I’ve been reviewing and pricing sling packs for several days and Fishpond was a second or maybe third choice. Looked at it at Sportsman’s Warehouse and actually moved it to the top of the list. Watched your review in the parking lot and went back in and bought it. Saved $50 over my previous number one pick. I love this thing. I have a trip planned in 3days and can’t wait to use it. Thanks for the honest vid - it was very well done.
Well done!! Most reviews of this sling that I've found online only display the pack on a desk or countertop to display the pockets and attachment points. This is the first video I've found where the presenter actually puts the sling on and shows how it functions. I bought the 2.0 version as a result of your review. As far as waterproofness, most of my fly boxes are plastic with rubber gaskets. For 'must-keep-dry' items, zip-lock bags work for me.
Great review! Fishpond’s official video is next to worthless. Yours is very thorough and helpful. I agree with your concern about it not being waterproof. Have you looked into the various waterproofing applications. I have used some sprays that do a good job on fabric. Of course, the weak point there would be zippers, but they seem to be on the higher points of the pack. Tight lines!
That's a great idea to look at / try waterproofing applications. For whatever reason, I never really thought of that! But you're right the weak point would be the zippers. One of the zippers is kind of "water resistant" so it may keep that back section a little more dry with water resistance treating the fabric.
This is a great product review Ed! Very natural presentation and concise and to the point. Time to use those talents for video teaching at Lighthouse! ;D
Great video with very useful info - I like the pack but also found your comments at the end regarding a hip pack to be helpful as I try to figure out what style to purchase. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the thorough review. I've watched several now for other sling packs. I agree with the concern of the pack not being water proof for the inside contents because it means all my fly boxes will get wet (no good for hooks to sit in a wet environment) but there are ways to mitigate this concern. Because of your review I will likely buy this pack and hang up my vest forever.
I got a small comment/critique on the video: Look at the LENS of the camera and not "over there" at the screen/viewfinder. When you talk to someone, you look them in the eye...we...the audience is "IN" the camera so look at the lens. Other than that, great video dude!
I know this review is 2yrs old. Don’t know if you still use this pack. This was a good review. I enjoyed the honest review. I want to let you know that the end cap on the water bottle lanyard is detachable. Just pry the two pieces apart reset the small bungee into the cap and push them back together and voila, as good as new.
I also have a Summit Sling 2.0. The zipper on the rear compartment is more water resistant than the others. I wouldn't consider it waterproof but items in there have a better chance of staying dry.
Awesome review. I was recently gifted a 2.0 by a dear friend. This is my first sling pack and I feel completely spoiled. I'm stoked to set this one up. Thanks for your help!
Thanks, just bought this pack so looking forward to using it. I tend no to wade too deep so should be fine for me. Thanks for your vid, really helpful, can I ask what that is hanging from the fishpond retractor? Thanks again
Thanks, I hope the pack works out for you! The thing hanging from my fishpond retractor is an aluminum rod holder c-clip (with high-density foam inside). It works ok, but I've found I don't end up using it much and I just end up putting the rod in my armpit more often than not. More recently, I bought an o-pros rod holder and the jury is still out on that. Cheers!
Great review, thanks so much! Hey on the shock cord for your water bottle, the end tab is two pieces, pull out the top and you can thread your 2 cords through and into the alligator teeth and snap it back together.
Great review, and your last con is a deal breaker. Once a pack gets as large as this one is, I would argue that it is more comfortable and better for your lower back if the weight is distributed symmetrically over both shoulders. So for me this means going back to my pack vest* for heavy loads, and keeping a sling pack for light trips of short duration. Thanks for making your review which gels this in my mind. *After going through a number of rather expensive options, my preferred pack vest is the Patagonia Sweet Pack Vest, no longer in production. Lumbar packs suck, at least the ones I've tried, because it kills the ease of access which is the whole point.
Nice vid! I have a cheap clone of this pack, but it's starting to fall apart. Wondering if I should get the actual thing or if I should try something else.
Thanks for the feedback. I feel your pain in regards to $s for the Fishpond. It's not cheap, but it has served me well and hasn't fallen apart for sure. Fishpond also seems to always get me on the color schemes they choose. LOL!
Greetings from SC, killer review. Fishpond has a great wading belt called the Westbank that is very supportive. Also comes in a lumbar, hip pack configuration
Very in depth review. I think I’ll stick with my vest because of the weight factor. For you back I would suggest a lumbar belt, they have a loop to hold your net and can be adjusted for comfort so you can keep your vest and keep your gear out the water. It works fairly well. All major fly fishing manufacturers make them.
This was a great honest assessment of the FP sling pack. I've tried both the FP Thunderhead water proof pack and the Fishpond Flathead (not water proof). While I like the idea of Water Proof (WP), the WP models don't have the compartmentalization and organization found in the non-WP models. It's a trade off and I'm not sure of the right thing to do.
