Here's a shortlist of the best fishing backpack options and their key features. They ALL come with four, stackable tackle boxes included (so these packs are not messing around!).
What Makes the Best Fishing Backpack for You?
To make sure this article covers the features important to you, it's worth telling you what this article is (and is NOT) about right at the get go. For instance, I'll leave out slingpacks, small bags and chest packs to cover separately at another time. Here, I'm focussing on pretty serious packs with good capacity to cover lots of bases for a range of fishing trip scenarios.
Padded shoulder straps, a good selection of storage compartments and plenty of zippered pocket access are all essential. While I have in mind the ideal pack for bass fishing, this also makes a great option for roving lure fishing for pike as well as "spot hopping" bait fishing styles.
The featured packs ALL need to come with tackle boxes included and also have notable special feature(s) to recommend them ahead of the average competing product.
Basically I've boiled it down to a shortlist of comfortable fishing packs that you can reasonably expect to fit in all the fishing gear you're likely to need on your fishing adventures. By being matched to budgets, this should take out a lot of the legwork for you.
For full transparency, my Amazon affiliate the links in this article typically earn between a 1% and 4% commission on qualifying purchases for Fishing Discoveries (without increasing the ticket price for you).
Best Fishing Backpack for Overall Value for Money
KastKing Bait Boss Fishing Tackle Backpack
This category is not necessarily for the cheapest (although the KastKing comes in under $100). Instead it is judged on the range of features, materials and overall execution per dollar spent. Obviously all gear comes down to highly personal choice - and you you may find you prefer other packs in this review (and one downside for anglers outside the USA is it may be difficult to obtain overseas).
Key features include:
- 1000D High Density Oxford Fabric outer (plus four further layers consisting of PVC coating, EPE foam, 210D liner, PU abrasion liner). The result is a tough combination of waterproof materials which prevents soak-through onto your fishing gear.
- Two exterior rod holders: For me a really valuable feature (for all fishing rods, but especially for my telescopic models)
- Fold-out Waterproof cover: Extra protective rain cover you can deploy during downpours to keep your gear dry
- Robust External Water Bottle Pocket: Easy access and securely holds standard size drinks bottle
- External holder for fishing pliers: Plus a panel of tactical strap anchor points for adding any extra tools and accessories you need to have quickly to hand
- 34L Main Compartment: Easily split into two via a removable clapboard - lower half holds 4 x 3600 size tackle boxes and the top half can be used for bulky items such as clothing, rain gear or plenty of space for additional gear including reels and food/supplies
- A Total of 20 Pockets or Compartments: Including anti-theft zippered back pocket for items such as phones, tablets etc. PLUS 6 soft-plastic storage system clear wallet compartments and a cushioned sunglasses pocket on the outer "lid" of the bag
- Cushioned, breathable back: Paired with breathable, adjustable shoulder straps (foam padded straps with discrete safety reflector strips)
Check the available color variations as well as the price using the button below:
Extra Tough Simplicity/Mid-Budget
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack
This pack from Piscifun Fishing is a really interesting competitor to the Kastking. It scores higher in some areas (even tougher fabric and special attention to stitching), while potentially losing out in others (lack of external rod holder). Depending on which of the competing features are most important to you, the choice should hopefully be fairly clear between the two.
Standout Features:
- 1200D High Density Nylon Material with 86 Sewing Procedures that increase water resistant properties by 20% (along with quality zippers by SBS)
- 6 Exterior pockets for extra gear - Including one fold-down "work-bench" style mini-table to help when changing lures or rigging terminal tackle - plus other specialised pockets like:
- Rigid Sunglasses Holder Compartment - Easily accessible with great protection for glasses
- Water Bottle Holder - with elasticated drawstring/spring-loaded toggle retention strap. Then in the main compartment...
- Upper level for essential fishing gear - ample storage space with removable clapboard to separate off the lower compartment for...
- 4 x plastic tackle boxes (vented to allow lures to dry) included - Suitable for your favorite lures in small to medium sizes, terminal tackle and lots of separate compartments to keep your gear safe and easy to pull out and use (if you need larger compartments, the pack has plenty of space for up to 4 x 3600 size "Plano" boxes or similar)
- Rain Cover - Can be pulled out and secured over the pack to protect your fishing essentials against heavy rains
- Comfortable Shoulder Straps - includes a sternum strap and all are adjustable straps to ensure fit and proper weight distribution
- Padded and breathable back - Comfortable support for longer hikes and heavier loads
While all the packs in this review are water resistant rather than fully waterproof fishing backpacks (i.e. these are not submersible); the inclusion of a rain cover and the overall water resistance of the materials in the Piscifun Fishing pack go a long way towards protecting your fishing license, delicate gear and personal items from water damage.
