Having spent countless hours on the bank, I know firsthand the importance of having the right gear. One essential item is a good fishing rucksack. Whether you are carp fishing, heading to the river after barbel or fish a range of venues with your favourite lures after pike and perch, the best fishing rucksacks make life on the bank so much easier.
Organisation is one of the most effective ways to ensure you maximise your time on the bank. If you are limited on time, a fishing rucksack will catch you more fish as it allows you to get your fishing rods in the water faster, increasing the duration when you might get a bite. When packed right, they can be grabbed at a moment's notice, for those impromptu sessions on the bank.
Best fishing rucksacks at a glance
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Best Fishing Rucksack: Fox Camolite Ruckall - View Offer on Total Fishing Tackle
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Best Carp Fishing Rucksack: Aqua Products Black Series Rucksack - View Offer on Total Fishing Tackle
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Best Budget Fishing Rucksack: Sonik Tackle Organiser Rucksack - View Offer on Total Fishing Tackle
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Best Specialist Fishing Rucksack: Drennan Specialist Compact 20L Roving Bag - View Offer on Total Fishing Tackle
A good rucksack should be comfortable to carry, durable, and have plenty of storage space for tackle boxes and other essential items of tackle. It should also be weatherproof to protect your gear from the elements. In this article, I've selected some of the best fishing rucksacks on the market. Considering factors such as capacity, comfort, durability, and unique features that will be specific to the types of angling you do.
Best Budget River Fishing Rucksack
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The Korum Progress Rucksack is a reliable and comfortable option, ideal for anglers of all levels. Its traditional design and functional features make it a popular choice.
The rucksack offers a spacious main compartment that easily accommodates a tackle box and other larger items, along with convenient side and front pockets for smaller accessories. Padded and adjustable shoulder straps, as well as a chest strap, ensure comfortable carrying, even when the bag is fully loaded. The longer webbing straps on top are perfect for carrying nets or banksticks.
Dimensions: (Main Compartment) 48cm (H) x 40cm (W) x 20cm (D)
Pros
- Lots of storage in a compact form
- Modular cases (available separately) maximise use of space
Cons
- Because of its shape corners are prone to excessive wear
Best Specialist Fishing Rucksack
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The Drennan Specialist Compact 20L Roving Bag is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a compact and durable way to carry their gear. Constructed from tough 600-denier fabric with a reinforced waterproof base, it’s designed to protect your equipment from the elements.
This bag includes a range of pockets and compartments for organized storage. It features a spacious main compartment for a tackle box and larger items, two external mesh pockets for smaller essentials, a zippered front pocket for accessories, and a foil-lined top compartment to keep bait fresh.
Comfortable to carry, the bag has a padded back and shoulder straps. It also includes extendable carry straps and additional straps designed to hold a rolled-up unhooking mat.
Dimensions: 30cm (H) x 35cm (W) x 25cm (D).
Pros
- Can be carried over a single shoulder or across the body
- Compact size including bait storage is perfect for the roving angler
Cons
- Limited capacity can be restrictive if needing to carry multiple types of tackle and bait
Best Compact Fishing Rucksack
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Offering ample space in a compact form, the Korda Compac Rucksack boasts a 45-litre capacity, providing plenty of room for all your essentials. Its padded shoulder straps and back panel offer comfortable carrying, even when fully loaded.
Constructed from durable, water-resistant fabric and featuring a waterproof base, this rucksack protects your gear from the elements. It includes a range of pockets and compartments, such as four modular side pockets, a front pocket for a tackle box, and an internal zippered storage pocket.
Overall dimensions: 45cm (H) x 42cm (W) x 32cm (D)
Main compartment dimensions: 31cm (H) x 42cm (W) x 24cm (D)
Pros
- Designed to be compatible with Korda Compac EVA cases and tackle boxes as a modular system (available separately)
- Huge capacity in a compact form
Cons
- The fabric doesn't wipe clean very well
Best Fishing Rucksack for stalking
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If you need ample space for carrying your gear, the Trakker NXG Searcher Rucksack is an excellent choice. It’s spacious enough to hold all your tackle and accessories, with plenty of pockets and compartments to keep everything organised.
