Fishpond Thunderhead Lumbar Pack: Keeping Your Gear Dry When the Adventure Gets Wet
ReviewOkay, let’s be honest – “lumbar pack” sounds way more technical than it needs to. We’re talking about a fancy fanny pack, people! But hey, when it comes to keeping my precious gear dry, I’m willing to embrace the jargon. As someone who spends a good chunk of their life either knee-deep in a river or caught in some unexpected downpour, I’ve been on a relentless quest for the ultimate waterproof storage solution. So, when I got my hands on the Fishpond Thunderhead, I was ready to put it through the wringer.
Right off the bat, this thing feels seriously tough. The fabric? Fishpond calls it 900D TPU coated NewStream. I call it “bombproof.” You just know it’s going to hold up against scrapes, snags, and whatever else Mother Nature throws your way. And the color? That “Eco Yucca” is a nice touch – not too flashy, just a chill, earthy green that blends right in.
But let’s get down to brass tacks: does it actually keep water out? This is where the TIZIP zipper comes in. Now, I’ve been burned by “waterproof” zippers before, so I was skeptical. But Fishpond’s TIZIP is the real deal. I even went full-on crazy scientist and dunked the whole pack in a tub, just to be sure. Came out bone dry. Seriously, you could probably use this thing as a makeshift raft in a pinch (though I wouldn’t recommend it).
Of course, a dry pack is useless if it’s a pain to carry. Thankfully, the Thunderhead is surprisingly comfy. The foam padding on the back and hip belt is like a little hug for your lower back. I recently hauled this thing on a full-day hike along the river, loaded with fly boxes, my camera, and enough snacks to feed a small army. It distributed the weight like a champ, and I didn’t end up with that dreaded lumbar pack backache. Plus, that padded shoulder strap? Genius. Especially when you’re lugging around a heavier load.
Now, let’s talk organization. This isn’t just a black hole where your gear goes to disappear. The main compartment is roomy enough for all your essentials, and that front stretch pocket? Perfect for stashing things you need in a hurry, like tippet or a granola bar (because priorities). And I love that little removable zippered pocket inside – keeps things from turning into a jumbled mess. Oh, and the net holder? A lifesaver. No more fumbling around trying to grab my net while a trout makes a break for it.
Okay, I have to nitpick a little. That TIZIP zipper? It’s a beast to open and close at first. Like, you need to put some muscle into it. But I’m guessing it’ll loosen up over time. And that front stretch pocket? I wish it was just a tad bigger. Sometimes I want to cram a small water bottle in there, and it’s a tight squeeze.
But honestly, those are minor quibbles. Overall, the Fishpond Thunderhead Lumbar Pack is the real deal. It’s tough, it’s comfy, and most importantly, it keeps your gear bone dry. If you’re serious about protecting your stuff from the elements, this pack is worth every penny. Trust me, your peanut butter and jelly (and your expensive camera) will thank you.