I’ve used just about every gear storage system imaginable for my time on the water, from the classic vest, to techie vests, to lanyards, and hip packs. I even had a terrible experience with a sling pack, which is the only option I ever actually gave up on because I hated it so much. But for some reason I decided to give the sling pack another try when I saw the Orvis Safe Passage Sling pack.
I decided to go for the less expensive model at $89.99 because I still wasn’t totally sold on sling packs. When the pack arrived I went straight to the trunk of my car where I keep a large “organizer” of all of my gear. I eagerly sifted through the box of gear and began arranging things in my new sling pack.
I found a space for nearly everything I wanted on the water… which included at least 2 of everything I would realistically need. I was able to fit 3 medium fly boxes. I pinched 6 leaders into an appropriately made netting with an elastic band top and a few weight chambers into another strategically located place nearby. I had a larger cargo net next to the leaders to place my indicators in. There is a spot to secure a zinger inside the workstation compartment and some additional pockets to secure whatever liquids you may be inclined to stash away.
There is also a well-placed water bottle holder that keeps most water bottles secure with ease. In the large main pocket there is plenty of space to hold a jacket in case you expect some rain or whatever larger Items you like to keep at hand when you are on the water.
Within this large main pocket there is also a zippered sub pocket which I use to secure my fly boxes. The guide version of the same pack also features a sepia colored translucent waterproof pocket to store your phone in and the material of the pocket allows the user to have touch screen access to the phone through the material if needed. I didn’t spring for this because I already have a waterproof case for my phone. There is a very handy clip in the main pocket that I assume is for securing car keys, but I use it to clip my phone case too.
My main complaint with previous sling packs is that I find the access to the pockets uncomfortable and unnatural. Although this pack is similar to other packs on the market I found that each pocket was very accessible and that the front most compartment was not as cumbersome to search through as I had experienced in other packs.
The pack has a natural rotation which allows it to level easily, so loose items don’t slip into the corner of some crevasse that cannot be seen into. When the pack is on your back it is comfortable and balanced.
There is a nice D-ring on the back section of the pack’s strap to hook a net too. I purchased a large double carabiner to secure my net with. Since a lot of what I do is carp fishing, I found that I needed a much bigger net than what I used in my trout days. Despite this modification, the pack allows me to comfortably retain my larger net without it getting in the way when casting. Because of the D-rings placement, is very easy to reach a hand back mid fight and unlatch the net as you prepare to land your fish.
Some Highlights of the pack include:
- Heavy 410-denier nylon bottom construction
- 4 zippered compartments
- Stretch Water Bottle Holder
- Magnetic Hemostat Holder with Clasp
- Accessory pinning strip
After having the pack on the water for a variety of trips I want to mention a few downfalls that I have found.
There should be a spot to store hemostats on the backside of the pack. The magnetic clasp is great on the front, but I find myself frequently needing to rotate the pack to retrieve my hemostats right in the middle of rigging a new set up after a break off or to replace a fly that has been abused by feeding fish or poor casts. Another magnetic holder would be a really nice feature to add to the backside of the pack.
There should be a spot to store hemostats on the backside of the pack. The magnetic clasp is great on the front, but I find myself frequently needing to rotate the pack to retrieve my hemostats right in the middle of rigging a new set up after a break off or to replace a fly that has been abused by feeding fish or poor casts. Another magnetic holder would be a really nice feature to add to the backside of the pack.
Finally, the water bottle holder is a little too tight to carry the size of bottle I would prefer to take along with me. Since they have a cinch down strap at the top of the pocket, it seems like they could make the pocket a little more flexible so you could fit a larger bottle in the holder.
Overall the pack is a great purchase. It’s become my go to pack for all of the fishing I do. It’s easily my favorite item I’ve bought for under $100 dollars that I’ve recently added to my arsenal. If you looking to try out a new option, the Orvis Safe Passage Sling Pack is a great choice.
If you want to check out the Safe Passage Guide Sling for yourself click HERE
