Best Fishing Backpacks Reviewed & Rated for Quality

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Wild River Tackle Tek Recon
Test Winner: Wild River Tackle Tek Recon
Amazon Link
Fishing is supposed to be a relaxing hobby that lets you enjoy nature and the peace and quiet once in a while. If you are taking the boat out for a trip then you can leave all of your gear in the boat, but everyone should eventually go out for a fishing trip out in the woods. One of the annoying things about that is you still need to be able to bring all your gear out with you too. The best way to do that is to buy yourself a fishing backpack. Fishing backpacks are specifically designed to be taken out into the woods. They will make your fishing trip as convenient as it should be. They are good for storing everything you need in the most accessible way possible, and for handling the often encountered elements, like the water and rugged terrain. This list has the best.

Standout Picks

Wild River Tackle Tek Recon
The Wild River is your best bet for finding a backpack that can keep up with you in any situation you come across while fishing.
Piscifun
The Piscifun is a great option that lets you go fishing without care, due to its many organization options, that go well with its high level of durability.
Amazon Link
$64.99
Spiderwire
The Spiderwire is the item to look into if you are interested in buying a fishing backpack, but are having trouble justifying the price.
Amazon Link
Shimano Blackmoon
The Shimano is a fishing backpack that is designed for long term use. This backpack will keep you comfortable no matter how long your trip to the lake is.
Amazon Link
SKB Stream-Tek Tak-Pac
The Tak-Pac is a large and durable option that makes it easy to fit everything that you need for a trip.
Amazon Link
$179.99
Chaos Ready
This is a lighter waterproof option which gives it more utility as a sort of any time bag for water activities.
Amazon Link
$38.99
Fiblink Waterproof
The Fiblink is a different style of tackle box bag. There are many more options when it comes to accessibility and comfort when there is one shoulder.
Amazon Link
$27.99
BLISSWILL
This is not much of a backpack at all, but it serves its own, highly useful purpose. This is an option that is easy to carry around, and rugged enough for the outdoors.
Amazon Link
Calissa Blackstar
If you are looking for an option that can carry enough things for an extra long trip out in the bush, think about getting the Blackstar.
Amazon Link
$89.99
Lixada
The Lixada is an affordable and dependable product that is perfect if you just want something that you can be sure will get the job done.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Comfort

It often takes a lot of gear to go fishing, and if you need a backpack to bring it out, then it should be a comfortable one. Fishing backpacks are designed so that you can carry your things over a fairly long distance without getting too worn out to enjoy the fishing trip ahead. They do this by putting in a good deal of padding and support. The backpacks with two straps, and that look most like a traditional hiking backpack are going to be the ones that feel the most comfortable. There is a comfort to some of the other styles too, such as how easy it is to sling the one strapped backpack over your shoulder. The rating for this category is to determine how comfortable you will be while you are carrying this backpack on your back. The more comfortable you are, the happier you will be when you finally settle in to start fishing.

Durability

It is important that your fishing backpack is durable enough that it will survive being taken into the outdoors. You want a backpack that will do a good job of keeping your things protected from the elements, and what that takes is a strong and rugged backpack. This is done by using materials that can do a good job in the wilderness. Look for materials like nylon, which do a good job at being rubbed up against all types of sharp materials. They can also be durable in the stitching and the straps. The more that the straps are stitched together, the less likely they'll fall apart on you in the middle of a trip. This is the weak spot for most backpacks, so it is important to look at the stitching. This category is a rating that tries to quantify how long-lasting each of these backpacks are.

Effectiveness

One of the things that will ensure that you have a good trip when you go fishing is that your fishing gear can be easily organized. No need to be fishing in your bag when you could be fishing in the water. The best fishing backpacks will have enough compartments for everything that you need. Most of them come with a compartment for your tackle boxes, as well as another ten or so compartments to put things like maps, and other gear. This makes it very easy to know exactly where everything is. Some of the compartments are designed for specific things too, and will do a good job of keeping those things safe. The rating in this category is an indication of how organized you will feel when you take this backpack out into the wild.

