Just in - Simms Dry Creek Z Backpack in New Color Olive

Same great design as the current color Dry Creek Z Backpack - Steel. 

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Fishpond Wind River Roll-Top Backpack - New for 2018

Packed with great features and waterproof, The Fishpond Wind River Roll-Top Backpack is river ready.


A couple really cool features I like about this pack. The hip belt is adjustable and removable. That's a nice feature when you're just using the pack as a flight travel pack. Next it incorporates an accessory strap on the hip belt which is perfect for attaching belt accessories such as fishing pliers. I also like the Compatibility to modulate with Fishpond Chest Packs like the Savage Creek Chest Pack pictured below.

Shown with add-on Savage Creek Chest Pack (Pack not included) - Accessory Strap securing pliers. (Pliers not included)

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Simms Dry Creek Z Sling Pack - New for 2018

Two features I really like about the New Simms Dry Creek Z Sling Pack; The material goes away from the shiny slick stuff of the past AND the Waterproof TiZip Zipper is easier then ever to operate. Waterproof zippers are never fun but this is the best I have operated thanks to easier movement and the addition of a solid pull ring and T-handle. The waterproof 840D TPU fabric is highly abrasion and puncture resistant and just feels better.

Simms Product Description

Keep your gear safe and dry when the waters rise and the rain falls with Simms' Dry Creek® Z Sling Pack. A rugged, puncture, and scratch resistant outer stands up to any backcountry beating. The fully waterproof, welded design seals out any seeping water that might encroach on your fishing adventure. Stretchy interior pockets cut down clutter and keep valuables in check. Plush cushioning on the shoulder straps and a breathable, water-resistant back panel keep you cool and comfortable whether you're wading though deep waters or trekking on dry land.

Features -

• Highly abrasion & puncture resistant
• Fully waterproof welded constuction with submersible TIZIP® zipper to give you full access to your gear
• Interior stretch‐mesh storage pockets, exterior lash points & stretch cording for wet storage
• Fully cushioned shoulder strap & back panel with breathable, water‐resistant foam
• Roll‐up strap retainer reduces line catchers on adjustment straps
• FABRIC TECH: Waterproof 840D TPU coated fabric 
• APPROX. WEIGHT: 21 oz.

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Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Sling - New for 2018

Anglers all over the world have embraced the sling pack for good reason. Haul a reasonable amount of gear and keep it close at hand. Add waterproofing and now you have a near perfect pack for most all fishing occasions.
New for 2018, Fishpond introduces the all new Thunderhead Submersible Sling. Not just waterproof, but submersible. The Thunderhead comes in two colors; Yucca and Cutthroat Orange.

Notable refinements include webbing pull tabs for easier operation of the waterproof TIZIP Zipper and exterior gear straps (included). This sling also features an integrated net slot.

Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Sling Details

When you need quick access to all of your gear, sling this clean design over your shoulder and charge into the elements. Built for anglers who live life in the grit of the riverbed and demand the most from their gear. Load your valuables in the roomy main compartment, lock them behind the fully waterproof TIZIP, and submerse yourself into the environment. Anglers have gravitated towards the sling pack as a great way to carry the day’s essentials without having to sacrifice freedom of movement or comfort. Constructed out of our bombproof 1680d TPU coated recycled Cyclepond nylon the Thunderhead Sling is just as ready for what the day might bring as you are.

Features -

• 1680D TPU coated recycled nylon
• Fully waterproof TIZIP® zipper closure on the main compartment, in a new longer zipper length
• Water resistant zipper closure on the front pocket
• Lightweight foam shoulder strap and backpanel
• Integrated net slot
• Interior organization with one zippered pocket, and one clear stash pocket for small gear
• Exterior Hypalon® tabs and reinforced cord loops for tool and accessory attachment
• Coated webbing pull tabs for opening the TIZIP® VELCRO® and Hypalon® attachment points on shoulder strap
• One set of Fishpond gear straps (included)
• 16" x 9" x 7"
• 13L (793 Cu. In.)
• 1.5lbs

Tools and Accessories pictured are NOT INCLUDED

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New Gear from Fishpond 2018

Some New Gear for 2018

Lots of great new and improved products from Fishpond this year. Here is a sampling of what just arrived at our door.

Grand Teton Rolling Luggage and Teton Rolling Carry-On

For the traveling angler Fishpond redesigned their luggage category. The Grand Teton is a large pieced designed to hold fly rods in their tubes. It also features a PU and DWR coated base compartments to keep damp waders and dirty boots from the rest of your clothes.
The Teton Rolling Carry-On version comes with two gear straps that allows the traveler to strap a rod tube along side. Both feature clamshell type design for easy access.

