Gear Review: Patagonia Stealth Switch Packs
Patagonia was hard at work in 2024 creating a unique group of packs – the Stealth Switch Pack series. They didn’t just redesign the same old packs we’ve been using for years; instead, they created a versatile new series. Each bag adapts to your needs at the moment needed.
Stealth Switch Pack 3L:
This versatile little pack is perfect for the minimalist and attaches right to your wader suspenders, your wading belt, your raft straps, and even other packs and bags. The features on the smallest pack in the series are just what you need and nothing more.
We tested one of these packs before its release and can definitely confirm that it is extremely versatile, with clean lines. We wore it as a chest pack attached to wader suspenders and it was very comfortable and unintrusive when casting and fishing. We also strapped it to a raft on the Trinity River and it was perfect for quick access to the most important tools and gear. With two tool docking stations, you always know where your tools are, and the two zippered front pockets are perfect for small items such as leaders and tippet. The foam fly patch on the front is great for drying and keeping your flies handy throughout the day. It also features a handy magnet on top to hold your fly or tools while rigging your rod or swapping flies. There is also another large stretch pocket on the back of the pack that works great for storing your cell phone. The large main compartment on this pack is just the perfect size to store a fly box, floatant, weights, and indicators.
In our opinion, this is a perfect pack for the dry fly or euro nymph angler.
Stealth Switch Pack 5L:
If you are looking for a bit more out of your pack, but still trying to keep it small, the 5L is a great choice. This pack offers a few more features and can be worn as a hip, chest, or sling pack. It doesn’t end there – it can also be added to other bags and packs to create the perfect setup. Attach it to your waterproof backpack to keep your necessary tools right at your fingertips.
The layout on this pack is a bit different than its little brother. The embedded magnet on the pack front temporarily holds flies, nippers or hemos for quick fly changes. It includes multiple exterior lash points and hemo/zinger docks to enhance organization and carrying capacity, as well as a front panel that functions as a workstation, and an interior foam fly patch. The interior has three sections: one large zippered pocket, one roomy stretch mesh pocket, and an exterior front, zippered flip-down pocket with four sections and two stash pockets.
We’d recommend this pack for everyone. It’s a great size for just about any situation with plenty of storage for multiple fly boxes and everything else an angler would need for an outing.
Stealth Switch Pack 9L:
Now for the big boy in this lineup! This pack has it all and was built for both left and right-handed anglers. We view it more as a sling pack, but it can also be converted to a hip pack when needed. The 9L pack is full of features, yet sleek in design to reduce line from catching on it.
Features on this pack include hemo/zinger docks on the shoulder strap and pack face, multiple lash points on the side of the pack and the hip belt, an interior foam fly patch, and corrosion-resistant zippers. Embedded magnets are located on the pack front and the shoulder strap to temporarily hold flies, nippers or hemos for quick fly changes. The pocket orientation includes one exterior front-zippered pocket, one zippered pocket on the shoulder strap that accommodates a phone, and the pack interior features four large stretch compartments. Don’t forget about the external water bottle pocket which can be set up for left or right-handed access, or use the pocket to stash a jacket or other essentials. The last feature is a net sleeve to help keep your net handy at all times.
If you are looking for a great sling or waist pack, you should strongly consider this one. We also took this pack over to the Trinity River, for some swing action, and it was perfect. Worn on your back you have plenty of room to cast, the sleek design kept the line from snagging on loose zippers and straps, and the ability to change it from left to right when needed was ideal. With just enough room to stow a couple of fly boxes, a spool of Maxima, and maybe a spare reel, this is a great option for the two-handers out there.
