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The best fishing backpack is more than a place to store your phone, keys, and wallet. It’s your companion on the water keeping your gear safe and dry when things start to go South.
The fishing bags of today are much more than storage.
These backpacks contain rod holders, coolers, drinking water tanks, and even LED lights.
There are many brands to choose from, but no need to worry. We did all the leg work for you.
After hours of research and consulting with the experts, we’ve put together a list of the 14 best fishing backpacks that will last you the rest of your fishing career.
If you’re in a hurry, there’s no need to wait to see our top pick, the Wild River Nomad.
However, you will need to keep reading to see why it’s the best backpack for fishing.
Comparison Table – The Best Fishing Backpacks
Image | Product | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall ![]() | Wild River Nomad by Custom Leathercraft Capacity: 4 medium trays | 9.9 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Best Fishing Tackle Backpack ![]() | The X-Large Recon Rolling Fishing Backpack Capacity: 5 medium trays | 9.8 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Best Waterproof Fishing Backpack ![]() | Capacity: 5 medium trays | 9.7 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Best Fly Fishing Backpack ![]() | Anglatech Fly Fishing Backpack Capacity: N/A | 9.5 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Best Backpack Tackle Bag ![]() | Kingdom LYB19 Fishing Tackle Boxes Capacity: 6 medium trays | 9.4 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Best Saltwater Fishing Backpack ![]() | Talysc Fishing Backpack by Calissa Offshore Tackle Capacity: 4 medium trays | 9.2 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Best Soft Tackle Bag ![]() | Capacity: 4 medium trays | 9.1 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Best Fishing Backpack With Rod Holders ![]() | Capacity: 4 medium trays | 9 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Best Backpack With Hydration Bladder ![]() | Prospo 40L Military Tactical Shoulder Backpack Capacity: 40 liters | 9 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Most Versatile Fishing Backpack ![]() | 3 in 1 Multifunction Fishing Backpack Capacity: 1.8 liters | 8.8 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
![]() | SpiderWire Sling Fishing Backpack Capacity: 15 liters | 8.7 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
![]() | Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack Capacity: 4 medium trays | 8.5 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
![]() | Capacity: N/A | 8.3 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
![]() | Ghosthorn Fishing Tackle Backpack Capacity: Suitable for 3600 trays | 8.1 | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
- Comparison Table – The Best Fishing Backpacks
- Our Reviews Of The Best Fishing Backpacks
- Wild River Nomad by Custom Leathercraft
- The X-Large Recon Rolling Fishing Backpack
- Wild River by CLC 503
- Anglatech Fly Fishing Backpack
- Kingdom LYB19 Fishing Tackle Boxes
- Talysc Fishing Backpack by Calissa Offshore Tackle
- Plano Z-Series Tackle Bag
- KastKing Day Tripper
- Prospo 40L Military Tactical Shoulder Backpack
- 3 in 1 Multifunction Fishing Backpack
- SpiderWire Sling Fishing Backpack
- Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack
- Blisswill Fishing Backpack
- Ghosthorn Fishing Tackle Backpack
- Features to Look For in The Best Fishing Backpack
- Size/Capacity
- Organizational Features
- Rod Holders
- Durability/Waterproofing
- Comfort
- Fishing Specific Features
- Types of Fishing Backpacks
- Why You Should Have a Fishing Backpack
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Who needs a fishing backpack?
- What should I pack in the fishing backpack?
- Can you take a backpack ice fishing?
- Final Thoughts
Our Reviews Of The Best Fishing Backpacks
Wild River Nomad by Custom Leathercraft

