The Ultimate Fly Fishing Sling Pack Reviews (5 Models)

Fishing backpacks, chest packs, and waist packs can come in handy when fly fishing; they provide more storage space. Unfortunately, they can get in your way when casting, weigh you down, or become waterlogged, but this is not the case with a fly fishing sling pack.

Sling packs are more accessible than the other bags, but with the many options available, picking the right choice for your next trip can be challenging. Therefore to help you get the best options, we prepared the ultimate fly-fishing sling pack reviews for you.

Guide Recommended: I absolutely love my Fishpond Summit Sling Pack, it’s the perfect size for a full day of hard fishing. Highly recommended by me, but check out the reviews on Amazon with this shortcut link 👉 Fishpond Summit Sling Pack

The Best Fly Fishing Sling Packs Reviews

1.   Fishpond Summit Sling Pack – Top Pick

Fishpond USA has produced some of the best fly fishing gear in the market for several years, and the summit sling pack is no exception. They may not be the innovators of a fly fishing sling pack, but when they do decide to launch a new fly fishing product, they are known for giving it their very best and revolutionizing the industry. The summit sling pack is featured on our list of the ultimate sling packs because it’s a design-rich bag.

Best Features

This sling pack has three compartments for storing everything you may need while fishing the whole day, including a section for your water bottle. And to make your work easier, it comes with a shoulder pad workstation that can hold your dry flies and anything else you need while fly fishing. Therefore, you may not need to open the sling pack whenever you need to access your accessories.

The small workstation has several rings and hooks for attaching your fly fishing accessories and smaller tools. (source)

Another thing that stood out is that it comes with muted colors that will never spook your trophy catch while out fishing. Thanks to the recycled fishing net nylon used to make this bag, you can wear it proudly, knowing that you’re playing your part in keeping our environment safe. Therefore, if you love saving the environment while still looking for more than enough storage space for your gear, you should go for the Summit Sling fly fishing pack. 

Where to get the Fishpond Summit? I got mine on Amazon – here’s a Shortcut link 👉 Fishpond Summit Sling Pack

Specs

• Brand: fishpond
• Material: recycled nylon material
• Weight: 6 ounces

Pros

• Net Holder
• Comfort
• Large Capacity
• Design a rich sling pack
• Water bottle pocket
• Eco-friendly
• More than enough storage space

Cons

• Some users have complained that it’s a tad tight over the shoulders

Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5

2.   Cedar Creek Fishing Sling Pack – Best Budget

I’m not a flashy guy; therefore, I always look for a product that can do the job without standing out too much. So, after using a fly fishing backpack for years, I decided to get a reliable sling pack that could make my hobby easier and more fun. Unfortunately, most of the sling packs in the market are flashy, which I guess helps attract buyers, but not me. I was about to give up my search for a sling pack until my brother gifted me with the Cedar creek fishing sling pack.

Since that day, I have never looked back; after all, it does make my fly fishing weekends fun and easier. Unlike most sling packs, the Cedar sling pack is designed to provide more storage space for your fly fishing accessories.

Best Features

The Cedar Creek Fishing Sling Pack can easily be carried on your back, but you can slide it around, remove your accessory, and return it. Another thing that stands out is its wide accessory opening that can even hold up a tackle box. Therefore, you can fish for hours before going to your boat or tackle box at the shores.

Another notable feature is the front pouch of this sling pack, which you can easily convert to a workstation by zipping it down. Therefore, you can easily access all your fly fishing accessories which are perfectly stored on the workstation. For additional security when fishing in a foggy swamp, it has a high visibility lining that can make it possible for other anglers to see you. Its unique webbing design can hold several accessories. (source)

Want to read more about the Cedar Creek Sling Pack and checkout current prices? Shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Allen Cedar Creek Fishing Sling Pack

Specs

• Brand: Allen Company
• Color: Gray
• Material: Polyester
• Weight: 1.03 pounds

Pros

• Affordable
• Wide opening
• Exceptional high-viz lining
• Front pouch converts to a workstation

Cons

• It doesn’t have as many pockets as most modern models

Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5

3.   Simms Tributary Sling Pack – Most Versatile 

Simms is not a new name in the fly fishing industry; it has been considered one of the top brands in the industry over the last few years. Therefore, when I heard about the Simms Tributary, I knew I had to try it.

Best Features

Unlike most sling packs, the Simms Tributary is an ambidextrous bag designed for comfort. It’s the best option for left and right-handed anglers, so you should never expect it to affect your casting technique. When it comes to storage space, Simms didn’t disappoint; in fact, this is one of the few entry-level sling packs with more than enough capacity for everything you will ever need for your fishing trip. (source)

Besides your fishing accessories, this sling pack can fit your camera, lunch, fly box, scissors, forceps, clippers, and even nippers. It’s even designed with more than enough space for your net; plus, it has an ergonomic fit.

To access your bag, you can rotate it to the front. Like most sling packs, it does have wide openings, and all its straps are held together by Velcro; therefore, you will never have to worry about the loose straps interfering with your casting. Another notable feature is the magnetic docking station that you can use to attach your accessories while fly fishing.

Want to read more about the Tributary Sling and checkout current prices? Shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Simms Tributary Sling Pack

Specs

• Brand: Simms
• Material: Polyester
• Closure type: magnetic
• Style: backpack

Pros

• Durable
• Spacious
• Ambidextrous sling pack
• Comes with Simms warranty

Cons

• Some anglers have complained that the strap may be too small

Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5

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4.   Spiderwire Sling Fishing Backpack – Most Storage Pockets

It would be best if you had a backpack with several pockets to store your valuables like cameras, wallets, and mobile phones away from your fly fishing gear and accessories. And one of the sling packs that has always stood out for me is the SpiderWire sling pack.

