Fishpond Westwater Chest Pack, $80

fishpondusa.com

The Good: Perfectly sized, versatile and dunk proof.

The Bad: Lengthy waist strap hard to tuck away.

The Ugly: The moss hanging from the loose tag end of the waist strap.

The Chest Pack is a versatile 200 cu. in. (10.25”x6.5”x3”) pack, designed for the minimalist. As with the other packs that make up the Westwater Collection, the Chest Pack is constructed of TPU welded fabric and water resistant zippers. It is designed to function as a chest pack, waist pack or sling allowing the user many options to access gear. The interior bag compartment is relatively open and unobstructed for fly box and tippet storage. There are two small interior organization pockets (one sleeve; one clear zippered) that can store extra leader and you’re off water essentials, including keys, ID and cell phone. The D-ring accessory loops and two TPU attachment tags adorn the exterior. The pack is completed with adjustable and detachable waist and shoulder straps.

The Chest Pack was tested over a 3 month period while wading on rivers and creeks all over far northern California this Spring/Summer. I loved this little bag! It is perfect to store all of the essentials for short 1-2 hour outings. I was able to store a fly box, tippet, weights, nippers, hemostats and my cell phone in the Chest Pack, and not much more.  If you are looking to bring water, beer or a net with you, have your buddy carry it and be prepared to share. In a pinch, I imagine that you could use the pack as a sling and hang a small net from the central D-ring on the exterior.

I preferred wearing the Chest Pack as a sling or on my wading belt with the bag at my lower back. When I wore the bag at my chest my arms were impeded and I found it awkward to double haul and strip retrieve. The belt loops on the rear of the bag were loose enough to allow for the bag to be easily swung around my body to access my gear. I recommend purchasing two of Fishpond’s Swivel Retractors to pin into the tabs on the exterior sides of the bag for nipper and hemostat storage. In this position, the tools are perfectly stored in the nylon webbing below the tabs.

Fishpond’s Chest Pack is a great bag for the essentials, just keep it off of your chest and use it as a sling or waist pack.

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