Fly Pack vs. Vest

Tagged: fly fishing vest

This topic has 6 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 1 month ago by Tom Strawther.

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- July 31, 2026 at 1:47 pm #34885
  
  mharvey79
  Participant
  
  Question for the group. I have a Simms vest I’ve used since taking the class in 2008. I like it and its been functional. However, in the summer it gets hot and I’m thinking of adding a pack instead for summer fishing. Any advice you can give? I’m concerned about attaching all my stuff (nippers, “my precious” etc.). I was thinking of adding the Simms Tributary Chest Pack to my collection (I got a refund on some boots that separated at the sole and need to use up the gift card).
  
  Would appreciate those who use a pack what you like/dislike and how you use it vs. a vest.
  
  Thanks!
  
  https://www.simmsfishing.com/products/tributary-hybrid-chest-pack?variant=45721476661438
- July 31, 2026 at 1:59 pm #34886
  
  Glenn Haake
  Participant
  
  I recently moved to a fish pond chest pack from a vest for the same reason. I’ve now used it several times and really like it. I like the fish pond because it has the D loop for the net in back, I can’t speak to the orvis
  
  https://bigyflyco.com/products/fishpond-cross-current-chest-pack?variant=45253428085020&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping&currency=USD&country=US&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23838720202&gclid=CjwKCAjwj7HTBhBiEiwA8s35OhyS60c8A2GwKqA70F_-j3bwQlcJDDKGByvsB-mFYYQT5scIzRpoJBoCw3oQAvD_BwE
- July 31, 2026 at 7:32 pm #34887
  
  mharvey79
  Participant
  
  Thanks Glenn, I’ll check it out too.
- August 1, 2026 at 1:04 pm #34899
  
  Jim Craig
  Keymaster
  
  I can’t speak to your question about packs versus vests, cause I’m still a vest guy, but if you have any Extra funds on your Simms’ gift card, consider buying some Simms’ fishing gloves. They are fantastic in the summer for keeping the sun off your hands and still keeping cool. They do not interfere with the dexterity needed for tying on flies or unhooking fish.
- August 1, 2026 at 11:10 pm #34902
  
  MichaelCfffg
  Participant
  
  I use a vest and have never tried a chest pack, but I keep my nippers and a bunch of other stuff I need very often on a lanyard around my neck. That works best for that stuff for me!
- August 2, 2026 at 7:34 am #34903
  
  mharvey79
  Participant
  
  Thanks guys!
- September 1, 2026 at 10:29 am #34988
  
  Tom Strawther
  Participant
  
  From personal experience, I suggest borrowing a chest pack for testing. I love the concept of a chest pack, but I found that it blocks my vision to my feet when wading. Not a good thing for me!!
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