I couldn't believe how difficult it was to find a backpack suitable for fly fishing. Why was that? Almost none of them have any receptacle to securely hold a fly rod tube, and instead are designed to hold a spin rod with reel attached. And for anyone who has invested more than $100 in a fly rod, it would be insane to go hiking with your rod pieces attached to the outside of a pack, unprotected. So that was my main criteria, but this pack offers all the space and compartments that you need. If you so choose, you can even attach your wading boots to the the bottom and stuff your waders inside, along with your vest, reel and flies. The mesh backing will keep you from overheating, and there is even a pocket for a hydration bladder if you choose that over carrying a water bottle on the side. Just a perfect pack for day hiking into remote fishing spots - at a great price!