Thunderhead Submersible Sling

Mention the word "Sling" and "Waterproof" in the same sentence and fly anglers pay attention. If you don't have one, you probably want one. The Thunderhead Submersible Sling is constructed tough and roomy. Thirteen liters of roomy. It features the fully waterproof TIZIP zipper closure on the main compartment. The Thunderhead Sling come in Cutthroat Orange and Yucca. 

Thunderhead Submersible Backpack

I consider a waterproof backpack to be an essential item in my fly fishing paraphernalia. Whether be all day excursions, overnights, drift boat trips or you end up being the group lunch provider , a backpack is "must have" item. If you are going to have one, it might as well be waterproof or one day you'll be wishing it was. The Thunderhead Submersible Backpack includes one pair of Gear Straps that can be used on either side. Additional Gear Straps are available. Like the Sling the Backpack also comes in Cutthroat Orange and Yucca.

Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar

Fishpond added a great feature to this Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar that made me take notice. They added the ability to customize the waist belt with your own accessories. Notice in the picture they have a set of pliers in a holster attached, (not included of course) by built in gear strap. Featuring exterior Hypalon® tabs and reinforced cord loops for tool and accessory attachment now lets you make this pack work for you instead of conforming to someone's idea of what you want. NOTE Manufacturers: I'd like to see more of this!!!

Rod Luggage

The popular Fishpond Dakota Carry-On Rod and Reel Case has been updated with new looks for 2018. The Dakota Also comes in a 45" Spey Size.
The Jackalope Rod Tube is unique in that it unzips from either end. The Jackalope also comes in a standard 9' four piece fly rod size as well as a 45" Spey size.

All New Gear Bags

Two all new gears bags. Starting from the left is the New Cutbank Gear Bag. While not submersible, the Cutbank is more then capable of keeping your valuable gear dry. The exterior of this boat style bag includes options for many accessories such as velcro on lid for fly patches, D-rings for clip on stuff such as Fishpond Headgate Tippet Holder and many lash down points.
To the left is the all new Green River Gear Bag. This molded bottom tackle style bag features many compartments to organize your gear for easy access.

New Wader Gear

Tired of Tacos? How about a Burrito! The Burrito Wader Bag is a "must have" for the on the go wade angler. This roll and go bag is ideal for changing out of wet waders and boots and the best feature is that it is it's own wader changing mat.

Accessories

You may already be familiar with the Fishpond Headgate Tippet Holder and the loaded with RIO Tippet Headgate Holder. This Year Fishpond introduces the Headgate Tippet Holder XL designed specifically for 4" Saltwater spools.
The New Quickshot Rod Holder is an interesting idea. Attached this handy rod caddie to your waist pack or backpack for a second rod or handle your primary rod while rigging.
The New Gear Straps are only limited to your imagination. 10" in length and come 2 to a pack.

That's enough for now...

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Sling Pack Showdown (2016)

Sling packs lead the way!

Sling packs are all the rage these days, and for good reason. There are several advantages of using a sling pack instead of a hip pack, chest pack or backpack. Slings offer more storage room than a chest pack, easier accessibility than a backpack, and the ability to keep your stuff higher off the water than a hip pack. Another reason why slings are great is that an angler can still have near full mobility without having a pack get in the way of casting. There is very little line catching or protruding gear to inhibit your range of motion. For all of these reasons, sling packs are the hottest selling storage system in the fishing industry.

We here at the Gorge Fly Shop carry quality sling packs from Fishpond, Umpqua and Simms. I have spent much of the winter so far studying, testing and playing with all of the slings that I could get my hands on. I prefer a smaller pack that carries just enough gear for a day of fishing. I don’t like packs that I can overload and turn into a dark pit of despair.

Why do I like a smaller pack? Steelhead fishermen (like me) tend to carry less gear, fly boxes, tools and accessories than trout fishermen, so they tend to use smaller packs. I carry one fly box (maybe two in the summer), a handful of sink tips, one spool of tippet, scissor clamps, and whatever I need for the day as far as clothes, food, drink and maybe some sunscreen.

Larger packs are better suited for those trout fishermen that carry thirteen different fly boxes, eight spools of tippet, three types of floatant and six different fishing tools along with a couple of spare spools, just in case. There are a couple of larger options here, but I prefer a smaller pack. Knowing that trout fishermen still dominate the industry, I have included two larger packs that would be excellent choices for the diehard trout bum, as well as anyone else that likes to bring more gear to the river than I do. Big cameras, sunscreen, bug spray and a change of clothes are often the norm for many anglers, and a larger pack should be considered if that is your game, regardless of the target species.

Enough of the intro! Here are the three (four) packs that I have been really digging this winter.

