Anglers + Bags = Debate

Gear Review: Filson Dry Backpack

Do you prefer a vest, sling, bumbag or backpack?

If we’re not disagreeing on rods and lines, we’re debating gear storage. It’s a divisive topic where everyone has their own preference of style and brand.

For me, I rotate between 3-4 quite different backpacks for my angling expeditions nowadays. Two are waterproof and submersible. One is this Filson. It’s a beauty.

I’ve moved away from vests (I might go back), don’t enjoy slings – and whilst a bumbag is a good addition, it’s not a backpack replacement. This Filson bag has given me good service. Over 300 days on my back, in the boat or streamside during the past three years. It remains waterproof and is holding up well despite signs of wear.

Specifications

The Filson Dry Backpack comes in a muted dark green or highly visible orange (flame). It features a roll-top enclosure topped with a velcro closing strip and side clips to keep the rolled top in place.

Size: 20L capacity with dimensions of 20″H x 12 ½”W x 6 ½”D and dry weight of 2 lbs. 3 oz or just over 990 grams.

There’s an internal pocket inside against the well-padded back panel to secure small items, plus another zip pocket on the outer front that is mesh-covered so not waterproof.

Shoulder straps are well padded and it comes with a hip belt. There’s half an inch of padding on the outside back panel. It’s comfortable with a bit of light gear, but pulls down on my shoulders once it’s loaded up; more than the other backpacks I use.

Constructed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coated 840-denier nylon tarpaulin fabric provides the waterproofing. This nylon fabric is lightweight and abrasion-resistant, but does show scratch marks. The TPU coating is designed to be impervious to ultraviolet light and chemicals meaning it can survive outdoor light and any spills (I suggest not testing this).

Filson says they build these backpacks like whitewater rafts with RF seam welds, and with all webbing and padding securely stitched to an additional layer of the waterproof fabric, which is then RF-welded to the bag’s body. The backpack sure feels robust with no splits, tears or welds coming apart in three years of testing.

Guarantee & Price

Like all Filson products, it comes with a limited lifetime guarantee. And a price tag that reflects the quality of the materials, design and construction. I’m prepared to invest in decent gear and don’t feel pain from price; there’s only disappointment if the product doesn’t live up to the price point.

On that, retail price was a hefty USD$210, but it’s now on run-out and a steal at only US$105 online. You’ll need to be quick to grab one though! It appears that the Green version has already sold out at filson.com (check other retail outlets) but it’s still available in Flame Orange.

Verdict

I like this bag. I like that I can easily wipe down the outside nylon fabric. It’s a good colour in green. I like the strong buckles with their firm crisp connections. I really like the flexibility of the rolltop, providing variable storage capacity.

There are more suitable backpack options once I need to shoulder a heavier load, but it fits camera lunch, flies, jacket and safety gear in style. It was an expensive purchase (at around NZ$350) but has proven to be an excellent investment.

Other bags offer spare fly rod storage, multiple compartments and angler-specific features. The Filson Dry Backpack offers a well-styled waterproof bag that takes a heap of gear easily and will last for years. It’s gets a big thumbs up from me.