Best Fishing Backpacks with Rod Holder

There is nothing more exciting than catching your favourite fish in the pristine blue waters. You can try out various fishing activities like fly fishing, kayak fishing, or even ice fishing. Whatever fishing activity you may choose, you will require lots of fishing accessories and tools.

Gears like fishing rods, reels, lures, tackle boxes ease your fishing experience and make it productive. To keep all these accessories safe and protected, you will need a good fishing backpack. And not just any fishing backpack but a fishing backpack with a rod holder. What makes for the best fishing backpack with rod holder? You might wonder.

Don’t worry as you have come to the right place. I have specifically mentioned a rod holder because fishing rods can be quite a burden when not in use. A comfortable, waterproof fishing backpack with spacious compartments and separate a rod holder is every angler’s best companion.

After much research, I have listed the five best fishing backpacks with rod holder. Read further for the detailed review of each product and the final verdict.

Other Accessories you may need while fishing:

Best Fishing Backpacks with Rod Holder for 2024

Name of the productdimensionItem weight (in lbs)ImagePrice
Kastking Fishing Tackle Backpack21.25 x 13.4 x 9.253.09Kastking Fishing Tackle Backpack review Check Price
Osage Fishing River Backpack Tackle And Rod Storage18 x 12.5 x 9.52Osage Fishing River Backpack Tackle and Rod Storage review Check Price
Spiderwire Fishing Backpack19.7 x 13.1 x 7.34.6Spiderwire Fishing Backpack review Check Price
Elkton Outdoors Fly Fishing Vest Backpack with Rod Holders21.5 x 17 x 42.2Elkton Outdoors Fly Fishing Vest Backpack with Rod Holders review Check Price
Simms Freestone Ambidextrous Tactical Fishing Sling Pack-1.6Simms Freestone Ambidextrous Tactical Fishing Sling Pack review Check Price

1. Kastking Fishing Tackle Backpack

Kastking Fishing Tackle Backpack review

 

On top of our list of Best Fishing Backpacks with Rod Holder is Kastking Fishing Tackle Backpack which is another stunning product from the reputed brand of Kastking. The bag offers exceptional storage options with double rod pockets.

It also offers a secure method to store the fishing rod or combo. The rod butt gets placed on the second section of a two-piece rod in the pocket. Then, the rod gets integrated with adjustable bungee loops. Plus, the Integrated D-rings provide attachment points for tools or other line cutters.

Moreover, the KastKing Backpack is sturdy from tough 420D rip-stop nylon material. This feature ensures that the bag has exceptional long-term performance and reliability. Moisture repelling hydrophobic coating on the outside and a PVC layer on the inside makes the bag extra safe. It also helps to ensure that the fishing tackle remains protected from the external elements.

Furthermore, there is an Efficient Tackle Organization that helps you to stay organized. There are utility boxes that can get filled with fishing lures or rigs, which you can further slide into the side zippered pocket. You can load the main compartment with your fishing tools, rain gear, or additional tackle cases.

Additionally, two front slash and waist strap pockets are ideal for small tools like soft baits, line, pliers, terminal tackle, or others. The Dimensions of the backpack are 21.25” x 13.4” x 9.25.” There is a padded back pad along with a waist strap and shoulder strap. These straps help reduce the angler’s fatigue while fishing. The top pocket is fleece-lined pocket will ensure your eyewear stays protected.

Because of its unique and exciting features, it is one of the Best Fishing Backpacks with Rod Holder available on the market.

Overall, the Kastking Fishing Tackle Backpack is probably the best in the list with high functionality and reasonable price.

Pros

  • Integrated D-rings provide attachment points
  • Moisture repelling hydrophobic coating on the outside
  • PVC layer on the inside
  • Well built from sturdy 420D rip-stop nylon material
  • Efficient Tackle Organization
  • Fatigue reducing backstraps

Cons

  • Some users experienced wear and tear

2. Osage Fishing River Backpack Tackle and Rod Storage

Osage Fishing River Backpack Tackle and Rod Storage review

 

Second, on our list of Best Fishing Backpacks with Rod Holder available on the market is the Osage Fishing River Backpack Tackle and Rod Storage. It is a stunning backpack available in camo, khaki and crocodile green.

