About the Author

Joe Rotter

Joe is the "blogger in chief" here at Red's in addition to being our guide service manager and partner here at Red's. He is a father of 3 spunky children his wife Kelly can only be found fishing when the temperature gets above 85 degrees and the fish are gobbling up dry flies.

In addition to being a fly fishing junkie, Joe is a hard core bowhunter, is a volunteer Hunter's Eductation Instructor, and loves riding horses with his kiddos. Joe still guides a small part of the time but spends most of his time working on web marketing, travel, and helping customers find the right tools and information for the job.

Simms Z Pack - Waterproof BackPack and Hip Pack Review

December 10, 2014

No wasting your time here. With all the great waterproof options nowadays most anglers want good waterproof fishing packs. These two items are great packs, and as they should be for the price. Good things are rarely cheap.

After looking at these for the first time today in the shop, I immediately ordered the Simms Z Pack Backpack for myself. I like the Simms Z Pack Hip Pack too, but I already have the Sage Waterproof Large Waist Pack which is a great product. I have been very happy with it for several years, but the Simms is a close second for $50 less. Either way you can't go wrong.

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New Simms Z Pack Backpack Review

Simms Z Pack Backpack Jacket Strap System

The jacket strap system on the back allows you to put damp clothing on the back and not mix it with your nice dry stuff inside.

Simms Z Pack Backpack Standout Features:

the jacket strap system on the back. #1 feature - super simple, just a nice add on that lets you put your wet jacket on the back to dry without putting it inside your backpack.
waterproof zipper - obviously.
strap retainers so that excess strap material is not flopping around
finger tabs for opening and closing the zipper feature
nicely padded straps/back
just well built overall

Simms Z Pack Hip Pack Review

The big "T" claw on the zipper makes it easy to open and pull the zipper close. The "finger loop" also makes it easy to get leverage for opening and closing the zipper as well.

There is ample padding which makes this pack very comfortable to wear around your waist, but the foam is pretty much hollow so it dries out super fast.

Simms Z Pack Backpack Standout Features:

price and convenience - $199 is a good value considering that you might put a fly box inside with $400 worth of flies. Keep 'em safe, keep 'em dry
waterproof zipper - obviously.
strap retainers so that excess strap material is not flopping around
finger tabs for opening and closing the zipper feature
nicely padded waist strap
just well built overall

Do you have these in stock or still backordered?
In stock, ready to ship. Call us at (509) 933-2300 and we ship 'em for free.