Simms Headwaters Large Sling Pack Generous capacity easily fits three large fly boxesWide waist support creates all-day comfortLots of compartments keep you organizedConvenient, well-designed tippet holder The zippers bind up if you overstuff the packNo dedicated water bottle holderNo effective way to secure a long-handled guide net Professional guides might find this sling to be a bit small. But for everyone else, this pack offers generous storage capacity—and keeps it from feeling unwieldy. OrganizationThis is far from a pocketless sack. Whereas some slings minimize the number of compartments for a more streamlined carry, the Large Headwaters is divided into three zippered sections, each with additional pouches inside. The smallest of those is a hard-sized case for a fly box. Some testers don’t love hard-sided compartments because they’re less forgiving about the box you can shove inside. If your box happens to fit, great! But the hard-sided design doesn’t accommodate a too-big fly box.

The tippet-holder, however, is one of the best we’ve used. It’s simply an elastic cord and cordlock sewn to a Velcro patch that sticks to the hard-sided compartment. But its placement is perfect—front and center once you swing the pack around to your front—and the design makes it easy to switch out spools.ogio metro laptop backpack reviews ComfortThis pack is “Cadillac” plush. shimano unzen backpack reviewA thick (3/4”?) slab of egg-crate foam cushions your back from whatever you’re carrying and improves ventilation (see below). npc backpack liberty bayThe wide, rigid shoulder and hip straps ably support heavy loads, and the design nestles securely into the curves of your back. niv backpack bible zondervan

One professional guide stuffed it with three liters of water and a full complement of gear and found it comfortable after a full day of wear. AdjustabilityAlthough it’s obviously designed for “Mr. Medium,” this sling does adapt to shorter (to perhaps 5’3”) and taller anglers. The waist strap accommodates large (but not XXXL) waistlines.backpack dubizzle VentilationIts large size means there’s a lot of pack clinging to your body, but Simms does an impressive job of mitigating heat buildup. backpack eksportThe main compartment is lined with egg-crate foam and mesh fabric that lets some air circulate between the pack and your back, and the shoulder and hip straps use a honeycomb mesh that’s only mildly sweat-trapping. Water-resistanceThe 420-denier fabric is coated with a DWR treatment, so it repels drizzle and brief showers.

But it’s not waterproof, and wading more than waist-deep will soak the contents. CapacityWith this pack, there’s always room for one more—one more jacket, one more fly box, or one more sandwich. It holds a lot (15 liters, according to Simms) but it’s still a tad small for professional guides. Self-guided anglers should find its storage more than sufficient, and may appreciate generous storage that still manages to feel streamlined. How We Tested It The packs in this test were used by a team of fly-fishermen (and women) on multiple trips on Rocky Mountain rivers and lakes. The products featured in this test have been loaned to the Gear Institute. For more on our policies regarding editorial objectivity and sample returns, see here. > Bike Gear Reviews > Climbing Gear Reviews > Camping & Hiking Gear Reviews > Fishing Gear Reviews > Running Gear Reviews > Skiing Gear Reviews > Watersports Equipment Reviews Test ResultsArticlesTop StoriesUrban AdventureBest of the WebIndustry InsiderGear ReviewGearBaitBehind the ScenesQ & AGear ReviewsGear SchoolFresh GearPack Like a ProBest In ClassAboutOur ExpertsOur StoryPrivacy PolicyGear Nation

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GREATIntroduction: When is a backpack more thanWhen it is effectively carrying everything you need for that next successful fishing adventure. Simms has a complete range of packs ranging from small hip packs and sling packs to full size backpacks designed to transport everything you need for a trip in the backcountry. Headwaters Full Day Pack is designed to hold a complete range of fishing tackle as well as destination essentials to keep you fully geared up on the go, no matter where your next fishing hole is located. 24� x 15� x 4� The Simms Headwaters Full Day Pack offers 30 liters of storage goodness When I first started walking the shoreline of my local lakes targeting largemouth or fishing for trout residing in small streams in the backcountry I would stuff all my gear in the same backpack that I used every day for school. While my Jansport got the job done I never felt like my gear was organized, nor was the pack very comfortable when loaded up with anything more than five pounds

The main bag is constructed out of 420 Denier abrasion resistant fabric with DWR many tackle storage manufacturers have designed more effective ways to transportAs is always the case the longer you fish the more tackle you seem to accumulate, and the more important it becomes to have a storage solution that can carry all that �necessary� kit. Sometimes a 15 liter pack is enough for a short hike, but when you need to be prepared for a full day out in the field then a full sized 30 liter pack is more likely the way to go. A modular "Catch and Release" capacity you are able to not only hold your traditional tackle but also extra food, water and even a light jacket or fleece. The Headwaters Full Day Pack is appropriately named as it offers a large amount of storage, 1830 cubic inches to be exact, and the flexibility to handle anything the day brings. This pack is big enough to hold a laptop and camera gear FDP (Full Day Pack) is constructed out of 420 denier fabric which is abrasion

resistant, and the bottom of the pack is reinforced with even more durable 630By itself the pack feels reasonably light and weighs only 3The back of the pack has a rigid bolstering that help maintains the upright structure of the pack, making it easier to load, as well as has a positive impact on the overall ergonomic design of the backpack. The main compartment is organized with small pouches throughout FDP also possesses a modular accessory design that Simms calls the �Catch andOn both the front and back of the backpack anglers will find small circular magnetic receivers that can quickly latch and unlatch smallerOne example is attaching the Headwaters Chest Pack to the back while hiking, then attaching it to the front straps while fishing, which basically converts the Headwaters backpack into a vest/chest pack which provides quick and easy access to fly fishing or traditional fishing tackle. On the side anglers can drop in a