Grab-and-go tackle storage for roving fly-fishers
If you prefer less front bulk than a chest pack or waistcoat, or don’t need the capacity of a large bank bag, then this sling-pack from Orvis is a light, easy-to-carry option.
The outer shell is made from durable 100% recycled Cordura fabric with TPU coating in high-wear areas. The Guide is on the large side with an 18-litre capacity split between a main central zipped compartment that will easily take a flask, rain jacket and larger items of tackle, and a smaller front zipped compartment with multiple drop pockets able to hold several standard fly-boxes, smaller tackle and leaders. A recessed tippet station gives easy access for up to six spools whose loose ends won't dangle. At the base of the pack is a stretch pocket with an elastic retainer for a water bottle and a fly-patch.
Hung on your back but can be slung to your front.
The main strap is well padded and has a tool area for clippers and a small, zipped pocket with a forceps slot, designed for regularly used items like flotant. This would have been even better if it were big enough to house a phone.
The strap lies comfortably across the body and leaves the right shoulder free for casting, if you are right-handed. A lighter sternum strap clips in and stops the pack swinging around the body when not in use.
The acid test of any sling pack is how easy it is to access. The Guide pack ticks all the boxes. Simply unclip the sternum strap, swing the pack around to the front - there is a grab handle at the base of the main strap to make this easier – and everything is laid out before you. One thing to be aware of is that your nippers are now behind you and a second pair is needed for cutting off new tippet material. Thankfully, there’s a second attachment point alongside the front pocket, accessed from inside the pack for this very reason.
Easily accessed tippet spool dispenser.
One marmite feature is the slot between the back panel and main compartment, designed for a net base and handle, leaving the top accessible above the left shoulder. It worked fine with smaller nets and longer handles, but larger-framed scoop nets with short handles wouldn’t slide in far enough to be secure. We found it easier to use a magnetic net release attached to the D-ring provided on the top of the carry strap.
Front strap has pocket for flotant, attachment points for tools and a fly-patch.
Small niggles aside, this is a high-quality pack that holds everything you need to just grab and go fishing.
Orvis Guide Sling Pack, £175, L 18½in x W 12½in x D 7½in. Available in sand or camouflage.
Contact: Orvis, 0333 400 4177; orvis.co.uk