6 Tackle Bags For Fishing Backpacks That Keep Your Gear Dry and Accessible

You’re halfway across the river when the sky opens up. The gentle drizzle you thought you could ignore turns into a driving rain, soaking everything in seconds. Your focus shifts from the fish to the thousand dollars of camera gear, electronics, and tackle in your backpack, wondering if your "water-resistant" bag is about to fail its most important test.

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Key Features in a Waterproof Fishing Backpack

When you’re miles from the trailhead or out on the water, your backpack is your lifeline. Choosing the right one starts with understanding the difference between "water-resistant" and truly "waterproof." A water-resistant pack, often made with DWR-coated fabrics, will shed a light rain but will eventually soak through. A truly waterproof pack uses materials like TPU-coated nylon and construction methods like RF-welded seams to create a barrier that water can’t penetrate.

The gold standard for waterproofing is a submersible rating, often designated as IPX7, meaning the pack can be fully submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes without leaking. This level of protection typically relies on beefy, airtight zippers like TIZIPs or TRU Zips, or a well-executed roll-top closure. But protection is only half the battle. A great fishing pack must also provide access. Look for external lash points for rod tubes, net scabbards, tool holsters, and water bottle pockets so you can get to critical gear without opening the main compartment.

Finally, consider the comfort-to-durability ratio. A pack built with a thick, "bombproof" shell will withstand being scraped on rocks and tossed in a boat, but it will be heavier. A more technical pack might have a sophisticated harness system with a padded back panel and load lifters, making it comfortable for long hikes into remote water, but it might use lighter (and potentially less abrasion-resistant) materials. The right choice balances absolute protection with the practical needs of your fishing style.

YETI Panga 28: Submersible and Bombproof Protection

If your fishing adventures involve saltwater flats, whitewater rafts, or monsoon-like downpours where gear failure is simply not an option, the YETI Panga is your fortress. This pack is less of a backpack and more of a personal dry vault. Its design philosophy is centered on one thing: keeping the contents 100% dry, no matter what.

The Panga achieves this with two key features: the impenetrable HydroLok Zipper and the ultra-durable, high-density nylon ThickSkin Shell. This isn’t a bag you worry about; you can drop it overboard, drag it through brush, and leave it in the pouring rain with total confidence. It’s built for the most extreme conditions, where you might be carrying sensitive camera equipment, a satellite phone, or your truck’s key fob miles from civilization.

The trade-off for this absolute protection is a lack of fishing-specific organization. The Panga is essentially one large, cavernous compartment with an interior sleeve and a mesh pocket. It lacks the external tool docks and rod holders found on other packs. This is the pack for the angler who prioritizes submersible security above all else and prefers to customize their organization with smaller pouches and cases.

Simms Dry Creek Z: Pro-Level Waterproof Angling Pack

When you need submersible protection combined with features designed explicitly for the serious angler, the Simms Dry Creek Z is the answer. This pack understands the workflow of a day on the water. It’s built around a central chassis of waterproof integrity, using the TRU Zip waterproof zipper, but surrounds it with thoughtful, fishing-centric details.

Imagine you’re wading a fast-moving river. The Dry Creek Z provides a streamlined experience with integrated net scabbards, tool docking stations on the shoulder straps for nippers and forceps, and external lash points for a rod tube. The harness and back panel are designed for all-day comfort while casting, distributing weight effectively without hindering your range of motion. It’s a pack that feels like an extension of your vest, not a cumbersome box on your back.

This level of specialized design and submersible performance comes at a premium price. It represents a significant investment, but for the dedicated fly fisher, guide, or backcountry angler, it’s a tool that enhances efficiency and provides peace of mind. It strikes a fantastic balance between the rugged, waterproof construction of a dry bag and the intelligent layout of a technical fishing pack.

Patagonia Guidewater 29L: Sustainable and Versatile

For the angler who is also a kayaker, a hiker, and a traveler, the Patagonia Guidewater offers top-tier submersible performance in a versatile and environmentally conscious package. Built from sturdy, 100% recycled nylon ripstop with a TPU coating, this pack carries an IPX7 rating, ensuring your gear stays bone-dry even if you take an unexpected swim. It’s a do-it-all waterproof pack that’s as comfortable on a paddleboard as it is on a stream bank.

What sets the Guidewater apart is its blend of minimalist design and clever functionality. The back panel and shoulder straps are hydrophobic, meaning they don’t absorb water, keeping the pack light and comfortable when you’re in and out of the water. A key feature is the internal organizer pocket, which can be detached and fixed to the external lash points, creating a simple, modular chest pack for when you want to travel light.

