Editor’s note: As we ask today’s gear to do more, last longer, and come in at a price that makes sense for a quality gear investment, it can be difficult for consumers in search of specialty items in the fly-fishing space to find the right piece of equipment for the right set of circumstances. Such is the case for waterproof backpacks. We’re launching a multi-part series on these items that are asked to do much more than just “keep stuff dry.” Following is the fourth review in the series.
The hunt for the ideal, do-it-all fly fishing backpack is seemingly a never-ending endeavor. And, for anglers who really use their gear and ask it to multi-task, the search for the right backpack that performs both on the water and serves as a “daily driver” for frequent travel never really ends. To that end, as I’ve tried and test several backpacks that feature everything from the simple toughness required on backcountry trails leading to far-away trout water to the ability to get dunked while swimming a boat channel on an otherwise shallow saltwater flat, I figured I’d take a good look at a host of waterproof backpacks and share the findings.
I’ve tested offerings from Simms, Patagonia and Toadfish, and, while all of those packs employ some admirable tech in the construction, each also has its limitations that often don’t have a thing to do with the ability to keep stuff dry. For, as much as I use these packs on the trail and on the boat, the sheer economy needed when packing prohibits me from traveling heavy and adding a second backpack to the mix. For this reason, I ask my backpack to do damn near everything. And that might be unreasonable. That said, today’s softgoods manufacturers are turning out remarkable waterproof backpacks that function just fine as laptop and travel gear holders that also offer room for a change of clothes, the travel basics we all employ, like water bottles, inside and outside storage, and, yes, comfort under what can be a significant load.
With that in mind, here’s what Fishpond’s Thunderhead Submersible Backpack brings to the table.
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack
Fishpond’s Thunderhead Submersible Backpack has several features in common with its competitors’ products, not the least of which is the use of the TRU-zip “self-healing” zipper that it shares with Simms Dry Creek Z pack. And, like Simms, Fishpond completely understands that, in time, the first component on a waterproof pack to fail is very likely going to be that zipper. So, like Simms, Fishpond sends along a pack of TRU-zip lubricant, and it asks users to frequently clean the zipper — which is a lot like a very heavy-duty Ziplock seal — in order to keep it from drying, cracking, or collecting dust and microscopic debris. Word to the wise for owners of both packs: use the lubricant. While the TRU-zip seal is, indeed, waterproof, and the “self-healing” feature is generally accurate (if the seal separates behind the zipper attachment, it’s not too difficult to back the attachment up and simply reseal it), the seal separation happens all to fast and, if you use your backpack like I use mine when I travel, it starts to happen more and frequently.
And, God forbid the zipper attachment comes completely separate from one side of the actual zipper seal or the other. This, in my experience, is largely fatal, and likely requires you ship the pack back to the company for repairs (assuming you’re not mid-trip and have to improvise, which, trust me, is zero fun).
So, with the word of caution out of the way, what about the rest of the backpack? Well, without seeming like I’m gushing, I love it. Fishpond’s innovative approach to its gear is clearly evident in the accessories that can come with the Thunderhead Submersible Backpack (some parts must be ordered separately), specifically the removable divider insert that, with a little effort, slides right into the pack and effectively offers everything from a laptop sleeve, adjustable compartments for various items and, honestly, a bit of internal stability that helps not only balance the load on the wearer’s back but also helps the pack stand up straight when it’s not being worn.
Other accessories include everything from attachable water bottle holders to a submersible pouch that straps to the outside of the pack. A fully tricked-out Thunderhead has everything from net holsters and a tippet holder to a water bottle sleeve and a bear spray holder. Fishpond, God love them, thought of damn near everything.
Add in the fact that it holds up to 28 liters of gear, and is constructed with the company’s seriously durable NewStream recycled fabric that’s coated to be truly waterproof, and the Thunderhead is an admirable offering when it comes to waterproof backpacks. With the specs out of the way, let’s look at performance
Interior storage
This is one of the Thunderhead’s strengths. With the divider insert, I found that I could truly organize the gear I put in the pack, whether that gear consisted of fly boxes, leader sleeves, and various on-the-water tools, or if it was for a day spent wandering through airports and reaching inside for my laptop, charger boxes, various cords, earbuds, or my normal eyeglasses when it came time to put my sunglasses away.
Waterproof material
The NewStream material, constructed from recycled water bottles (that’s got to make most folks smile, right?), is tough. It also holds its shape, which is a big plus when it’s tucked under an airplane seat or mashed into a dry box for a run out to the reef.
Exterior storage and features
The Thunderhead features a single exterior pocket atop the back side of the pack — it’s big enough to hold a handful of leaders packets, perhaps a small fly box or, at most, a cased pair of sunglasses. For the most part, the pack’s exterior functionality depends on the attachable accessories that can accompany it, like the waterproof pouch, the water bottle sleeve, and the net holster, for instance.
Zipper
The TRU-zip zipper is, admittedly, innovative. But be justifiably careful when using it, and do employ the lubricant when you can. Yes, it will, at some point, fail. But you can extend its lifespan by simply taking care to use it appropriately and using some of the less-obvious grip points on the pack while operating it, like the hanger loop atop the pack, or the belt-like fly-rod attachments on the side. The less pressure you put on the zipper itself, the less time you’ll spend backing up the zipper and trying again.
Durability
I have no issues with the Thunderhead’s overall durability. In my mind, it could likely survive a spill on the trail or even an inadvertent tumble through the rapids. The recycled material is noticeably thick and the stitching is wonderfully coated. This shouldn’t be a concern.
Comfort
The Thunderhead comes with wide shoulder straps and wrap-around hip straps — Fishpond wasn’t screwing around when it designed this pack, and ease of wear was a clear priority. Even with a heavy load, the pack was simple to tote, whether on the trail or through airport terminals between flights. Properly packed, a load could be nicely distributed and, with the internal divider, everything has a place — the load doesn’t shift when you remove it or put it on.
Final word
The Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack definitely has the potential to be that everyday pack that travelers are always looking for. It’s durable, comfortable and, with the help of the insert, very packable. What’s more, the added innovation is appreciated, and offers customers the chance to truly customize the product. On the whole, the Thunderhead is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a pack that offers space, comfort, and packability.
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