I picked up a FP Thunderhead Hip pack for this season. I agree on the lack of compartments in the Thunderhead hip pack where all my stuff is floating around pretty much in the one main compartment. Still testing out how to "work" with it.
Thanks for the video! I purchased one of these and am looking forward to trying it out. In terms of the net I attach mine to an orvis retractor at the junction of the handle and the net on the wading belt and then use a smith creek net holder on the belt to hold it. I'm not sure how that will work with the sling pack but it might be better than having in that sling pack. The nice thing about attaching it with a retractor on the belt is that you can also leave it hanging off of the belt in the front which is nice when you are fishing as it provides quick access. Thanks
Awesome! My friend also has one of those retractors for his net. I think the other nice feature is that it can easily detach from the retractor also. Tight lines!
Very nice review- clear and thorough...I've been considering this pack vs the Patagonia stealth sling. My current lumbar type pack does not allow me to carry my net on a d-loop high enough, especially wading through the swift current. Keep up the great work!
Nice and informative video you have made. Especially like that you have had your Fishpond Summit Sling for 2 years, so you have experience with it. I'm going to buy this Fishpond Summit Sling. Thank you and best regards from Kenn in Denmark :-)
Thanks, I'm really glad I was able to help with my thoughts. I wish you good fishing and tight lines in Denmark and everywhere your adventures take you! :)
Nice review, especially how you use yours and where you stow and arrange gear. I picked up the identical sling pack (but not fishpond branded) at Mad River Outfitters for $59.00.
Thanks for posting such a helpful video. I recently bought the Mad River Teton pack and am trying to figure out how to rig and wear it. Your video answered my questions and provided new ideas for me to try. Thanks!
Excellent and detailed presentations. Much better than most. Recently purchased this pack thanks to your review. I am not sure the hip pack will help with water permeability as it stands lower, unless it’s fully waterproof of course. Maybe a chest pack would be preferable since it is higher. I will be testing waterproof sprays to see if they actually hold up to bag being submerged.
I’ve used waterproof sprays before and have had only success in them being water resistant and not water proof when submerging. But maybe I’m just not using the right treatments.
Good review... I am not a fan of sling packs when you get older you'll find that they are just too bad for your back a fly fishing vest really helps distribute the weight evenly and is so much easier accessible having everything right on your chest in front. Also having a magnetic connection for your net is a game changer. Getting the net in and out of the pack is such a pain with the sling pack. Also just the sheer weight of a sling pack is heavier let alone the weight distributed on one shoulder. The sling pack is just a hipster's fly fishing vest more expensive and impractical in my opinion.
Yep, definitely feeling the weight distribution different and sore lower back after a long day on the river. Thanks for your comments on your experience! Cheers!
Great review. I'm in my 50s now and my back is getting sore with my Simms Waist pack. I'm considering a sling to see if it makes any difference. I'm undecided between the fishpond summit, or the new orvis sling.
I was looking at the Orvis sling a few weeks ago for a local friend. I felt like the storage capacity was a little lower compared to the Summit. But I did like the integrated tippet bar.
Agree with John M - Great review - I'm looking to buy and use a day pack this year. Your comments on waterproofing and lumber packs compel me to broaden my review. Will be interested in the lumber pack you choose - Cheers and thank you :-)
Thanks for the feedback! I'm right now considering the Fishpond Thunderhead Lumbar pack, but it's steep in price. Actually most of the submersible packs are in that same price range, so it's just a matter dollars and timing.
I’ve been reviewing and pricing sling packs for several days and Fishpond was a second or maybe third choice. Looked at it at Sportsman’s Warehouse and actually moved it to the top of the list. Watched your review in the parking lot and went back in and bought it. Saved $50 over my previous number one pick. I love this thing. I have a trip planned in 3days and can’t wait to use it. Thanks for the honest vid - it was very well done.
Awesome! I'm so glad it was helpful.
Well done!! Most reviews of this sling that I've found online only display the pack on a desk or countertop to display the pockets and attachment points. This is the first video I've found where the presenter actually puts the sling on and shows how it functions. I bought the 2.0 version as a result of your review.
As far as waterproofness, most of my fly boxes are plastic with rubber gaskets. For 'must-keep-dry' items, zip-lock bags work for me.
Yep, ziploc bags work great for things like my fishing license or wallet or car keys. Thanks for watching!
Great review! Fishpond’s official video is next to worthless. Yours is very thorough and helpful.
I agree with your concern about it not being waterproof. Have you looked into the various waterproofing applications. I have used some sprays that do a good job on fabric. Of course, the weak point there would be zippers, but they seem to be on the higher points of the pack.
Tight lines!
