It’s an age-old question: Which is better, a fishing backpack, a bag or a tackle box? It’s an important question to ask, especially since the modern fisherman is carrying more gear than ever before. Not only are their hooks, lines, and sinkers but they are also different reels, bite indicators, nets, traps and fish finders – not to mention the bait. Which is why finding something that will fit all of that gear is imperative.
While tackle boxes had been the standard in the past, more and more fishermen are beginning to use these types of backpacks and there are several reasons for that. They are easier to carry, allow the fisherman to move easily from shore to boat and back again, and can carry a lot more gear than boxes or tackle bags.
Of course, not all of the packs are created equal. As is the case with anything, there are good ones and not so good one. Which is why it’s important to have a guide that will help you find the best fishing backpack. Fortunately, we have created such a guide that will show you the top backpacks for fishermen that are currently available. Below you’ll find everything from the best waterproof backpack all the way to the best fly fishing backpack.
Table of Contents
Best Fishing Backpacks of 2024
10CLC Wild River Nomad Lighted Backpack
- FISH AT ALL HOURS: This lighted...
- PROTECT YOUR GLASSES: This fishing...
- REMOVABLE PLIER HOLDER: This...
The Wild River Nomad is designed for the fisherman who intends to spend a lot of time on the water and needs a big backpack to hold all of their gear. It has a large top storage area that has a removable divider. This allows it to be converted into an even larger storage item for holding bigger items. This pack’s lower compartment can hold up to four medium tackle trays and it has both external and internal mesh pockets to hold additional gear. For fishermen who intend to be on the water after dark, it features an integrated LED light system that is a big help. Other features that can be found on this pack include a removable pliers holder that can be transferred from the bag to your belt, a front pocket that can be folded down and used as a work surface and a quick and easy-to-use rain cover that can be set up in moments to keep all of your gear safe. This pack is one of the best available today and is a popular choice among fishermen.
9Maxcast Fly Fishing Backpack
- Combines the versatility of a...
- HOLD EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO TAKE...
- ONE SIZE FITS MOST –Adjustable...
The Maxcast Fly Fishing Backpack is a backpack made for the fly fisherman who needs a bag large enough to carry his equipment but comfortable enough to use every day. This pack is designed to carry a decent amount of gear and keep it organized so it’s easy to find. It features three main zipper compartments that can be expanded to fit more gear if necessary and two molded primary pockets that are designed to hold fishing flies. This lightweight pack combines the comfortable use of a backpack with the versatility of a fishing vest. It’s adjustable, so one-size-fits-all and since it is made from a fabric that’s water-resistant, it is also one of the best waterproof backpacks that are currently available.
8Piscifun Fishing Tackle Bag with Rod & Gear Holder
- Water-Resistant & Durable: Piscifun...
- Adjustable & Detachable Strap: Two...
- Multifunctional Tackle Bag:...
Designed for fishermen who demand a pack that’s versatile enough to carry their gear but comfortable enough to use all day, the Piscifun Fishing Tackle Bag with Rod & Gear Holder is an ergonomic bag that’s made of waterproof nylon and has a padded single strap that can be adjusted for comfort. It’s designed so that you can throw your gear in it and throw it over your shoulder for a day of fishing. This bag has two pockets that can be closed thanks to Velcro and a small zipper mesh pocket. This design makes it suitable for not only carrying fishing gear but just about anything a person would need for hiking, mountaineering or camping. It’s big enough to carry the necessary gear but small enough to be easy-to-use and comfortable.
7Reebow Gear Tactical Backpack
- Military Tactical backpack size...
- Molle tactical backpack has molle...
- Assault pack backpack with...
While not specifically designed to be a fishing pack, the Reebow Gear Tactical Backpack is strong enough and large enough to accommodate even the largest of fishing kits. It’s constructed out of heavy-duty fabric that is strong as military backpacks and is double stitched with high-quality zippers and pull cords. This pack has a 40-liter capacity, padded shoulder straps, and padded back area. It also has a front and side load compression system that makes it easier to carry. This pack will hold everything needed for the day – whether it’s fishing equipment, hunting gear or a day of backpacking. It can also be used as a bug out bag.
6G4 Free Outdoor Tactical Backpack
- ★★ SMALL&LIGHTWEIGHT:...
- ★★ MULTIPURPOSE: Used for EDC...
- ★★ DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made...
Not only is this one of the most affordable options when it comes to fishing backpacks but it is also one of our absolute favorites. The G4 Free Outdoor Tactical Backpack is a backpack that’s versatile enough to be used for a variety of different activities – from fishing to hunting and camping. It’s durable, compact design allows it to be used for situations where a bigger pack is actually a liability. The tackle and gear that’s needed for the day can be tossed into its main zipped pouch or its smaller front pouch and then it can be used as an everyday carry, as a shoulder bag or used as a back sling. This pack is made from lightweight polyester that’s easy to keep clean. It’s a pack that more and more fishermen are beginning to use.
