So I'm one of those unfortunate bass fishermen, you know, the one stuck on the bank unless a buddy wants to get out with there boat. I've fished out of a backpack for the last couple years, and I don't mind it. What I need to know is what backpacks are out made for fishing that can carry everything I need? I'm looking for something that can carry 4 3600 stowaways and 2 3730 stowaways. I also need it to carry tons of plastics. I've checked out tackle warehouse, wild river, cabelas, gander mountain, bass pro shops, and sportsmans warehouse but I cannot seem to find the "perfect" backpack. I like wild river, but even there large bag seems like its too small. I saw the big backpack Okuma makes, but its bottom compartment only holds one 3730 box and 2 3700. What are your suggestions. I guess I'm sort of looking for a backpack that could fit an old kitchen sink... Made specifically for fishing. Thoughts?
I was just like you, for the longest time I needed to have everything with me. I just KNEW there would be a reason I had that jitterbug, all those buzzbaits or those deep diving cranks. I was carrying a huge bag that fit about 7 3600's and it was insane.
One day, I sat down and emptied it out. Realized I only used about 25% of my bag every time I went out, and maybe 50% of my bag every once in a while. It pained me to take certain things out but fishing is so much more enjoyable when you aren't lugging around 40lbs of tackle. I took out my spinnerbaits - I wasn't ever using them anymore. Same goes for my buzzbaits, deep diving cranks, tubes, and many other items that I can't quite remember. Fact of the matter is, if you're going bank fishing, you probably have an idea of what you need that day and you'll only need a couple colors of each item.
I went and bought the Abu Garcia Veritas bag and love it. At first, I thought I would be leaving behind precious baits and lures (that I NEVER used) but after 2 months, I'm finding I still have plenty of things in here I never use.
Check this one out http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/129539-cabelas-fishing-back-pack/?hl=backpack It wont fit everything you want it to but I got 5 or 6 3600 size boxes and a gallon size bag of plastics . You'll realize you dont need the kitchen sink when bank fishing.
If you are hellbent on carrying everything, then I suggest googling tactical backpacks, some of those carry a ton of items.
Knightiac is giving you good advice.
I fit all of this in the biggest pocket:
3 3601's and a 3500. I could fit one more 3500 if I wanted to. All lipless and shallow cranks in one, jigs and topwater in another, tackle in another and frogs in the small one.
Second pocket:
1 3650 for swimbaits and 4 bags of craws. I could easily fit two 3500s and more soft plastics in here.
Small outside pocket:
Big outside pocket:
9 bags of worms
There is also a bottle holder where I place two bags of senkos and 2 bags of tubes, if I put a bottle in there, I just throw the bags somewhere in the other pockets, plenty of space. Bag also includes a rod holder on the right side.
So its great to see that you can store so much in the veritas bag. But how many bags of plastics could it hold without the boxes. I prefer keeping them in there original packaging so as to avoid problems like mixing colors. Had it happen before. That wasnt fun. lol. Currently, I am using a retired school backpack. Its dimensions are 17"HX6"DX14"L. Its time it was replaced with something better suited and in better shape. Maybe its my OCD that Im having issues with. Its not like I have a ton of gear. Literally all the gear I own is in it atm. I have a 1.5 gallon plastic container full of plastics (strongly considering going to a soft bag of some sort...) and I have other plastics that wont fit. I also have 4 3600 boxes. I was thinking I may need the 3730 boxes for the future, but can live without them. I like your thinking, but it absolutely needs to be a backpack. I often find myself needing my hands to climb when I'm fishing a few steep lakes here. Thank you for your answers. Its greatly appreciated.
The veritas bag is a backpack, my initial bag was not a backpack. Here's a link to it: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19434536.
I only have soft plastics in that one box and it is a deep box, if I were to take that out I could fit even more soft plastics than I currently have, I just like keeping those organized.
