Tackle Backpacks vs Fishing Bags: Which Holds More Gear?
Plano’s Weekend Series 3700 Tackle Bag is the strongest all rounder, sized around the tray standard most anglers already own. KastKing’s Karryall delivers similar organization for less. Shimano’s Blackmoon Fishing Backpack suits anglers who hike to the water and need both hands free.
Plano’s Weekend Series 3700 Tackle Bag fits the tray size the industry standardized around and holds its shape fully loaded. KastKing’s Karryall covers the same ground on a tighter budget. Shimano’s Blackmoon Fishing Backpack suits long walks to the bank.
Tray sizes get quoted in a numbering system nobody explains upfront, so a bag that looks roomy in photos can fall short once loaded trays go in. We compared tray dimensions, pocket layouts, fabric weight and hardware, plus what owners report about zips and rust after seasons of saltwater use.
What to look for
Understand tackle tray numbering before you shop Utility boxes get labeled 3500, 3600 or 3700, and the number describes footprint rather than brand or quality. Bass lures, big crankbaits and spinnerbaits need the larger 3700 size, while 3600 stays compact and lighter to carry. Buy a bag around trays you already own, since mixed sizes waste interior space.
Match carry style to how you actually fish Shoulder totes suit boats and short walks from the truck, since everything stays reachable while seated. Backpacks make more sense for a bank walk, a hike to a pond or a kayak seat, where free hands matter more than instant access. Some anglers end up owning both and swapping trays between them.
Water resistant versus truly waterproof Genuinely waterproof tackle bags are rare, and most rely on coated polyester that sheds spray and light rain. A moulded or rubberised base matters more day to day, since it stops water wicking up from a wet deck. Serious weather calls for a separate dry pouch for phones and electronics.
Hardware fails before the fabric does Zips, buckles and strap clips absorb the real abuse, especially where untreated metal seizes within a season of saltwater exposure. Moulded plastic or coated zips hold up longer under that exposure. A fresh water rinse after coastal trips protects hardware more than any fabric choice does.
What we recommend
Plano Weekend Series 3700 Tackle Bag
Multiple 3700 series StowAway boxes fit inside this bag alongside room for soft baits, since Plano sized it around the tray standard most anglers already own. A moulded base keeps the bag upright on a wet deck. Zips and stitching hold up across several seasons of freshwater use, per owner reports.
Pros
- Fits the 3700 tray size most anglers already own
- Moulded base stays upright when fully loaded
- Multiple external pockets organize tools separately
Cons
- Bulky to carry for bank fishing on foot
- Not fully sealed against heavy rain
KastKing Karryall Fishing Tackle Bag
Integrated rod holders on each side free up hands while rigging, covering a real gap in cheaper bags. Water resistant polyester fabric handles spray without chasing full waterproofing. Several size options ship to match different tray counts, based on specifications.
Pros
- Built in rod holders free up hands while rigging
- Multiple size options match different tray counts
- Strong pocket count for the price
Cons
- Base feels softer than premium competing bags
- Zip pulls feel light under heavy loads
Wild River WT3604 Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack
An LED lighting system built into the bag changes what is workable after dark, setting this apart from every other pack here. Backpack straps carry four included 3600 trays plus a protected front work surface. Owners report the light stays bright enough to tie knots without a separate headlamp.
Pros
- Integrated LED lighting supports night sessions
- Backpack straps free both hands for hiking in
- Front work surface keeps tools organized
Cons
- Heavier overall than a plain tackle backpack
- Lighting system needs batteries kept charged
Shimano Blackmoon Fishing Backpack
Weight distributes across shoulders and back here rather than pulling on one side, which matters on long walks to the water. Tray storage stays accessible without removing the pack entirely. A rubberised base and 3600 size main compartment round out the design, according to the listing.
Pros
- Padded harness stays comfortable over long walks
- Rubberised base resists wet, muddy ground
- Pocket layout keeps tools separated sensibly
Cons
- Holds fewer trays than a tote style bag
- Awkward to reach fully while seated in a boat
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack
Rod straps, a waterproof base panel and enough tray space for a focused loadout make this a sensible first tackle backpack. Hardware quality trails premium packs, but the basics work reliably. Owners report it suits single day trips better than extended travel.