1. Fishpond Summit Sling
2. Simms Headwaters Sling (Large and Small)
3. Umpqua Steamboat Sling

There are some similar features that all of these packs share. One is an external fly patch. This is a key for quick fly changes and preventing unnecessary pack entry. While the Umpqua Sling has a built-in patch, the Simms and Fishpond packs have Velcro pieces to easily attach fly patches. Another key feature is the cell phone/key stash pocket. All three packs have a small, secure pocket that is just big enough to store your most valuable items which do not need to be accessed quickly. Beyond those features, these packs are all unique and full of cool nooks and crannies.


Fishpond Summit Sling

Fishpond makes quite a few sling packs, seven at last count. Out of all of the choices from Fishpond, the Summit Sling definitely stands out from the crowd. I really like this pack. It is comfortable, easily accessible, provides the right accessory options, is constructed very sturdily and with two color schemes to choose from, it looks cool too. I believe that this is the most intuitive, well thought-out pack from Fishpond, or any other company.

• 549 cubic inches
• 13” x 8.5” x 9”
• 32 oz

How is it unique? There are numerous attachment points on the outside of the pack allowing for dozens of accessory configurations. Whatever your choice of tools, or preference for location of said tools, this pack will allow you to access them with ease.

Fishpond Summit Sling

The interior of this pack is roomy, yet it is still compact. There are two bigger compartments that allow you to stash your larger items internally, while keeping your smaller gear in the external pockets. A third front pocket features a workbench area which is big enough to hold a fly box or two. It also folds down and stays rigid so that you can change a fly with ease without (hopefully) dropping small flies, tools and accessories in the river.

Net Stash Pocket

I can go on for days about how awesome this pack is, but I have to keep it brief. Real quickly; three more features that I like are the net stash pocket on the back (super cool!). While I don’t carry a net for steelhead fishing, as a former trout junkie, I appreciate this feature immensely. This allows you to access your net with ease, yet it doesn’t affect the overall comfort. A second cool feature is that this pack has the most comfortable, padded shoulder strap of any sling out there. I will touch on that more on that near the end. The last thing is truly unique to Fishpond; this pack, along with many of their other items, is made from recycled commercial fishing nets. I appreciate any company doing anything they can in helping to alleviate a huge worldwide issue. You can see that I believe that this is a great pack made by a great company.


Simms Waypoints Sling

Waypoints Sling - Small

• 610 cubic inches
• 22 oz.
• 15” x 8 1/2” x 8”

For 2016, Simms has made a solid follow-up to their Headwaters Sling. It is a sweet sling pack that is sleek and minimal. A good alternative to our favorite Fishpond Summit Sling, this pack has less exterior features, but packs a good punch, especially when it comes to organization. There are two sizes, I prefer the small pack, but I will touch on both of them here.

Waypoints Sling - Large

• 1037 cubic inches
• 31 oz
• 18” x 10” x 9.5”

The big difference between this and the Fishpond pack is internal vs. external organization. The Simms pack is all about organizing within the pack, offering several small pockets and dividers internally, while maintaining quick, easy and efficient access. Why? There is less chance of catching your line on your pack when everything is stored internally. While there are a couple of tool tabs on the outside, there are also several on the inside in convenient locations to store your tools.

Like the Fishpond pack, there is a rigid workbench that folds out flat to allow for intricate fly changes. The small pack holds a decent sized fly box in the foldout area, while the large pack can hold several boxes. Both feature a Velcro piece on the outside for attaching a fly patch or the included Velcro tippet and floatant holders. This pack is very lightweight, ergonomic and comfortable. There is sufficient ventilation and padding on the back of the pack, which is very nice and will provide sufficient airflow during a day of fishing in the heat.

Simms Waypoints Sling - Small

A couple of cool features are the magnetic tool ports and compression straps. You can just tap your hemostats against the magnet and they will stay easily accessible. The straps are great for when your pack is stuffed. Pull them tight and compress the pack down to a more manageable size. They are also great for storing a jacket on the outside. The pack overall has a lightweight, minimalist feel to it, yet it has solid construction and strong materials.

Simms Waypoints Sling - Large

The large pack has enough room to stash the kitchen sink along with all of your gear, yet it will stay fairly organized. The small pack will hold everything I need for a day, yet is not so small that I have to remove items in order to find what I need.
Simms always produces high quality gear that will stand up to the test and this new Waypoints Small Sling Pack is no different.

Umpqua Steamboat Sling ZS

• 1200 cubic inches!!!
• 24 oz – I weighed it as it is not advertised.

While I touched on this pack in my UMPQUA ZERO SWEEP REVIEW, this pack deserves to stand with the Simms and Fishpond packs at the top of the food chain.

