Those of you who know me will be aware of my quest for the perfect vest/pack. I have had the Simms Guide and Master Vest ($350-400), the Scierra Discover Vest ($220-250), the Columbia Crooked River ($150), the JW Outfitters Trout Pack ($*** OUCH THAT WAS EXPENSIVE) and several others. My most recent, the Scierra Discover has been cut to pieces to build tippet dispensers and hydration systems and rearranging and modifying zingers to suit. That was until now.

The company William Joseph have stepped up to the plate with a range of innovative packs that are going to take the country by storm. Fly fishing has been heading in this direction for some time but until now, no one has got it right.

This range of packs from William Joseph has something for everyone, from the absolute minimalist to the fly fisher who wants to carry everything, and everyone in between. This one is the Coastal, their biggest pack and consequently my favourite. I believe that this vest/pack will be the most popular must-have item in the coming twelve months.

This pack was designed with the Saltwater Fly Fisher in mind but it is PERFECT for the trout angler. It is so comfortable you will not believe that you have it on. Using the very latest in backpack design the pack shifts the weight off the shoulders, which means no sore back at the end of the day. It has a layer of foam padding built into the back and shoulders for additional comport and weight dispersal.

It has a built in tippet dispenser system that allows you to pull off tippet without opening a pocket. This feature is easily located on the front left pocket. The larger pockets hold a bunch of gear. I have a large C&F Waterproof case in each as well as two of the smaller C&Fs with the swinging folders. And that is with room to spare.

The built in retractors point upwards and are located next to several sleeves so that those nippers or forceps and be pinned away and not dangle and catch on things; like fly lines!

The other advantage is that they are built to take on a very special extra feature. The back compartment houses a 3 litre water bladder and the shoulder has a special sleeve through which the mouthpiece protrudes to your left breast. Simply put the end in your mouth and bite on the valve! Cool water flows freely! A trick I have found is to put the water into plastic bottles in the fridge/freezer and get a bit of an ice build-up. Then pour this into the bladder. Not only will the water stay cold most of the afternoon but will keep your back cool through the vest. It is also made from highly breathable materials helping to keep you as cool as possible on those hot summer days.

The vest also has a heap of other sleeves and d-rings and attachment systems that could be used to carry a heap more gear. Although I have been carrying less and less these days, I can easily carry everything I need for the day including lunch in this pack. And do it some style too!

I don't rave about products very often. We never ask for complimentary gear from manufacturers, instead we purchase items we think look interesting to test in the field and then if they pass the test, we offer them to the public. Which is how we came across these packs.

This product is made of the finest quality breathable materials. Even the thread used is of the highest quality with each strand capable of holding 100lbs!

The dispenser pocket allows for easy tippet access. Two workstation pockets let you rest fly boxes or tools on while working. It has sleeves/holsters to organise tools, a hydration system, built in retractors. They are very comfy to wear and are one size fits all with the straps allowing a lot of adjustability. And they look fantastic.

So swing by the shop for a look or just purchase online. I have not been as happy with a product since the Chota STL PLUS Wading Boots came my way.

PS- Often the warranty that comes with a product will be a good indication of its quality and the company's faith in its durability. Please read the following.

The Unconditional Lifetime Warranty:
Yes, it is true, we unconditionally warranty everything we make for life, with NO LOOPHOLES. We don't care if you bought the product at a garage sale, or who's fault the damage is, we will fix it for free forever, no questions asked!

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-Antony Boliancu antony@theflyshop.com.au

Click here to purchase the William Joseph Coastal

Click here to see the rest of the William Joseph Range