William Joseph Gear Bag ChestAverage Rating: 8.2
Retail Price: 88.95
Manufacturer Description
The Gear Bag Chest is not your typical "brick on a strap" chest pack. We started by designing a feature that had never been tried before - Comfort. The rest just sort of fell into place. There is literally a spot for everything (except line snags). Fly-fishers come in all shapes and sizes, so the gear bag chest comes with our adjustable harness system. Call your chiropractor and tell him you won't be needing his services anymore - you just bought a William Joseph.- Hydration compatible (35 oz.)
- Aerospace breathable backing
- Adjustable cam buckle sizing
- Mega-heliport workstation
- New Tippet Control System
- Weighs in at 1.5 lbs.
Reader Submitted ReviewsSubmitted by cvlooper
Pros
This thing is awesome. It's the only bag I've ever used so I can't make any comparisons, but I've used almost every feature on the bag and they all work great. From the tippet dispenser to the seemingly random straps on the back of the bag, everything has it's place and is placed very well.
The only thing I was skeptical about was the widely adjustable harness system. It's probably possible for a 500 lb. man to wear this pack and I'm 190. While the excess shoulder strap gets hidden neatly away in the back of the bag, the side straps kinda bunch up under your arm when tightened. The first time I put the bag on, I thought these straps were going to give me hell but they really haven't been a problem. Actually, all the slack available comes in handy if and when you want to take the bag off or if you want to turn it around to access the backpack.
The bag is quite comfortable even when fully loaded. However, fully loaded definitely doesn't include the kitchen sink. You have to be selective with what you intend to put in the pack. However, it will definitely accomodate everything you will need for almost any day on the river. If you like to take everything you own, and it all must accompany you to the middle of the river, this is not the bag for you.
The most convenient part of the bag (to me) is the unmentioned little tab just in front of the tippet dispenser. It is the same thing as the closed tippet dispenser but it leaves one end open so that you can slide your line into it. It effectively works as a third hand and is amazingly helpful. With both hands occupied and my fly line dangling in moderate current, the little tippet tab holds my tippet and fly securely enough so that I don't have to worry about it. It's really nice to have.
I plan on taking advantage of the bladder system but I can't really comment on that yet. However, it's easy to see how it will work and it looks like the mouthpiece will tuck away neatly like everything else on the bag. The one thing you don't want to have on a fishing bag is a bunch of stuff hanging out waiting to snag an errant cast and this bag fits the bill.
This bag is wonderful, and I would buy it all over again. Even though it forces you to be selective with what you bring, it allows you to bring everything you actually need and then tucks it all away in one cool package. If you like to travel light and you're not looking for a vest, this is the way to go.
Cons
Submitted by MSUICEMAN
Pros
I really like the bag and as with most WJ stuff, its built very well. It serves the purpose as I bought it because I was tired of being compelled to bring everything and the kitchen sink with me to the stream just because I had the room for it in the vest. Also is nice and cool, which is nice cuz its been so darn hot this year.
I have the hydration pack and it works well.... though it would be good to show you how they plan on you installing it. I have it the way I like it which really is all I care about but I'd like to see how they imagine you to have it installed.
Cons
The only thing is that I need to adjust it a bit over time as the bag sometimes will eventually move and not sit right one me (then again, it may just be because I could stand to lose a few pounds).
Submitted by Blues Brother
Pros
This pack is perfectly suited for my exploring/hiking in the backcountry type of fishing. I can load the front up with all the fishing gear that I want and still have the back for water, food, and a jacket. I got this back when summer began, and I love how lightweight and breathable it is. It's very convenient on those 90 degree days. The thing that sets this pack aprt from the rest, though, is comfort. This thing is so darn comfortable I can wear it all day and not be the slightest bit sore. Most vests I've ever fished with all day left my shoulders aching. So all in all it's a comfortable pack that will hold all your neccesities, but force you to carry only what you need (which is a good thing) while it still has plenty of room and being very well built and durable.
Cons
One spool of tippet in the TCS always gets stuck and will not easily pull out. However, I suppose this is because I'm using different brands of tippet. If all your tippet spools were the same brand, you probably wouldn't have this problem.
Submitted by gdrake
Pros
This thing is top notch construction. The breathable backing is fantastic. You can where it all day and not perspire. I can fit just about anything I would need for a day on the river. The fit is very comfortable with no fatigue after a long day of fishing. Would definately buy it again and have recommended it to my fishing buddies.
Cons
I found the tippet dispensing system a bit soft. First time I used it the tippet cut into the rubber. I noticed this after a day of fishing, so the next time I used it, I used another hole for dispensing. It also got cut. Now I'm very conscious to make sure the tippet doesn't rub against the rubber when dispensing the tippet material.
Submitted by Trout Lady
Pros
Comfortable when it stays in the correct position.
Cons
I bought it for my husband and he is constantly adjusting it as the rear section pulls the front out of position. If it were possible to equalize the front and rear compartments it may solve the problem.
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