Try the 3600 slim plano boxes, for every 2 standard size 3600 you can fit 3 slims. The profile fits baits better instead of having too deep of compartments
The Spiderwire Backpack is spacious, They have them at Dicks. It has a built in cooler section wich you can colapse to make more room. That thing will hold like 5 3700s slims. I'm in the same boat as you, I have 4 3700 slims and 1 3600 spinerbait box, and a selection of plastics in thier bags. I'm gonna try to down grade my hooks to a 3600 slim. I'm looking at the Spiderwire, Jansport, and High Sierra.
I bought a Cabelas brand backpack that I have been using for the past few years, I can fit 5 360 boxes in the bottom, load up with plastics, tools, reels, food, basically anything Ion the top, sunglasses case built it, an insulated spot for my water bottle, and a few extra pockets for storage of line, more plastics, band aids, whatever you need. There is even a built in rod holder for when you are walking. I love it. And if you really want to fit some 370 size boxes you can unzip the inside and make it one big space to accommodate this boxes. For $60 I love it.
They dont make mine anymore, well they do its just an updated version that differs a little in design and what not. It still looks great for the price though. Here's the link.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Advanced-Anglers-Backpack/1546939.uts?No=0&destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ftackle-bags%2Fcabelas%2F_%2FN-1100378%2B1000002949%2FNe-1000002949%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104619780%3FWTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU
I have a Flambeau back pack that works great. I think I bought it at Dicks or Gander Mtn. for around $30.
Alright. Thank you. I'm gonna check out the link to the Veritas bag. Thanks all.
Do you guys know what the dimensions are for the Veritas bag and the spiderwire bag? How long have you had the spider wire bag? How is it holding up? Thanks again for answers.
Check out the Sand Piper of California bags I have several and they will hold everything. J Francho could probably tell ya he's seen my bag it holds 10 boxes and i have 5 one gallon bags of soft plastics i stuff in the front pocket. Then its worn like a back pack. If you have two piece rods you can even strap them to the sides for long hikes.
All one piece rods. A buddy turned me on to em last year. Have a link to this? It sounds perfect. Lol
Well the large wild river is the biggest ive seen. Cuz i was looking for one too. I have settled for the bps red backpack. Was on sale for 39. Can hold 5 3500 trays I think and a bunch of pockets
On 2/19/2014 at 11:51 AM, drodriguez said:So I'm one of those unfortunate bass fishermen, you know, the one stuck on the bank unless a buddy wants to get out with there boat. I've fished out of a backpack for the last couple years, and I don't mind it. What I need to know is what backpacks are out made for fishing that can carry everything I need? I'm looking for something that can carry 4 3600 stowaways and 2 3730 stowaways. I also need it to carry tons of plastics. I've checked out tackle warehouse, wild river, cabelas, gander mountain, bass pro shops, and sportsmans warehouse but I cannot seem to find the "perfect" backpack. I like wild river, but even there large bag seems like its too small. I saw the big backpack Okuma makes, but its bottom compartment only holds one 3730 box and 2 3700. What are your suggestions. I guess I'm sort of looking for a backpack that could fit an old kitchen sink... Made specifically for fishing. Thoughts?
Seriously my dear freind, you got any idea how much a backpack with 4 3600 and 2 3700 filled with stuff weights ?
The more stuff you carry the more it weights and you have to carry all that weight on your back unless you are able to carry your backpack on some sort of vehicle ( like an ATV ) as you move along the bank.
I own a tub ( 12 ft jonboat ) but most of the time I fish I don´t fish from it, I fish from the bank just like you, and I swear that you don´t need to carry a big bunch of stuff ! a few baits will do the trick.
I'm not worried about the extra weight. I weigh 280 pounds as of yesterday. If anything it will help me lose some. The backpack I have currently fits everything I own, and at the end of the day, aside from a little stiffness in my lower back, I feel fine. I also carry 3-4 rods. I've constantly referred to myself as a one man truck. Its how I've always been. And every time I've left a lure at home I find myself in the situation where it would have been perfect.
