Patagonia Stealth Pack Fly Fishing Vest

Just what I needed, another vest…

I run hot and cold on vests, slings, hip packs, you name it. I’ve tried a bunch and I continue my Goldilocks quest for “just right.”

My “go to” over the years has been a Patagonia combination pack and vest system. It’s a solid setup, allowing me to have what I needed, when I needed it. During the summer, when I don’t need to carry extra layers, I might switch to the Stealth Sling.

This is an older model, no longer available, or I’d add a link.

I’m a big fan of the vertical pocket design of the vest portion and there it has a ton of well-organized storage in the pack section. The challenge with the combination pack and vest system is it is load capacity overkill many times. The challenge with the sling is it’s not roomy enough for multiple layers like the pack is.

Best of both worlds?

I have been eyeing Patagonia’s Stealth Pack Fly Fishing Vest for a while, wondering if it might be worth a try. I recently pulled the trigger and bought one, and I like what I see.

Patagonia image

They made it with a rugged recycled polyester mesh body and recycled nylon ripstop pockets. The design has the vertical pockets I like and two overlapping (small over large) back storage pockets. The back pockets are roomy enough for spare layers and include a detachable, zippered waterproof pouch for the “do not get wet” stuff. I may add a Stealth Work Station for organization.

While I haven’t fished with it yet, it fits comfortably. I loaded it with all the stuff I normally have in the vest portion of the pack-vest with no problem.

The suspension system is new and comes from their trail running world Slope Runner Endurance Vest. I’m enamored with the padded straps of my pack vest; we’ll see how it feels after a full day of guiding or fishing. The suspension system helps snug up the vest to your torso, keeping it from flopping around and getting in the way when casting and landing fish.

Stretchy side panels encircle the lower part of the vest for additional, albeit unsecured, storage. This may turn out to be my favorite and most useful design element of the vest. I’m amazed how often stuff migrates to random pockets in my waders or pants pocket while I’m guiding or fishing. Being able to stow something quickly and easily in one place is going to be very handy. The pocket is big enough to stow my usual water bottle. It rides in the middle of the back of the vest, balancing the load very effectively.

I will admit to not being a fan of the sheep skin fly patch that comes with it. It’s reminiscent of a bygone era and not particularly useful in my experience. I quickly relegated it to my fly-tying table and replaced it with a foam patch from my other vest.

Now if the weather would straighten out, I could go field test it… Stay tuned for updates.