William Joseph has risen to the forefront of fly fishing pack innovations and technology. With a variety of different styles, sizes and capacities, and customizing options, they have developed a series of packs that combine the comfort of the vest with the functionality of a pack. Read on to learn about ten distinct packs offered by William Joseph, designed to cater to the fly angler’s needs.

The Coastal

A pack designed to carry all of the things that you would carry in your vest, with two fairly large storage compartments in front at the chest level. Additional supplies such as a jacket, provisions, or extra gear can be toted in a single smaller pack in the back. This pack has an option for a hydration bladder in the back area, but that will compromise some of its valuable space. This is a comfortable pack, but getting it adjusted can be a bit of a wrestling match. Also included are multiple assets for stashing tools. As well, the tippit control system makes it one of their most versatile packs.

The Coastal II

This pack is the biggest and boldest one in the bunch. It has 1700 cubic inches of gear space- a good deal of space. The Coastal II is less fancy in gadgets, but makes up for it as a workhorse with a single, medium sized, compartment in front at chest level, big enough for all your immediate needs for a day of fishing. Also included is a good sized compartment on the back.

The Satchel
This is a smaller more whimsical shoulder vehicle that may suit the fly fishing minimalist. A comfortable little pack that can be worn over the shoulder and hold just the basics, good for catching a few brookies on dries on a warm summer day.

The Creel
This is a unique little pack designed to be slung over your shoulder and wears like that old newspaper bag you might have used as a delivery boy, although much more comfortable on the shoulder and much less cumbersome. A thick padded strap protects the neck and shoulder area. This pack doesn’t have a ton of space, but enough for most of your essential materials and includes the tippit control system. This pack is good for a hot day when you aren’t going too far.

The Emerger
This is a nice smaller pack that is worn comfortably around the waist. It’s a good option for a day trip on a small stream, and can be worn in tandem with a vest without discomfort. Like some of the other waist packs on the market, it has a water bottle holder on each side. This pack has excellent capacity, but if it were heavily front loaded it may start to sag or inch down, limiting mobility on the stream.

The Flats Lite

A more streamlined version of the Emerger waist pack, but with a twist. This little pack can be unfastened like a belt and re-adjusted to be worn as a chest pack. This little number has one water bottle holder and a small fanny pack like compartment and includes the tippit control system.

The Gear Bag Chest

This model is designed to be worn high on the chest with medium sized compartments on both the front and the back. It’s functional for carrying most of your fishing supplies and fly boxes in the front area and somewhat adequate space for extras in the back. Initially, getting the pack adjusted can be a challenge. Additionally, it doesn’t have the capacity you need to completely replace the need for a vest or bigger pack when hiking-in long distances. However, this pack includes most of the gadget designs such as net holder, tippit control system and little pockets for various tools in the front area.

The Ultra Lite Chest

This less hard core looking chest pack made with light weight material goes for simplicity and comfort over anything else. This is a less expensive choice for the less serious fly angler.

Mini Chest Pack

This little pack maximizes the storage area in the front worn on the chest. With six different storage compartments in the front, you can have access to all the gear needed on the stream, right at your fingertips.

Mini Chest Pack II
An adaptation of its predecessor, this chest pack has more added space in the front, along with a tippit control system and net holder.

For more information, or to purchase a pack, visit William Joseph online .