Fishpond Summit Sling Review & Thoughts After 2 years of Use

I decided to do a little review on my Fishpond Summit Sling that I've been using for over 2 years now. It's a great pack. I've enjoyed using it, but there are some things to consider if you're looking into this pack.

0:00 Fishpond Summit Sling
2:20 Front compartment (folds flat)
5:15 Bottle holder
6:40 Top compartment (generally stays dry at the top of the pack)
7:12 Two main body compartments
8:47 Net holder sheath
9:30 General thoughts

#fishpondusa #summitsling #flyfishing #fishing #fishingbag #slingpack #outdoorvector

Some links for the "doodads" I use (amazon affiliate links):
Tippet holder (homemade)
Forceps (don't really remember, just some random forceps I found)

[DJI_NL]

Well done!! Most reviews of this sling that I've found online only display the pack on a desk or countertop to display the pockets and attachment points. This is the first video I've found where the presenter actually puts the sling on and shows how it functions. I bought the 2.0 version as a result of your review.

As far as waterproofness, most of my fly boxes are plastic with rubber gaskets. For 'must-keep-dry' items, zip-lock bags work for me.

[larrykirkland]

I’ve been reviewing and pricing sling packs for several days and Fishpond was a second or maybe third choice. Looked at it at Sportsman’s Warehouse and actually moved it to the top of the list. Watched your review in the parking lot and went back in and bought it. Saved $50 over my previous number one pick. I love this thing. I have a trip planned in 3days and can’t wait to use it. Thanks for the honest vid - it was very well done.

[chazcon]

Great review, thanks so much! Hey on the shock cord for your water bottle, the end tab is two pieces, pull out the top and you can thread your 2 cords through and into the alligator teeth and snap it back together.

[luisfigueroa]

Thanks for the very detailed description of the pack. You did a great job.

[RoryLynott]

Awesome review. I was recently gifted a 2.0 by a dear friend. This is my first sling pack and I feel completely spoiled. I'm stoked to set this one up. Thanks for your help!

[chriswells]

Great review! Fishpond’s official video is next to worthless. Yours is very thorough and helpful.
I agree with your concern about it not being waterproof. Have you looked into the various waterproofing applications. I have used some sprays that do a good job on fabric. Of course, the weak point there would be zippers, but they seem to be on the higher points of the pack.
Tight lines!

[francistighe]

Great video with very useful info - I like the pack but also found your comments at the end regarding a hip pack to be helpful as I try to figure out what style to purchase. Keep up the good work!

[kennyv.]

By far the most relatable review of this pack that I've seen. I just bought one, so you should ask FP to endorse you! We'll done. Thanks

[ConvexCheeto]

I also have a Summit Sling 2.0. The zipper on the rear compartment is more water resistant than the others. I wouldn't consider it waterproof but items in there have a better chance of staying dry.

[paulmartini]

Got this sling pack 4 years ago, but I found the net sleeve to be difficult and useless. That was a major problem. On balance the useability of the bag was pretty good.

[pyaoliang]

This is a great product review Ed! Very natural presentation and concise and to the point. Time to use those talents for video teaching at Lighthouse! ;D

[thomasarmstrong]

Thanks for the thorough review. I've watched several now for other sling packs. I agree with the concern of the pack not being water proof for the inside contents because it means all my fly boxes will get wet (no good for hooks to sit in a wet environment) but there are ways to mitigate this concern. Because of your review I will likely buy this pack and hang up my vest forever.

[ramrod]

Very in depth review. I think I’ll stick with my vest because of the weight factor. For you back I would suggest a lumbar belt, they have a loop to hold your net and can be adjusted for comfort so you can keep your vest and keep your gear out the water. It works fairly well. All major fly fishing manufacturers make them.

[asiavagabond]

Nice and informative video you have made. Especially like that you have had your Fishpond Summit Sling for 2 years, so you have experience with it. I'm going to buy this Fishpond Summit Sling. Thank you and best regards from Kenn in Denmark :-)

[howardgatlin]

Greetings from SC, killer review. Fishpond has a great wading belt called the Westbank that is very supportive. Also comes in a lumbar, hip pack configuration

[dthman]

I know this review is 2yrs old. Don’t know if you still use this pack. This was a good review. I enjoyed the honest review. I want to let you know that the end cap on the water bottle lanyard is detachable. Just pry the two pieces apart reset the small bungee into the cap and push them back together and voila, as good as new.

[blakemartin]

Thank you for the review! Will shorter handle nets (8 inch handle) work well in the net holder? Also, does the net handle behind your back not feel uncomfortable? Thank you for your time OutdoorVector.

[Rescue-mtfl]

Have the same pack and it. Very nice review and great use of net clip, I’ve wondered about a good way to secure it.

[Strontyum]

Great review, and your last con is a deal breaker. Once a pack gets as large as this one is, I would argue that it is more comfortable and better for your lower back if the weight is distributed symmetrically over both shoulders. So for me this means going back to my pack vest* for heavy loads, and keeping a sling pack for light trips of short duration. Thanks for making your review which gels this in my mind.
*After going through a number of rather expensive options, my preferred pack vest is the Patagonia Sweet Pack Vest, no longer in production. Lumbar packs suck, at least the ones I've tried, because it kills the ease of access which is the whole point.

[augustgresens]

Thanks for the video! I purchased one of these and am looking forward to trying it out. In terms of the net I attach mine to an orvis retractor at the junction of the handle and the net on the wading belt and then use a smith creek net holder on the belt to hold it. I'm not sure how that will work with the sling pack but it might be better than having in that sling pack. The nice thing about attaching it with a retractor on the belt is that you can also leave it hanging off of the belt in the front which is nice when you are fishing as it provides quick access. Thanks