I've definitely evolved into more of a minimalist when it comes to gear, but I not to the point where I don't have what I need with me. I generally fish with a Fishpond Nimbus pack, but decided that I need something waterproof for float tube fishing. I picked up the Simms Dry Creek hip pack with the intention that it would fit that role. I used it for several float tube fishing expeditions last year, and found that it served me quite well. It kept items inside dry when the bottom of the pack got wet, and has enough pockets inside to help me organize essential gear. I took this pack with me on my recent trips to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and put it through some friendly abuse. The pack is fairly lightweight, and has a strap that allows you to wear it as a sling. It seems well designed and well built. I'm a big fan of Simms, especially their waders. I've worn the waders for years and they are bulletproof.
The one note of caution: Don't submerge this pack (and to Simms' credit they only say that it is water resistant, not waterproof). In Florida I wore it on my hip, and found everything inside soaked (I may not have completely closed the zipper either). Luckily, I had my phone in a smaller Simms waterproof bag, which is waterproof. The rest of the time I wore the bag as a sling pack, made sure that the zipper was completely closed tight, and had no issues with water getting into the pack. During my time fishing in the Pacific I followed these guidelines and had no problems.
Bottom line? It's a good product as long as you remember that it is designed for water resistance, not being fully water proof. It is perfect for using in a float tube when it sits in water, or as a sling bag (which I prefer anyway).
BDF is going to use a three tiered gear rating system for gear reviews.
Dry Fly = Great Product
Emerger= Good product with potential
Nymph= Could use improvement
The Simms Dry Creek Bag earns Emerger status.
Thanks for your field test report. Look forward to others in the future. Love the rating system; however, nymph= could use improvement clearly came from the heart of a dry fly purist! I would like you to field test a Tenkara next! ahahahaha
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review Mike. I've been in the process of looking for the perfect pack for me. I'm not a big fan of chest packs and the jury is still out on hip packs. What I've found for me is a sling that meets my needs. It's not a decision I will make lightly because they're expensive.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the remarks Al! A dry fly is the definition of excellence. Ha. Howard, I've been searching for the perfect pack for years. The Fishpond Nimbus worn sling style is close. I will do a review of that in future!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the remarks Al! A dry fly is the definition of excellence. Ha. Howard, I've been searching for the perfect pack for years. The Fishpond Nimbus worn sling style is close. I will do a review of that in future!
ReplyDeleteGreat product review, BDF. Thanks for the info. I must say however that I almost choked when you described yourself as a minimalist. You probably have more rods in your closet than I have flies in my box! But that's what makes you a good gear reviewer I reckon. Love the rating system. Dry flies rule!
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