Fly Fishing Packs & Body Mechanics: Choosing Gear That Supports Your Health
As a professional functional mobility coach for fly anglers, I understand that the right gear does more than just house your flies, tools, and equipment, it supports your body, promotes endurance, and helps prevent overuse injuries. Let's take a look at how different types of packs impact posture, load distribution, long-term comfort, and potential injury or chronic pain.
Sling Packs: Convenient but Asymmetrical
Pros:
Easy to swing around for quick access.
Keeps gear off of the the front of your body, aiding in mobility and casting clearance.
Cons:
Uneven load distribution across one shoulder.
May cause upper/mid-back pain with prolonged use.
Ergonomic Insight:
Carrying weight on one shoulder can lead to muscle fatigue and postural imbalances.
Angler Experience:
For me, after a full day on the water I start to tell tension and overload in my upper/mid back, shoulder, and neck.
Backpacks: Balanced Load, Potential Overload
Pros:
Even weight distribution across both shoulders.
Ideal for carrying more gear on longer trips.
Cons:
May encourage forward-leaning posture.
Can strain the lower back if overloaded.
Ergonomic Insight:
Backpacks can affect gait biomechanics and increase physiological strain, especially when overloaded.
Hip Packs: Lower Back Load with Core Engagement
Pros:
Transfers weight to hips, reducing shoulder strain.
Keeps upper body free for casting clearance and tend to provide convenient access to contents.
Cons:
May cause hip discomfort if overloaded.
Can shift during movement and sometimes feel clunky, affecting balance.
Angler Experience:
For me, the pros typically outweigh the cons, though I don’t love that hip packs tend to migrate across my waistline versus consistently remaining stationary.
Chest Packs: Front-Loaded Convenience
Pros:
Keeps essentials within easy reach.
Compact design minimizes bulk.
Cons:
Adds weight to the chest, potentially affecting breathing.
May obstruct downward visibility, increasing trip risk. Can also negatively impact casting clearance.
Angler Experience:
My main complaint while wearing a chest pack is the obstuction of casting clearance, most specifically experienced while fishing two-handed trout spey rods.
Vests: Classic Choice with Modern Updates
Pros:
Distributes weight evenly across shoulders and truk.
Multiple pockets for organized storage.
Cons:
Can be hot and restrictive in warm weather.
May contribute to shoulder fatigue over time if heavily loaded.
Ergonomic Insight:
Modern vests have improved in design, offering better weight distribution and comfort.
Functional Mobility Tips for Anglers
Rotate Pack Styles: Switching between different pack types can prevent overuse injuries.
Mind the Load: Keep your pack's weight manageable to reduce strain and if appropriate take your pack off from time to time throughout the day.
Adjust Straps Properly: Ensure your pack fits snugly to distribute weight evenly in the same way that you’d methodically tailor a backpacking pack.
Incorporate Mobility Exercises: Regular stretching and strengthening can enhance overall endurance and prevent injuries and chronic pain.
Further Research, Reading, & Resources
Upper Extremity Pain and Overuse Injuries in Fly-Fishing: PMC
Impact of Backpacks on Ergonomics: PMC
The Impact of Sling Bags and Backpacks on Posture: European Rolfing Association
Conclusion:
Choosing the right fly fishing pack is crucial not only for convenience but also for your physical well-being. While we certainly need to consider our pack type based upon the details of the fishery and style of angling underway, it’s equally important to take long-term bodily health into account. By understanding the general ergonomic implications of each pack type, personalizing our choices based upon our own unique needs, and incorporating functional mobility and recovery practices, you can enjoy longer and more comfortable days on the water.
Note: For personalized advice on mobility exercises tailored to your fishing habits, consider consulting me, a functional mobility specialist and avid fly angler and fly fish instructor for custom programming opportunities.