Pros
- Low cost entry point into backpack style storage
- Waterproof base panel handles wet banks
- Stays light when only partly loaded
Cons
- Zips are the first point of failure under strain
- Shoulder padding thins out on long hikes
Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag
Multiple large trays plus a spacious top compartment for reels and spare line suit anglers who carry a lot of gear. Heavy duty water resistant fabric handles the abuse of boat and truck storage. A wide opening speeds up loading, based on specifications.
Pros
- High storage capacity for large tackle loads
- Tough fabric withstands boat and truck abuse
- Wide opening speeds up loading and sorting
Cons
- Too bulky for bank walking over distance
- Gets heavy fast once fully loaded
Calcutta Squall Tackle Bag
Fabric built to rinse clean and hardware less prone to seizing target inshore and coastal anglers specifically. Standard utility trays fit inside alongside external tool storage. A freshwater rinse after every trip still matters regardless of the bag, according to owner reports.
Pros
- Corrosion resistant zips suit regular saltwater use
- Coated shell rinses clean after coastal trips
- External storage keeps tools within reach
Cons
- Fewer size options than major competing brands
- Interior layout stays fairly basic
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Tray size | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plano Weekend Series 3700 Tackle Bag | 3700 series | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | KastKing Karryall Fishing Tackle Bag | 3600 and 3700 options | Best value | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Wild River WT3604 Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack | 3600 series, four included | Best for night fishing | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Shimano Blackmoon Fishing Backpack | 3600 series | Best backpack | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack | 3600 series | Best budget | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag | 3600 series | Best for large loads | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Calcutta Squall Tackle Bag | 3600 series | Best for saltwater | 8.0 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
What is the difference between a 3600 and 3700 tackle tray?
The 3700 footprint is larger and deeper, suiting big crankbaits, spinnerbaits and larger soft plastics. The 3600 stays more compact, lighter and better for finesse tackle and terminal gear. Bags are built around one size, so decide before buying.
Should anglers pick a tackle backpack or a shoulder bag?
Choose a backpack for walking to a spot, fishing from a kayak or covering ground on foot. Choose a tote style shoulder bag for boat fishing or parking close by, since the wide opening and stable base make everything easier to reach while seated.
Are fishing tackle bags actually waterproof?
Most are water resistant rather than waterproof. They shed spray and light rain, but sustained downpours will get in through zips. A waterproof base and a separate dry pouch for a phone and keys covers most real situations.
How many tackle trays does an angler actually need?
Most anglers work comfortably with three to five trays, organized by technique rather than by lure type. Owners report that carrying more trays than that leads to a bag too heavy to enjoy and tackle that never gets used.
Do tackle bags hold up to saltwater fishing?
Yes, provided the bag and hardware get rinsed with fresh water after every trip. Choose models with coated or moulded zips, and avoid leaving wet lures inside, since salt residue destroys hooks and split rings faster than the bag itself.
Can a regular backpack replace a fishing tackle bag?
It can in a pinch, but a fishing specific pack adds a waterproof base, rod holders, plier sheaths and trays sized to fit properly. A regular backpack lacks the rigid structure, so loaded trays shift and hooks work through the fabric.
How can rust be prevented inside a tackle bag?
Dry lures fully before returning them to trays, keep a few silica packets inside, and open the bag to air out after each trip. Owners report that trapped moisture in a closed bag causes more hook rust than the fishing itself.
What size tackle bag works best for kayak fishing?
A compact bag holding two or three 3600 trays usually fits a kayak tank well without blocking movement. Larger 3700 totes often sit too tall to stay secure and become awkward to reach while seated low in the boat.
The verdict
The Plano Weekend Series 3700 Tackle Bag remains the most sensible default, since it matches the tray standard most anglers already own and holds its shape when fully loaded. KastKing’s Karryall covers the same ground for less with handy rod holders, while Shimano’s Blackmoon Fishing Backpack is the better answer for anyone walking any real distance to the water.
Sierra Daniels
Sierra's background is in landscape design and nursery retail. She focuses on lawn and garden equipment, outdoor furniture and gear durability, weighing published specs against how materials actually hold up outside.
