Manifesting the best fishing experience is inescapable for a fishing enthusiast. Let me take you through a rollercoaster of emotions; imagine you have the ideal gear, location, fine weather and energy boost. Everything seems perfect and boom! You suddenly have a lot to carry and all your energy is consumed, sounds exhausting and frustrating, but wait! Every problem comes with a solution and the solution to your problem is a fishing backpack.
Not just any backpack but the right backpack will make things right for you. But how do you choose the right backpack when the market is flooded with so many options, each claiming to be the best? Don’t worry about that thought because we have already done that for you. In this article, you will be educated about size, material, compartments, styles and other considerations while buying a backpack. Let’s dive into it!
Styles of fishing backpacks
There are different styles of fishing backpacks. Being a serious angler you must have the basic knowledge of different styles or kinds of fishing backpacks.
Daypacks
Daypacks are special styles of backpacks designed for fishing and other outdoor activities. They have a medium-sized main compartment and many other compartments to fit your tackle, and fishing gear along with your clothes, keys, phone and other valuables. The best part about a daypack is that it is compact, lightweight and easy to carry. It serves the purpose of carrying your gear without weighing you down. It does not take up much space in your car or your boat either. Walking or hiking to your fishing location is much easier with these. The only downside of a daypack is that it won’t fit a whole lot of fishing gear. You might need to skip on some of the items.
Tackle backpacks
Tackle backpacks are specifically designed to hold your fishing tackle. What feels better than having an item designed specifically for your needs? If that’s what you want, this is it! Tackle backpacks have large main compartments to carry all your tackle boxes and other fishing necessities. It has other compartments to keep your rods, reels, lines, lures etc separated so that your gear is saved from tangles and potential damage.
Some tackle backpacks come with built-in rod holders, and hydration or cooler compartments. This makes the game more interesting. Just like everything in the universe a tackle backpack is not perfect, it is bulky which makes it heavy. It might wear you while walking for a long distance. However, it is indeed the ideal fishing backpack for anglers who travel a lot and need to carry all of their gear that fits different fishing conditions.
Features to consider before buying a fishing backpack
Before buying a fishing backpack one must have the basic information about its characteristics and features. Here is a list of points to consider while spending money so that every penny pays off.
Capacity
A fishing backpack can have varying capacities depending on the manufacturer. However, the backpacks are referred to based on two different capacities.
Large capacity backpacks: these are large enough to accommodate all your necessary gear and equipment along with excess space to carry your sunglasses, clothes, camera, snacks and other valuables. These are padded and have ventilation. Large-capacity backpacks are best suited for fishermen fishing in diverse conditions, seasons and locations. The fact that they are heavy, bulky and might weigh you down makes them less attractive while hiking or walking long distances.
Minimalist backpacks: these backpacks, as the name suggests, have less capacity. However, they can easily fit in a good amount of items to carry along. One can fit the necessary equipment for a short fishing journey. This saves you from carrying too much of extra gear which is not more than just weight. They very efficiently serve the purpose of a fishing backpack.
A disadvantage that these compact backpacks have is that they might lack padding, ventilation and straps. Yes! They’re lightweight but at the expense of being less durable. Now it depends on the circumstances that you fish in whether you need a large-capacity backpack or a minimalist will do.
Waterproof or water-resistant
To every angler, his fishing gear is the most valuable possession he has. One cannot afford to lose or ruin such precious items. Hence it is important to invest in a fishing backpack that is made of a waterproof or water-resistant material. Waterproof material blocks the water entirely from getting inside the backpack, whereas a water-resistant material resists water to some extent. Having such a feature in your fishing backpack will save your gear from corrosion and potential damage caused by mist, humidity, saltwater, dirt and debris.
On the other hand, if the condition in your fishing area is dry, a waterproof material might prove harmful. This is because this material is heavy, stiff and reduces breathability. Moreover, proper maintenance and cleaning are demanded by such backpacks. Another downside is that a fishing backpack with advanced features costs quite a penny.
Durability
Fishing backpacks should have sturdy material, fine stitching, strong straps and smooth zippers. All these components contribute to the durability of a backpack. A strong and durable backpack with robust construction will be saved from wear and tear. Not only the lifespan of your backpack increase but the items within will be prevented from impacts from falling or sharp objects. You have to keep one point in mind, the more advanced the construction, the more money it will demand. However, the amount pays off if the backpack lasts longer.
Multiple compartments
Having multiple compartments in the backpack is a fruitful experience. Different compartments include mesh pockets and zippered or buckled compartments at the front and on the sides. Compartments of different sizes help you organize your gear and other items depending on their type, size and usage. This way all your gear will be free from clutter and your fishing line won’t mingle with other gear. Your phone, wallet, watch, keys and other such items can be kept in a separate pocket so you won’t have to take everything out to find them.
Maintenance tips for your fishing backpack
It is necessary to maintain your items regardless of their value. Whether your backpack is of a remarkable quality or a cheap one, you ought to maintain it for it to last longer. Here are basic maintenance tips for your backpack
- Wash your backpack after each trip
- Clean and dry it before storing
- Regularly inspect for wear and tear
- Store the bag in a cool and dry place
- Make sure it is away from damaging insects
Conclusion
A perfect fishing backpack is the one that fits your requirements while maintaining a balance between performance, comfort, and budget. However, the best fishing backpack for you might not be the best one for other anglers. Finding the right fit can be challenging but not when you have a comprehensive guide to narrow down your options. Hence considering different features before buying a fishing backpack is necessary.