BEST FISHING BACKPACK OVERALL
Specs
- Capacity: 4 medium trays
- Size: 18.5 x 17 x 8.5 inches
- Weight: 4.75 lbs
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- This backpack is made with nylon and has a rust-proof zippered section to help prevent corrosion.
- It also comes with large shoulder straps that are comfortable if you have to hike or walk long distances to the fishing spot.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- The Wild River Nomad backpack comes with plenty of storage and organizational features to help you keep all of your gear safe.
- It features seven different pockets and a large compartment that can accommodate four medium tackle trays.
BUYING ADVICE
- It boasts LED lighting and a holder for your fishing sunglasses, which will help you on both rainy overcast and bright sunny days.
Pros
- Large storage
- LED light
- Comfortable straps
Cons
- Heavier than some options
We chose this backpack as our best fishing tackle bag because of its solid design and comfort. It has base pads on the bottom that help keep everything dry, plus it boasts some of the most comfortable straps on a shoulder bag.
With plenty of tackle storage on all four sides, you’ll have enough room for all your personal gear alongside your lures, rods, hooks, and anything else you might have. Plus, it comes with a removable plier holder and lanyard.
The X-Large Recon Rolling Fishing Backpack

BEST FISHING TACKLE BACKPACK
Specs
- Capacity: 5 medium trays
- Size: 19 x 16 x 10 inches
- Weight: 4.25 lbs
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- This tackle backpack is polyester, which helps reduce the overall weight, and it makes the pack breathable.
- It comes with rust-resistant zippers, and it’s easy to carry with comfortable shoulder straps. You also get four rod holders with this one.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- It’s a rolling backpack, so it’s a bit bulkier than some other options, but that allows for more storage space.
- You can fit five tackle trays through the front compartment. There’s also room for a few extra small ones too.
BUYING ADVICE
- The pack comes with a rain cover to help keep it dry in heavy rain and salt spray. It comes equipped with five tackle trays, so you don’t have to buy any.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rain cover
- Five tackle trays
- Four rod holders
- Durable material
Cons
- Straps have a limited adjustment range
- Bulkier and wider than other options
Having a large fishing tackle bag that you can roll around sounds like a great option at first thought, but after you start to think about it, the desirability goes down.
That said, if you mostly fish larger boats – this is the right backpack tackle box for you.
It’s great for saltwater and freshwater fishing, and it comes with four rod holders that allow you to store all your rods, gear, and tackle easily without feeling cramped or overloaded.
Wild River by CLC 503

BEST WATERPROOF FISHING BACKPACK
Specs
- Capacity: 5 medium trays
- Size: 19 x 16 x 10 inches
- Weight: 4.25 lbs
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- This lightweight backpack comes with padded straps and a sternum strap for added support.
- It also features a flat bottom with base pads to ensure that everything at the bottom of the backpack stays nice and dry.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- There’s plenty of storage in this one with multiple compartments and seven easy-access mesh pockets.
- The upper section has a large compartment with a removable divider, and you can store tackle trays at the bottom. It has enough room for four trays.
BUYING ADVICE
- Features a multi-color LED light for both in and outside the backpack. The main feature that stands out here is the weather resistance due to its protective waterproof cover. It also has a lanyard and plier holder.
Pros
- Waterproof
- LED light system
- Plenty of mesh pockets
- Removable plier and lanyard holder
Cons
- Smaller than other options
If you don’t have as much gear to take with you, this tackle box backpack will do the trick. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and highly functioning.
If you need a waterproof backpack for more than just fishing trips, this is the one for you.
The rain cover and base pads do a great job of ensuring that everything stays dry.
Even though the backpack is a bit smaller than some of the other options, you’re still getting large compartments capable of holding up to four tackle trays.
Anglatech Fly Fishing Backpack

BEST FLY FISHING BACKPACK
Specs
- Capacity: N/A
- Size: Adjustable
- Weight: 1.52 lbs
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- The design of this fly fishing vest is totally brilliant. It’s a beautiful combination of a fishing vest paired with a backpack.
- The backpack is a ripstop nylon material that comes in two colors, and it has durable zippers and comfortable straps for long-term wearing.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- Organization is the key to fly fishing, and this vest helps with that.
- You have storage for everything, including your rod, flies, line, pliers, reels, and even your phone and keys.
BUYING ADVICE
- The standout feature of this piece of gear is the water supply. It has a BPA hydration bladder with 1.5 liters of water, so you don’t have to bother carrying anything unnecessary with you in the water.
Pros
- Lightweight
- BPA-free hydration bladder
- Durable
- Organizational storage
Cons
- Can get hot
How cool is this thing? You get everything you need from a tackle box but in a fly vest.
Most fly anglers don’t need a large tackle bag because all they’re using are small flies.
This vest is perfect.
It features breathable mesh pockets and comfortable straps. While that might help, the vest overall is pretty hot, and if you’re dealing with sun and 80+ degree temperatures, you’re going to sweat a lot underneath this.
Kingdom LYB19 Fishing Tackle Boxes