That's a great idea to look at / try waterproofing applications. For whatever reason, I never really thought of that! But you're right the weak point would be the zippers. One of the zippers is kind of "water resistant" so it may keep that back section a little more dry with water resistance treating the fabric.
This is a great product review Ed! Very natural presentation and concise and to the point. Time to use those talents for video teaching at Lighthouse! ;D
Thanks! :)
Great video with very useful info - I like the pack but also found your comments at the end regarding a hip pack to be helpful as I try to figure out what style to purchase. Keep up the good work!
I'm glad you found it helpful and thanks for your feedback!
Thanks for the thorough review. I've watched several now for other sling packs. I agree with the concern of the pack not being water proof for the inside contents because it means all my fly boxes will get wet (no good for hooks to sit in a wet environment) but there are ways to mitigate this concern. Because of your review I will likely buy this pack and hang up my vest forever.
Great comment about getting flies/hooks wet. Thanks for watching!
I got a small comment/critique on the video:
Look at the LENS of the camera and not "over there" at the screen/viewfinder.
When you talk to someone, you look them in the eye...we...the audience is "IN" the camera so look at the lens.
Other than that, great video dude!
Thanks, yep I need to do that.
I know this review is 2yrs old. Don’t know if you still use this pack. This was a good review. I enjoyed the honest review. I want to let you know that the end cap on the water bottle lanyard is detachable. Just pry the two pieces apart reset the small bungee into the cap and push them back together and voila, as good as new.
Great idea! Thanks for watching!
I also have a Summit Sling 2.0. The zipper on the rear compartment is more water resistant than the others. I wouldn't consider it waterproof but items in there have a better chance of staying dry.
That’s a good point. Thanks for watching.
Awesome review. I was recently gifted a 2.0 by a dear friend. This is my first sling pack and I feel completely spoiled. I'm stoked to set this one up. Thanks for your help!
Thanks for watching and I’m glad it was useful!
Thanks for the very detailed description of the pack. You did a great job.
I'm glad it was helpful! Tight lines!
Thanks, just bought this pack so looking forward to using it. I tend no to wade too deep so should be fine for me. Thanks for your vid, really helpful, can I ask what that is hanging from the fishpond retractor? Thanks again
Thanks, I hope the pack works out for you! The thing hanging from my fishpond retractor is an aluminum rod holder c-clip (with high-density foam inside). It works ok, but I've found I don't end up using it much and I just end up putting the rod in my armpit more often than not. More recently, I bought an o-pros rod holder and the jury is still out on that. Cheers!
Thanks for the review, very thorough! I was thinking about getting that same net, what do you think about it?
The net has worked well for me. I like the long handle since it makes landing fish a little easier and sooner so that they don't tire out as much.
Great review, thanks so much! Hey on the shock cord for your water bottle, the end tab is two pieces, pull out the top and you can thread your 2 cords through and into the alligator teeth and snap it back together.
Great idea/find! Thanks for watching!
Great review, and your last con is a deal breaker. Once a pack gets as large as this one is, I would argue that it is more comfortable and better for your lower back if the weight is distributed symmetrically over both shoulders. So for me this means going back to my pack vest* for heavy loads, and keeping a sling pack for light trips of short duration. Thanks for making your review which gels this in my mind.
*After going through a number of rather expensive options, my preferred pack vest is the Patagonia Sweet Pack Vest, no longer in production. Lumbar packs suck, at least the ones I've tried, because it kills the ease of access which is the whole point.
Thanks for the feedback. Yep, definitely the main reason I started looking at hip packs.
Nice vid! I have a cheap clone of this pack, but it's starting to fall apart. Wondering if I should get the actual thing or if I should try something else.
Thanks for the feedback. I feel your pain in regards to $s for the Fishpond. It's not cheap, but it has served me well and hasn't fallen apart for sure. Fishpond also seems to always get me on the color schemes they choose. LOL!
Greetings from SC, killer review. Fishpond has a great wading belt called the Westbank that is very supportive. Also comes in a lumbar, hip pack configuration
Thanks for the tip!
By far the most relatable review of this pack that I've seen. I just bought one, so you should ask FP to endorse you! We'll done. Thanks
Awesome, thank you for watching!
Very in depth review. I think I’ll stick with my vest because of the weight factor. For you back I would suggest a lumbar belt, they have a loop to hold your net and can be adjusted for comfort so you can keep your vest and keep your gear out the water. It works fairly well. All major fly fishing manufacturers make them.
Yep definitely looking into and trying a lumbar belt!
This was a great honest assessment of the FP sling pack. I've tried both the FP Thunderhead water proof pack and the Fishpond Flathead (not water proof). While I like the idea of Water Proof (WP), the WP models don't have the compartmentalization and organization found in the non-WP models. It's a trade off and I'm not sure of the right thing to do.
