Fishing Backpack Buying Guide and Review

Are you looking for a fishing backpack, then read on as we review the top picks available on the market today. Whether you’re a seasoned angler who already knows what you’re looking for a fishing backpack or a beginner who is completely new in fishing and doesn’t have any idea what’s best and whatnot. We put together the list of best fishing backpacks along with features to look for, so you can find the right one that fits your needs quickly and easily.

What is a fishing backpack?

Fishing backpacks are not like standard or regular backpacks. It is equipped with all the handy pockets and features specifically designed for organizing your fishing gears. It gives you the ability to carry all your gears easily and conveniently.

This Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack shows the most common fishing backpack features:

Backpack Type

Fishing backpacks come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but there are 2 major types of fishing backpacks. Depending on your personal preferences, knowing these will definitely help when choosing the one that’s right for you.

Traditional. This standard fishing backpack is the bigger option designed to accommodate more gears. Though it’s a lot heavier due to its size, it comes with 2 shoulder straps, evenly distributes that weight across your shoulder, and falls right in the middle of your back. Giving you the most comfortable fit despite the weight. This type of bag is ideal for long fishing trips, where you need to carry lots of stuff. 

Other traditional packs have additional features like wheels and handles that allow you to carry them like a suitcase. Wearing it like a backpack can be uncomfortable, but this could be a good choice if you’re doing a lot of shoreline fishing. 

Cross-body. Also known as a sling bag. This pack is the smaller and lightweight option, because of its size, your space is pretty limited. Since you can’t carry much gear, this is meant for shorter fishing trips. This typically comes with a single strap that you can wear over 1 shoulder. Some models have an adjustable strap that you can convert into a double strap and wear it like a standard backpack. 

Features to Look For the Best Fishing Backpack

There are many brands to choose from that offer different levels of quality and features. Here are the things worthy of knowing before making any purchase to ensure you got the must-have components of a fishing backpack.

Size and Storage Space

When it comes to choosing the right size and storage space, it is important to know what you need. Consider your typical fishing trip, and make a list of all gears you always carry and use. Your fishing backpack should fit everything you want to bring.

Also, consider how you’re going to use your backpack spaces to carry and organize all your gears. If you are the type of angler who carries a lot of larger gears, you should look for a backpack with a large main compartment. Otherwise, if you prefer to pack light and bring lots of smaller pieces like tackle and hooks, find the one with handy zip pockets and compartments. Most fishing backpacks already have a big main compartment and come with tackle boxes already which is a great deal.

Weight and Comfort

Always consider the backpack capacity and the amount of weight you will add after putting all your fishing equipment in. Make sure not to overload. You wouldn’t want a bulky fishing backpack that is so uncomfortable to carry around.

You may hurt yourself carrying a heavy load over a long period especially if you go out fishing the whole day. So make comfort your top priority!

Water Resistance and Durability

Depending on your preferred method of fishing, you might not need a water-resistant backpack. If you’re not regularly fish in unpredictable weather conditions, and just caught in the rain occasionally, buying a separate waterproof cover will give you the right protection you need without paying more. 

But, if you’re into surf fishing,  we recommended that you get it. As you’re more likely to get wet with salt water splashes. Water-resistant bags are also corrosion-resistant, reducing damage from saltwater. Some fishing backpacks come with a waterproof cover that you can easily pop when you need it but expect to pay extra for that additional feature.

Additional Features

Some fishing backpacks are equipped with fishing rod holders, adjustable storage configurations, and detachable compartments. So if you need it, definitely pay attention to those.


Top Best Fishing Backpack Reviews

Here are our reviews of the best fishing backpacks. 

1. Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack

Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack

Key Features:

  • Large Capacity
  • Protective Rain Cover
  • Retractable Bottle Pocket
  • Hard Molded Sunglasses Case
  • Indestructible KAM Buckle
  • Double SBS Zippers
  • Movable Clapboard in The Main Bag
  • Rubber feet to protect the bag from the water

Specs:

  • Dimension: L(12.6’’) * W(7.9’’) * H(17.7’’)
  • Colors available: Khaki, Black, and Camouflage

Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack has been built to last. This bag is made from high-quality water-resistant thick nylon fabrics, along with durable buckles and zippers. The heavy-duty stitching makes it more durable, sure to handle itself in the rain, mud, sun, and everything else.

This bag is composed of 11 separate compartments. It has adjustable dividers that can expand it up to 18 storage areas. The main compartments fit 4 hard tackle trays perfectly. And the side pockets are fairly large and open outward for quick access and plenty of extra storage. There is also a bottom compartment for the rain cover.

The padding on the back and shoulder straps are well cushioned, designed to ensure comfort and evenly distribute weight when carrying heavier loads. 