The Guidewater is a testament to the idea that you don’t need a different pack for every activity. It may not have as many built-in fishing gadgets as the Simms, but its clean exterior is less likely to snag fly lines, and its adaptable nature makes it a superb choice for the multi-sport adventurer. If your values include sustainability and versatility without compromising on waterproof performance, this is your pack.

Plano A-Series 2.0: Ultimate Tackle Organization

Not every fishing trip requires a submersible pack. For the bass angler working the bank or the weekend warrior organizing gear on the boat, the Plano A-Series 2.0 Tackle Backpack prioritizes organization above all else. This pack is a mobile tackle station, designed around Plano’s famous StowAway utility boxes.

The A-Series 2.0 comes with five StowAway boxes, allowing you to meticulously separate your crankbaits, soft plastics, and terminal tackle. The main compartment offers a large, structured space for bigger items, while numerous exterior pockets handle everything from fishing line spools to scent bottles. It’s a system designed to give you quick, easy access to exactly the lure you need, right when you need it.

It’s crucial to understand the tradeoff here: this pack is water-resistant, not waterproof. The durable fabric will protect your gear from a passing shower or boat spray, but it will not survive being dropped in the lake. For many anglers, this is a perfectly acceptable compromise. You get an unparalleled level of organization at a fraction of the cost of a fully submersible pack.

KastKing Pond Hopper: Accessible and Feature-Packed

The KastKing Pond Hopper is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a smart, functional fishing pack. Designed as a sling bag, its greatest strength is accessibility. You can rotate the pack to your front to grab a new lure, change a fly, or answer your phone without ever having to take it off—a huge advantage when you’re standing mid-stream.

This pack is loaded with features that anglers appreciate. It includes built-in rod holders for carrying a second setup, numerous D-rings and pockets for tools, and a main compartment large enough to hold a couple of tackle trays. It’s the perfect companion for the angler who moves around a lot, hopping from one spot to another along a riverbank or around a lake.

Like the Plano, the Pond Hopper is water-resistant, not waterproof. It’s made from tough 600D polyester, which can handle the rigors of a day outside, but you’ll want to be mindful during a real downpour. For its price, however, the functionality and on-the-go accessibility are hard to beat, making it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking for a lightweight, convenient system.

Grundéns Rumrunner 30L: Rugged, No-Nonsense Design

Born from the world of commercial fishing, the Grundéns Rumrunner is a workhorse. This pack is built with one primary goal: to be an incredibly tough, reliable, and waterproof bag without any unnecessary frills. It’s constructed from 500D PVC tarpaulin fabric with RF-welded seams, the same kind of material used in heavy-duty dry bags for rafting.

The waterproofing is achieved through a classic roll-top closure. While not as quick to access as a zipper, a properly sealed roll-top is exceptionally effective at keeping water out during downpours or even a brief submersion. The design is simple and rugged, with a large main compartment and a single external splash-proof pocket. There are no fancy tool docks or integrated net holders here.

The Rumrunner is for the angler who is notoriously hard on their gear. It’s perfect for throwing in the bottom of a dory, taking out on a charter boat, or for trips where abrasion resistance is just as important as water protection. It’s a straightforward, highly durable solution for keeping gear dry in wet, rugged environments.

Comparing Waterproof Ratings and Accessibility Features

Choosing the right pack comes down to matching its features to your specific needs and budget. The most critical decision point is the level of water protection you require. Think about the worst-case scenario you’re likely to encounter.

• Fully Submersible (IPX7): This is the highest level of protection, offered by the YETI Panga, Simms Dry Creek Z, and Patagonia Guidewater. Choose this if you are a deep-wading angler, a kayak or paddleboard fisherman, or carry expensive electronics that absolutely cannot get wet. The main access is via a 100% waterproof zipper.
• Waterproof (Roll-Top): This category is home to the Grundéns Rumrunner. A roll-top provides excellent protection from rain and quick dunks. It’s a great choice for boat fishing or any situation where the pack might sit in a puddle or get hit with heavy spray. Access is slower than a zipper.
• Water-Resistant: The Plano A-Series 2.0 and KastKing Pond Hopper fall here. These packs will defend your gear against light rain and splashes but will fail if submerged. This is often sufficient for bank fishing on fair-weather days and offers the best value and organizational features.

Once you’ve decided on your required level of waterproofing, consider accessibility. The sling design of the KastKing is unbeatable for run-and-gun fishing. The hyper-organized Plano is ideal for anglers with vast tackle collections. The fishing-specific features of the Simms create a seamless workflow on the water, while the minimalist designs of the YETI and Grundéns prioritize durability and simplicity.

Ultimately, the perfect fishing backpack doesn’t exist—only the perfect one for you and the water you fish. Don’t get lost in the search for flawless gear. Pick a reliable system that protects your essentials and makes your time outside easier, then get out there. The fish don’t care what brand is on your back.