Simms Headwaters Hip Pack – A River Companion Worth Its Weight
Nicholas Armstead
After spending the last month putting the Simms Headwaters Hip Pack through its paces on the river, I can confidently say—it’s earned a permanent spot in my gear rotation.
I fish exclusively on rivers, often spending long hours wading and covering a lot of ground. So I’m always on the lookout for something that strikes the right balance between comfort, accessibility, and storage. Backpacks can be a pain to swing around, and chest packs sometimes feel too restrictive. The Simms Hip Pack offers a sweet middle ground.
Smart, Comfortable Design
The first thing I noticed was how well this pack is built. Simms nailed the construction—sturdy materials, solid zippers, and a fit that stays comfortable all day. It sits just above the hips, which not only keeps it out of the way while casting or moving, but also makes accessing your gear a breeze. The multiple compartments and smart layout mean there’s a place for everything: fly boxes, tippet spools, tools, and even the occasional snack.
Surprisingly Spacious
On most trips, I pack it with all the essentials: a couple of fly boxes, nippers, hemostats, floatant, tippets, and leaders. When I’m carrying my camera, I can fit a Sony body with a medium lens without much fuss. The outer walls of the hip pack are padded, protecting whatever you're carrying inside, which was a huge decision factor for me. I’ve even managed to squeeze in a water bottle in the small attached bottle holder and a small lunch, which allowed me to ditch my backpack entirely on a few outings.
Adaptable, But Not Fully Waterproof
The pack isn’t submersible, so it’s not ideal for deep wading, but for summer river fishing when you’re not venturing too far into the water, it’s just right. I haven’t had the chance to test its performance in a heavy downpour yet, but it does seem like it would handle light rain without issue.
Final Thoughts
Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of different packs—chest packs, sling packs, small backpacks, you name it. The Simms Headwaters Hip Pack stands out because it just works. It’s simple, smart, and doesn’t get in your way. For anglers who prefer mobility, like to keep their gear organised and accessible, and want to travel light without sacrificing the essentials, this pack is a great choice.
If you’re like me—constantly tweaking your setup to find the perfect river companion—this one’s definitely worth a look.
Written by Ladislav.