Headwaters Chest Pack Review | Nathan Pollard
The new Headwaters Chest Pack from Simms is a game-changer for anglers looking for a lightweight, functional, and convenient way to carry all the gear you need without a lot of weight. The chest pack was designed with the modern angler in mind having a balance between convenience and storage space. Everything that you will need is available on the front side of the pack while there is enough storage in the back for extra gear that may come in handy.
I was already familiar with the Tributary Simms chest pack which I have been using for a while, but in the last couple months I have been fortunate to test the new Headwaters chest pack in the Hickory colour. My first impression was, “Wow this is flash!”, then I started to do what every addicted fly-fisherman does. I started to open every zip up and kit it out for the next trip.
The chest pack is strong and thoughtfully made, the main zip compartment has an upward facing zip allowing you to make changes while the pack is open without having the worry of something falling out the sides or in the water. This compartment is large enough for two of my large C&F boxes and more! The front compartment has a downward zip, which has a hard cover with a foam fly patch attached to the inside. I use this to carry flies that I think I’ll use first. The foam patch is attached with Velcro strapping and can be removed to allow you to store another fly box, which is great.
All the compartments have mesh netting on the inside, which I use to hold tippet, floatant and smaller tools. It’s these fine details that Simms brings to the table that make their products really stand out from the crowd. The shoulder straps have a Velcro strip on one side which I use to attach a leather fly holder or my flotant holsters. The backpack compartment is large enough for me to fit snacks, extra gear and my Fall Run jacket when needed.
This pack has optimal storage allowing me to carry everything I need, whilst keeping it high above the water when wading. The straps are comfy and have new quick draw clips making it easy to remove or swing the pack around. You can also use these to remove the back section and attach it directly to the Headwaters Backpack (sold separately) for even more storage.
It’s a sexy looking pack as well as being comfortable and functional. I’ve used and tested it in all types of scenarios. In the back-country I wore it over many kilometers and found that the weight was balanced perfectly across my body. I’ve also used it on the Tongariro where I needed many different rods and reels but haven’t had the storage capacity in the past. However, this time with the Headwaters pack I could store all my floating lines and sinking tip lines whilst hardly knowing they were there. I usually use only 1/3rd of the gear I take, but the fact that I could carry what I needed without having to wear an extra pack was really satisfying.
If you like to get up close and personal when doing gear changes then this is the pack for you. It’s really convenient and can be kitted to up with all the matching tools that suit your needs. It really is the ultimate customisable chest pack out there.
About the author
Nathan Pollard is extremely passionate about fly fishing and the places it takes him. Currently studying full-time at Massey university, he still makes time for competitive fly fishing. He also works part-time with the great team at Manawatu Hunting & Fishing NZ.
Follow him on Instagram @flyfishermannate