Constructed from durable materials with a waterproof base, this rucksack ensures your gear stays dry. It’s also designed for comfort, featuring padded shoulder straps and a cushioned back panel.
Additional features make the rucksack easy to use, including a removable EVA rig tray, elasticated loops for bank sticks, and a large front pocket for your tackle box.
Dimensions: 45cm (H) × 42cm (D) × 26.5cm (W)
Pros
- Can store a dismantled rod pod thanks to three elasticated loops on each side of the rucksack
- Removable magnetic EVA rig tray supplied that stores in its own compartment
Cons
- Zip toggles are prone to bending
Best fishing rucksack for long sessions
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The Avid Carp RVS Ruckbag offers a generous 50-litre capacity, providing plenty of space for essentials—from tackle boxes to clothing. Designed with comfort in mind, it features padded shoulder straps for easy carrying.
Made from durable 600D fabric with a molded EVA base, this ruckbag protects your gear in all conditions. It also includes several organisational features, such as side pockets for quick access to essentials and reinforced webbing handles for convenient transport.
The ruckbag’s stylish camouflage design blends seamlessly with your surroundings, and best of all, it’s designed to fit under your bedchair, saving valuable space in your bivvy.
Dimensions 45cm (H) x 35cm (D) x 25 cm (W)
Pros
- Profile allows it to be stored easily under a bedchair
- Hardcase base reduces wear
Cons
- Its slimmer profile makes it a little more difficult to store bulky items
Best designed fishing rucksack
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If you need a compact and comfortable way to carry your gear, the ESP Quickdraw Rucksack is a practical choice. With a 40-litre capacity, it offers ample space for all your essentials. The rucksack is also designed for comfort, featuring adjustable, padded shoulder straps.
It includes a detachable tackle case that zips to the top, three external zipped pockets, and multiple bankstick pockets. The main compartment is cushioned and lined for added protection. You’ll also appreciate the sternum strap, which helps evenly distribute the weight.
Detachable Tackle Case: 10cm (H) x 18cm (D) x 29cm (W)
Main compartment: 38cm (H) x 16cm (D) x 29cm (W)
Front external pocket: 36cm (H) x 7cm (D) x 29cm (W)
Side pockets: 36cm (H) x 7cm (D) x 16cm (W)
Pros
- Detachable tackle case supplied
- Sternum strap helps to distribute weight when carrying
Cons
- The top compartment can make the bag sag underneath, it won't affect usage though
Best Fishing Rucksack
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The Fox Camolite Ruckall is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a versatile and practical backpack.
One of its standout features is the unique design, which combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of a rucksack and the practicality of a carryall. The padded back also doubles as a base when the rucksack is placed on the ground, providing extra protection for your gear.
The Ruckall is also comfortable to carry, thanks to its padded shoulder straps and back panel. The padded back doubles as a lid, providing additional protection for your gear.
With multiple pockets and compartments, the Ruckall helps keep your gear organised. It features a large main compartment for your tackle box and other essentials, as well as side and front pockets for smaller items. The removable strap is a great feature, allowing you to easily carry a chair or unhooking mat.
Pros
- A hybrid of the traditional carryall and a rucksack
- Low profile means can easily be transported and stored
Cons
- Would benefit from chest strap to distribute weight as can be very heavy when full
Best carp fishing rucksack
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The Aqua Products Black Series Rucksack stands out as an excellent transport and storage solution, offering a large capacity, a variety of pockets and compartments, and several other features that make it easy to use.
Designed for comfort, the rucksack features an ergonomic design with padded straps for easy carrying. It also includes a removable divider in the long pockets, an Aquatexx pack-away rain cover, and bank stick loops for added convenience.
With numerous pockets and compartments, it will help improve your organisation, helping you make the most of your time on the bank. It features a large main compartment, three external pockets, two internal mesh pockets, one zipped internal pocket, and two removable security pouches.
Dimensions 58cm (H) x 30cm (D) x 49cm (W)
Pros
- Removable pouches that velcro to internal lining for security
- Supplied with a pack away rain cover
Cons
- Without the rain cover it isn't waterproof
Best Budget Fishing Rucksack
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If you're on a budget but want to keep your gear organised and easily accessible, the Sonik Tackle Organiser Rucksack is an excellent choice to meet your needs.