This pack is great for a couple of reasons. The Zero Sweep technology really creates a sleek, snag free pack. Umpqua truly believes that by creating a smooth, snag-free system, the angler can have more quality time on the water, and less time untangling your line from straps and buckles. This is done by creating recessed ports to store your tools, yet keeping them easily and quickly accessible. This pack features rounded smooth surfaces and nicely organized pockets and compartments.

Front main pocket

Main pocket rear

The internal organization in the Steamboat Sling is better than either of the other two packs. There are plenty of variously sized pockets within the compartments to stash all of your gear while keeping it organized and easy to reach. There are two large compartments; I would use one for your fishing gear and one for shore items like a jacket, food and camera. This pack does not have a workbench-style pocket exclusively for fly boxes and small tools, but this keeps the pack more flush and low-profile than the other options out there. For steelheaders, this is not an issue. Trout fishermen are more likely to need a flip-down area to change small flies, and tend to change them more often than spey casters.

Back of Steamboat

This pack is much bigger than the Fishpond pack, and even bigger than the large Simms pack, yet it does keep a low profile, even when full. It doesn’t feel like it is as big as it is. There is plenty of room for everything that you could possibly want to put in a sling pack. The fabric has a more heavy-duty feel to it than either of the other packs, although it weighs less than the large sling pack, plus it has a larger capacity. The fabric is tough and will stand up to heavy abuse.

Let’s talk about the straps. To me, it is the most important feature of a good pack. Why does this matter? Anyone that has done any multi-day backpacking trips with heavy packs knows that comfortable straps on a pack make all the difference when you are wearing them all day. An hour or two is no big deal, but a full day or two or three in a row can really start to dig into your shoulders if it doesn’t fit comfortably. I haven’t had the privilege of doing any rigorous field testing on these packs, and most of us won’t get that privilege before we have to choose a pack. If I had to choose a pack based on only one feature, it would be how comfortable the straps are.

Back Of Summit

The Fishpond pack has the most comfortable strap of the bunch. I would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone that is going to wear this pack every day all summer, especially if it is going to be loaded up with gear. The Simms strap is much lighter and less padded. It is still well constructed and will not fold over on itself when the pack is full, but it is definitely on the minimalist side of the dial. The Umpqua strap is right in the middle. It has very ample padding, easy adjustments and sturdy construction. It has more padding that the Fishpond pack, but it is a slightly harder padding, which is not quite as comfortable right out of the box, yet will likely wear in really nicely after months of abuse.

Back of Small Waypoints

All three Sling packs that I reviewed here have some cool features and are all unique in feel and organization, yet each would be a great addition to any fisherman’s arsenal. They are all built to the highest standards and have been designed by fishermen for fishermen. You could buy and wear any of these packs with confidence.

The Gorge Fly Shop Team

541.386.6977

info@gorgeflyshop.com

www.gorgeflyshop.com

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Simms Headwaters Sling Pack: Reviews are over rated!

Accessories sold separately

Reviews are often over rated, fluffed up, powder coated and one sided often times scewing the truth all to sell product. So lets just cut to the chase. Or as my father would say, "Just the Facts".

This pack is Sweet!

Greg Darling scoping out the San Juan

I've always been a fan of spaghetti westerns so with that thought in mind. I would name this pack the "Gunslinger" of sling packs. Easy on, easy off. Similar to tactical sling packs but nothing quite as cool as this fishing friendly sling. Versatile, Comfortable - Packed full of features. Now onto the review FACTS: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

In March Greg Darling and I spent two days on foot and two days floating the San Juan River. Our go to bag was this Simms Sling Pack. Perfect for the trip! 

The Good

Day in and day out we knew we could rely on our packs. Ideal for easy going day trips with two side access main compartments. It's a sling pack so you must sling the pack around in front of you in order to gain easy access. Attention went into detail, from the large ring zippers to the pockets on the inside. A full zip out work station front and center allowing you access to everything you need. Room for a bottle of water, gloves, spare spool and other accessories. A true joy to use.

Just the Facts Dude:

Peanut butter jelly time

• Lightweight for a full day use – pack in all your gear and fish on the go. 
• Two large zippered compartments with stretch mesh pockets 
• Quick-access stash pocket beneath the waistband allows easy access without slinging pack all the way around. 
• Compression molded front pocket creates a fold-down workspace 
• Removable hook and loop floatant holder and tippet-spool retainer 

Product Specs:

• FABRIC TECH: 420 Denier Abrasion resistant fabric with DWR 
• APPROX. WEIGHT: 32 oz 
• CAPACITY: 15 liters, 915.36 cubic in. 
• DIMENSIONS: 20” x 14” x 8”