Whether you are looking for more storage, an easy carry option to reach the water or planning a far-flung adventure, a quality backpack is one of the pieces of gear anglers should carefully consider.
I use packs for both close-to-home quick missions and as a carry-on for destination fishing, with the rule that if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t go. But there is more to choosing a pack than storage space alone, which is why I’ve tested and put together this list of the best fishing backpacks.
Best Fishing Backpacks: Our Picks
- Best overall: Yeti Cayo 25
- Best budget backpack: Plano Weekend Tackle Backpack
- Best for quick trips: AFTCO Urban Angler
- Best sling pack: KastKing BaitSpace Fishing Sling Bag
- Best for storage space: EGO Tackle Box Sling Pack
- Best roll top: Fishpond Wind River
- Best gear bin pack: RUX 40L Gear Tote
Best Overall Fishing Backpack
YETI Cayo 25
MSRP: $250 USD
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Why I love it
If you’re looking for a fishing backpack to go from the airport to the trail to the kayak, check out the YETI Cayo 25.
The heavy-duty, TPU-coated nylon shell with radio-frequency welded seams and water-repellent coated zipper keeps contents dry in the worst weather. The bag has a huge main cargo space I can fit tackle trays, bags of soft plastics, extra clothes and lunch. The Cayo also has two deep, low-profile outer pockets and stretchy-mesh inside pockets. To add more space, attach one of YETI’s accessory pockets to the MOLLE straps on the front and top of the backpack.
In town, the Cayo looks cool. On the trail, the padded mesh back panel keeps you cool.
Reasons to buy
- All-weather water-resistant material and zippers
- Mesh back panel
- Hydration bladder compatible
Consider another if
- You are on a budget
- You need tackle trays
Bottom line
Even though the Yeti Cayo 25 isn’t a specially designed tackle backpack, it is my favorite backpack to take fishing. It is one of the most versatile and durable fishing bags, perfect for on the water or on the road.
Best on a budget
Plano Weekend Tackle Backpack
MSRP: $74.99 USD
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Why I love it
Monday through Friday, my fishing backpack sits in the corner of the garage. But on Saturday, I throw the bag in the back of my truck, drag it down the dock and stash it in my kayak. Plano’s Weekend Tackle Backpack was built for this life. With space inside for three tackle trays and space outside for tools and accessories, the Weekend is a convenient mobile fishing center. I like the laser-cut tool holders on the front of the bag to hold my pliers and scissors while I’m fishing.
Reasons to buy
- Molded plastic bottom
- Die-cut external tool holders
- Great value
Consider another if
- You need a smaller bag
- You need a waterproof bag
Bottom line
Every tackle bag ends up sitting in a pool of water. For most bags, that means wet and corroded tackle and gear. Plano’s Weekend Tackle Backpack has a waterproof plastic base to prevent the inevitable without breaking the bank.
Best Fishing Backpack for Quick Trips
AFTCO Urban Angler Backpack 2.0
MSRP: $109 USD
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Why I love it
Kayak fishing is all about commando launches in questionable locations, and the Urban Angler Backpack 2.0 is along for the ride. It is lightweight and comfortable with just enough space to support a grab-and-go fishing trip.
The low-profile bag sits close to my back, and the wide straps keep it secured for climbing over fences or crawling through drainpipes. The pack is made of ripstop nylon for durability and weather resistance. Inside, the main compartment will accommodate tackle trays up to 3700 size. Straps on either side of the backpack hold fishing rods. Binder pages in the front pocket organize soft plastic, rigs and hooks. Borrowing from fancy hiking backpacks, the Urban Angler Backpack 2.0 also has a padded, mesh back for ventilation on a hot day.
Reasons to buy
- Compact size and secure fit
- Fits a 3700, 3600 and 3500 tackle tray
- Rod holder and gear holders
- Tackle sleeves included
Consider another if
- You need more storage space
Bottom line
One of my favorite ways to go fishing is to grab a couple rods, a tackle tray, the AFTCO Urban Angler Backpack 2.0, and head out the door. Then, I hit a hard-to-access fishing spot on foot, casting and walking the shore without spending any money or taking too much time.
Best Sling Pack
KastKing BaitSpace Fishing Sling Bag
MSRP: $29.99 USD
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Why I love it
The KastKing BaitSpace Fishing Sling Bag is the perfect size for when you just need tackle and gear essentials. The convertible backpack gives you the option to use two straps for longer hikes to the fishing spot and a single sling strap for fast on and off between casts. The bag holds two 3600 tackle trays with smaller pockets for leader, hooks and tools. I also like the external tool storage and removable front pouch that allows you to customize the bag for any adventure.
Reasons to buy
- Great value
- Padded sling strap
- Removable front pouch
- Includes lure sleeves
Consider another if
- You need a more durable bag
- You need more storage space
Bottom line
The KastKing BaitSpace Fishing Sling has enough space for a few tackle trays, a drink bottle and a couple snacks, perfect for grab-and-go fishing, and those who prefer the easy access a sling provides.
Best for Storage Space
EGO Tackle Box Sling Pack
MSRP: $129.99 USD
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Why I love it
EGO Fishing always presents a unique response to common tackle and gear challenges. The Tackle Sling Pack is a perfect example. There are plenty of sling packs on the water, but the EGO Tackle Sling Pack is the only one I tested with a front-loading bag capable of carrying three 3700 tackle trays. Instead of sliding my tackle trays into the top of a bag, I can unzip the large opening and access the tackle tray’s contents without removing it from the bag.
