Vest or Chest.....

[axle27]

Right now I use a vest, but I'm thinking about moving to a chest pack. I'm gonna hit the water with my vest and equipment and see how it goes before I hit the trout streams this fall.

I definately hate that feeling of full pockets (except with money, but I've never experienced that).

[2PawsRiver]

William Joseph Escape Chest Pack, pictured here.

Cabela's -- William Joseph Escape Chest Pack

I got it because most of my trips are Day trips or longer. Room for a lunch, coat, water bladder, few extras. Have just wore it a few times locally, but it wears well.

As you know we are doing a trip into the Winds and will be basing at several lakes and doing day trips throughout. So far nothing but good things to say about it.

[axle27]

Originally Posted by natureday

It is way better to be naked while fishing!
And yes I know- there is no where to put the hooks, maybe you coudl wear a belt

This is why God (or whomever) made the butt-crack....will make you stand at attention...so to speak.

[Lambster]

It depends whether I'm going to the mountain streams or Driftboating or wading....... mountain trips a chest pack is great becuse of the weight factor........ if I'm wading or Driftboating I like the vest because of all the gear you can take with you plus it holds extra Blasting caps!
The light weight equipment is a plus when walking up steep terrain in the mountains plus if you have the mesh type fabric you don't sweat so bad!

Lambster
GeorgiaFlyGuide

[FGFlyguy]

I used to fish with a vest until I started having back and neck pains after spending a few hours on the water. Later, I heard through the grapevine that the pains might be caused by the weight of the vest on my back and shoulders. I was advised to try a fanny pack and I've been pain free since. I originally purchased a William Joseph flats pack (similar to the current rip tide) but found that it was a bit small for my liking. I just recently upgraded to a Fishpond waterdance and couldn't be more happy. The only improvement to the pack that I would recommend would be to include a couple of retractable zingers like the WJ had. Either way, if anybody is suffering from the pains I experienced, I would definitely recommend a fanny pack.

Kevin

[jclampwork88]

Honestly, I use a vest currently, but I would like to find a light weight chest pack. I have found that most of the time I carry way to much stuff with me on the river. Is there any suggestions on a light weight chest pack that would only hold the basics.

John

[flyflingerandy]

I use a 10 year old fanny pack right now that is loaded with a spare furled leader, four tippet sizes, two small fly boxes, nippers, indicators, and forceps. I use this setup on any of the local lakes, and the local creeks and rivers as well. I never feel I do not have the right item.

[axle27]

Originally Posted by jclampwork88

Honestly, I use a vest currently, but I would like to find a light weight chest pack. I have found that most of the time I carry way to much stuff with me on the river. Is there any suggestions on a light weight chest pack that would only hold the basics.

John

John,

I got this one. Not huge, but not miniscule either. Might have been an easier decision to me as I don't have alot of stuff right now. But, it will hold the basics.

Click Here

[ckalanik]

has anyone considered a chestpack that works with a backpack? it seems to me like you could take a lot of stuff. i have been looking that the simms system because it's waterproof

[twospots]

I have both a Vest and a Chest pack. I guess I like them both about the same. I just use the pack for smallies and the vest for trout. Could reverse that easy.
I got the Watermark Midge from Cabelas for 25 bucks but it is gone now. They have the "drake" that looks a tad bigger and is 29:

Cabela's -- Watermark Drake Chest Pack


Here is the Midge at another place for more money:

Watermark Midge Chest Pack - CLOSEOUT at Fishwest Online Fly Shop

The vest I have I think I got for 15 bucks at wallyworld.LOL. But it holds stuff just fine.
Nothing has ever been perfect. I need a rotating pack so I can call up the item I want and it spinns around till that item is there. Right.