Best Features

In terms of storage spaces, it has a huge primary compartment, a sunglasses pocket, a front organizer pocket, and two zippered pockets that provide additional storage space. Therefore, it will be a premium choice if you opt for more storage.

Another thing that makes it the best option for weekend fishing trips is its comfortable over-the-shoulders strap that is well-padded. Plus, you can adjust the sling strap from right to left and vice versa, which makes it ideal for both right and left-handed anglers. (source)

Made using polyester, this sling pack can withstand several elements; therefore, you should never worry about it getting damaged by anything while outdoors. And if you don’t like bright colors like me, this is the best sling pack for you. Besides being affordable, it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can have the bag replaced or repaired for free.

Want to read more about the Spiderwire Sling and checkout current prices? Shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Spiderwire Sling Fishing Backpack

Specs

• Brand: Spiderwire
• Material: polyester
• Weight: 1.32 pounds
• Storage capacity: 918 cubic inches

Pros

• Lifetime warranty
• Spacious
• Affordable
• Several pockets
• Ambidextrous

Cons

• Not waterproof

Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5

5.   Piscifun Fishing Tackle Sling Bag – Best Waterproof

Even though it can’t be submerged in the water while fishing, there is a high likelihood of it raining or maybe you falling while reeling your catch in. Therefore, despite being affordable, the Piscifun sling bag is one of the most spacious budget options on the market. The fact that it’s made using 1000D high-density nylon means it is waterproof and abrasion resistant. (source)

Best Features

It comes with numerous storage compartments and pockets. The primary pocket has three components for your stuff. It has three external zippered pockets for your valuables, with the right pocket being for fly fishing tools while the left one is for your water bottle.

To improve visibility, Piscifun added a reflective sticker that can come in handy when fishing in the dark or when it gets foggy. Its overall design makes it the most comfortable bag to carry on your next fishing trip. Like the other bags on our list, this sling bag is ambidextrous, so you can carry it on your right or left side without worrying about it affecting your casting technique.

Want to read more about the Piscifun Tackle Sling and checkout current prices? Shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Piscifun Fishing Tackle Sling Bag

Specs

• Brand: Piscifun
• Material: nylon
• Weight: 1.65 pounds

Pros

• Waterproof
• Affordable
• Most versatile
• Huge carrying capacity
• Several pockets

Cons

None

Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5

Factors To Consider When Buying The Ultimate Fly Fishing Sling Pack

Sling packs are exceptional bags that can easily fit on the back or front thanks to the uniquely designed shoulder strap that can easily cross your back or chest. Anglers have patronized these bags due to their versatility and the fact that they’re ambidextrous. These bags vary in design and capacity; plus, the fact that some can be converted to a workstation makes them exceptional.

When you have so ma options available, picking the right choice can be quite challenging; there are several factors you have to consider. So to help you narrow your search, here are a few factors you must consider when picking the suitable fly-fishing sling pack.

Guide Pro Tip: I’ve got an article that gets into the nitty gritty details about fly fishing sling packs. Check it out here 👉 How To Select a Fly Fishing Sling Pack

Capacity

The whole idea behind purchasing a sling pack is getting more than enough space for your most essential accessories; therefore, space should be a priority. It would be best if you had a sling pack whose primary compartment has a massive capacity; for instance, a pack with over 10-liter capacity can support four huge fly boxes.

Besides the primary compartment, having several pockets is a bonus; we don’t want to put everything in one compartment. Having several pockets can help you arrange your accessories while making it easy to find everything you need while fishing.

Organization

Proper organization is mandatory for easy access to your flies and tools; therefore, you need a sling pack with small workstations for attaching your hooks and flies. With the suitable sling pack, you can easily organize your accessories and be more efficient while fishing. The ability to swing the pack front and back makes it even more exceptional.

Shape And Size

Generally, some packs are elongated and rectangular, which lie flat on your back, while others are oval-shaped and can accommodate bulkier accessories. Therefore, depending on the size of your gear, you should have a sling pack that fits them perfectly and feels comfortable on your back.

Adjustability And Comfort

Since you’re fishing the entire day, you need to consider comfort alongside the shape and size of the sling pack. Fortunately, all packs come with adjustable straps, so you should ensure that the one you purchase can be easily adjusted.

One More Cast

Fly fishing is not just a hobby but a passion; therefore, most anglers do everything humanly possible to make it effortless. It means having all your accessories near you without affecting your casting technique or getting tired, so instead of a regular bag, you should get the best sling pack available.

From our research, we have concluded that the winner is the Cedar-creek fishing sling pack. After all, it’s not flashy, but it has more than enough space for your gear and is ambidextrous.

Sources

1. Amazon contributor, Cedar Creek Fishing Sling Pack, https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Company-Fishing-Sling-Tackle/dp/B0B16KJ11C/ accessed August 20, 2022
2. Amazon contributor, Fishpond Summit Sling Pack, https://www.amazon.com/FishPond-Summit-Sling-Fishing-Pack/dp/B08L21LBXX/ accessed August 20, 2022
3. Amazon contributor, Simms Tributary Sling Pack, https://www.amazon.com/Simms-Fishing-Products-Tributary-Sling/dp/B097388NKD/ accessed August 20, 2022
4. Amazon contributor, Spiderwire Sling Fishing Backpack, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WFE6IYG?tag=ffpro0a-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1/ accessed August 20, 2022
5. Amazon contributor, Piscifun Fishing Tackle Sling Bag, https://www.amazon.com/Piscifun-Fishing-Storage-Shoulder-Backpack/dp/B074NXCWX6/ accessed August 20, 2022