 In the search for the best fishing pack we’ve come to find the Patagonia Stealth Atom Sling Pack a one of a kind. Several manufacturers have put together sling packs over the years, and even Patagonia has put one out before, but there are a few unique things that the Stealth Atom has over any others. A sling pack is the perfect size for hiking around your favorite stream. We have used this pack steel heading and find that it works well even when spey casting. It’s also a great go to pack when you’re in it for the long haul on salt water flat.
If you haven’t used a sling pack before we prefer them because they tend to distribute weight better than a chest or hip pack, it also places the strap and weight over your shoulders instead of on your neck or back. Most people don’t think about the strap systems, but putting the strap over your shoulder is a huge benefit. Straps that directly touch your skin or sit on the back of your neck get uncomfortable and hot after a while, that’s why we prefer a sling where the strap goes over your shoulder and you have a shirt acting as a buffer between your skin and the strap.
One feature I really like is having a water bottle holder. It sounds like a small or usual feature of a fishing pack, but a lot of chest packs or sling packs don’t allow for a water bottle. You can always stuff one in the pack, but I prefer that room for my boxes or even a light rain jacket. I find that my Katadyn Filter Bottle fits perfectly or even my nalgene.
I have used several waste packs and it’s always a pain on the Provo River, or river of that size and you have to cross in waste deep water. Everything gets soaked, with the Stealth Sling everything sits up on your shoulders and it allows you a few extra inches of wading depth.
Another great benefit to this pack is when you sling the main compartment to the front it sits perfectly horizontal and allows you easy access to all your gear. It also has a molded front pocket with fly foam that serves well as a great work bench or small fly box holder. In the main compartment I can put two of my large C&F fly boxes as well as two more Scientific Angler 752 Max boxes. If that isn’t enough flies to get me by any situation then I’m in trouble. Also it keeps everything on your back and the front is clean which means no line snags or restrictions when casting.
Lastly I try to be minimalist, but after guiding for some years I just know you always have to be prepared. I like the size of this pack because it doesn’t feel like a large vest or back pack, but has enough storage and can carry everything I need to for a day on the water. If you have been looking for a new pack or vest I would seriously give the Patagonia Stealth Atom a looksy.
Thanks for reading if you have any questions feel free to give me a call at the shop or drop me a line. Have a good one!
Bryce Nichols
801-521-6424 |
