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Waterproof Sling Pack

7K views 18 replies 14 participants last post by  KJC1 
#1 ·
I currently have a sling pack and must say it is very comfortable to wear all day long. Whether it has a few things in it or loaded up stressing the buckles, the weight distribution is amazing, feels effortless and no fatigue at the end of the day at all. One issue, whether it's a light rain or heavy down pour, the contents get soaked. Even when wading deep, the bottom contents get soaked. Wet salami sandwiches are never appetizing :(

So the kids are asking what I want for this years birthday and I think a waterproof sling pack is in order.
Looking at the Patagonia, Orvis, Fishpond and Simms models. Not sure of any others that may be available that I'm missing ??

Does anyone have any experience with these Sling packs or any others ??


Mike
 
#2 ·
I just recently purchased the waterproof orvis slingpack. used it in MT this summer and really liked it - used it in several downpours and everything remained dry- Will be using it on the Dean river in a few weeks steelhead fishing - can give you an update after that.

I had the larger orvis ( non- waterproof) sling pack- I really liked it until it rained hard and everything in it was soaked. The orvis model I got was the smaller of the two they have- going to force myself to stream line what I have on my back and not carry everything I own.

Part of my decision was the cost- if Im not mistaken, its the more economic of the 3 options.
 
#3 ·
I feel your pain. I also love my sling, but in wet weather it gets soaked. I find if you need to keep flies and things dry, zip lock bags are best answer. Yes, they are a pain to use but it will keep your things organized in your pack and dry. I'm also looking at water proof slings, but the costs are way more expensive than plastic bags.
 
#4 · (Edited)
All of my Patagonia gear has treated me well. My experience with Patagonia (Stormfront / Waterproof) packs is that they tend to build them with straps with just enough adjustment that for me (size XL shirt for instance) I'm at the very end of the adjustment on them when I put them on. Great packs, just didn't offer me the room I wanted for adjustment. End result was a return to Patagonia. Bummer as it is a nice pack. If you can get your hands on a Sagebrush Dry...worth the wait. I have their hip pack and back pack. Very comfortable and fit very well. I'd like to have their Hip & Deck Pack in a large. For the time being I have found that I prefer hip packs. May be a result of having had a difficult time finding a waterproof sling pack that was comfortable for me. I've owned the Atom Stealth and while it did have the adjustment range I needed it was not waterproof.

Great gift from the kids BTW that will be carried on many memorable trips. Good luck in the search Mike.
 
#5 · (Edited)
SIMMS makes a roll-top, waterproof hip pack that I really like. It has a shoulder strap that goes over either shoulder. Just release the waist strap, slide it around for whatever you need, roll the top up again, and slide it back around you. One main compartment with a few smaller ones. If I try to hide or compartmentalize things, I can't remember where I put them, so one big compartment is great!

I think if you captured some air inside, you could actually use this as a small PFD! I've had this completely under water, and come up with dry insides. At least, it was as under water as I could get it (it kinda floated behind me).

Good luck in your search and decision!
 
#7 ·
I have a Patagonia Stealth Atom as well. Not a waterproof pack, so I can't comment on that aspect. It comes with an internal waterproof pouch, big enough for wallet, car keys, phone, license, and some toilet paper, which is all the stuff I really care about keeping dry, anyway.

It also has LOADS of adjustability. I'm six feet and 235 lbs (somewhat, ahem, "rotund"), and the straps have enough extra length that I'm considering cutting the ends back. Much larger fellows than I could certainly wear it with ease.
 
#10 ·
I would stay away from the Orvis Galeforce Sling.
I owned one and initially loved it. Just the right size
and had good compartments. Most of the ones out there are too big.
Problem is that the zippers are not heavy duty on the Orvvis and break after some use.
I am not hard on gear but within a year the zipper to the main compartment broke leaving
me with an open pack all day. Took it back to Orvis and they promptly
replaced it no problem. The zipper on that one only lasted about 2 months.
Needless to say I didn't want another. I will say that if they ever replace the zippers
with ones like the ones on the Patagonia waterproof pack I would buy another
in a heartbeat

Emel
 
#11 ·
Just looked and Patagonia has added a few Stormfront slings. They're new season gear and the slings aren't available til November. I back ordered one in the hopes it becomes available earlier than that. Hoping the adjustment might be a part of the changes. 100% waterproof.
 
#12 ·
I appreciate all of the feedback my friends :)
Right now it's a toss up between the Fishpond Thunderhead and the Patagonia Stormfront slings.
I like the idea of having full water-proof protection .... means no more soggy salami sandwiches :D


Mike
 
#13 ·
Patagonia stormfront sling

I have a stormfront. Its sweet. Waterproof.good ergonomics. It is large at 20L i think. HOlds a LOT of stuff including jackets and lunch. I have worn a lot of differnet gear backpacks, vests, waist pack, lanyards.....ect you get the picture. Waterproof sling is easy to acces, keeps gear dry and does not get in the way when spey casting. BONUS i fill mine with air before I close it with the idea that it will act as a floatation device :).
 
#14 ·
I'm a big fan of sagebrush dry, but they don't make a sling pack. I carry the waste pack like a sling- works, but if you're used to a well designed sling, it won't seems so great. Dry, but not great carrying. I have their deck bag too, which is dry, not as convenient as a sling. The daypack I use only when I'm headed out for the whole day, or a float, etc, as I otherwise get tempted in to taking to much stuff….. beer, extra clothes, extra beer…..

I've never been disappointed with anything patagonia, (with the exception of their shoes (comfy but wore out quick)). Everything else has been well designed and really durable.
 
#15 ·
i love patagonia and use a ton of their stuff
... but not the stormfront sling

I bought it 2yrs ago and only used it for 1 afternoon on the water

I found it to miss the mark...
Since it is a sling with a big hollow compartment, your stuff is a jumbled mess

it is big, so realistically it was too much for me to fill
the movement of walking and rotating the bag to position to open ensures nothing is in place
 
#16 ·
Some great comments here friends !!
Size is my issue, at 20L the Stormfront seems huge for everyday on the water usage. But once I load a line wallet, tip wallet, two fly wallets and a lunch and flask, I bet it would get somewhat filled. Just think if it was offered at a 15L capacity, it would make more sense to me.
The Fishpond Thunderhead has an 18L capacity. Anyone have experience with Fishpond stuff ??


Mike
 
#17 ·
Some great comments here friends !!
Size is my issue, at 20L the Stormfront seems huge for everyday on the water usage. But once I load a line wallet, tip wallet, two fly wallets and a lunch and flask, I bet it would get somewhat filled. Just think if it was offered at a 15L capacity, it would make more sense to me.
The Fishpond Thunderhead has an 18L capacity. Anyone have experience with Fishpond stuff ??
Mike
I have fished with the Fishpond Thunderhead Sling since March. I really love it. totally waterproof. Been in a couple of deluges and nothing inside got a drop on it (Nikon to papers). Has an integrated net holder (really like this as I can carry a larger net with longer handle with me) and lots of lash points. Swivels easily in front of you like a waist pack to acess the big zipper. Very comfey like my other Fshpond stuff.

Carry 4 fly boxes a bunch of gear, jacket lunch, full sized nikon camera, extra lenses and still lots of room left. It is pricy but very well made. Let me know if you have other questions.
 
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