Reasons to buy
- Cool camo pattern
- Large zippered opening to main storage compartment
- Large external storage pockets
Consider another if
- You need waterproof storage
- You’re not using tackle trays
Bottom line
I hate rummaging through my tackle backpack looking for a lure or tool. The EGO Tackle Box Sling Pack has a huge zippered opening that provides complete access to the main compartment.
Best Roll Top
Fishpond Wind River Roll-Top Backpack
MSRP: $229.95 USD
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Why I love it
When I travel, my backpack serves as luggage and tackle box. On the road, the backpack is my second carry-on. Then, at the destination, I switch over to hold tackle and gear. The Fishpond Wind River Roll-Top Backpack is ready for both roles with a heavy-duty, waterproof and puncture-resistant dry bag for indestructible storage and transport in the worst conditions. I also like the removable lumbar support belt I stow when I carry on the backpack, then attach the strap to lug my tackle and gear into the bush.
Reasons to buy
- Waterproof main compartment
- External rod holder
- Add-on storage options
Consider another if
- You need a smaller bag
- You don’t like roll top bags
Bottom line
Of all the fishing backpacks in this review, the Fish Pond Wind River Roll Top is the only bag that is 100-percent waterproof. The TPU-coated heavy-duty material and roll top closing seals out water to keep contents bone dry.
Best Gear Bin Pack
Rux 40 L Gear Tote
MSRP: $250 USD
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Why I love it
The most important bag in my arsenal is the catch-all gear tote where I throw rigs, clothes, water bottles, and everything else I need for a day fishing. The Rux 40L tote works as a semi-soft-sided, waterproof storage box for a boatload of gear.
The molded-foam bottom keeps gear out of the water, and the large square lid provides easy access. Padded shoulder straps make it easy to carry the Rux Gear Tote between the kayak and truck. For longer trips, the square totes stack neatly to keep my gear and tackle organized no matter how rough the road. If space is limited inside the car, I can strap the Rux Tote on the roof rack or throw it in the pick-up bed. I wouldn’t hike miles with the Tote strapped to my back, but the shoulder straps make it easier to carry the tote when my hands are full of other gear and tackle.
Reasons to buy
- Large, open, waterproof storage space
- Converts to backpack
- Molded waterproof base
Consider another if
- You need a more comfortable backpack
Bottom line
For camping, travel fishing or road tripping, the most valuable gear storage is the Rux 40L Tote. The large, open space is perfect as a catch-all, holding what you use most.
Fishing Backpack Buying Advice
The first question to ask is whether you are buying a fishing backpack for traveling or for storage. A travel bag serves as both luggage and tackle storage. A backpack dedicated to fishing tackle needs specific features for storage.
Travel fishing backpacks
If you’re planning a dream trip and need a backpack for travel and fishing, then choose a bag with larger interior space and fewer pockets. When traveling to the destination, the fishing backpack is my carry on bag, stuffed with things I’ll need on the trip. When I arrive, I transfer tackle from my checked bag to the backpack for fishing. I look for a versatile bag with a few external and internal pockets to keep track of small items.
Fishing backpacks for storage
On the other hand, if you are buying a backpack to carry tackle in the kayak, then a bag with specific areas for tackle trays, gear and tools is the best choice. A fishing backpack makes it easy to organize, carry and protect my tackle and gear. I like a bag with space for tackle trays and a space for lunch, a rain jacket, leader material and a water bottle. Rod holders are also essential when I’m fishing on foot. And lastly, the bag must be weather-resistant and comfortable to carry all day.
The most important feature for either is durability. Tackle backpacks are kicked, dragged, thrown, dropped and packed beyond capacity—testing the strength of material, zippers and clips.
Best Fishing Backpack Brands
How We Tested the Best Fishing Backpacks
The truck was packed with gear and the kayak loaded into the pickup bed. I grabbed my backpack and the zipper gave way, spilling my tackle onto the lawn. After hours fishing and miles walking, the straps were digging into my shoulders and the bag was weighing down my back. Fishing after dark, digging around, I couldn’t find my pliers to remove the hook from a fish.
Sound like a nightmare? It is. Lucky for you, I tested the best fishing backpacks put on this list so you don’t have to suffer these disappointments.
Testing was smoother than expected because inferior construction, comfort and space are quickly evident.
Storage space was the first test. First, I asked if there was enough space. Was the space appropriate for tackle and gear? Did the bag have attachments for accessories and tools? Could I add additional storage space or expand the bag’s capacity?
Comfort was easy to test. Load the bag, wear it for hours of fishing, count the number of Advil I needed to recover. Pain-free bags use straps to distribute the bag’s weight and mesh and foam backpanels to improve ventilation and increase padding. Part of comfort is ergonomics, and so I looked for a bag with easy-to-access storage and external pockets that make sense.
While it may take a while for a fishing backpack to rip, break or wear out, I was able to judge a bag’s durability the minute I picked it up. Heavy-duty, weather-resistant fabric with reinforced seams and straps and beefy, corrosion-resistant zippers have the best chance of surviving life on the water. A broken strap, busted zipper or wet gear ends the fun.
Feature Image: Ric Burnley
