4 Best Fishing Backpacks for Every Type of Angler

Navigating the realm of fishing backpacks in search of the perfect fit can feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re endlessly scrolling through Amazon, Bass Pro, or various online storefronts, the quest for the best fishing backpack often resembles a bottomless pit with no tailored solutions in sight.

Choosing the best fishing backpack is a highly personalized endeavor. Every angler has their own specific needs that need to be met and it can be a challenge to fill the needs of many with one backpack.

My Experience With Fishing Backpacks

Over the years, I’ve experimented with many types and sizes of fishing backpacks. I’ve tried the compact shoulder strap design for the “on-the-move angler”. I’ve tried the “pocket for everything” backpack along with the backpacks capable of accommodating multiple rods. Heck, I’ve even delved into the realm of converting 50L+ backpacks into jimmy-rigged custom fishing backpacks.

Following extensive exploration, I’ve concluded what I believe to be the best fishing backpacks on the market and I’ve put together a comprehensive list spotlighting the best fishing backpacks for every type of angler.

I am committed to keeping this article continually updated over the years, ensuring it remains a reliable resource as superior products emerge in the market.

The 4 Best Fishing Backpacks

The “Light-Packer” Fishing Backpack

The SpiderWire Sling Fishing Backpack is a 15 L “over the shoulder” style fishing backpack. It’s perfect for the on-the-move angler who wants to cover ground during a session. When it comes to the shoulder strap style fishing backpacks, comfort is key because you’ll likely be wearing them for hours at a time. I’ve tried a few and a strap with padding like this one is a lifesaver in comparison to a strap without padding. Let’s take a look at the list of features:

• Comfortable/padded shoulder strap
• Holds 2 medium-sixed tackle boxes (10-11″) – comes with one
• Size Specs:
  • Dimensions – 9.8 x 22.8 x 5.1 inches (WxHxD)
  • Storage Capacity (Volume) – 15 liters (918 cubic inches)
  • Weight – 1.32 pounds
• Spacious main compartment
• Two zippered pockets for additional storage
• Front organizer pocket
• Sunglasses pocket
• For more details and specs, click here

The Perfect “On The Go” Fishing Backpack to Fit All the Essentials

This is my go-to fishing backpack for surf fishing with lures. It has great shoulder padding and great pocket placements, sizes of pockets, and available space. I wear this and don’t take it off while fishing from reefs and other sandy or rocky zones.

• Fits 3 3600 tackle boxes easily
• 24 Liters
• Pocket placement is phenomenal
• Lots of loops and available velcro to add hanging or velcro attachments
• Dimensions: 17.1 x 11.1 x 6.1 inches
• Hydration compatible
• Side water bottle pouch

A Fishing Backpack That’ll Hold My Rods

Many anglers prefer a fishing backpack that will hold their rod or multiple rods. For my needs, it’s almost a requirement to even be considered one of the best backpacks for fishing. For those of you who need a backpack to hold your fishing rod, I present to you, KastKing.

The KastKing Fishing Backpack is likely the one that’ll be the best fit for most fishermen. If you aren’t looking to keep your backpack on at all times, and you like to bring a few tackle boxes, some tools, and fit a hoodie and some snacks, this is what you’re looking for. Let’s take a look at some of the features:

• Built in rod storage with fasteners on side (can fit atleast 2 rods… likely 3)
• Tough and water resistant
• Fits (4) 3600 size tackle boxes but does not come with the purchase. Can by your own or purchase them with the bag.
• Waist strap and chect buckles
• Additional pockets and compartments
• Dimensions – 21.25″ x 13.4″ x 9.25″
• For a full list of specs and detail and a video review, click here

The “Bring Everything Angler” – (Also Holds Rods)

The laptop backpack turned fishing backpack by Veckuson is yet another option. I know, I know, it’s not a “fishing backpack”, so what’s it doing on a list of “the 3 best fishing backpacks”. The answer, because I have unique needs when it comes to fishing and realistically, I should design my own bag. But, I figure I can’t be the only one.

Besides the fact that I’m a licensed guide who takes people out fishing for a living and therefore, needs to ensure proper gear, backup gear, tackle, first aid, etc., I like to be prepared and have options when I’m down at the beach. I regularly bring a shark rod (or two) and two light rods just for myself. With clients, those numbers usually increase. I also like to have 4 tackle boxes on me, a sweatshirt, and much more. In fact, somewhere in this article, I list nearly everything I bring to a typical session. But, lets’ take a look at the specs here:

• Dimensions (in) 22x17x10 
• Large Capacity and USB charging port (nice if you have a portable battery and need to charge up a GoPro or phone)
• Chest strap
• Lap top storage can fit (4) 3600 size tackle boxes
• Main pocket has multiple slide pockets that allows for really good storage and organization
• Second main pocket similar to first
• Awesome external storage with buckles that I keep my hoodie in
• Well padded straps and back
• If you attach a bungee with a couple of s-hooks to the backpack handle, you can use the side pockets to slide your rods in and use the bungee to fasten them in. I can carry 5 light rods or 2 shark rods and 2 light rods.
• For more details and specs, click here

I hope this helps you guys when you’re trying to find a backpack for fishing… whatever your style and needs are. Finding the best fishing backpack had been one of the more frustrating things for me to find, so I thought I’d share. As always, let me know if you guys have any questions in the comments. I’m happy to help.