I picked up a FP Thunderhead Hip pack for this season. I agree on the lack of compartments in the Thunderhead hip pack where all my stuff is floating around pretty much in the one main compartment. Still testing out how to "work" with it.
Thanks for the video! I purchased one of these and am looking forward to trying it out. In terms of the net I attach mine to an orvis retractor at the junction of the handle and the net on the wading belt and then use a smith creek net holder on the belt to hold it. I'm not sure how that will work with the sling pack but it might be better than having in that sling pack. The nice thing about attaching it with a retractor on the belt is that you can also leave it hanging off of the belt in the front which is nice when you are fishing as it provides quick access. Thanks
Awesome! My friend also has one of those retractors for his net. I think the other nice feature is that it can easily detach from the retractor also. Tight lines!
Very nice review- clear and thorough...I've been considering this pack vs the Patagonia stealth sling. My current lumbar type pack does not allow me to carry my net on a d-loop high enough, especially wading through the swift current. Keep up the great work!
Glad it was helpful!
thank you
You're welcome! And thanks for watching!
Have the same pack and looooove it. Very nice review and great use of net clip, I’ve wondered about a good way to secure it.
Thanks for your comments and feedback!
Nice and informative video you have made. Especially like that you have had your Fishpond Summit Sling for 2 years, so you have experience with it. I'm going to buy this Fishpond Summit Sling. Thank you and best regards from Kenn in Denmark :-)
Thanks, I'm really glad I was able to help with my thoughts. I wish you good fishing and tight lines in Denmark and everywhere your adventures take you! :)
@@OutdoorVector Thanks and the same to you :-)
Hello!! very nice review. thank you.tight lines always
Thanks for watching!
Nice review. Been looking to get a pack. Thanks
I'm glad it was useful to you. I really do like the pack. I'm still using it now.
Nice review, especially how you use yours and where you stow and arrange gear. I picked up the identical sling pack (but not fishpond branded) at Mad River Outfitters for $59.00.
Wow, great deal! Thanks for watching.
Thanks - very helpful!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for posting such a helpful video. I recently bought the Mad River Teton pack and am trying to figure out how to rig and wear it. Your video answered my questions and provided new ideas for me to try. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks! Very helpful and your doing awesome!
Thanks so much for watching!
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for the visit!
Well done.
Thanks so much for your feedback.
Excellent and detailed presentations. Much better than most. Recently purchased this pack thanks to your review.
I am not sure the hip pack will help with water permeability as it stands lower, unless it’s fully waterproof of course. Maybe a chest pack would be preferable since it is higher.
I will be testing waterproof sprays to see if they actually hold up to bag being submerged.
Thanks for your comments! I actually did end up getting a hip pack that is waterproof for the reason you mentioned (whole pack sits at waist level).
I was wondering, why not use a waterproof spray ?
I’ve used waterproof sprays before and have had only success in them being water resistant and not water proof when submerging. But maybe I’m just not using the right treatments.
I appreciate your input.
Thank you
Which brand and model waterproof hip-pack did you get ?
Good review... I am not a fan of sling packs when you get older you'll find that they are just too bad for your back a fly fishing vest really helps distribute the weight evenly and is so much easier accessible having everything right on your chest in front. Also having a magnetic connection for your net is a game changer. Getting the net in and out of the pack is such a pain with the sling pack. Also just the sheer weight of a sling pack is heavier let alone the weight distributed on one shoulder. The sling pack is just a hipster's fly fishing vest more expensive and impractical in my opinion.
Yep, definitely feeling the weight distribution different and sore lower back after a long day on the river. Thanks for your comments on your experience! Cheers!
Great review. I'm in my 50s now and my back is getting sore with my Simms Waist pack. I'm considering a sling to see if it makes any difference. I'm undecided between the fishpond summit, or the new orvis sling.
I was looking at the Orvis sling a few weeks ago for a local friend. I felt like the storage capacity was a little lower compared to the Summit. But I did like the integrated tippet bar.
Does the Sheath (Net Holder) have an opening for longer handle nets to go totally through? The handle of my net is longer then yours.
Yep, there's a hole at the bottom of the sheath portion. My handle when fully inserted does poke through the bottom of it.
You can catch a brief glimpse of the bottom hole at about 8:50 in the video. Thanks for your comment and question!
Agree with John M - Great review - I'm looking to buy and use a day pack this year. Your comments on waterproofing and lumber packs compel me to broaden my review. Will be interested in the lumber pack you choose - Cheers and thank you :-)
Thanks for the feedback! I'm right now considering the Fishpond Thunderhead Lumbar pack, but it's steep in price. Actually most of the submersible packs are in that same price range, so it's just a matter dollars and timing.