BEST BACKPACK TACKLE BAG
Specs
- Capacity: 6 medium trays
- Size: 16.93 x 9.45 x 20.87 inches
- Weight: 3.55 lbs
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- This multi-purpose fishing backpack uses high-quality nylon fabric that is both durable and water-resistant.
- The bag comes with strong stitching and zippers to provide internal insulation to keep things cool or warm inside of the backpack.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- While this one isn’t huge, it’s lightweight and easy to carry for fishing activities and other things.
- It comes with detachable bags so you can take what you need on the bass boat, and it has holders for a fishing rod, pliers, and a water bottle.
BUYING ADVICE
- This backpack tackle bag offers 3D decompression ventilation, which means that it promotes airflow throughout the entire pack, so you don’t feel fatigued after walking with it for a while.
- The detachable bags are also a stand-out feature.
Pros
- Detachable bags
- Multi-purpose backpack
- Multi-purpose backpack
- Comfortable
- Rod holder
Cons
- Zippers are flimsy
- Design is “kinda weird”
The main attractant for this fishing tackle bag is the fact that you can use it for other stuff.
If you’re going camping, hiking, fishing, or sleeping over with your in-laws (why would you do that?), you can use this backpack.
The 3D compression technology allows you to stay cool and comfortable, and the detachable bags are what really draw me.
You can leave the entire backpack in your car and fish along the shore with only the lures you plan to use.
Talysc Fishing Backpack by Calissa Offshore Tackle

BEST SALTWATER FISHING BACKPACK
Specs
- Capacity: 4 medium trays
- Size: 14 x 13 x 8 inches
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- This saltwater backpack is made from the highest quality materials with breathable polyester.
- It has a waterproof outer section of material that keeps everything dry even when you’re dealing with the harshest salt spray or downpouring rain.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- Inside you’ll find plenty of storage for the four tackle trays that are included with the bag. You also have plenty of room to store all your personal items.
BUYING ADVICE
- The main reason people go for this tackle box is because of its application in saltwater fishing. It’s designed to prevent corrosion on the zipper and material by being saltwater resistant.
- It also has a sturdy base so you can set it down on a wet deck without worrying about ruining whatever is on the bottom.
Pros
- Breathable material
- Saltwater resistant
- Comes with four trays
Cons
- No rolling
- Smaller than other options
The key to successful saltwater fishing is keeping everything organized, and this backpack makes that easier than ever before.
The premium material ensures that all your belongings are safe, and the large compartments provide you with plenty of places to put everything.
You also have a few different options for how you’d like to carry this one.
It has a sturdy handle on top if you prefer to just carry your tackle bag in your hand rather than over your shoulder.
Plano Z-Series Tackle Bag