Size

This is another important one, because it will determine how much stuff you can bring with you on your next fishing trip. Even better than using a fishing backpack to carry your fishing gear, is to use a fishing backpack to carry all your gear. That will make it easier to go camping, or do just about anything that you need to do. The size of the backpack you choose is important in a few ways. A very large backpack can be slightly unwieldy, and hard to carry around when you are trying to fish, but it will give you the ability to bring more things along, which is always a useful ability to have. This category is a rating based on how well the backpack uses the space that it has. A large backpack is great, but a backpack that uses its space wisely is even better.

Value

There's a wide array of prices on display among these fishing backpacks. The big difference between them all is that some of them take up more space than others. You are mostly paying for size and construction. The backpack that you should buy does depend on your budget, but it also depends quite a bit on how often you plan on going out. If you only go on a single fishing trip a year, one of the cheaper and smaller backpacks will be more than enough for you. There are those who go fishing every weekend if they can, and the durable materials and more professional construction of backpacks like the Wild River will prove to be more worth your time. This category is a rating based on how much value you will get for your spent dollar.

10 Best Fishing Backpacks

1. Wild River Tackle Tek Recon

Where to buy
Wild River Tackle Tek Recon
Amazon Link

The Wild River is your best bet for finding a backpack that can keep up with you in any situation you come across while fishing.

All Types of Day
The Wild River is designed so that you won't have to stop fishing until you want to stop fishing. It has lots of clever features meant to keep you at it, like an LED light that is attached to the backpack so that you can see even after dark. It is also incredibly tough so it can handle all kinds of strange weather that you might come across in the bush.

Other Features
The Wild River has lots of other features to love. It comes with four different trays so you have lots of space to organize all of your bait and tackle. It is also clever in making all the pockets visible so that you can keep yourself organized. This could be with the mesh pockets that let you see your tackle box or the clear plastic that lets you see your licenses and maps with ease.

Cost and Value
The Wild River is a good option for just about anybody who loves fishing. It is lightweight so it won't get in your way while you are trying to fish, and it also does a good job of making it as easy as possible to access all your stuff. For the level of quality and durability you get with this bag, it doesn't cost that much at all.

2. Piscifun

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$64.99
Piscifun
Amazon Link

The Piscifun is a great option that lets you go fishing without care, due to its many organization options, that go well with its high level of durability.

Organized Tackle Box
The tackle boxes of the Piscifun will give you more than enough room to put everything in its right place. There are eighteen different compartments in the bag so that you can put everything in its own home. This will keep you organized so you will never end up fishing around in your backpack for anything that you might need.

Other Features
All the different materials that the Piscifun is made out of do a great job at giving you the best quality of backpack that you can hope for. It is made of many layers of nylon, and will do a great job of being able to handle the bad weather, and any other rough terrain that you might come across. Despite its toughness. It also feels great on your back, and you will always feel comfortable when carrying it.

Cost and Value
The Piscifun has another big thing going for it. That is the very low price point for the bag that you are getting. It gives you so many options for how you want to wear your backpack, while also giving you all the space needed to keep yourself very well organized. The Piscifun is a great choice for your next fishing trip.

Amazon Link
$64.99

3. Spiderwire

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Spiderwire
Amazon Link

The Spiderwire is the item to look into if you are interested in buying a fishing backpack, but are having trouble justifying the price.

Budget Backpack
The Spiderwire is much cheaper than the previous two options on the list, but it doesn't cut any corner while doing it. It has lots of room in the main compartment that it divided up into three different spots, so you have places to put all your different tackle boxes. It makes it easy to know where all your things are. It is also made out of a lightweight polyester.

Other Features
The Spiderwire gives you lots of places to put all your things, which makes it a good fit for all of your gear for fishing. It has specific compartments for all your things. There is a place to put your sunglasses, which is great for not having to worry about where they are when the glare off the water gets too bright. It also has a system for putting your fishing rod.

