Currently out of stock.. Open to other products from them or Yonah Packs. Thanks!
I bought a bunch of the small ones including the Yonah but ultimately didn’t love any of them. I haven’t tried the Darter though. I wound up making my own and I love it for my needs. I wanted to have a pocket on the front to fit the largest sized iPhone. Another open pocket that I can stuff all the tools into so they aren’t snagging and dangling while hiking or fishing. I 3d printed a spool for the tippet as the paracord only ones these bags typically include do not unfurl smoothly. I wanted it to be very smooth when pulling tippet. It also expands using the elastic on the sides and the zippers open it up so I can fit multiple fly boxes if I need it. There is a grab handle on the back for carrying it around and loops so I can set the strap for cross body, or waist type carry. The large webbing on the back is to thread it onto a wading belt.
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I assume it’s not for sale?
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Would you want to sell the Yonah one? If it’s the one I’m thinking of, it’s looks a lot like the one you’ve designed.
I actually have both Yonah packs, the simple and the fanny. I could sell you either one, I think if I remember right they are both the camo (lighter version not the dark). I also made one more bag that is identical to the green one in dark camo, I could sell you that one if you want to try it out, I did fish with it so I’d sell it for $40. The X-pac it’s made from is pricey. This doesn’t have the grab handle on top.
I’ll have to go hunt down my Yonah packs, I have them in a storage bin somewhere if you are interested in those.
Cool, I just sent a message to see what you’d want for each. I began to prefer the Yonah packs over Zimmerbuilt, but yours look great too.
I picked up a small chest/waist pack from Dragontail…still on sale for $30. I like it a lot. Has neck and waist straps included.
Chris custom makes most orders. He doesn’t make a ton to keep the store stocked. Choose your options and make your own darter at the link below. I have a darter and really like it.
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Good to know, thanks! Wasn’t aware I could even place the order if it was out of stock.
..Though I’ve ended up leaning toward the Yonah Simple Pack over the Darter, wanting to copy this:
I’ve basically been using my current fanny pack the same way, with my net tied to the belt by the strap. I think a little pack like that might be more versatile. I’ll probably just pull the trigger on one but was hoping @cc121 might be able to find his first.
That’s my preferred system also. I use the FishPond Switchback system with their bag. I added straps and a Dragontail 3 rod tube on the bottom and a water bottle holster.
I’ve seen this one on Facebook also, looks nice too. I might consider this if I were buying again.
That second one does look nice. It looks it could even be used in a backpack with a removable hip belt, which is what I’ve been looking for lately. Then I could hike somewhere, drop my pack to setup camp, and wander around with the hip belt removed from the pack..
Most flyfishing industry solutions are bloated. They perpetuate the need for excess.
Quick shots:
For short local trips. The quick shots where I drive up and the fishing duration might be under 3 hours. I will use the zimmerbuilt sling lite.
Unpacked it is lite as a feather, and will use the storage for carrying or sheding layers and maybe an energy bar. I will hydrate at the trailhead and leave water at the car.
Flybox, two rods, nippers, forcepts, fly line and tippet.
Optional:
Energy bar, bug repellent, ultra compact rain jacket.
Long shots:
Long hikes and full day trips.
I dont fuss with flyfishing packs. They are not great at hauling gear. I like osprey day packs which have great load distribution and pull the load away from your back and have a mesh vent to keep us cool.
Buy a volume to carry whatever junk you need to haul. I have one to haul my mess kit and backpacking stove and food to cook.
When I fish a stretch, i hang the pack in a tree and use the zimmerbuit strap pack modified for belt mount.
Flybox, nippers, forcepts, fly line and tippet.
On the water what else do we need?
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