Both the High Country and Shooting Star combo packs have been
reviewed over the past few months in real-life situations. Below you
will find a general overview of what has been found from the mountains
of PA in pouring rain, to centerpinning smallmouth on Ohio
tributaries.... read on;
I’ve found the High
Country and Shooting Star Chest/Backpacks by Fishpond to be versatile
additions to my already bloated arsenal of fishing gear. They are
extremely rugged and well constructed, loaded with storage compartment
areas, and offer features that many chest pack manufacturers overlook.
The Shooting Star
Chest/Backpack Combo is my favorite of the two models listed.
Representing the top-of-the-line product that Fishpond offers in this
category, it’s quite evident that much thought went into making it the
best pack money can buy. I place an elevated importance on storage
access convenience and comfort once loaded. It offered both to above
satisfactory levels. Having ample storage capacity (1200 cu. in.), it
easily accommodated my rain coat, gloves, hat, first aid kit, hydration
bladder, and a small pack lunch. On either side flanking the two
zippered storage areas, is a place for my polarized glasses and an extra
rod tube holder. These areas are meant for water bottle holders on and
also double as the bottom holders for rod tubes in the event that you
decide to pack in two rods to your favorite fishing spot. The bungee
cord style rod tube compression straps hold tubes securely in place and
have a quick release clamp to free them for use. The fleece lined,
waterproof YKK zippered pocket that sits high on top of the backpack is
a convenient area to store the cell phone, driver’s license, and car
keys. The pack’s capacity also came in handy when fishing with my
daughter. As this arrangement puts responsibility for two individual’s
fishing necessities squarely on my shoulders. When loaded with gear,
the backpack style adjustment straps facilitate a snug fit, and if the
load is properly balanced (front to back), become a comfortable outfit
to wear on a daylong expeditions. I also found the rainfly useful on
more than one outing. I would have missed this feature completely if I
hadn’t looked closely as the rainfly has its own Velcro storage area
underneath the bottom of the backpack.
Due to a cervical spine
and trapezius insertion point injury suffered years ago in a body
surfing accident, it has become extremely important for me to limit back
strain. This may be difficult to eliminate completely due to fly rod
casting, long float rods, and the gear I haul, but I am always looking
for gear that may improve the situation. If you have a back injury and
suffer with the pressures from traditional fly vests and big-box chest
packs, it should behoove you to check out Fishpond. I’m certain that
you’ll find their packs will afford more time on the water with less
pain. If you’re considering a high end chest/backpack and want to be
sure you’ve got all the features (whether you’ll use them or not) and
amble storage, then this pack is certainly the one to thoroughly
consider.
The High Country Tech Pack
features the same front portion as the Shooting Star but is coupled to a
smaller backpack (950 cu. in.) with less features. I found the storage
area to be a bit lacking for my tastes, but after using the larger
Shooting Star for months…This was not surprising! The front portion is
loaded with storage areas, zippered and non, that you’ll find will
easily organized the various fly boxes, containers, tackle, and gear
that we all haul to the river. With clip loops, elastic loops, and easy
to grab zippers, it is made to organize.
Both packs come with
additional straps so that they can be configured a number of different
ways including sling or stand alone chest pack. The sling is great for
the minimalist. I found the stand alone chest pack neck strap, because
of where the strap sits on my neck, pulls down on my neck and was not
comfortable.
Overall, both these packs
are everything I’d expect from a company with a reputation of Fishpond.
I found their technical support / customer service representative
(Jordan) to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful when answering my
barrage of questions. I’d recommend these packs to anyone that is
considering the ultimate in on stream and backwoods / hike-in storage
systems.
Domenic Federico
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