BEST SOFT TACKLE BAG
Specs
- Capacity: 4 medium trays
- Size: 15 x 8 x 15 inches
- Weight: 5.8 lbs
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- My favorite thing about this soft tackle bag is its appearance.
- I think it looks awesome and has a lot of cool colors going on.
- On a more practical note, it’s waterproof, zipperless, and comes with two front pockets that are fastened using velcro.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- This is a large bag with a huge front flap connected using two buckles.
- The rest is velcro, and it has a transparent pocket so you can see everything inside.
- It comes with four tackle trays, and overall the size of the back is standard compared to some of the other offerings.
BUYING ADVICE
- The standout feature of this backpack is the zipperless design and application of velcro and drawstrings.
- I am not a fan of the velcro because I think it wears down quickly and doesn’t stand up as well to water damage as a zipper would.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Waterproof material
- Plenty of space
- Buckles and drawstring
Cons
- Velcro is not the best fastener for a fishing backpack
- The drawstring cannot close the backpack all the way
If you’re searching for something lightweight, with plenty of storage, that looks great, then this is the right fishing pack for you.
The problem is, it’s not the most functional of all the options we have.
The velcro is a major downside for me, and the trays they include aren’t the best.
That said, it’s a comfortable backpack that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, so as I always say, everything has its negatives.
You just have to weigh the pros with the cons.
KastKing Day Tripper

BEST FISHING BACKPACK WITH ROD HOLDERS
Specs
- Capacity: 4 medium trays
- Size: 21.25 x 13.4 x 9.25 inches
- Weight: 3.09 lbs
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- This lightweight fishing backpack is very large for how little it weighs.
- You get enough storage for your trays, rods, lures, and personal belongings.
- It’s made using ripstop nylon to ensure maximum durability.
- For comfort, you have adjustable shoulder straps, chest straps, MOLLE straps, and waist straps.
- I’ve never seen a backpack with so much padding. While this is nice if you’re hauling a lot of weight, it’s got to get hot if you’re going long distances.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- KastKing offers plenty of storage, and there’s room for four tackle trays with a full-length storage section inside the waterproof fishing backpack with rod holders.
- It contains a total of 11 pockets plus the main storage compartments.
BUYING ADVICE
- The most significant feature here is the integrated D-rings that you can use for things like line cutters and pliers.
- It also features a sunglasses compartment, so you don’t have to worry about dropping them or crushing them in the bag.
Pros
- Huge backpack
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Comfortable
Cons
- One color and style only
If you’re in the market for a backpack that won’t leave you feeling sore even after a long day, this is the one.
It’s lightweight even though it has one of the largest capacities we have in this review.
It features a ton of pockets and plenty of padded straps to take some of the weight of your shoulders.
Prospo 40L Military Tactical Shoulder Backpack

BEST BACKPACK WITH HYDRATION BLADDER
Specs
- Capacity: 40 liters
- Size: 11 x 18 x 12 inches
- Weight: 2.82 lbs
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- This multi-purpose backpack uses heavy-duty polyester, so it doesn’t lose shape.
- It features a comfortable padded mesh on the back with shoulder straps and a chest strap for added comfort and support.
- The backpack is durable, with double stitching and a secure handle for carrying.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- You have a lot of options with this pack.
- You don’t need to use it as a fishing backpack if you don’t want to.
- It’s a tactical backpack for use in hunting, survival, and bug-outs.
- The 40-liters amounts to a lot of space, and more than you would need in most fishing applications.
BUYING ADVICE
- The main feature of this backpack is the 3-liter hydration bladder.
- If you found yourself stuck out on the water for any reason, you would have enough water to last until someone came to help you.
Pros
- Multi-purpose backpack
- Hydration bladder
- Plenty of padding
- Water-resistant
Cons
- The main compartment is too small for medium tackle trays
You don’t always need to have a fishing backpack to go fishing, a survivalist backpack will work just as well!
You can’t fit any of the standard-size tackle trays in here, but a combination of the smaller ones will do the trick.
What you do get is a large and spacious backpack that is as durable as they get.
Plus, the hydration bladder isn’t something you’ll know you need until you need it.
3 in 1 Multifunction Fishing Backpack

