Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned angler, you know the search for the perfect pack system is never-ending. For me, that search is over, at least for now. I have been using the Simms Dry Creek Z Backpack for about a year now and was thrilled to hear the pack was getting a facelift and some tune-ups.

Let's talk specifics. Size matters. With 25L capacity, this backpack has enough room for anything you might need on the water and more. When fully loaded, you can be confident rain or shine that your belongings stay dry all day long. The self-healing TRU Zip waterproof-submersible protection is a returning feature that has seen some small but crucial improvements. The zipper now features a pull cord which makes things a lot smoother while out on the water. For the items that require quick access, the roomy water-resistant front pocket is the perfect home. You’ll never be able to use the excuse that you didn’t have room again. For the longer days of the season that have you reaching for water or another beverage, it'll be closer than ever with dual stretch water bottle pockets. This is a HUGE upgrade in my opinion as a waterproof pack with water bottle holders is surprisingly hard to come by these days.

Comfort is an important consideration for any pack. I've been running a backpack on and off for several years and exclusively for the past year or so. The new compression molded back panel and breathable shoulder straps make the Dry Creek Z Backpack one of the best packs I've ever used and rivals my backcountry backpacks in comfort. It’s no secret I like to carry a lot of sh*t on the water. Maybe it’s my history of forgetting things or fear of being unprepared but this pack handled it all in my long day in Cheesman Canyon. I kept it fully loaded with several fly boxes, lunch, a pair of gloves, some drinks, and other random things. While stressing the inside to the seams, the outside held up great as I tossed it on rocky banks, slid down a rock or two and dunked it several times. Apart from it being a little tricky to retrieve your net at times and the lack of built in organization, the new Dry Creek Z Backpack is a homerun.

The new SIMMS Dry Creek Z Backpack will be available soon. Use our "Notify When In Stock" option to receive an email when the Dry Creek Zs arrive in stock!