Steven Murgatroyd has a new fishing bag that he shares details of. Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand for the Stephen Waist Pack.
I know the name is strange, but at least it’s easier to remember than ‘model number 67320/44t’ or something equally obscure. Millican describe themselves as; ‘a small team, based on a farm in the English Lake District. We make sustainable bags for the conscious traveller, the deep-thinker, and for personal journeys across the globe.’ The irony here of course is that they don’t mention fishing, yet they have come up with a design that I find perfect for my requirements.
Now, I have been fishing a long time and over the years have tried virtually every type of contrivance for carrying the essentials required for a day’s fly fishing. I started, I suspect, like most of us with a basic tackle bag and progressed from there through various waistcoats or vests, to sling packs, waist packs, something called the ‘Kennet Belt’ (google it!) and even at one time ditched the lot in favour of a jacket with its pockets stuffed with gear. I eventually did find what I regard as the perfect vest; Umpqua’s Toketee vest and surveyor pack. But most of my fishing does not call for a fully laden vest and back pack. I like to fish small streams and travel light, carrying just the essentials and I think Millican have just about cracked it with their waist pack.
Made from 100% organic cotton canvas outer (weatherproofed), 100% recycled polyester lining (waterproof) and 70% vegetable tanned leather, the bag features a roll-top to the main compartment for added weather protection in addition to a front water bottle pocket, a front organiser pocket, two internal pockets and a back pocket with popper closure. The waterproof lining can be pulled out for easy cleaning.
The great thing about the waist pack is that it can also be used as a shoulder bag and that is how I tend to use it, and when required it can easily be hoisted up high on the shoulders for deep wading.
You will see from the photos that I have customised mine slightly by adding a few bits and pieces, but no more than you would add to say a waistcoat. For travelling to and from the water I roll my multipiece rod within the roll top which holds it securely and protects it. Using Abel Zingers, which attach using a very secure mini carabiner I attach forceps, floatant, nippers and tippet material. In the back outside pocket I store a slightly modified folding net from Jon Beer which is more than adequate for most of the fish that I catch. I carry a single Rotobox fly box which holds enough flies to last a life time and which fits perfectly in the front pocket. I also attach a Smith Creek rod clip to the shoulder strap. The main bag itself still has plenty of room for a waterproof jacket and some food – perfect!