Fishpond Firehole Backpack Review: My Colorado Fishing Verdict

The Fishpond Firehole Backpack has been a great fit for my Colorado fishing: it carries enough for high-alpine lake hikes but is still easy to grab for a quick trip to a local river. I would recommend it to anglers who do not need a submersible pack and want a comfortable way to carry fishing gear, a hydration bladder, and wet waders or boots. Its biggest drawback is that it has no built-in fly-rod carry system, so plan to buy or add straps.

This review reflects a year of use. I hike and fish rivers often, but I rarely wade deep, which is why I chose this non-submersible pack instead of the Thunderhead. Your needs may be different if you routinely wade deep or need to keep gear fully dry.

Why did I choose the Firehole Backpack?

I love hiking to high-alpine lakes in Colorado. Nothing beats the satisfaction of landing a beautiful native trout after putting in the work to get there. It is also a great way to find some solitude away from the growing crowds on more accessible rivers. I needed a pack large enough for gear in the high country but convenient enough to grab for a quick trip to a local river.

I chose the Firehole for a few reasons. First, I already own other Fishpond gear, and my experience with its durability has been excellent. After years of river time, I have not had an issue with any of it. Second, I wanted a pack compatible with the other Fishpond pieces I own. That may be a downside for anglers who prefer not to commit to one brand, but I like Fishpond’s attachment system and how easily it lets me connect and remove my chest pack. Finally, Fishpond is a local Colorado company, and I like supporting local businesses.

How did the design and features perform?

The pack is lightweight and comfortable, even for long hikes on hot days. It has a sleeve for a hydration bladder (sold separately) and an opening at the top for the hose. I use a 3L bladder like this one, which makes it easy to stay hydrated on a long day.

There are two good-sized pockets at the top and back for fly boxes, snacks, or other small items. The main compartment still has room for extra clothing and reels with the hydration bladder installed.

My favorite feature is the wader and boot pouch at the bottom. It folds into the base of the pack when I do not need it, keeping the profile compact. After a day in the water, I can expand it and carry wet gear separately from the rest of my dry gear.

What is missing from the Firehole Backpack?

The main thing that has bothered me since I bought the pack is the lack of an integrated way to carry a fly rod. Fishpond offers Lariat Gear Straps, but they are a separate purchase, which was not obvious to me at first.

The water-bottle pockets and net slots on either side are not large enough to hold a rod securely. You will need the Lariat Gear Straps or an alternative such as these straps and buckles, which is what I ended up using. I personally liked the alternative straps b/c of the extra material available and I could use it more universally for other household needs.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

• Durable, lightweight material
• Comfortable fit, even on long 10+ mile hikes
• Expandable boot and wader carrying compartment (for hauling out your wet stuff)
• Convenient net slots on both sides of the pack
• Hydration-bladder storage and an opening for the hose (bladder sold separately)
• Removable hip belt
• Attachment points for other Fishpond chest packs

Cons

• No integrated way to carry fly rods
• Need to purchase Lariat Gear Straps separately

My final verdict

Overall, the Fishpond Firehole Backpack meets my needs for easy-access local rivers and high-alpine lake hikes. The comfortable carry, hydration-bladder sleeve, and expandable wet-gear pouch make it a versatile fly-fishing backpack. I would buy it again, but I would budget for a rod-carry solution from the start.

For another piece of fishing gear that has worked well for hiking and shallow wading, read my Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Pants review.