MOST VERSATILE FISHING BACKPACK
Specs
- Capacity: 1.8 liters
- Size: 17.32 x 14.17 x 12.20 inches
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- You get a three-for-one deal with this multifunctional backpack.
- It features a tackle bag, folding chair, and even a cooler.
- The backpack chair is 17.32 x 14.17 x 12.20 inches, and it’s made with high-quality PVC material and waterproofing features.
- The straps are wide and breathable, so you have maximum comfort on long trips.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- You can use this backpack for a variety of things, so it works well for picnics, beach trips, and camping.
- It’s easy to set up the backpack chair because everything unfolds quickly and easily, and you can still access all seven of the storage compartments to get to your gear, wallet, phone, and anything else you might have.
BUYING ADVICE
- The built-in cooler is great because you have your very own portable live well to store your catch. If you’re not into that, you can use it for food and drink as well.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Highly functional and multi-purpose
- Built-in cooler
- Backpack/Chair combo
Cons
- Limited straps
This is great for the angler who likes to get away from crowds but doesn’t want to haul a lawn chair four miles down the creek.
I love the versatility of this backpack and the option to rest your feet while fishing in your favorite fishing shoes.
SpiderWire Sling Fishing Backpack

Specs
- Capacity: 15 liters
- Size: 22.8 x 9.8 x 5.1 inches
- Weight: 1.32 lbs
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- This sling backpack offers a design a little different than some of the previous options.
- You can choose where you want to carry this one, and the adjustable padded strap ensures you stay comfortable throughout the day.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- SpiderWire offers enough storage for two tackle trays in the main compartment with seven additional side pockets for fishing gear and personal belongings on your trip.
- It also boasts a sunglasses pocket, organizer, and tool holder with velcro.
BUYING ADVICE
- The main selling point of this backpack is it’s lightweight and easy-to-carry design.
- The sling design makes it comfortable to hang off either shoulder, and there is plenty of padding so you won’t feel fatigued.
Pros
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Compact and lightweight
- Multi-purpose
Cons
- Not a fishing backpack
If you’re looking for a multi-purpose backpack that you can use outside of trips to the lake, give this one a more thorough look.
The backpack looks great, and it’s as comfortable as any of the options available in this review.
Plus, you get plenty of pockets and storage areas, so you won’t have a hard time finding somewhere to put any of your belongings.
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack

Specs
- Capacity: 4 medium trays
- Size: 12.6 x 7.9 x 17.7
- Weight: N/A
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- This large tackle bag uses water-resistant high-density nylon with SBS zippers to protect against corrosion and water damage.
- You get 18 total compartments in this pack if you separate all of them using the provided dividers.
- You can choose to have 18 small sections or 11 large ones. It also comes with thick padding with a breathable design for added comfort.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- You can fit up to four medium-sized trays in the main flap on the front, plus you have ten other compartments for a variety of other pieces of gear.
- Everything inside the bag is collapsible, so you have complete control over how large or small you want each compartment.
BUYING ADVICE
- In addition to all the basic features, you get a sunglasses case, protective rain cover, and reflective strips to help you locate your gear at night.
Pros
- Plenty of storage
- Many different collapsible compartments
- Room for four medium trays
- Water-resistant
Cons
- None worth mentioning
I’m not often left speechless without a bad thing to say about a product we review, but that’s the case here.
This fishing pack offers everything you could want from plenty of storage to durable material and even waterproof pockets for things like your phone and wallet.
Blisswill Fishing Backpack

Specs
- Capacity: N/A
- Size: 12 x 8 x 7 inches
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- This is a multifunctional outdoor bag that you can use for a variety of things.
- The main thing that stands out right away is the durable and rough design.
- It’s made using 1000D nylon fabric.
- The stitches are extra firm, so this pack is sure to stand the test of time.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- While this isn’t the biggest fishing backpack we’ve reviewed so far, it offers plenty of room for you to store your fishing gear.
- It also comes with a rod-fixing strap so you can hook up your rod to the pack.
BUYING ADVICE
- The standout features of this bag are its durability and ability to take wear and tear.
- We’ve seen countless reviews of people talking about what they do with this backpack.
- If you’re an avid ice angler, this would be a great backpack to use with your ice fishing boots.
Pros
- Durable
- Long-lasting
- Rod strap
- Plenty of pockets
Cons
- Not that big
- Not too many dedicated fishing features
This backpack offers some of the strongest materials I’ve ever seen.
It’s abrasion and corrosion-resistant.
Plus, it’s also waterproof and easy to clean.
While it’s not the biggest backpack or one loaded with “fishing-specific” features, it’s a great option for a multi-purpose pack.
Ghosthorn Fishing Tackle Backpack

