Orvis Sling Pack
Review: Orvis Sling Pack
By Margie McKnight
The Orvis Sling Pack has been an absolute game-changer for both Trevor and I—we each have one and we both love them. It holds everything we need for a full day on the water from our ridiculous amounts of fly boxes and tippet to extra layers and plenty of riverside snacks. One of my favorite features is the water bottle holder—it carries a full-size Nalgene with no problem so we never have to worry about staying hydrated.
Another huge plus is the storage layout. There's plenty of room for all our gear, a very secure tippet holder comes with the pack, the front strap has a patch for loose flies and two separate loops for pliers, forceps and any other tools you may want to keep close by. The interior setup keeps everything well organized and easily accessible. The pack is comfortable to wear, and swinging it around to the front to grab gear or tie on a new fly is super smooth.
My only complaint? The net situation could use a little modifying. Since there is actually no real net holder on the pack, we end up shoving the net between the bag and our backs but when pulling the pack around, the net can shift or even fall out, which can be frustrating. A more secure system that doesn’t interfere with access to the main pocket would make this pack perfect.
Overall, the Orvis Sling Pack is a solid investment and has quickly become our go-to for every fishing trip. If you’re looking for a pack that carries everything you need without getting in the way, this is it!
Margie fishing with her fully loaded Orvis Sling Pack on the Provo River in Heber City, Utah.