... Would you druthers use a vest or a pack?

Been kicking around the idea that I need to try out a sling pack but just can't commit for some reason.

I decided to downsize the amount of needless crap I carry streamside and went with a chest pack/convertible to a fanny pack for the hike in. I like it. The only downside is it doesn't have room for a water bottle.

Carrying a water bottle seems to be the number one issue with the packs.
I seem to have settled in on the waist and sling packs. I like the idea of being able to put them behind my back. Picking one though is kind of like going into Baskin Robbins for ice cream when you don't know you want...

I bought a chest pack with a removable back pack, but I've only used it a couple of times. I used a vest for decades, so I'm still getting used to the whole concept of something else.

If it won't fit in my wader pockets, it does not go along. I often wade within an inch of my water tops, and anything on the exterior is going to get soaked.

The kid is using the Orvis sling pack and loves it. Vest can get too hot.

I've done the vest thing, pard was doing the chest pack from Fish Pond IIRC.

Side by side in the same steelhead streams - I think I'd run the pack the next go around.

Their new safe passage sling pack seems to be the one I keep coming back to.
Doesn't seem to matter where you look either. They are $89 no matter who is selling them and there aren't any used ones on eBay, which is another indicator to me.

Well I used vests for decades and I mean Since the 1960's- A few years back I started looking at what I was carrying in my vest, and looking at my fishing log to see what I was actually using during the year- I found that a good 80% of the stuff I was carrying I could leave in the car! So I carry what I need and no more for the time of year- Ie it makes no sense to carry a box of Ants beetles and hoppers in March- May, nor dose it make any sense to carry heavy weighted nymphs and streamers in the low water days of Aug and Sept. I been able to reduce the weight by a good 15 or so pounds. I am looking at a Sling Pack. Just have not decided what one I am going to go with.

Holy crap. You guys are hard core. I don't think I own 15#'s of fly fishing gear.

I'm using the same vest I bought 30yrs ago. No issues or complaints.
But then again, I'm just a wannabe.

I don't think I have 15#s worth either. I like my Simms vest (love every Simms product I've ever owned - they get it right) but I just feel that the pack is a touch more versatile and offers greater freedom of movement. Some of my fishing is kinda rough and it always seems like I'm snagging my vest on something.

My current vest is a Simm's- and I weight it with all the crap I had stuffed in it. Gee's I got a whole small duffle bag that holds nothing but fly boxes- never mind about the fly tying stuff I have gotten over the years. Fly Fisherman tend to go thru phases. Now I just organize it all in plastic storage boxes that are labeled and they stay in the trunk of my car. It took me a long time that my back ache was not due to casting a lot, but the way the Vest rested on my shoulders and what I had in it. I did this a good 15 years ago. My boxes are labeled by the month- years of fishing journals was a big help in pairing down the load. As I have said before, you can make fly fishing as complicated or as simple as you like. Its been an obsession of mine since I saw Joe Brooks on the American Sportsman back in the Early 1960's. I keep tying flies and boxing them- its well what it is, being single and alone- the hunting seasons are short but trout fishing is year long!

I switched to a leather English game/fishing bag slung over the shoulder. It's compartmentalized so as to carry an assortment of fly boxes and other 'necessities'. I no longer wade in water up to my belly any more, so I don't fear it getting wet. (Heck, I try to avoid wading period anymore. Luckily I can get away with that on the PA limestoners.)

I wound up going with the Orvis Safe Passage sling pack. Actually, I wound up with two - the original style and the new style. Going to play with both and see which one wins out.

Now that I have the original and the new, I think I am going to stick with the original style sling pack. The new one is too 'organized' for me.

Anyone interested in a deal on new, never used Orvis camo sling pack? Same deal I got - $80.00 delivered to your door. PM me if you are interested.

I use both. Depending on what I'm fishing for and where I'm fishing. Both have their advantages. I like and use Fishpond vests and packs.

I use a filson vest..and really like it..