My preferred fishing bag is a Patagonia Sling Pack which suits me very well except it is as water resistant as tissue paper and I was wondering about a waterproof version - in response to being asked what I want for Christmas.
The Patagonia waterproof sling (which I have not seen) is bigger than I want at 20L.
I have seen the Orvis waterproof sling but, apart from the amazing price :shock:, I would like more tool attachment points on the front strap and the ability to strap my rod to the pack.
I have not seen the Fishpond Thunderhead Sling but, except for the gopping colours, it seems to have what I want.
The Simms Dry Creek looks pretty decent, but again I have not seen one in the flesh.
Anyone have any experience with the Fishpond or the Simms, or any other ideas?
Thanks
I don't have much in the way of helpful stuff to add but...
Have you considered going with something that isn't waterproof and putting anything that needs to be dry in a "drybag" type arrangement? This allows you to mix wet and dry stuff in the one bag. I find that if I'm out on a wet day then there will be things that do get wet because I have them out but I also want my insulating layer to stay dry while it is in the bag so it goes in a drybag and the wet stuff can go into the same rucksack without my worrying about keeping dry stuff dry.
I'm sure you've thought of this and found it doesn't work for you but thought to mention it anyhow just in case.
I had an Orvis sling pack, bought it in the late Banchory shop, can't remember if it was waterproof or not. Didn't keep it long, I just could not get on with it. Sold it to Corsican Dave before the rain started. :)
Quote from: caorach on October 29, 2020, 06:05:26 PM
I don't have much in the way of helpful stuff to add but...
Have you considered going with something that isn't waterproof and putting anything that needs to be dry in a "drybag" type arrangement? This allows you to mix wet and dry stuff in the one bag. I find that if I'm out on a wet day then there will be things that do get wet because I have them out but I also want my insulating layer to stay dry while it is in the bag so it goes in a drybag and the wet stuff can go into the same rucksack without my worrying about keeping dry stuff dry.
I'm sure you've thought of this and found it doesn't work for you but thought to mention it anyhow just in case.
Thanks Philip, but I am after a proper waterproof bag this time.
One approach to render your Orvis one much more waterproof is to mix clear silicone sealer from a cartridge into a jar and add white spirits approx 50:50. Stir vigorously for a while and it will then dissolve, then use a half inch brush and paint it on all over .... except the zips! Hang it up to dry in a few hours.This will work on almost any fabric and give a fresh lease of life to the old one. Keep the old one for better days and the new Xmas present one for dire forecast days. :)
Meant to say paint the older Patagonia one, not Orvis.
Quote from: Bobfly on October 29, 2020, 08:01:04 PM
One approach to render your Orvis one much more waterproof is to mix clear silicone sealer from a cartridge into a jar and add white spirits approx 50:50. Stir vigorously for a while and it will then dissolve, then use a half inch brush and paint it on all over .... except the zips! Hang it up to dry in a few hours.This will work on almost any fabric and give a fresh lease of life to the old one. Keep the old one for better days and the new Xmas present one for dire forecast days. :)
I don't go out on dire forecast days anymore :D. But I have been out on some dire unforecast days!
Interesting thought Bobfly. I did try the Nikwax waterproofer but it was not a success; in fact it was most successful at stopping the rain getting out...
Some Nikwax in the fabric may well reduce the silicone adhering to the fabric fibres but you should still have quite a good soaking in. I have done this treatment on rucksack materials and it works well on canvas.
I bought 1 of these the other day
https://se.looptackle.com/product/dry-backpack-25-l/
When i'm out in the tube i leave my bag sitting on the bank all the time. No good if the rain comes on and everything gets soaked through.
Quote from: Hill loch gold on October 29, 2020, 09:35:19 PM
I bought 1 of these the other day
https://se.looptackle.com/product/dry-backpack-25-l/
When i'm out in the tube i leave my bag sitting on the bank all the time. No good if the rain comes on and everything gets soaked through.
Thanks. I already have an almost identical version by Overboard (very good) but if I am fishing light - as I usually do these days - I really like the convenience of a small sling pack.
I have the fishpond thunderhead backpack and sling, both very good and never leave a drop in. They feel robust in their construction but lack pockets and compartments for organising your gear.
Just a thought. If your Patagonia is a single fabric sling bag you can use the thinned out kitchen clear silicone outside then a day later turn it inside out and treat the inside.
Thanks everyone. I don't think there is anything on the market that replicates in waterproof fabric the excellent functionality of the Patagonia Front Sling.
[attachimg=1]
I have the earlier version which I prefer to the current one because the side straps tighten completely so a rod can be carried safely without a tube (it slips through the current version as my friend discovered!).
I think I will wait until I can visit the stores and view what is on offer, and perhaps try Bobfly's suggestions. Santa will just have to find something else to bring me :D
I had to look up what a sling pack is!
I just hate anything like that that...too bulky.
A smock does me in that I can carry all I need to eat and fish for a day in one.
I got word of this sale early on and got two of there Deerhunter smocks in XXL for 40 quid each! (Reason for posting this is because there are still some good deals going in the sale)
https://www.lakelandtoysandhobbies.co.uk/product/deerhunter-avanti-maxx-5/
Good deal if you are a midget or have children to take fishing.