensive — it’s the one that disappears when you’re on the water because everything just works. These ten have been field-tested and feature-rich, offering options for every kind of angler and adventure.
Want to support the site? If you purchase through the Amazon links, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.