In this guide we’ll look at the best fishing backpacks.
We’ve compared design, compartments, comfort and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Is The Best Fishing Backpack?
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More Detailed Fishing Backpack Reviews
Wild River Nomad by CLC Custom LeatherCraft 604 Tackle Tek Backpack
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Wild River Nomad by CLC Custom LeatherCraft 604 Tackle Tek Backpack Review
An excellent overall choice for a backpack tackle bag, the Wild River Nomad has some useful extra features like an LED light system, which makes nighttime fishing so much easier. The light can also swivel to shine light inside the bag so you’ll easily be able to find everything.
The front pocket cover folds down, giving you a convenient work surface. Shoulder straps are padded and adjustable for maximum comfort.
This backpack holds A LOT of stuff: up to 6 medium number 3600 trays and 4 number 3500 trays.
Thanks to its removable divider, you can divide this backpack into smaller compartments to stay organized, or you can remove the divider to make room for large items. There’s also a removable plier holder that can be transferred to your belt.
You’ll find tons of mesh pockets, both inside and outside, and plenty of loops and straps for attaching all your gear. Padding on the backpack’s base helps keep the contents dry and also makes the pack more durable. There’s also an included rain cover.
Shoulder straps are padded and adjustable for maximum comfort. Note, however, that there is a sternum strap but no hip strap—so if you’ve filled this large pack to maximum capacity, you probably don’t want to carry it for miles.
The smart design features, roomy interior, and light system all add up to make this my choice for the best fishing backpack.
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack
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Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack Review
Made of water-resistant high-density nylon, the Piscifun Backpack features an adjustable main compartment. This backpack can be divided in multiple different rooms, keeping your gear organized. I appreciate the ability to try out different configurations to find the most efficient arrangement.
This pack holds up really well in wet and rainy conditions. It comes with a rain cover, and its rubber feet keep the bag contents from getting wet when it’s placed on the ground. If you’re in search of the best waterproof fishing backpack, this one is worth a look.
The padded back is designed to be breathable, and it’s got adjustable shoulder straps that I find quite comfortable, plus reflective strips for nighttime visibility. There’s a hard sunglass case at the top and a waterproof pocket for your phone.
All in all, the Piscifun is a tough backpack with a good amount of storage that provides excellent value. Thanks to the water-resistant material and rain cover, this is one of my picks for the best fly fishing backpack.
Wild River by CLC WT3604 Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack
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Wild River by CLC WT3604 Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack Review
This Wild River Backpack also includes an LED lighting system and useful features such as a molded sunglass case on top, a removable plier holder, and a front pocket cover that folds down to provide a work surface.
Like the two previous options, this pack holds a lot of gear. Its lower compartment tray offers ample storage, and the Large upper compartment offers additional, very convenient storage. There are also side pockets and mesh pockets both inside and out!
Of course, one downside to any larger pack with great storage space is that it can potentially get quite heavy—this is something to keep in mind if you want to prioritize lightweight portability.
The base pads reduce inevitable wear and tear and extend the life of the bag. A rain cover is included.
In sum, this Wild River model is a strong contender for anyone interested in a fishing backpack.
KastKing Fishing Tackle Backpack
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KastKing Fishing Tackle Backpack Review
The KastKing Fishing Tackle Backpack has double rod pockets to provide convenient storage for your fishing rods, allowing you to keep your hands free as you hike out to your fishing spot.
Made from durable nylon with a hydrophobic coating and an inner PVC layer, this pack is impressively water-resistant. It has multiple compartments, including a size zippered pocket, main compartment, waist strap pockets, and more. You can also zip out the false bottom to create one large open compartment. The fleece-lined upper pocket is a great place to store your sunglasses.
The padded back, waist strap, and shoulder straps make this backpack very comfortable.
All in all, a functional, roomy, comfortable fishing backpack at a competitive price!
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Storage Shoulder Backpack
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Piscifun Fishing Tackle Storage Shoulder Backpack Review
Made of durable, water-resistant nylon, this Piscifun Pack is super adjustable and can be worn in multiple ways: as a traditional backpack, slung over one shoulder, worn as a chest or cross-body bad, held as a handbag, and so on.
Side pockets provide convenient storage for items like pliers. There are two rod belts and a water bottle pocket.
The main compartment measures 11.8” x 8.3” x 3.9”. This backpack is smaller than some of the other options out there, but it holds the essentials, and there are definitely advantages to its compact, lightweight design: It’s less expensive and lighter-weight than larger models.
Fishing Backpack Buyer’s Guide
Fishing backpacks are useful in a wide variety of situations, such as shore fishing and fly fishing. If you need to walk a mile or two out to your fishing hole, or if you’re wading through the water, you want to have your gear compactly organized and your hands free.
Design Features
In terms of smart design features, the Wild River Nomad and Wild Nomad Tackle Tek are impressive. They’ve both got LED lighting systems, which can illuminate the bag interior to make finding things much easier. If you tend to fish at dawn, dusk, or overnight, then the lighting system will come in handy.
These packs also have fold-out front pocket covers, which create small but convenient workspaces.
Compartments
And what about space? Which backpack holds the most tackle and organizes it the most efficiently? I personally like the overall layout and roominess of the Wild River Nomad and Wild Nomad Tackle Tek. The Piscifun Pack also provides a lot of storage space, which you can configure to meet your needs (e.g. one large main compartment vs. two smaller compartments).
Comfort
Comfort can be a personal and subjective thing, so if possible, visit your local outdoors store and try on a few fishing backpacks in person so you can evaluate comfort for yourself. Comfort is especially important if you’ll be carrying heavier loads or walking longer distances.
The backpacks listed here generally feature padded and adjustable straps and breathable materials. I’ve had good luck with my Piscifun and KastKing packs, which I’ve carried over dozens of miles on some pretty rough terrain. It keeps my hands free and has opened up so many new fishing spots for me.
Conclusion
So what is the best fishing tackle backpack? In my experience, the Wild River Nomad and Piscifun packs are fantastic options that give you plenty of space, sensible organization, and durability. Whichever backpack you choose, have fun out there!