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):
SAMSFX Zingers amzn.to/3sirSAB
Fishpond Retractor amzn.to/3wSk8J8
Umpqua River Grip Nippers amzn.to/2Ru1QO1
Smith Creek Rod Holder amzn.to/3e2aXgu
GoPro shoulder strap mount amzn.to/3g4NqOJ
Tippet holder (homemade)
Forceps (don't really remember, just some random forceps I found)

Пікірлер: 83

  • @DJI_NL
    @DJI_NL Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    Yep, ziploc bags work great for things like my fishing license or wallet or car keys. Thanks for watching!

  • @larrykirkland1871
    @larrykirkland18712 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    2 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! I'm so glad it was helpful.

  • @luisfigueroa3300
    @luisfigueroa33002 жыл бұрын

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

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm glad it was helpful! Tight lines!

  • @RoryLynott
    @RoryLynott4 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching and I’m glad it was useful!

  • @francistighe4588
    @francistighe45882 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm glad you found it helpful and thanks for your feedback!

  • @pyaoliang
    @pyaoliang3 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! :)

  • @todd718
    @todd7183 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for posting such a helpful video. I recently bought the Mad River Teton pack and am trying to figure out how to rig and wear it. Your video answered my questions and provided new ideas for me to try. Thanks!

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @johnm674
    @johnm6743 жыл бұрын

    Nice review. Been looking to get a pack. Thanks

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    I'm glad it was useful to you. I really do like the pack. I'm still using it now.

  • @Rescue-mt7fl
    @Rescue-mt7fl3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your comments and feedback!

  • @chriswells156
    @chriswells1563 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    That's a great idea to look at / try waterproofing applications. For whatever reason, I never really thought of that! But you're right the weak point would be the zippers. One of the zippers is kind of "water resistant" so it may keep that back section a little more dry with water resistance treating the fabric.

  • @asiavagabond
    @asiavagabond3 жыл бұрын

    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 :-)

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, I'm really glad I was able to help with my thoughts. I wish you good fishing and tight lines in Denmark and everywhere your adventures take you! :)

  • @asiavagabond

    @asiavagabond

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@OutdoorVector Thanks and the same to you :-)

  • @christown4783
    @christown4783 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Very helpful and your doing awesome!

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for watching!

  • @chazcon5133
    @chazcon5133 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    Great idea/find! Thanks for watching!

  • @thomasarmstrong4446
    @thomasarmstrong44463 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    Great comment about getting flies/hooks wet. Thanks for watching!

  • @gflash2757
    @gflash27573 жыл бұрын

    Very nice review- clear and thorough...I've been considering this pack vs the Patagonia stealth sling. My current lumbar type pack does not allow me to carry my net on a d-loop high enough, especially wading through the swift current. Keep up the great work!

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @69adrummer
    @69adrummer Жыл бұрын

    I got a small comment/critique on the video: Look at the LENS of the camera and not "over there" at the screen/viewfinder. When you talk to someone, you look them in the eye...we...the audience is "IN" the camera so look at the lens. Other than that, great video dude!

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks, yep I need to do that.

  • @zekord
    @zekord4 ай бұрын

    Thanks - very helpful!

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @wilbertolugo8700
    @wilbertolugo8700 Жыл бұрын

    Hello!! very nice review. thank you.tight lines always

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @howardgatlin8456
    @howardgatlin84562 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the tip!

  • @d2thman
    @d2thman Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    Great idea! Thanks for watching!

  • @ramrod273
    @ramrod273 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    Yep definitely looking into and trying a lumbar belt!

  • @augustgresens3528
    @augustgresens35283 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! My friend also has one of those retractors for his net. I think the other nice feature is that it can easily detach from the retractor also. Tight lines!

  • @dennisgrocholski4190
    @dennisgrocholski41903 жыл бұрын

    Well done.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for your feedback.

  • @magnumpap
    @magnumpap Жыл бұрын

    Great video

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for the visit!

  • @user-sz8ed7dz1n
    @user-sz8ed7dz1n8 ай бұрын

    thank you

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    8 ай бұрын

    You're welcome! And thanks for watching!

  • @Acheron2010
    @Acheron2010 Жыл бұрын

    Nice review, especially how you use yours and where you stow and arrange gear. I picked up the identical sling pack (but not fishpond branded) at Mad River Outfitters for $59.00.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    Wow, great deal! Thanks for watching.

  • @ConvexCheeto
    @ConvexCheeto Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    That’s a good point. Thanks for watching.

  • @Strontyum
    @Strontyum Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the feedback. Yep, definitely the main reason I started looking at hip packs.