5Piscifun Nylon Fishing Tackle Bag
More of a messenger bag than a backpack, the Piscifun Nylon Fishing Tackle Bag is a great bag for the fly fisherman. While it’s not completely waterproof like some other fishing packs, it is made with a high-quality nylon material that’s lined with a rubberized waterproof lining that makes it resistant to water. This pack has ten inner storage pockets that make it perfect to store various flies, worms, sinkers, bobbers, line and various other items. On its side is a storage mesh compartment for storing a water bottle or small first-aid kit and this pack has an adjustable drawstring for its main compartment. This makes it a great bag for not only fly-fishermen but also for students and anyone else who needs to hold a lot of small objects.
4North Coyote Fishing and Hiking Backpack
This North Coyote Fishing and Hiking Backpack is the perfect pack for just about any outdoor activity and not just fishing, hiking and hunting. It has a unisex design that makes it fashionable for both men and women and has some exciting features that outdoor enthusiasts are going to love. Some of these features include a 17-liter insulate compartment that’s perfect for food, drinks and bait; a 25-liter large storage compartment that comes with a drawstring that’s perfect for all of your gear, and a side pocket that comes with a Velcro closure that can be used for trail mix, snacks, and protein bars. It also has a large front pocket that can be used to store maps or navigation charts. This makes this a multipurpose pack that’s the perfect accessory for venturing into the unknown.
3Blisswill Outdoor Tackle Bag
- DIMENSIONS:12*8.7*6inch /...
- HUMANIZED DESIGN: Front of the...
- STRONG QUALITY: Made of high...
The Blisswill Outdoor Tackle Bag is a multipurpose bag that can be handled as a shoulder bag, as a backpack or held in the hand. On the outside, it has a variety of loops on which various forms of lures can be stored and it has a large inner compartment that can hold a tackle box and a smaller inner compartment that can handle a variety of other things such as sinkers, bobs and extra line. It’s made of water-resistant nylon that is well stitched and comes equipped with a full-length high-quality zipper on the main compartment. This is a high-quality, yet compact fishing bag that will handle the storage needs of most fishermen.
2Rothco Backpack and Stool Combo Pack
- Steel Frame Stool Changes to...
- Backpack Comes with Rubberized...
- 3 Pockets Including a Large Zip Up...
Available in a variety of different styles which range from woodland and digital camo to olive drab and coyote brown, the Rothco Backpack and Stool Combo Pack is not only a nice looking and stylish backpack but is also one that comes with a feature that makes it unique among other backpacks. It can easily be changed from a backpack to a heavy-duty stool that’s great to take along on weekend fishing trips. This pack comes with 3-pockets and a rubberized lining. While this backpack isn’t big enough to fit a large cache of fishing gear, it is big enough to carry a small box of lures and hooks. It’s a great pack for the amateur fisherman or for guys who just need a pack for that occasional trip.
1Shimano Blackmoon Fishing Backpack
- Heavy duty material
- Thick shoulder padding
This fishing tackle backpack is designed for anglers who need a backpack to take with them on day-long fishing trips. It’s big enough to handle most people’s fishing equipment and is manufactured from a heavy-duty material. It’s a backpack that’s roomier than other fishing bags with multiple pockets for holding accessories such as lures, sinkers, and bobbers. It has padded shoulder straps that make it comfortable to wear and has loops on either side of it that can be used to hold tools. And while this pack isn’t waterproof, it is water-resistant and holds up well under average fishing conditions. It’s a nice tackle pack that will complement just about any fishing trip.
Choosing a Backpack for Fishing
Finding a backpack that’s perfect for fishing should be something that’s important to any fisherman. That’s because this piece of equipment will usually be the deciding factor in how much gear you can take on your next trip. Buy one that’s too small and you won’t have enough room for your tackle box and all the rest of your equipment. Get one that’s too big and it’s usefulness becomes overshadowed by its inconvenience.
However, even though this is a vital piece of fishing equipment, some fishermen don’t spend the time or energy to look for the best one possible. And some don’t even know what to look for in a fishing bag. Fortunately, this guide will give these fishermen the knowledge they need to buy the best fishing rucksack available.
Choosing the Right Size
The first consideration that needs to be made is the size of the backpack. Do you just need a messenger sized bag that can only hold a few hooks and sinkers or do you need a large backpack that can hold multiple Plano tackle boxes and other assorted gear? Choosing the right size can mean all the difference between a great fishing trip and one that’s not so great.
Water-resistant, Water Proof or No Water-Proofing
Before buying a backpack, you should realize that some bags are not water-proofed at all, while others are merely water-resistant. Of course, you may only need a pack that’s water-resistant and not water-proof, especially if you don’t expect the bag to come into contact with the water. However, if you do need a water-proof bag, then choose one that explicitly states that it’s water-proof and is not merely water-resistant.Â
Load Distribution
How does the backpack distribute load across your shoulders? That’s another important question to ask. Generally speaking, you’ll want to buy a backpack in which the placement of the straps is a little bit wider. This will distribute the weight of the pack more evenly over your shoulders and make it more comfortable to wear.
Number of Compartments & Loops
Do you need a backpack that only has 1 or 2 main compartments or do you need one that has a lot of compartments and loops for holding various lures, bobbers, sinkers, and tools? Most likely you’ll need a backpack that’s in between these two extremes and has just the right amount of compartments, loops and cup holders to fit your needs.
Other features that should be considered are the quality of the materials used, whether the backpack is double-stitched and of course, it’s price. If you take all of these factors into consideration before you buy your next backpack for fishing, then you’re apt to find one that’s perfect for you.