Raul, put that picture up of you with fanny pack, lol
Raul is more on the opposite end of what you posted about yourself. He's a thin, lanky guy like me.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004Z7JCDA
Here's the bug out bags you can find them cheaper I paid 50 even for mine but that was at a PX. Another plus to the SOC bags is they have a lifetime warranty
On 2/19/2014 at 11:51 AM, drodriguez said:So I'm one of those unfortunate bass fishermen, you know, the one stuck on the bank unless a buddy wants to get out with there boat. I've fished out of a backpack for the last couple years, and I don't mind it. What I need to know is what backpacks are out made for fishing that can carry everything I need? I'm looking for something that can carry 4 3600 stowaways and 2 3730 stowaways. I also need it to carry tons of plastics. I've checked out tackle warehouse, wild river, cabelas, gander mountain, bass pro shops, and sportsmans warehouse but I cannot seem to find the "perfect" backpack. I like wild river, but even there large bag seems like its too small. I saw the big backpack Okuma makes, but its bottom compartment only holds one 3730 box and 2 3700. What are your suggestions. I guess I'm sort of looking for a backpack that could fit an old kitchen sink... Made specifically for fishing. Thoughts?
First you are not that unfortunate. You have a buddy who can take you on time to time. I did't and many fisherman don't.
Second, there's not such thing as perfect back pack. (Ask me how I know it. ) I was looking for certain elements like you are right now. I fish both from a boat and from banks. I wanted to be able to transfer the boxes that I bring on the boat to a back pack. I wanted to carry at least two possibly three rods without constantly put them on the ground and picking them up. I want to keep moving. I realized 1) my needs are bigger than the most bank fisherman 2) fishing back pack are not made big enough for that, and 3) even if I find bigger one, something is not right about them.
What I did was found one of military type back pack with lots of straps big enough, and attached rod holders made out of one foot PVC pipes from those straps. I can add more stuff to it if I want to. It worked, but I realized that my back pack was too heavy. Eventually, I created boxes with reduced baits for bank fishing and bank fishing became more enjoyable.
I use an Outdoors Products waist pack that I paid $10 for. It fits my small first aid kit, a stowaway for hard baits a few bags of plastics a bunch of packs of Gamagatzus, some bullet sinkers and I clip my needle nose on the belt. I can't see needing anything else as I like to travel light. that's a lot of stuff for one day. maybe more than I need. Using ultra light tackle helps I guess. A big backpack will destroy my back more than it already is. But to each his own.
I recently bought bass pros pro qualifier backpack and it has tons of storage. Also if you dont want to carry everything it has a zipper where the two parts seperate.
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Extreme-Qualifier-360-Backpack-or-System/product/10204414/
On 2/23/2014 at 10:31 PM, Iluvsmallies said:I recently bought bass pros pro qualifier backpack and it has tons of storage. Also if you dont want to carry everything it has a zipper where the two parts seperate.
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Extreme-Qualifier-360-Backpack-or-System/product/10204414/
That bag looks nice.
Personally I use my fieldine HUNTING pack and it's great, tons if room for storage boxes and I use the attachable fanny pack that connects to the main backpack for all my plastics, I highly recommend looking into hunting bags, you could use the bow/ rifle holder to hold your rods too!
I LOVE sling packs. There's a Mossy Oak sling pack that's on sale at DSW right now that's REALLY nice. Lots of room, plenty of pockets and you don't have to take it off to be able to get at anything in it which is really nice.
I use a BUGOUT bag I have had since I was in the military. It holds a lot of crap and I could still fit more if I was compelled to do so. It weights so much already I couldn't imagine adding any more.
It also has a slot built in for a camelback bladder being a military bag and all. But that's if your into that kind of thing to want to use it or not.
Holy jesus some of you guys carry a crazy amount of tackle! I take two 3700s and about 4-5 bags of plastics and I always thought that was overkill. This is all I have ever needed to catch plenty of fish.
