Gear Review - Umpqua Tongass 650 Waterproof Waist Pack

When I first started guiding in Alaska, your whole life had to be waterproof. That's why I spent so much money on Gore Tex, and anything Simms that kept my gear dry. It would rain 100 out of 120 days each summer. I was beyond pleases with the performance of my Simms Dry Creek Roll Top hip pack, but like all good things, it came to an end. When I went to buy another one, the only waterproof packs on the market were a Simms Dry Creek hip pack, with a water resistant zipper, that I would hardy call waterproof. Then there was the Patagonia Stormfront waist pack, that had a crazy hard zipper to open and close, and if you didn't get it sealed all the way, it would fill with water. It was, 100% waterproof, however with a price tag of over $200, that wasn't going to happen.

Well all my complaining is now over, Umpqua of all companies has come out with a bomber waterproof waist pack. Simms has since came out with a new roll top as well, but I think this one blows it out of the water. This bag has been thought out very well. It has many features that just amaze me every time I use it. This pack has a 100% waterproof main compartment that is a roll top. I have filled it with air and sat on it, as well as held it under water for about 1 minute, that's how waterproof it is. Then something that I would have never expected from a waterproof pack, is the front compartment pocket. Now, this pocket is only water resistant because the zipper is not 100% waterproof, but none the less a great addition to the design. It is separated and compartmentalized just like any other hip pack. Then on the outside there are plenty of awesome features as well, attachment points for zingers, tippet pockets, water bottle holders, and a fly rod holder pocket on each side of the hip straps. The one other thing I love about this pack, is that you can stand with the bottom of it in the water, and not worry about opening the pack to see your fly boxes floating in a pool of water, like some other "waterproof" packs Ive fished with in the past. So far the only con I have found with this pack, is that the Whole pack is not 100% waterproof, the front pocket can still get water in it if you go swimming or wade too deep. This is of course not due to the material the pack is made out of, but only the none waterproof zipper. After many days on the water with this pack, I can honestly say, that it is my new favorite pack to fish. We can special order these packs now, but will have them in the store for purchase this spring. I am super pumped about this new offering from Umpqua. Stop in and you can check mine out!!!

Happy New Years!!!

Front of the pack has a nice tool caddy as well as a zinger attachment point.

This is the inside 100% waterproof pocket.

Just another picture with more stuff in the pocket so you can see the volume of this pack.

This is the front compartmentalized pocket. Makes it easy to stay organized on the water.

A little snow, sleet, and rain, kept everything dry all day!

Another shot of the pack in action!