Rated 4 out of 5 by kl3377 Nice pack.
I ordered this pack for an ice fishing trip knowing I could use it for the intended purpose this spring, fly fishing.
The pack has great space, tons of pockets, heavy duty zippers, and appears as though it will hold up well long term. I read another review that made issue of the handle at the top and I can see their point, it does appear that it is not heavy duty enough for a fully weighted pack (waders, boots, lunch, etc.) over the long haul. The pack was comfortable and I like the idea of the rain fly to keep gear dry in bad weather. I also like the ability to expand the pack. The rod tube holder is velcro instead of elastic which should perform better. If it holds up well long term I would increase my rating to 5 stars. It is a bit pricey but with the ability to use LL Bean points and a promotional card it we be well worth the $50 out of pocket.
February 22, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by RebCO Remote Waters Fish Pack Review
I live in Colorado and spend a lot of time fly fishing in isolated high mountain streams and lake settings all around our beautiful state. I Require reliable and dependable gear. I purchased this pack over two years ago after a fair amount of research. The pack's capacity, features (although no hydration feature), and the L.L. Bean name together were key in my final decision to purchase the pack. I immediately put the pack to use in a variety of venues - easy to difficult and have no regrets in my purchase decision. I have also occassionally used the pack for domestic and foreign air travel and found that it fits in smaller overhead compartments. The pack works very well for what it was designed for (plus travel). The only failure to date is the grab handle, which unexpectedly ripped from the pack within the first year. I probably should have sought a replacement but by that time it was part of my "go-to-gear" and weekly use. Four recommendations for future design improvements are (1) most importantly - integrate a hydration feature into the pack, many similar packs already have them, (2) stengthen/reinforce the grab handle to accommodate its intended use, (3) add another set of rod holders - important to have a second fly rod available when in hard-to-reach places, and (4) add a feature to securely carry a net.
January 29, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by chappy88 Packs Great
I have yet to actually use the pack on a trip. I am going to Colorado to Rocky Mt. National Pask next week to actually fish on 5-8 mile day hikes for 3 days. However, I have packed the pack with my gear and so far it is perfect for what I like to do; long day hikes fishing streams and lakes in the mountains. Everything has a spot and there are just enough spots for all of my extra gear.
August 17, 2011
Rated 4 out of 5 by CoachAtch excellent for travel
I recently took this on a fishing trip to Colorado. I was able to carry the bag on instead of checking it, which is a great relief when traveling with fishing gear and the worries of bags getting lost. It held two reels, one four piece rod on the side, waders, wading boots, a net, and chest pack, among other small items. There was extra room for other small gear one may find necessary. It would be feasible for day hikes, but would be hard to make this work for an overnight hike. Once the boots and waders are in their storage compartment, it reduces the amount of storage inside greatly. However, the boots could be secured to the outside to make something like this work. Also, the pack doesn't have a hydration port, which was frustrating but there was plenty of room for two large water bottles. All that being said, I would still purchase this again and would reccommend it, the price is excellent compared to other items in the same category.
August 2, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by LLBeanhusbandshoopper Fishing Backpack
The backpack was a gift for my husband. He absolutely loved it. It seems comfortable to wear, has several compartments along with the place to put this fishing pole and a rain fly to protect it. Perfect for hiking in to fish.
May 9, 2011
Rated 4 out of 5 by RatherBeFishing Remote Waters FishPack
This is a functional pack, good fit and comfortable. Use of the pack makes the walk to the fishing holes very easy and makes the day enjoyable when having the extra amenities otherwise left behind. The pack could be a little bigger. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase, and I'm looking forward to using it for many years to come.
April 13, 2011
Rated 1 out of 5 by Flyman2 Great idea and design- poor workmanship
I bought this item for a high mountain fishing trip in Buena Vista Colorado. The first day, hiking to Lake Pomeroy, one of the snap clips pulled out and the 2nd day the grab handle ( top-center) pulled out. At 13,000 feet you don't want that to happen. Suffice to say that I was very dissapointed. I returned it for a full refund but I wish there ws a better alternative.
October 13, 2009
Rated 3 out of 5 by LKCKAC Not enough space
I love the idea of this pack. However it needs to be slightly bigger. My size 13 wading boots and breathable waders can just barely fit in the waterproof compartment. And when they are in there, I've got enough room in the rest of the pack for lunch, but not much else.
The pack stays have too much curve to them. This also decreases the available space in the pack.
I'm 6' 1" and the pack length is not adjustable, so the hip pad rides high on me.
April 16, 2009
Rated 5 out of 5 by ROCKYJAMMER Great Backpack!!!
I'm from Colorado and do alot of backpacking to remote waters in the hight country or just down around the lake. Love the pack lots of room and the divider section is well thought out(keeps wet clothes or waders seperate). Plenty of pockets. Backpack has several ajustments to make the load comfortable on your back. Great buy....
April 8, 2009
Rated 5 out of 5 by avkurt Remote pack
I got this last year at the store in Maine while striper fishing. I use it when fishing with my motorcycle. I have a Honda xr650L that does 80 mph on dirt roads so I need something that can hold everything: waders, wading shoes, fly vest, fly boxes, rod, reels, and rain gear etc... This pack does it all. Folks see me coming and just shake their heads. I get where I want to fish fast and have all my gear. With all the pockets and have room to spare for a red bull, water and lunch. One of the best things I have ever owned. Plus if the trail ends I can go on with just the pack and fish ponds in the back country. The wader pack keeps the water in so nothing else gets wet. My wading shoes I tie to the outside of the back so they can dry. The rod holder has a great rubberized coating that does not slip so even on ruff terrain I don't worry about losing my rod. I also carry camera equipment to do videos on the stream. Lots of room. My vest must weigh 40 lbs and I just stuff it in. I also carry two reels and have a St.Croix 10' 5wt 3pc that is perfect for this pack and the west branch of the delaware river. I have put this pack thru some extreme riding conditions to, one of the straps got caught in my rear brakes but I just put a new connector on it. Great pack for fishing or hiking in to fish, very comfortable.
March 31, 2009