Cost and Value
The Spiderwire is a very well priced option. It is the right item to get if you don't find yourself going out on too many fishing trips. The Spiderwire is a good fit for the occasional outdoorsmen. It does all the most important things very well, without jumping the price up with any unnecessary bells and whistles.

Amazon Link

4. Shimano Blackmoon

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Shimano Blackmoon
Amazon Link

The Shimano is a fishing backpack that is designed for long term use. This backpack will keep you comfortable no matter how long your trip to the lake is.

Comfortable Fishing Backpack
The Shimano has been designed so that it is as comfortable as can be while you are carrying it out to your destination. The shoulder straps on this backpack have been designed to really carry the load for you. You will be able to walk this bag for quite a while before you get tired. This bag makes it easy to enjoy the fishing, without feeling beaten down by the hike to get to it.

Other Features
The Shimano is a fully featured backpack that makes it very easy to reach all of your things. It has an easily zippered puch on the back of it that leaves lots of room to fish through all you tackle boxes. It is also designed with durability in mind, and is made out of very heavy-duty fabrics. There's also lots of extra pockets so everything can be put into its right place.

Cost and Value
The Shimano is the most expensive choice on the list so far. Something that really tilts in its favor is that this backpack is designed for durability and comfort, which means that it will last you for a long time, and it won't cause any complaints. This is a good backpack to think about buying if you have a local lake that is within walking distance from you.

Amazon Link

5. SKB Stream-Tek Tak-Pac

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$179.99
SKB Stream-Tek Tak-Pac
Amazon Link

The Tak-Pac is a large and durable option that makes it easy to fit everything that you need for a trip.

Perfect Fit
Something great about the SKB is that is designed so that it will sit very easily wherever that you put it. It has a solid rectangular shape that makes it a perfect fit for just about anywhere. It is easy to tuck this thing up against a tree and let it be while you go fishing. This is great for when you are settled down for fishing, and need your things in their right place.

Other Features
There are lots of other good things going on with the SKB. It has a water-resistant exterior that means you don't have to worry about it getting wet. It also comes with tons of pockets so that everything can go into its right place. Finally, it even comes with a cooler lining inside the main pocket that makes it easy to keep anything you catch, or brought along, cold.

Cost and Value
This fishing backpack costs around the same amount as the Shimano. This is a good choice if you like to keep your things neat and organized. It has a great design for being tucked into the back of a car, or into the corner of a tent. It comes with lots of room to pack things, and it has some other clever features that will make your trip much easier.

Amazon Link
$179.99

6. Chaos Ready

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$38.99
Chaos Ready
Amazon Link

This is a lighter waterproof option which gives it more utility as a sort of any time bag for water activities.

Waterproof Backpack
This prodducts claim to fame is that it is made of a totally waterproof material. It can't be left under water, but it will survive a quick drop in the water or any kind of heavy rain. This backpack can easily be brought with you out on or in the water without you needing to worry about if your things are going to get wet.

Other Features
There are many other reasons that you might get interested in this bag. The Chaos Ready is very lightweight, much more so than the traditional fishing backpack. This means that it will be very easy for anyone to keep it on their back for as long as they want. It also is made of a very pliable material that makes it easy to scrunch it up into any shape that you want.

Cost and Value
The Chaos Ready is a good optionfor anyone to think about buying. It doesn't have the room or pockets of the other options on this list, but this could be a good item to bring along on the side. It would be perfect for carrying all your important valuables. It is also very cheap, which is another reason it is a great side bag.

Amazon Link
$38.99
Where to buy
Amazon Link
$27.99
Fiblink Waterproof
Amazon Link

The Fiblink is a different style of tackle box bag. There are many more options when it comes to accessibility and comfort when there is one shoulder.

Shoulder Bag
The Fiblink is designed so that you can throw it over a single shoulder when you are using it. This is great for a few reasons. It will make it much easier for you to reach into the bag when you need something on short notice. It also makes it very easy to put down and pick up again. It will make traveling with your tackle a simpler process all around.

