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Sling Pack, Roll-Top, or a backpack with a zipper? The Guidewater series from Patagonia offers bags for every preference. Made from 100% recycled material, 100% waterproof, and even dive-certified with an IPX-7 rating. The perfect choice for fly anglers looking to protect their gear to the fullest! We compare the bags in this video and showcase the many clever details of the Patagonia Guidewater series, available in ever-changing colors. In this video, you'll see the bags in the cool 'Salvia Green', a stylish choice for both local waters and exotic tropics.
The Patagonia Guidewater series provides bags for every taste: a Sling that can be quickly and easily brought to the chest, a medium-sized backpack with a waterproof YKK zipper, and a huge backpack with a low-maintenance Roll-Top closure. Here's our opinion on these three bags:
- Sling Pack: The Sling Pack offers a capacity of 15L, providing enough space for extensive trips on the water. In the main compartment, you can easily store multiple large fly boxes, snacks, drinks, a rain jacket, or a camera. The greatest advantage of the handy Guidewater Sling Pack is its flexibility. With just one motion, you can comfortably bring the bag to your chest, and thanks to the two-way zipper, you always have the option to reach into the main compartment from the top. This eliminates the risk of anything falling out. Meanwhile, you can easily rest your rod on the sling, leaving your hands free—for example, to set up a leader or tie on a new fly. The weight of the bag and its contents is evenly distributed during fishing, thanks to the wide, padded shoulder strap. Therefore, long days on the river, lake, or coast are no problem at all! If you don't need maximum volume and are looking for quick access to the contents of your bag, then the Sling Pack is the ideal solution for you.
- Backpack with YKK Zip: The Backpack from the Guidewater series features a long, continuous YKK Zip, proven effective in wading situations and 100% waterproof. With a capacity of 29L, the backpack is the ideal size if you want to be prepared for all eventualities and spend many hours fishing. The zipper is easy to operate smoothly and can be easily cleaned or re-greased from time to time. The wide shoulder straps with numerous attachment options are ideal if you want to combine the backpack with other Patagonia products: for example, with a Wader Work Station from the Stealth series or the Convertible Mesh Vest, which we like to use for additional storage space for small items in front of the chest. With its minimalist look, the Guidewater Backpack is also a cool option for everyday use. Whether on the way to work or during leisure activities, you can benefit from its reliability and robust, waterproof material.
- Disperser Roll Top: The Disperser backpack with its practical Roll-Top closure is the space wonder of the series, offering up to 40L of capacity. That's gigantic! This backpack is perfect for you if you don't want to compromise on storage space. It comfortably accommodates a camera and lenses, drinks and provisions for you and your friends, and much more. We use this backpack whenever we need to transport a lot. One advantage of the maintenance-free Roll-Top closure is that the backpack can be compressed by rolling it up and using the additional strap on the top. This gives you great flexibility, allowing you to adapt the external dimensions to your needs. Thanks to the internal organization pocket, which is attached with Velcro, the Disperser Roll Top from Patagonia offers additional options for storing small items. Nothing gets lost in the huge main compartment! And if you need even more organization, the Disperser Roll Top can also be combined with the Wader Work Station from the Stealth series or the Convertible Mesh Vest. This way, you get the best of all worlds: maximum space and maximum order.
In addition to these differences, all bags in the Guidewater series from Patagonia offer some common features:
100% Waterproof & 100% Recycled Material
What all bags have in common is reliable protection against moisture—from above and below. This is ensured by the durable, waterproof material made of 100% recycled nylon and the carefully welded seams. Unlike other models on the market, the Guidewater bags are also IPX-7 classified. This waterproof class means that the contents of the bags remain dry even when fully submerged. Ideal for safely transporting valuable equipment and delicate gear while wading, on a boat, or during changing weather conditions.
Also, the other fabrics and straps of the Guidewater bags are made of 100% recycled nylon, and the lining and back panel are made of 100% recycled polyester. This makes these bags the best choice for environmentally conscious fly anglers!
Another practical aspect of the material of the Guidewater bags is that the hydrophobic material on the back and on the straps does not absorb water, offering very high wearing comfort. Even during a heavy rain shower or deep wading, the bags of the Patagonia Guidewater series remain pleasantly light.
Net Holder, Organization Pocket, and Attachment Options
Fixing rod tubes, tools, and accessories is also particularly easy. On the outside of the Sling, Backpack, and Roll Top, there are various loops and two adjustable straps each, which can be used to secure, for example, a rod tube. Also noteworthy is the rod holder integrated into the back pad. This rod holder allows you to quickly and effortlessly stow a landing net with style from both sides. A great feature that enhances the bags' functionality while fishing.
The organization inside the main compartment of the Sling, Backpack, and Roll Top is improved by an organization pocket. This inlay can be fixed on the front with Velcro if needed. Quick and easy! A great way to neatly store tippet spools, leaders, or other small items.
Our Conclusion: No matter which bag from the Guidewater series you choose, you'll get a high-quality, sustainable product in the best Patagonia quality. All bags are cleverly designed and have practical features that will definitely enhance your time on the water!
