Simms Dry Creek Backpack Review

I've just returned from another successful trip to Christmas Island, and I thought I'd quickly share my experiences with some outstanding Simms gear, in particular, the Simms Dry Creek Backpack.

I've been looking for the perfect multi use back pack for quite some time now. Unfortunately, every pack I've tried so far has fallen short of ticking all the boxes required.

My goal was to find a pack that does the following exceptionally well:

• Carry on luggage for air travel
• Waterproof boat bag
• Waterproof guiding day pack
• Waterproof 2 day overnight pack. ​​

Set to travel with my Simms Bounty Hunter 100 Roller and Dry Creek Backpack

I was very excited when the backpack arrived in a delivery from Manic Tackle Project, as I could tell straight away that the bag and I were going to get along brilliantly.

Key Features of the Simms Dry Creek Backpack:

• ​Waterproof main area.
• Fits within maximum size for air travel carry on luggage for most airlines.
• Fits large flats boots, one set of fishing clothes and essential carry on gear for air travel, weighing in under the 7kg max total.
• Expands large enough as a 45lt backpack to accommodate an overnight camping trip.
• 2 Exterior stretch-mesh water-bottle pockets
• Rod tube sleeve 
• Net D-ring and draw cord cinch
• Exterior u-shaped zippered pockets with interior stretch mesh. These are not waterproof, but handy for storing quick access items such as tippet, leaders, snacks, waterproof fly boxes etc when on the water, or for quick access items when travelling.
• Ergonomically-shaped shoulder harness with sternum strap and waist belt.
• Catch & Release system compatibility with Waypoints Convertible Chest Pack

​So how did the bag actually perform on the trip?

The Simms Dry Creek Backpack doing it tough as a boat bag.

For travel through the airports, the exterior pockets were perfect for quick access to my MacBook Air, iPad, travel documents, passport etc, which made navigating customs very easy. There was no need to even open the main compartment, and it all fitted into Fiji Airways carry on requirements perfectly.

The bag also accommodated my #13 flats boots, a full set of fishing clothes, and all the other essentials you should take as carry on with you. Win!

Once on the island, I emptied the bag of my travel bits and pieces, and loaded up the main waterproof compartment with my full remote area first aid kit (which proved handy a couple of times), spare reels, jacket and snacks. The bag then took up duty as my waterproof boat bag.

​It proved to be robust, waterproof, and effortless to transport to the boat an back each day. The rod tube sleeve also gave me somewhere safe to store a broken rod on one occasion. Win, again.

The Simms Dry Creek roll top Backpack, alongside the yet to be released Dry Creek Z Hip Pack.

Given I also tested the yet to be released Simms Dry Creek Z hip pack on this trip (review will be available later in the year), there was no need to use the Backpack as a day pack. I normally spend several days each week wearing a day pack whilst guiding during the trout season, so by lugging 7kg in the bag throughout airports and different islands, I know this thing is going to excel as a waterproof day/2 day pack. It is comfortable, has an exceptionally well thought out design, and will keep your gear dry if it rains, or if you go arse up in the water.

The Catch & Release system compatibility with Waypoints® Convertible Chest Pack adds so much functionality to this bag, and I can't wait to give it a run when trout fishing. 

The exterior pockets are a massive win, even if they are not waterproof. This is a feature that has been sorely lacking in waterproof packs up until now, as they have really just been glorified, upmarket dry bags.

​In a nutshell, the Simms Dry Creek Backpack receives a MASSIVE 2 thumbs up from me, and I'm pleased to say at the my search for the perfect multi use bag is now over!

If you'd like a Simms Dry Creek Backpack of your own, they are available now, and there is more information HERE.

Note:
The Dry Creek Z Hip Pack pictured along side the backpack above Is not available yet, but will be released in November. The Dry Creek Roll Top Hip Pack is available now.
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