I bought a hunting pack from Sportsman's Guide it's their Guide Gear line and so far I love it
Here's is a actual link to the bag I use
http://www.uscav.com/productinfo_ab.aspx?utm_expid=16629476-3.YzmYeoOKRfGKtzNx74GoXQ.1&productid=8654&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Product%20Listing%20Ads&cvsfa=1007&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=32363934382d3733363436&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Faclk%3Fsa%3Dl%26ai%3DCLJnh41ZpU7_-K8LNswfn04CwAZG4984Ese6LsjrRnLrv7QEIBBABIPiZixIoBFDkyu3x______8BYMmGxYvEpPwPoAGXkYn2A8gBB6oEJE_QLHvpUVG4vyj9VNkbTlDa_KI5IX0NaNzlVnmB43aQlS5X9YAFl-C8C8AFBaAGJtgGAoAH0e72CZAHA-ASlIL-4tvXm4TsAQ%26sig%3DAOD64_2EVWcWRQsZzgblSSmMJ3uiDRRYsg%26ctype%3D5%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%26ved%3D0CCcQwg8%26adurl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.uscav.com%2FProductInfo.aspx%253Fproductid%253D8654%2526%2526utm_source%253Dgoogle%2526utm_medium%253Dcpc%2526utm_campaign%253DProduct%252520Listing%252520Ads%2526cvsfa%253D1007%2526cvsfe%253D2%2526cvsfhu%253D32363934382d3733363436
I don't know why there link is so giant but whatever there it is.
If your looking for something with a fishing logo or theme others might have a better answer for you. Now if your looking for the best backpack you have ever owned probably then this is it. There is a reason this is what our armed forces use. If there is a aafes or post around you they can be found there also.
When I copied that link it took up like 10 rows of text. Now on the post it looks consolidated so nm that.
On 5/7/2014 at 12:06 AM, Master Bait said:I LOVE sling packs. There's a Mossy Oak sling pack that's on sale at DSW right now that's REALLY nice. Lots of room, plenty of pockets and you don't have to take it off to be able to get at anything in it which is really nice.
I agree. I have this bag and it is great!
OP, if you need MORE SPACE there's always the WHIPSNAKE FLEXTREK 37 TRILLION
Just picked up the Spiderwire tackle backpack last night from DSG. So far its a decent looking bag. It comes with 3 3500 size utility boxes with adjustable slots. I can fit 2 3600 slim boxes, 1 3500 spinner bait box, and the three boxes that came with the bag in the bottom section which gives me plenty of room for plastics, leader line and other supplies in the top section and the side pockets. Plus there are two rod holders one on each side which I will not be using for rods because mine are all one piece, and I do allot of fishing in wooded areas so they are better suited for two piece rods. I'll keep updating to let you know how it works out.
They brought this backpack back. I would buy this again in a heartbeat http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-XPS-Stalker-Backpack-Tackle-Bag-or-System/product/1304050935/
That's pretty much similar to the Spiderwire bag. I didn't like the red, it's kinda bright when your trying to blend into the background so the fish can't see you. That's why I opted for the Spiderwire bag because it comes in black plus I had an 10$ coupon so that made the price the same as the BPS bag.
I'm a little late to the party but I upgraded from a shoulder bag that carried 3 - 3600 boxes to a tactical style backpack that can probably hold 5 or 6 3700 boxes (I only carry 3) and two other pockets for my soft plastics/pliers/tools.
I got it from here:
http://www.lapolicegear.com/diplomat-3-day-backpack1.html
The bag is pretty nice quality and has a option for the camelback. I got one bag for fishing and one for our bug out bag.
On 5/8/2014 at 12:08 AM, stk said:I'm a little late to the party but I upgraded from a shoulder bag that carried 3 - 3600 boxes to a tactical style backpack that can probably hold 5 or 6 3700 boxes (I only carry 3) and two other pockets for my soft plastics/pliers/tools.
I got it from here:
http://www.lapolicegear.com/diplomat-3-day-backpack1.html
The bag is pretty nice quality and has a option for the camelback. I got one bag for fishing and one for our bug out bag.
That's basically the same bag I posted that is used in the military and what I currently use. The military one come in many patterns like BDU ACU ect also. I have a ACU one and a black one. I use the black one for my tackle since the ACU one has been through hell and back literally.