The backpack features a contoured adjustable shoulder strap. Highly breathable padding and mesh on the straps provide exceptional comfort. The sternum strap also distributes pack weight more evenly and ensures comfortable carrying.

Moreover, a hip belt helps to shift the backpack’s weight to ensure a lower center of gravity. The lower center of gravity is essential to maintain balance while treading on slippery rocks and water. The Osage river backpack gets equipped with the essential feature of fishing rod storage through the side loops.

Furthermore, you can pass the rod through the loops and tighten the four compression straps to compact position. But first, make sure that the line guards faces outside. The primary compartment features square seams that ensure secure tackle box storage. Pliers and other tools get stored in MOLLE webbing for easy access.

Additionally, the backpack is 18 inches long, 12.5 inches wide, and 9.5 inches deep. The bag’s construction is of 600D ballistic nylon, which makes it quite durable. There are internal pockets as well as zippered external pockets. These extra pockets can store bobber, tape measure, and others.

Overall, the Osage Fishing River Backpack Tackle and Rod Storage is a feature-packed fishing tackle backpack with rod holder.

Pros

  • 600D ballistic nylon construction
  • Breathable padding and mesh
  • Sternum strap
  • Lower center of gravity for balance
  • Rod holder with side loops

Cons

  • Some users complained about the absence of tray containers

3. Spiderwire Fishing Backpack

Spiderwire Fishing Backpack review

 

The Spiderwire Fishing Backpack is ideal for anglers who have long travel distances in search of their fishing destination. It provides comfort, convenience, and storage.

The top compartment of the bag is there to store personal items. The middle cooler compartment keeps your food, drinks, and baits cold whereas the lower compartment holds utility boxes to store gear for your fishing expedition.

Moreover, three medium utility boxes come with an organizer compartment, a fishing tool holder, zippered side pockets, and a flat bottom that makes the bag upright at all times. The 100% polyester construction makes it quite durable. The adjustable main compartment gets divided into three inner compartments. The dimensions of the backpack are 19.7 in x 13.1 in x 7.3 in.

Furthermore, It also comes with a Lifetime Guarantee. There is also a foam molded sunglass case with soft lining making it obvious into the list of best Fishing Backpacks with Rod Holder for the money. The backpack is also rated highly by its users on Amazon. It has an amazingly positive review of 4.6 out of 5 with more than 80 percent of users rating it five stars. Overall, the Spiderwire Fishing Backpack is an excellent value for money.

Pros

  • 100% polyester construction
  • Three medium utility boxes that come with an organizer compartment
  • A foam molded sunglass case with soft lining
  • Lifetime Guarantee
  • Adjustable main compartment

Cons

  • Some users complained about the poor customer service

4. Elkton Outdoors Fly Fishing Vest Backpack with Rod Holders

Elkton Outdoors Fly Fishing Vest Backpack with Rod Holders review

 

Another on the list of our fishing Backpacks with rod holder is the Elkton Outdoors Fly Fishing Vest Backpack with Rod Holders. This fishing backpack is a great fishing vest and backpack combo. The bag combines a traditional fishing vest with a fishing backpack.

This hybrid functionality of the backpack provides all the required functionality required for any fishing trip. The Elkton fly fishing backpack gets equipped with multiple storage options including two hard shell fly compartments, eight general storage pockets, and three sections extendable rear.

Moreover, this backpack allows you to reach your Fishing Gears without digging deep into your pockets. The two retractable swivel tethers is ideal for clippers and pliers. There is a built-in rod holder that frees your hands for other purposes. The Lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant nylon material gets paired with breathable mesh.

