The best part of my job is the level of creativity and craftsmanship I get to use everyday. The 2nd best part is seeing places in Alaska that are too expensive to visit on my own dime. That’s how I was given the opportunity to meet the owner of Sagebrush Dry in Kake, Alaska in 2023. Then a month later, I met him again at a Norwegian festival and bought one of his products.
Why I Chose the Sagebrush Dry Sure-Dry Hip Pack:
As a lifelong Alaskan, I believe in keeping my money in the state and supporting local businesses when I can. A company like Sagebrush Dry makes it easy to keep my money in this beautiful state. Upon viewing their factory and meeting the owner, I could tell his bags are built for the demanding conditions of Southeast Alaska. There might be a shock value on the price tag, but you’ll understand when you see his detail of craftsmanship, and how remote his factory is.
I looked into Patagonia, Simms, and Fishpond, but I wanted to support a local business that emphasizes durability.
This bag is great for a day’s worth of goods. I can comfortably pack all the pictured gear while still being able easily find what I need.
What I Use it For:
As the reader can imagine, I use this bag for fly fishing. It’s not a bag that’s specifically meant for fly fishing, but it does an admirable job for me. There are a few great spots for hemostats to be clipped onto and it holds the essentials plus more. This bag could also work for kayakers, photographers, and anyone else wanting to keep their gear dry!
What I Like:
This bag isn’t for the over packer, which makes it hard to weigh it down with too much junk. I don’t know the exact volume, but it’s described as 13" W x 7" H x 4" D on the website. I’d say the bag is great if you want to throw in 5 to 6 medium to small fly boxes, tippet, leaders, a snack bar, and your other small odds and ends for the day. If you plan on bringing more or want to shed some layers, then I recommend adding a backpack or sling pack to your quiver.
This bag is an absolute tank! I’ve trekked for miles through some gnarly brush over the last two seasons and this bag hasn’t shown a single sign of stopping. When I bought my bag in 2023, it also came with a tube of zipper wax. This gave me even more incentive to wax the zipper and lengthen this bag’s lifespan.
Like many dry bags, the hip pack doesn’t have a lot of organization. I use the front pocket for tippet and leaders, while I use the main compartment for my fly boxes, indicators, etc… The bag also has a white interior which makes it very easy to locate your desired item.
On sunny days, I’ll attach the hip pack onto my daypack when I hike a long distance into fishing spots.
What I’d do Different:
Since this bag isn’t designed specifically for fly fishing, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of its competition. A fly fishing edition with added mounting options, a net holster, and water bottle holder would be a great idea. Other than that suggestion, I have no complaints.
Final Thoughts:
I may be biased, but I’m not going to tell the reader this is the best hip bag for fly fishing. However, I will suggest this bag as a viable option for those who value small businesses, customer service, quality products made in the USA, and versatility that goes beyond fly fishing. It also makes you stand out and it provides a great conversation piece on the water!
This is the view just ten minutes up the road from the Sagebrush Dry factory in Kake, AK
About the Author:
I’ve been fly fishing since I took a college course on the subject at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Since then, I’ve assimilated myself with the ways of fishing the Pacific Northwest while pulling inspirations from the worldly anglers I meet. I used to have plans to become a fly fishing guide, but 2020 had a different idea. Thankfully, I’ve been able to fund my hobby through the telecommunications trade. I might not give away all my secrets, but I’m happy to share some thoughts and opinions on the internet.
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