Lumbar Packs

[david whitfield]

I am looking for anyone that might either have tested or is using a Fishpond Lumbar Pack.

[adam taylor]

I used to use a lumbar pack but realize that some of the rivers I cross I ended up wading a lot deeper than the pack could handle.

I picked up a used William Joseph Confluence chest pack and that has worked out much better for me.

[dusty montgomery]

I have the Fishpond Waterdance, and I could not be happier with it. I wish I had bought it before I bought the other three Fishpond packs I have had. It has just the right amount of room for gear and is comfortable as well. It’s the best pack I have ever had.
Dusty

[dustin bunch]

Check out the William Joseph riptide pack. I liked it better than the Waterdance and it is on closeout alot of places.

[Eric Weller]

I had the waterdance I kick myself for selling it.

[Mike Cline]

I still have my Fishpond lumbar pack I bought at REI upwards of 5 years ago.  I don’t know what it was called then, but looks alot like the Blue River version today.  Very versatile and durable pack.  It’s great for helping reduce the amount of crap you carry when you fly with just carry on luggage.

[John Bennett]

I think we go over this every couple months 🙂

I made the switch 3 seasons ago, really like it. The guys I fish with have also made the switch from their chest packs.

Pros:
Plenty of cargo capacity inlcuding mesh pockets for water bottles
Lumbar support
Like the most: Able to swing it, from the small of my back to either hip when one spot needs a break. Usually I wear it on my left hip, as the day wears on I swing to right hip or back as needed.

Cons
No good spot to clip your net. Until I can figue something out I stuff the handle down the belt and the net rest against my back.

I have Sages, dont like Fish ponds but they are all similiar
http://www.sage-flyfishingoutfitters.com/sage/s/viewitem.aspx?pid=TPA-SAG-LUPA-000

[dusty montgomery]

Cons
No good spot to clip your net.

John,
Not to argue, but my Waterdance has a D loop, attached to an auxiliary strap one can place on the pack, which goes over one’s neck. Plus, said strap is padded. It is quite comfy. Admittedly, I do not carry a net, though I have found myself desiring one numerous times, but there is, certainly, an efficient way to house a net on this pack.

D.

[Zach Matthews]

John –

I like my net stuffed into the waistband.

[Zach Matthews]

Here’s the net I have: seriously good net.

http://www.wallacebrothers.us/shop.php?productCat=SW&do=showitem&item=43

[Zach Matthews]

In answer to the original question, David, I would look at the new Arroyo chestpack.  Fishpond’s definition of a “chestpack” could double for one of those pregnancy pouches they make guys wear so they can understand their spouse’s condition.  My Dragonfly is large enough to swallow three full sized CF Designs boxes with a fourth box turned sideways.  It can hold two water bottles with up to 16 oz. in each, not to mention a bunch of bangles and tippet.  Fully loaded, it probably weighs up to 20 pounds, which frankly is more than the straps can take.  It took one destroyed bag for me to realize that I have to be more selective about what I carry (which is the whole point of a waist pack in the first place).

I really like the look of the new Arroyo because it is smaller without skimping on the nice lumbar-supporting side straps.  You can hang onto the neck strap and use it on other products (the chest pack off the Double Haul backpack, which is actually chestpack sized, makes a great beach pouch carried courier-style with that neck strap).  The best thing about Fishpond is how everything in the whole lineup is modular and interchangeable to such a high degree.

Zach

[Tim Angeli]

I like my net stuffed into the waistband.

I definitely agree.

[david whitfield]

Thanks for all of the advice everyone.

[Zach Matthews]

David –

I am not suggesting that you use the pack as a chestpack – use it as a lumbar pack.

[regan c. kenyon jr.]

Here’s the net I have: seriously good net.

http://www.wallacebrothers.us/shop.php?productCat=SW&do=showitem&item=43

You guys should check out these https://www.adventureproducts.com/index.html.

I like the wading nets with the rubber bag.

[John Bennett]

this is my net

Actually this me with net, feesh and sage lumbar. Love the arrangement over all. Better yet it allows me to carry my camera back pack quite comfortably which with either a vest or chest pack is litterally a pain.

To say it’s a “con” may not be entirely accurate. I clip the bungee to the pack and stuff the handle down the belt such that the business end is up around my shoulder blades.

I don’t mind it, Id like to find a better arrangement. Because the net is fair sized almost anything results in the mesh dragging in the water.

[david whitfield]

Zach,

Thanks for the clarification, I read your post a bit quick.

[shane cavitt]

I too have a Waterdance and it seems to work just fine for now. One interesting feature has to do with the “zip-down” fly bench. I don’t actually like or use it as a fly bench. It is attached by velcro and can be removed. If you remove it you can put little velcro tabbies on things like Gink bottles and then you have a “zip-down” compartment where you have small stuff secure and at your disposal. You don’t have to fumble around in the bottom of the pack looking for small items. A guy at a local fly shop showed me that and it has been a great little benefit to the pack.

[dusty montgomery]

Great idea shane, Thanks. I may have to do the same to my pack as I do not use the foam in the bench either.
Dusty

[mark sikora]

Gave up the vest and went to Dragonfly for all fishing.
My back loves me and i found i never need all that stuff i was carrying.
Fits water, 2 large C&F and the rest of what i need. + half a foot long in the other water pocket or my Brodin staff the “shark poker” if flats fishing.
Use as a lumbar spin around waist to get in and out. If going deep just hang around neck for the crossing.
The new pack from fish pond the Arroyo is very small a one box pack.

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