Specs
- Capacity: Suitable for 3600 trays
- Size: 14.5 x 8.2 x 5.1 inches
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY
- This pack maximizes durability with abrasion-resistant zippers, sturdy material, water-resistant, and mesh-covered foam padding to help with long trips.
- It also comes with rod belts on the side, which aren’t quite as great as rod holders, but they get the job done for an affordable backpack.
STORAGE AND SPACE
- This tackle bag can accommodate 3600 trays, and it does come with an ample amount of storage.
- It doesn’t come with the tackle trays because it’s not a dedicated fishing backpack, but you can use it for a variety of purposes.
BUYING ADVICE
- In addition to optimal storage and durability, it features an expandable water bottle pocket and clip buckles that you can use to store a hat, raincoat, or blanket if you can’t fit it inside the bag.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Affordable
- MOLLE belts for knives, pliers, and flashlights
- Rod belts
Cons
- Minimal features
Our last choice here is a fishing backpack that you can use for a variety of purposes.
Its durability and price are the selling points.
For less than $50 you can get a fully loaded fishing bag with abrasion-resistant zippers and water-resistant material.
It’s comfortable, and it comes with a few features that bass anglers will like.
The rod belts are a nice feature and something we don’t typically expect for a backpack in this price range.
Plus, the versatile clip buckles are something we look for when finding a bag for long-distance trips.
Finally, the MOLLE webs are always a high-quality feature and something usually seen in premium bags from the best brands.
This low-budget pack offers a safe place for you to store knives, pliers, keys, and flashlights.
Features to Look For in The Best Fishing Backpack

So, you’ve seen the reviews, and you’re considering getting a fishing backpack for yourself; how do you know you’re getting the best fishing bag?
I think there are six main components that make up the best fishing backpacks:
- Size/Capacity
- Organizational Features
- Rod Holders
- Durability/Waterproofing
- Comfort
- Fishing Specific Features
Size/Capacity
While you might not need a backpack as big as the next guy, it’s important to know what you need.
Think about the typical fishing trip for you or what type of trip you’re planning.
If you’re taking a day trip, you might not need as much space as someone going on a camping trip lasting three or four days.
Take a look at your gear too.
Personally, I don’t travel with a lot of gear. I think it’s better to keep it simple so I only take what I need.
So, I wouldn’t need a giant fishing backpack, I would prefer to go with something lightweight to accommodate the basics.
If you’re the type of angler that has to have all 300 lures at all times, you’ll want to keep that in mind when you shop.
Organizational Features
Organization is one of the most important features.
Not only does it help you find the things you want, but it helps you to not forget anything.
When you look in your bag, you should be able to see everything.
The best backpacks offer plenty of compartments that are easy to access and quick to look in and find something.
Also, keep in mind again, what kind of gear you have.
If you’re a fly angler, you’ll need a convenient way to store your flies. Some backpacks offer that, and others don’t even come close.
Rod Holders
Rod holders go along with keeping your gear organized.
You’ll find in some instances that you would prefer to have your rods secured to the bag instead of in your hands.
This comes in handy when fishing on a rocky back where you need your hands to keep your balance or catch yourself if you fall.
Durability/Waterproofing
I think these two go hand-in-hand.
If you’re spending a lot of time on the water, anything can happen.
You need a backpack that can hold up against all elements. This includes rain, wind, sleet, hail, snow, intense heat, UV rays, etc.
Make sure the backpack you choose offers reinforced zippers and fastening mechanisms so they won’t rust.
If you fish saltwater, we need to take this up another notch. Salt spray and even just salty air will wreak havoc on a poor-quality bag.
Some of the options recommended above have extra protection against salt corrosion.
Comfort
Everyone should have a comfortable backpack, right?
It needs to be lightweight, loaded with padding, and have adjustable straps that allow you to fit it perfectly to your body shape and size.
Almost all the fishing backpacks I’ve seen have ample padding with plenty of comfort features to prevent fatigue and shoulder strain.
Fishing Specific Features
This aspect is something that a lot of people aren’t talking about, but how could we ignore it?
The best fishing backpack will cater to bass anglers who are trying to stay organized and have an easier time transporting gear.
We’ve all seen that guy who never prepares, right?
He’s fumbling his gear together, things are falling out, he forgets stuff all the time, we all have a friend like that.
Having things like rod holders, utility boxes, and compartments for line, hooks, fish finders and extra reels will ensure this never happens to you.
Types of Fishing Backpacks

