Simms Headwaters Daypack and Chestpack System

I started taking a close look at the new Simms Headwater chest backpack system before we had a Trout Unlimited meeting last week.  I was giving a program on new tackle and gear.  The more I looked and played with this system the more I liked it.

This Fishing/Backpack system is made up of two individual components.  First is the Headwaters Day Pack.  This pack is bombproof, comfortable, designed with more than ample innovation and good to look at.  Ventilation is critical for all day comfort during the warm months.  The design of this pack’s ventilation system is probably the best I have seen.  Your back doesn’t touch the pack body.  A supported mesh piece of material with an air chamber between it and the pack will keep you cool. This pack is a true internal frame pack.  Alone it is a serious daypack.

The straps are contoured and well padded just like any high-end backpack.  It includes a sternum strap and well-padded and ventilated waist belt.  Everything is adjustable in every way.  The main compartment has a pocket for your hydration bladder and there is an opening right behind your head for the drinking tube.  These bladders are optional and can be purchased from us or any backpacking store.  The main compartment is more than adequate for a day in the backcountry.  The external pocket has several pockets for organizing your gear and a separate zippered compartment within. 

You can carry two pack rods in tubes, one on each side of the pack.  The rods are secured by three separate components, the pocket on the bottom, a compression strap and at the top there is a hidden bungee cord that can be pulled out of it’s pocket giving you even more security.  Your rod tubes and rods are not going to fall out of this pack.

Total volume of this pack is 1,760 cubic inches.  The Headwaters Day Pack sells for $119.95.  See it online HERE!

Now, here is where this system gets really good. Add the Headwaters Chest Pack.  This chest pack can be connected fast, simply and securely to the back of the Day Pack for the trip into and out of the backcountry.  It’s back there out of the way.  When you get to your favorite stream you can snap it off the back and plug it into the front of the pack so it is accessible while you are fishing.  Or if you want to hide your backpack for a while you can simply use the chestpack.  This gives you plenty of options. 

The Headwaters Chest Pack measures 10” x 6” x 5”, it has a comfortable neck strap and belt to securely hold it next to your body if you choose to fish without the Daypack.  Inside the main pocket are four internal pockets to organize your gear.  There is also plenty of room for a large fly box or two.  The rigid pocket in front of the main one has one internal pocket and also plenty of room for another large fly box.  You can Velcro a fly box to the inside front of the rigid pocket.  Another small zippered pocket in front of that one holds your leaders and fishing license.  The capacity of the Headwaters Chestpack is 300 cubic inches and it sells for $69.95.  See it online HERE!

That actual color of these pieces is charcoal, which is really darker than the photos shown here.  I was in a hurry and close to the deadline for the Little River Journal so I used stock photos which are lighter in color with a greenish tint.  The actual orange trim color is rust, not the bright orange you see here.

I’m really excited about this backcountry system and it has some features that we have wondered for a long time why other companies didn't do this.  The total package sells for $189.90.  You can buy them separately at different times to spread out the pain but together you won’t find a better combination.

Byron Begley