Best Fishing Backpack: Lowest Price Backpack with Fishing Rod Holder System & Tackle Boxes Included
Rodeel Fishing Tackle Backpack
With TWO external rod holders (consisting of secure, deep rod-butt sleeves below and matching rod belts above), plenty of pockets, four large tackle trays, comfortable straps and great storage capacity fastened with double zippers - there is a lot going for this fishing pack.
Key Features
- 600D Polyester material
- Two adjustable rod holders - Carry rigged up or collapsed rods, hands free
- External webbing strap for fishing pliers plus ample attachment points for lanyard
- Multiple "tactical" straps for attaching fishing tools
- Soft Sunglasses storage compartment with zipper fastener
- 4 x 3600 size plastic tackle boxes included - will stack vertically or horizontally
- Water Bottle Holder and multiple, external accessible pockets and abundant storage space
- Padded breathable mesh back - Comfort and practicality for every type of fishing day trip (and longer fishing adventures)
Probably the key features that allow the money saving price point are the lack of a pull-out rain protection sheet and the lighter (600D) polyester - both of which slightly reduce the level of protection against really heavy rains.
Best Fishing Backpack: Premium
Shimano Black Moon FR (Front Load)
Tough, well-designed kit is a hallmark of the Shimano brand and this pack fits in well with that expectation. Small touch extra features (like the line-spooling option, the ability to switch between full zippered closure to the tackle box compartment - or rapid access velcro fastners while fishing) make for a great fishing experience. Another water resistant (rather than submersible) pack with comfortable straps - this has a lot of advantages for anglers over a regular backpack.
Key Features
"Heavy" Dernier Ripstop Polyester - research on the Black Moon product line suggests 1200D - but unconfirmed for the current pack
Double Stitched seams - additional durability
Large Mesh Outer Pocket - allows used fishing lures to dry out before putting back in tackle box
Heavy Duty TPU Zippers - long lasting, corrosion-resistant and effective closure
Side-pocket metal eyehole/Line Spooling Ports - allow you to easily spool your reel while fishing, by keeping your line spool in the pocket and threading the line out through the eyelet to your reel - PLUS spool-retaining zippered packets supplied with the bag
Fold out Rain Cover - Extra protection for your gear and personal items from water splash or heavy rainfall
Large capacity upper storage compartment (with removable clapboard) - plenty of storage for additional gear
Mesh Water Bottle Holder - Lightweight and practical with elasticated drawstring closure
4 x 3600 Size Tackle Trays - included with the pack
Padded Shoulder Straps - with integral D-rings for extra gear attachment
Compared to previous models, it appears that one of the key features Shimano have deliberately removed is the external rod holders that used to be attached to the side pockets. Depending on whether this suits your fishing style or not, this could make the decision for you.
FAQ
What do you carry in a fishing backpack?
For anglers on foot, kayak fishing or small boats a fishing backpack needs to carry and safely organise all your fishing kit in one place. Tackle/lure boxes, pliers, scales, reels, spare clothing, terminal tackle and line (reel line and leader material) are the essentials – along with external water bottle storage. A small first aid kit is also a really good idea – e.g. a compact foil blanket, gaffer tape (you can wrap some around your water bottle), sterile dressings, scissors, bandages and a cut-down section of karrimat (for splints and also insulation from losing heat to the ground).
How do you carry a fishing pole on a backpack?
Many of the backpacks in this article feature dedicated fishing rod carrier straps and sleeves. If those don’t come as standard then fishing backpacks often have secure anchor points for you to attach your own straps and tools; so you could rig up your own fishing pole carrying strap system. While telescopic rods are the easiest to carry (even fully rigged and ready to fish), multi-piece rods can also be fitted into the outer sleeve pockets and then strapped in place with elasticated straps or cord that are typical for most rod-carry solutions.
Should I get a fishing backpack?
If you need to keep kit organised in a small space (e.g. boat) or if you want a “grab and go” kit for a range of conditions – and particularly if you regularly fish in a “spot hopping”, mobile manner then a dedicated fishing backpack is a worthwhile investment. Having specially-designed external pockets for fishing-specific gear – along with compartments and features that make fishing easier is a big advantage over a standard backpack. As soon as you are taking part in styles of fishing that require lots of gear that won’t fit in waist packs, chest packs a fishing vest or sling-pack – then it makes a lot of sense.
Good luck in your search for the perfect pack!
Paul