Review:

Review	Scale	Points	Overall Grade
First Impression		10
Design		10	60/60 Awesome!!!
Performance		10
Functionality		10
Durability		10
Quality		10
Total Points		60

Comments:

 NOTE: 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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