  • @cpmorris1001
    @cpmorris10012 жыл бұрын

    This was a great honest assessment of the FP sling pack. I've tried both the FP Thunderhead water proof pack and the Fishpond Flathead (not water proof). While I like the idea of Water Proof (WP), the WP models don't have the compartmentalization and organization found in the non-WP models. It's a trade off and I'm not sure of the right thing to do.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    2 жыл бұрын

    I picked up a FP Thunderhead Hip pack for this season. I agree on the lack of compartments in the Thunderhead hip pack where all my stuff is floating around pretty much in the one main compartment. Still testing out how to "work" with it.

  • @oreilly6365
    @oreilly63652 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, just bought this pack so looking forward to using it. I tend no to wade too deep so should be fine for me. Thanks for your vid, really helpful, can I ask what that is hanging from the fishpond retractor? Thanks again

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, I hope the pack works out for you! The thing hanging from my fishpond retractor is an aluminum rod holder c-clip (with high-density foam inside). It works ok, but I've found I don't end up using it much and I just end up putting the rod in my armpit more often than not. More recently, I bought an o-pros rod holder and the jury is still out on that. Cheers!

  • @communicationiskey-
    @communicationiskey- Жыл бұрын

    Excellent and detailed presentations. Much better than most. Recently purchased this pack thanks to your review. I am not sure the hip pack will help with water permeability as it stands lower, unless it’s fully waterproof of course. Maybe a chest pack would be preferable since it is higher. I will be testing waterproof sprays to see if they actually hold up to bag being submerged.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your comments! I actually did end up getting a hip pack that is waterproof for the reason you mentioned (whole pack sits at waist level).

  • @communicationiskey-

    @communicationiskey-

    Жыл бұрын

    I was wondering, why not use a waterproof spray ?

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    Жыл бұрын

    I’ve used waterproof sprays before and have had only success in them being water resistant and not water proof when submerging. But maybe I’m just not using the right treatments.

  • @communicationiskey-

    @communicationiskey-

    Жыл бұрын

    I appreciate your input. Thank you

  • @communicationiskey-

    @communicationiskey-

    Жыл бұрын

    Which brand and model waterproof hip-pack did you get ?

  • @TytusTolshemLives
    @TytusTolshemLives2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the review, very thorough! I was thinking about getting that same net, what do you think about it?

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    2 жыл бұрын

    The net has worked well for me. I like the long handle since it makes landing fish a little easier and sooner so that they don't tire out as much.

  • @forsakenpath4992
    @forsakenpath49923 жыл бұрын

    Nice vid! I have a cheap clone of this pack, but it's starting to fall apart. Wondering if I should get the actual thing or if I should try something else.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the feedback. I feel your pain in regards to $s for the Fishpond. It's not cheap, but it has served me well and hasn't fallen apart for sure. Fishpond also seems to always get me on the color schemes they choose. LOL!

  • @rangerwhite5165
    @rangerwhite51652 жыл бұрын

    Great review. I'm in my 50s now and my back is getting sore with my Simms Waist pack. I'm considering a sling to see if it makes any difference. I'm undecided between the fishpond summit, or the new orvis sling.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    2 жыл бұрын

    I was looking at the Orvis sling a few weeks ago for a local friend. I felt like the storage capacity was a little lower compared to the Summit. But I did like the integrated tippet bar.

  • @quickplaya
    @quickplaya3 жыл бұрын

    Good review... I am not a fan of sling packs when you get older you'll find that they are just too bad for your back a fly fishing vest really helps distribute the weight evenly and is so much easier accessible having everything right on your chest in front. Also having a magnetic connection for your net is a game changer. Getting the net in and out of the pack is such a pain with the sling pack. Also just the sheer weight of a sling pack is heavier let alone the weight distributed on one shoulder. The sling pack is just a hipster's fly fishing vest more expensive and impractical in my opinion.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yep, definitely feeling the weight distribution different and sore lower back after a long day on the river. Thanks for your comments on your experience! Cheers!

  • @mattdigweed3262
    @mattdigweed32623 жыл бұрын

    Agree with John M - Great review - I'm looking to buy and use a day pack this year. Your comments on waterproofing and lumber packs compel me to broaden my review. Will be interested in the lumber pack you choose - Cheers and thank you :-)

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the feedback! I'm right now considering the Fishpond Thunderhead Lumbar pack, but it's steep in price. Actually most of the submersible packs are in that same price range, so it's just a matter dollars and timing.

  • @Detroit3Pistons
    @Detroit3Pistons2 жыл бұрын

    Does the Sheath (Net Holder) have an opening for longer handle nets to go totally through? The handle of my net is longer then yours.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yep, there's a hole at the bottom of the sheath portion. My handle when fully inserted does poke through the bottom of it.

  • @OutdoorVector

    @OutdoorVector

    2 жыл бұрын

    You can catch a brief glimpse of the bottom hole at about 8:50 in the video. Thanks for your comment and question!