Choosing a fly fishing backpack comes down to how wet your days get, how much you carry, and whether you need submersible protection or simple water resistance.
The right way to pick a fly fishing backpack depends on one thing: the water you fish. A stillwater angler walking a meadow needs something different from a drifter who expects his pack to go under. Orvis puts it plainly — “look for a backpack that matches how wet your days get and how much you carry” — and that single line covers most of the decision.
Waterproof or Water-Resistant: The First Call
This choice shapes everything else. Water-resistant packs shrug off drizzle and splashes. Waterproof packs — built with sealed seams, TPU-coated fabric, and submersible zippers — survive full immersion.
Orvis positions its entire PRO waterproof line for “float fishing or fishing in wet climates.” Patagonia’s Guidewater Backpack goes further, rated IPX-7, which means it’s submersible up to one meter for 30 minutes — not unlimited underwater time, but real protection for a dunked raft or a tipped canoe.
Pick Capacity by What You Carry
Capacity follows gear, not habit. Carry too much and you’re hauling dead weight; too little and you’re strapping boxes to the outside.
Both major makers cover the useful range.
As a rule of thumb: minimal kits stay under 15L, full-day loads run 20–25L, and expedition-size gear wants 30L plus.
| Pack | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Patagonia Guidewater Backpack | 25 L | $349 |
| Orvis PRO Waterproof Backpack 30L | 30 L | $329 |
| Orvis PRO Waterproof Roll Top Backpack | 20 L | $179 |
| Orvis PRO Waterproof Sling | 14 L | $298 |
| Orvis PRO Waterproof Hip Pack | 10 L | $279 |
If you’re ready to compare tested models side by side, our roundup of the best backpacks for fly fishing breaks down real-world trade-offs per pack.
Check the Construction, Not the Label
Not every “waterproof” pack is built alike. Look for three things before you buy: TPU coating on both sides of the fabric, sealed seams, and submersible zippers.
Also remember that fully waterproof designs trade quick access for protection. A roll-top or zippered submersible pack takes longer to open than a flap-top, and that’s the price you pay for a dry interior.
Match the style to your fishing: a backpack for longer walks, a sling or hip pack for light mobility, and a fully waterproof pack for raft launches or wet climates. Fit matters too — check dimensions against your torso, especially on the Patagonia, which comes in three lengths.
References & Sources
- Patagonia. “Guidewater Waterproof Fly Fishing Backpack 25 Liters.” Official spec page: IPX-7 rating, dimensions, weight, and $349 price.
- Orvis. “Waterproof Packs & Bags.” Official line: 10L–30L sizes, PRO prices, and sealed-construction details.
FAQs
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant fishing packs?
Water-resistant packs handle rain and splashes with a durable coating, but they fail under immersion. Waterproof packs use TPU-coated fabric, sealed seams, and submersible zippers so contents stay dry even when the pack goes under. If you fish from a raft or in wet climates, submersible construction is the safer call.
How many liters do I need for a full day of fly fishing?
A full-day load of fly boxes, layers, tools, and lunch typically fits in a 20–25L pack. Anglers carrying minimal gear can drop to 10–15L, while expedition-style trips or extra clothing push toward 30L. Pick the smallest size that holds your essential kit to avoid hauling unnecessary weight.
Is an IPX-7 rating enough for river and raft fishing?
IPX-7 means a pack survives submersion up to one meter for 30 minutes — plenty for a tipped raft or an unexpected dunk. It is not unlimited underwater protection, so prolonged submersion can still let water in. For float fishing in calm water, IPX-7 is solid; for whitewater, expect occasional moisture regardless of rating.