What most anglers liked about this bag are the designated sunglasses compartment shell and waterproof phone pockets. 


2. Prospo 40L Military Tactical Shoulder Backpack

Prospo 40L Military Tactical Shoulder Backpack

Key Features:

  • Well organized compartments
  • Large capacity
  • Y shape buckle strap
  • Top heavy-duty handle
  • Rear compartment for electronics
  • Molle webbing design
  • Breathable back padding
  • Water-resistant
  • 2-way cord zipper
  • 2.5l/3l Bladder capability

Specs:

  • Dimension: W(11″) * H(18″) * L(12″)
  • Weight: 2.82lb
  • Volume: 40L or so
  • Colors available: Khaki, Black, and Black Camo

This multi-purpose tactical backpack is made of durable polyester fabric with a water-resistant coating. This backpack is designed for sports activities like hunting, hiking, fishing, and more. A 40L capacity is large enough to hold all of your gears and clothes. It is also equipped with a molle webbing system that you can utilize strapping things on the outside for extra attachments. 

The padded back area and shoulder strap, along with detachable waist and chest strap ensure comfort and evenly distribute weight when you wear it even on long fishing excursions that involve more walking and hiking.


3. KastKing Fishing Tackle Backpack

KastKing Fishing Tackle Backpack


Key Features:

  • Large main compartment
  • Sunglasses compartment
  • 2 rods tie-down bungee
  • Molle straps & exterior pockets
  • Hide-away double rod holder
  • Padded adjustable backpack & shoulder straps
  • Rod & Tool Storage

Specs:

  • Dimension: 21.25×13.4×9.25 inches
  • Weight: 3.09 lbs

This lightweight versatile fishing backpack has all the components and storage capacity you need for fishing. Efficiently designed to carry all your gears and fishing tools. It offers plenty of storage with a large main compartment that can hold up to 4 pieces of 3600 tackle boxes

It also has 11 exterior pockets including a sunglasses compartment.  It’s great and extra helpful with water, food, fishing materials, valuables, and other accessories.

This bag is truly made for fit and comfort. With its special design padded waist strap with pockets, adjustable chest strap, and padded shoulder strap and back pad, ensure evenly distributed weight on your shoulder and full mobility to fish while wearing the backpack.

Please note that the 3600 tackle boxes are not included. You can purchase it separately.


4. Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack

Wild River Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack

Key Features:

  • Removable plier holder
  • External and internal mesh pockets
  • Removable self-retracting steel cable
  • Additional storage pockets to hold trays
  • Base pads
  • Large adjustable padded shoulder straps and added sternum strap
  • Web loops to secure tools
  • Lower compartment tray for storage
  • Protective rain cover
  • Permanently mounted molded sunglass holder

Specs:

  • Dimension: 18.5 x 17 x 8.5 in
  • Weight: 4.75 lbs

The Wild River Nomad backpack is one of the best options you can find when it comes to a fishing backpack. It’s well thought out storage design perfect for anglers who prefer bringing all their gears on their fishing trips.

It features a large upper storage area with a removable divider to convert it to a full-size backpack with a capacity to hold up to six 3600-series and four 3500-series tackle boxes. The side pouches offer lots of room too for all your other gears. The front pocket cover folds down that can be used as a work surface.

Another smart feature of this bag is the inner LED lighting system, so using the bag in a low-light environment won’t be a problem.


5. Spiderwire Fishing Tackle Backpack

Spiderwire Fishing Tackle Backpack


Key Features:

  • 100% polyester material
  • Adjustable 3-section main compartment
  • Fishing Rod Holder
  • Well organized and sorted compartments
  • Comes with 3 tackle boxes
  • Comfortable straps and harness
  • Built-in cooler
  • Foam molder sunglasses case

Specs:

  • Dimension: 8 x 15 x 16 in
  • Weight: 4.55 lbs

This Spiderwire Fishing Tackle Backpack is designed for a long day of fishing that involves more walking and hiking rough terrain. It’s made of 100% polyester, it is very well built and lightweight. It’s a decent-sized bag, it may look small from the outside but its well-organized and sorted compartments allow enough room for all your gears and tackle box storage. You can even put in your packed lunch and some drinks without having to carry a cooler. 

It features a chest buckle that helps with weight distribution, so you won’t get shoulder fatigue even if you carry this bag for hours.

The 3 tackle boxes that were included were very sturdy and fit a lot of stuff too. And the double-clip rod holders work great too. 

A couple of things to note though, this bag isn’t waterproof, has no rain cover included, and doesn’t has rubber feet, so make sure not to put your bag in the wet area.


Having a dedicated fishing backpack is indeed vital for a great fishing experience. It surely helps in keeping your gear organized and easy to carry. Hope you find this guide helpful in finding the right fishing backpack that fits your needs. 

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