Furthermore, this feature allows anglers to safely store your Fishing Gears, cell phone, wallet, etc. One size fits all design, making it more comfortable and secure. Overall, the Elkton Outdoors Fly Fishing Backpack with Rod Holder is a multi-functional hybrid vest and backpack combo.

Pros

  • Hybrid functionality
  • Retractable swivel tethers
  • Lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant nylon material
  • One size fits all design

Cons

  • Some users pointed out the design flaw

5. Simms Freestone Ambidextrous Tactical Fishing Sling Pack

Simms Freestone Ambidextrous Tactical Fishing Sling Pack review

 

Further into our list of best Fishing Backpacks with Rod Holder is the Simms Freestone Ambidextrous Tactical Fishing Sling Pack that is a great sling backpack with a functional design. The fishing backpack gets optimized with space and features that ensure a comfortable fishing expedition.

There is an Adjustable front panel with floating storage, dedicated tippet, and a magnetic docking station. The compression straps hold your rod for the approach and return hikes. The ergonomic design ensures a full range of motion on the front. You can rotate the bag towards your chest and reach all your Fishing Gears.

Moreover, the velcro present makes all the straps stay together to prevent inconvenience while casting. The excellent storage option can carry lunch, water bottles, fly boxes, nets, tippets, camera, sunglasses, nippers, clippers, and others. The Simms backpack gets dedicated with a long handle net storage. You can carry the slip backpack the way you want to.

Furthermore, as the name suggests, this ambidextrous backpack lets you carry it on your right or left shoulder. In the case of a defective product due to workmanship or materials, you can get your product replaced. If the products get damaged due to wear and tear during fishing activity, you can get the product repaired at a reasonable price.

Overall, the Simms Freestone Ambidextrous Tactical Fishing Sling Pack is a comfortable sling backpack with exciting storage options which gets it included in our list of Best Fishing Backpacks with Rod Holder for the money.

Pros

  • Adjustable front panel with floating storage
  • Velcro present makes all the straps stay together to prevent inconvenience while casting
  • Ergonomic design ensures a full range of motion
  • Magnetic docking station

Cons

  • Price slightly on the higher side

Factors You Need to Consider Before Buying a Fishing Backpack with Rod Holder

There are various factors you need to consider before buying the best fishing backpack with rod holder. Here are some criteria that will help you select the best fishing backpack for your fishing adventures.

Storage Options

The storage option is one of the essential features of the best fishing backpacks with rod holder. An ideal bag has different storage options and divisions. Zippered pockets, and ample storage along with rod holder. Different sized gears require separate sized compartments.

Rod holder

All the backpacks listed above have particular rod holder storage capacity. These rod holders carry the fishing rod when the angler is not active or preparing for their fishing expedition.

Durability

The fishing backpack should be durable enough to withstand all external elements for a long duration of time. The materials used to build the backpack and assemble the primary factor for its durability. Heavy-duty materials constructions make the bag safe from tears and snags.

Water Resistance

All fishing backpacks should be water-resistant. A fishing backpack must withstand the water intrusions and damages. An angler’s life revolves around water, and a water-resistant bag will help the fishermen to fish with ease. It also keeps your gear safe on a rainy fishing day.

Comfort

A backpack that doesn’t make you comfortable becomes a burden. You might have to carry the bag for long-distance walks or hikes.

The fishing backpacks generally have adjustable padded straps to add comfort to your shoulders. Breathable back paddings also help to avoid sweaty backs.

This Final Verdict

All the fishing backpacks listed above are of premium quality and you can choose the one according to your desire and requirement. However, if I had to select one, I would pick the Kastking Fishing Tackle Backpack.

The Kastking Fishing Tackle Backpack comes with a hideaway double rod holder. This backpack is well-built with premium materials and is durable enough to last many fishing seasons. This excellent backpack provides excellent storage options and comes in a reasonable price tag. Overall, this feature-packed one of the best fishing backpacks with rod holder gives us excellent value for money.

Other Accessories you may need while fishing: