Abu Garcia Backpack Extra Large (Black) – Practical fishing gear carrier

What matters most

If you’re after a robust, roomy carryall for fishing gear, the Abu Garcia Backpack Extra Large offers a practical option. It’s designed to keep tackle and essentials organised while you move between banks or boats, without turning into a bulky, fiddly bag. The reinforced waterproof base adds a layer of resilience against damp surfaces and light splashes, which matters when you’re near water or wading in muddy banks.

The essentials

This bag measures 33 x 21 x 51 cm, giving you a sizeable interior to store your gear. It comes with three tackle boxes (medium size, 28 x 18 x 4.5 cm) to separate lures, hooks and small accessories. The exterior includes two mesh pockets suitable for tongs, tools or a water bottle, plus side straps with buckles to attach items to the outside. Padded shoulder straps are adjustable for a more comfortable carry, which helps when you’re walking long distances or moving from car to shore.

What’s notable in use

On the practical side, the ability to carry a second rod can be a real time-saver if you switch setups during a day’s session. The combination of internal organisation with external attachment points offers a balanced approach to accessibility and capacity. It’s not a fashion statement, but for day-to-day use it delivers on the basic needs of keeping gear safe and easy to reach.

The trade-offs

It’s not a miracle solution for every scenario. While the waterproof base is reinforced, the overall bag capacity is finite, and the external attachment points may not be ideal for every combination of rod and reel sizes. If you prioritise ultralight setups or extreme weather sealing, this bag may feel middle of the road. Also, the ability to carry a second rod is helpful, but in practice it might affect weight distribution and bulk depending on how you load it.

Who it’s for

This backpack suits anglers who want a straightforward, durable carry solution with organised internal storage and sensible external features. It works well for day trips where you’ll need to move between shoreline spots or boats and want quick access to additional tools. If you value a lower profile bag or need heavy-duty weather sealing beyond a reinforced base, you may want to compare options.

Who it isn’t for

If you pack aggressively or require a more compact form factor, or if you depend on absolute waterproofing throughout the shell, this model may not be the best fit. It’s also sensible to check that a second rod setup aligns with your usual fishing style and transport method, as it can influence how you carry the bag.

Before you buy

Consider how you’ll organise your boxes and tools, the provided three boxes are a helpful start, but you’ll want to plan where smaller items go and how you’ll access them on the move. Think about the climate and how you’ll store damp gear to prevent odours or mould. If you regularly fish in heavy rain, you’ll want to assess how the overall protection holds up in wet conditions over longer periods.

Practical example

Imagine a typical half-day session: you’ve got spare lures in the medium tackle boxes, pliers in a mesh pocket, a water bottle ready at hand, and a second rod clipped on the side. You walk between stretches of bank with the bag resting comfortably on your back, the adjustable straps helping to distribute weight. When you sit to change rigs, you pop open the top or side access and grab what you need without unpacking everything.

FAQ

• What are the external dimensions and internal capacity? The bag measures 33 x 21 x 51 cm with three medium tackle boxes included (28 x 18 x 4.5 cm).
• Can I carry a second rod? Yes, there’s a possibility to carry a second rod, though consider how this affects balance and bulk.
• Is the base waterproof? The base is reinforced and waterproof, which helps against damp surfaces, but the overall bag protection depends on weather exposure and handling.