Other Features
There are more reasons than just a single strap to buy the Fiblink. The Fiblink is designed to take a beating. It is coated in waterproofing so that you don't need to worry about when you take your bag out into the river. It is also made of multiple layers of nylon, which makes this the perfect bag for taking out on a long trip.

Cost and Value
One of the great things about the Fiblink is that it cost much less than other options on this list. You will get a durable bag out of the deal, but it costs as much as the simpler waterproof bags on this list. The single shoulder strap means it is probably better for carrying around a campsite, rather than through the woods, but this bag is incredibly easy to deal with.

Amazon Link
$27.99

8. BLISSWILL

Where to buy
Amazon Link
BLISSWILL
Amazon Link

This is not much of a backpack at all, but it serves its own, highly useful purpose. This is an option that is easy to carry around, and rugged enough for the outdoors.

Tackle Bag
The BLISSWILL is great because it makes it very easy for anyone to take their fishing gear out with them. For any kind of outdoors fishing trip, the BLISSWILL will solve the problem of having your tackle boxes loose on the side of the water. It is designed so that you can have an easy time having all of your gear organized in one place.

Other Features
There are lots of other reasons to love the BLISSWILL. It doesn't have the traditional design of a backpack, but it can easily be carried like one. This backpack is designed to hang in the small of your back. There are shoulder straps so that you can hoist it over one shoulder, or it can be strapped around your waist for extra stability and comfort.

Cost and Value
Another great thing about the BLISSWILL is that it can be easily carried around anywhere. It is perfect as a fly-fishing bag, but it can also serve the needs of any fisher who needs somewhere to put all their things in one place. The BLISSIWLL is also a great deal when it comes to buying a fishing backpack, and is one of the cheaper options on this list.

Amazon Link

9. Calissa Blackstar

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$89.99
Calissa Blackstar
Amazon Link

If you are looking for an option that can carry enough things for an extra long trip out in the bush, think about getting the Blackstar.

Extra Large Fishing Backpack
There is lots of room in the Blackstar. It has the storage compartment for all of your tackle boxes, and then there is space for a lot more stuff, too. This fishing backpack comes with four tackle boxes that fit comfortably in the bottom of the bag. This gives you enough room to bring anything that you want. There is also many more storage spots so you can bring your other gear too.

Other Features
There are many other reasons to love this product. It can be taken out anywhere because it has been built to be abrasion and water resistant. It will be easy to put it down just about anywhere. It also comes with eleven pockets to put things in, so that you will always know exactly where your gear is. This will save you lots of time in the long run.

Cost and Value
This is a bit of a higher end product than what we have showcased sof ar, which means that you'll be spending a little extra if you want this. It makes up for that with the large amount of space that it will bring to your trip. The top section of this backpack is much larger than the competition, which gives you the opportunity to bring anything that you want along for your trip.

Amazon Link
$89.99

10. Lixada

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Lixada
Amazon Link

The Lixada is an affordable and dependable product that is perfect if you just want something that you can be sure will get the job done.

Dependable Backpack
This option is great because it makes it much easier on you when it comes to searching for a backpack. It is good because it has all the features you have seen elsewhere. It has a good amount of storage space, enough room to put your tackle boxes, and a good deal of padding in the shoulders so that you don't get uncomfortable.

Other Features
All of these extra features that come with the Lixada are dependable and will do a good job of keeping up to the task of keeping your fishing gear organized and protected. There is enough room for three tackle boxes in the bottom of the bag. There are also lots of extra compartments so that you can keep your things organized.

Cost and Value
Another good thing about this item from Lixada is that it hangs out right in the middle as far as price goes. This backpack is great for those who want to be able to take a fishing backpack out that they can rely on, but are worried about shelling out too much money for something that they won't use very often. The Lixada is a great mid-range backpack.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Wright's Camp, Clothing and Equipment Checklist, Article
  2. Jessi Wohlwend, How To Make Fabric Waterproof, Article
  3. Mike Laconelli, Can you have too much tackle?, Article