That looks interesting, I have a guide sling that I don’t really like much. I have other zimmerbuilt products for backpacking that I absolutely love, but the guid sling just never is quite right for me.
For hiking I’m just using a gossemer gear day pack that I modified to carry rods safely.
Love the camo! 
I’m a camo believer.
Yes sir, I zoomed in on your videos to see what brand you were wearing and my buddy and I both have them now 
. Thanks for the inspiration.
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Great questions to help size and choose a pack!
- How long did you go out for? Usually 4 to 6 hours, sometimes more.
- How far away from home were you? Often 35 to 40 miles or more. The more important part is, it usually includes 5 to 10 miles of logging roads, and hiking-wading a mile or more, rarely seeing anyone else during 6 to 8 hours on the water. I do radio the position of my car on a mobile VHF ham radio with APRS to let my wife know where I parked.
- Were you away from mobile phone service? 90% or more of the time.
- Of everything you brought with you (including what you left in your vehicle) what did you actually use? I haven’t had to use the mylar space blanket yet, seldom use the first aid kit, sometimes use the jacket, always try to drink at least 16 ounces of water from my filter bottle (carried empty, fill it to drink), and always eat my lunch. If I have to hike very far for steam access I use hiking soles on my Korkers and carry the bar cleat soles in the pack to swap when I get to the stream and I then carry the hiking soles. (There’s 2 suburban streams just 20 to 30 minutes away that I hike in a half mile and carry the size 12 soles.) And I usually drink the electrolyte drink kept in the cooler in the car so I don’t get all cramped up after I get home
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*How many rods did you actually use? I usually carry one rod. There is one stream with some tight spots that it’s nice to have a short rod along. But I have to be careful the stowed rod doesn’t get hung up when crawling under-through the logjams-deadfall
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*How many flies/kebari did you actually use/lose? This is my real downfall. Maybe use two or three flies, and lose one or two. But it’s nice to have somewhere to carry all those flies I tie when I’m bored at home
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Yes, to all. There are two external straps (you can somewhat see them on the side by the net & one is immediately behind the hemostat) that are designed for either a rod tube or a jacket that has been rolled into a “log” shape. I generally carry 2-3 fly boxes plus bug spray, sun screen, and a lunch. It also fits a 1 quart/liter water bottle and I usually have another 2 quart/liter in my truck for my drive home.
I understand. Lots of people like it; just not for me.
Yes. One reason why it won me over.
I looked at one too and almost bought one. In fact, I had narrowed it down to that and the Vedavoo. I just so happened that I was traveling for work and one evening stopped in a fly shop and they had all the FP products. It was surprisingly much smaller than I had expected. The owner of the shop was really nice about it. He said it’s good for short (1-3 hour) trips on days without a chance of rain, but that’s about it. Not to mention, there’s no real good place to put a water bottle (they won’t stay in the pouch on the side).
I have a friend who bought that exact same military sling bag; think he found it on sale for $10 or $12. He loves it and thinks it’s huge. Though, he’s traditionally only cared a small fly box and tippet spool in his trouser pockets.
This may sound stupid that I’d never thought of that, but that’s a great idea. I need to start doing that on my longer days.
This sounds like me.
Have you considered one of the Vedavoo slings? Perhaps the tightlines model. Or one of the others.
Thank You Peder and David for the responses and recommendations on the Vedavoos. Considered, yes. But I paid $60 and $50 for the new 15 liter and mint 7 liter PAS slings respectively. I’m going to need to see the Vedavoos in person before I shell out one and a half Benjamins 
. Since my climbing days, whether I’m scooting over rock or busting riparian brush in a PNW rainforest, I prefer my Marmot Minimalist jacket, lunch and when needed, size 12 alternate Korkers soles are inside my pack along with the small first aid kit, flashlight, mylar space blanket, repair kit (extra lillian & super glue) flies, and extra lines.
Well, if that’s all you’re carrying with you, it will certainly all fit. Remember, for that price it’s handmade specifically for you in Massachusetts. It’s so well made I’m guessing I’ll never buy another sling.
By the way, the pocket where you see my rods, also fits an extra pair of Korker’s soles (that’s what I use too).
I don’t often use the Vedavoo sling. Not because I don’t like it. It is a handy accessory. Though I find it a bit hot in the summer and mostly only use it during spring and fall. But mostly I just don’t carry much stuff on stream.
A Gossamar Gear Hipbelt Pocket is only $14. This is a newer version.
When I purchased the one I use they were available in three sizes. I use the medium size (~ 6in x 4in x 1.25in) Just slightly smaller that the current one size. That I think is the same size as the old large size. I can fit in a fly box, spool of tippet, and 3 standard sized line spools, plus one more if I really over stuff it. Only two of the larger diameter line spools, that I prefer to use. And my car keys. Initially for a strap I just used some Zing-it line, till I found a strap from an old Gameboy bag.
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For fishing, I do not have a big bag, but a backpack is always with me. I do not take a thermos with me, I take a small kettle, a gas cylinder and a compact burner. Water is not a burden by itself, you can drink from any river.
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Best slings I have ever used for fixed line, Western Fly, and conventional is the Zimmer Sling. It allows you to carry xtra rods. I generally use the Guide but the Sling lite for bluelining. Build quality is great, not cheap and it shows.
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