We don’t have to go too crazy here, but there are a few different types of fishing backpacks.
Knowing each type will help you choose the best fishing tackle bags for your situation.
Maybe you didn’t even know there were different types.
Check it out!
Traditional
The standard fishing backpack usually comes with two shoulder straps, and you carry it on your back.
These are bigger than some other bags, so they can accommodate more gear, but they’re also heavier.
If you take long fishing trips or you have a lot of gear, I would suggest going with one of these.
Rolling
Rolling backpacks are similar to the traditional backpack, but they have wheels and a handle that usually extends like a suitcase.
These are often even larger than traditional backpacks because they have a square shape that isn’t as comfortable on your back.
Much of the time, they do come with straps, but they’re quite bulky, and you wouldn’t want to carry them long distances.
If you’re planning a simple fishing trip where you’ll be doing a lot of shoreline fishing and maybe some picnicking, this would be a good choice.
Sling Backpacks
These packs are smaller than both previous options, and they’re meant for shorter trips.
You’ll drape the backpack over one shoulder with the single strap crossing over your chest.
Since they’re smaller, they’re usually lightweight, but they don’t carry as much gear.
Why You Should Have a Fishing Backpack

Why even bother, right? It’s another added expense and something else that may sit around the garage and never get used.
The bad news is, those two statements are potentially correct.
The good news is, they don’t have to be correct.
A fishing backpack is a great way to organize all your valuable gear and make the fishing trip more enjoyable.
We’ve all faced a situation where we couldn’t find something until we didn’t need it anymore.
Having a well-organized, fully-loaded fishing backpack ensures you never misplace something, and you can find it right away.
In addition to storage and organization, it’s also a comfortable way to carry extra belongings that you might need.
When you’re taking a long-term fishing trip, you might be traveling with food, drinks, blankets, and other things.
Some of these packs have straps that allow you to secure things to the top of the bag “backpacking style” if you don’t have enough room inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a fishing backpack?
All anglers need a fishing backpack. However, bank anglers will find the most benefit from using a backpack for fishing.
What should I pack in the fishing backpack?
You should pack the usual gear you use in the fishing backpack. This includes your tackle trays, fishing sunglasses, pliers, extra fishing line, hand towel, and your rod.
Can you take a backpack ice fishing?
Absolutely, you can take a backpack ice fishing! I highly recommend you bring your backpack when you ice fish because you’ll need a place to keep your gear safe. One trick that I’ve always used for ice fishing is to bring a sled to slide all the gear onto the ice. In most situations, you won’t be able to drive right onto the ice, so you’ll need an easy way to drag everything over to the whole.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve seen the best fishing backpacks for bass anglers, what do you think?
Do you think it’s worth purchasing one of these options to try and keep everything a little more organized?
I think it is, and that’s the main reason for doing this review.
The best bags will offer a ton of compartmentalized storage that makes it easy for you to find what you need so you can spend more time fishing and less time sifting through all your stuff.
They’ll also offer extra features that you might not have originally thought about.
I’m thinking of getting one with the hydration bladder simply because it seems like a cool feature, and you don’t have to carry water bottles or risk having plastic bottles blow away or land in the water.
Regardless of which choice you make, ensure that you keep all the buying factors in mind and choose a fishing backpack that suits your needs.
Thanks for reading!