Packed with features, this rucksack offers a large capacity, a variety of pockets and compartments, coupled with a durable construction. The padded shoulder straps and sternum strap ensure comfortable carrying, even when fully loaded with gear.
A standout feature of this rucksack is the removable shelf, which is perfect for storing a tackle box, making it easy to access your tackle when needed. The rucksack also includes bankstick holders on the side for added convenience.
Dimensions: 46cm (H) x 44cm (D) x 25cm (W)
Pros
- Main compartment accessible from top zip and from the side zip
- Removable shelf that will hold a medium sized tackle box
Cons
- May not be compatible with some tackle boxes due to dimensions
Best Lure Fishing Rucksack
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The Fox Rage Voyager Rucksack is a excellent solution for lure anglers, who require a compact storage solution for carrying their gear. A 50-litre capacity, which is plenty of space for all your essentials, including four tackle boxes that come with the rucksack. This means you can easily store and carry a variety of lures and other tackle.
The rucksack is made from a durable material and has a moulded base to protect your gear. It also has a variety of features that make it easy to use, such as tool holders, a rod holder, and a D-ring for an unhooking mat. The padded shoulder straps and back panel make it comfortable to carry.
Dimensions: 50cm (H) x 39cm (D) x 26cm (W)
Pros
- Supplied with 4 tackle boxes
- Tool holders integrated into the rucksack for easy storage and access
Cons
- Not waterproof unless you use the rain cover provided
What to look for in a fishing rucksack
When choosing a fishing rucksack, there are a few key features to consider. First, think about the size and capacity you need. You’ll want a rucksack large enough to hold all your gear, but if you’re mobile fishing, a more compact option might be ideal. For longer sessions where additional equipment, like a sleeping bag, may be required, a larger, higher-capacity rucksack is a better choice. However, be mindful that the rucksack shouldn’t be so large that it becomes difficult to carry.
Second, consider the materials used to make the rucksack. You’ll want a durable, easy-to-clean, and water-resistant option. Third, think about comfort. The rucksack should have padded shoulder straps and a back panel, with the addition of a chest strap to help distribute the weight evenly.
Finally, evaluate the features the rucksack offers. Some models include external pockets, internal dividers, and rain covers. By considering these factors, you can select a rucksack that meets your specific needs.
Glossary
Capacity: The amount of gear a rucksack can hold, often measured in litres.
Material: The fabric used to make the rucksack, such as nylon or polyester.
Durability: How well the rucksack can withstand wear and tear.
Water Resistance: The rucksack's ability to repel water and keep your gear dry.
Comfort: The level of comfort provided by the rucksack's straps and back panel.
Pockets: The number and type of pockets on the rucksack, for organising gear.
Compartments: The main storage area of the rucksack.
Rain Cover: A removable cover to protect the rucksack from rain.
Ergonomic Design: Features that make the rucksack comfortable to carry, such as padded straps and a ventilated back panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size rucksack should I get?
The size of the rucksack you need will depend on the type of fishing you do and how much gear you need to carry. If you're just out fishing for the day, a smaller rucksack may be sufficient. However, if you're going on an overnight session you'll need a larger rucksack to accommodate all your gear.
What materials are fishing rucksacks made from?
Fishing rucksacks are typically made from durable materials such as nylon or polyester. These materials are water-resistant and can withstand the rigours of fishing.
What features should I look for in a fishing rucksack?
When choosing a fishing rucksack, look for features such as:
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Plenty of pockets: This will help you keep your gear organized.
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A comfortable back panel and shoulder straps: This will make the rucksack more comfortable to carry.
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A waterproof base: This will protect your gear from pooling water and dirt.
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A rain cover: This will keep your gear dry in wet weather.
How do I clean my fishing rucksack?
To clean your fishing rucksack, you can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. For tougher stains, you can use a mild detergent.
How do I store my fishing rucksack when not in use?
When not in use, it's best to store your fishing rucksack in a cool, dry place. Most are constructed from breathable material but it is good practice to make sure that it is completely dry before storing it.
Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times.