Gear Review: Fishpond Waterdance Guide Pack
When I started out fly fishing, I used a classic style fishing vest. Being in New Jersey, I quickly discovered that in the summer it was warm and the high humidity made it uncomfortable. I discovered the Fishpond Waterdance Guide pack and quickly fell in love with the waist pack concept.
When I was looking for a new pack, I found the updated Fishpond Waterdance Pro Guide pack. I have now been using the pack for two seasons fishing for trout in New Jersey and overall I am very happy with it.
Here are my thoughts about the Fishpond Waterdance Pro Guide pack.
Specs:
Made with 420D nylon Cyclepond fabric
Dimensions 14" x 9" x 7"
Volume 488 ci, 8 Liters
Weight 2.1lbs.
Features:
Signature, zip down fly bench with detachable 3x5 Tacky Mat
Padded backing and integrated net sleeve
Two mesh water bottle holders
Hypalon® tool attachments
Adjustable compression strap system
Can be worn as a chest or lumbar pack
Review:
Overall I am very happy with the pack, it is extremely comfortable and I can easily wear it all day. The weight sits well on my hips and the cross body strap helps to hold the pack in place. The cross body strap also gives me quick access to nippers and forceps that I store on the pad.
The hypalon attachment points give you some locations to attach additional tool holders. I have the Fishpond Headgate Tippet Holder and Floantant and Shake holders attached. On the top of the pack is a velcro patch to attach a fly patch. I currently have a Fishpond Tacky Fly Dock attached.
The pack is made up of 3 main pockets and it has two water bottle holders one on each size. They fit a full size Nalgene bottle. Starting in the front of the pack, it has Fishponds zip down fly bench. The fly bench has a tacky fly mat that I am not a fan of. I find it is not the easiest to put and to remove flies from. I will be replacing this with an older foam style fly patch. There is also a small zip pocket in this section that is perfect for keeping extra leaders.
The middle pocket is the one I use the most. Here you will find fly boxes that I use all the time, as well as my strike indicators, and any other tools that I need. There are two small pockets inside I use to organize anything small in the pocket. The back panel also has a zipper pocket where I hold tools that I need access to but don't use often such as a stream thermometer or a second set of forceps.
The final pocket is the largest, I keep any extra fly boxes I might have with me in here along with a container of small weights. I also will throw a Cliff Bar in this section. When I first get to the river, my keys and wallet are dropped in here.
The last feature the Waterdance Pro has is a built in net sleeve in the back panel. I carry one of two nets, Fishpond Nomad Native Net or the Fishpond Nomad Mid Length Net. The net holder works great with the longer mid length net, but I find the native net to be too short to hold in there tightly. After I use the net for the first time, I find myself just sliding between my back and the pack.
Final Thoughts:
If you are looking for a lumbar pack, I highly recommend the Fishpond Waterdance Pro Guide pack. It is a feature loaded pack with plenty of room for all of your gear. The waist belt is very comfortable and it adjusts to a wide range of sizes.
