Fishpond Thunderhead Lumbar Pack Review: Is the Worth It?
If you’re serious about fishing gear, then you’ve likely heard of the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar Pack. This pack has earned its reputation as a reliable and rugged choice in the crowded market of fishing packs.
With high praise in our Best Wet Wading Gear post about its durability and waterproof features, it’s clear that the Thunderhead stands out among other packs. For anglers navigating saltwater, deep rivers, or unpredictable weather, this pack provides complete waterproofing, ample storage, and Fishpond’s signature quality.
However, does the Thunderhead fit everyone’s needs? This review will look at its standout features, benefits, and a few minor drawbacks so you can decide if it’s right for your fishing routine.
- Fully Waterproof and Submersible
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Versatile Attachments
- Zipper can be Difficult
- Pricey
- Straps Occasionally Loosen
Features of Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar Pack
Quality Materials
True to the Fishpond brand, this is a high quality product that will last. The Fishpond builds the Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar Pack to withstand tough environments for seasons to come. According to their website, they crafted the pack from Fishpond’s 900D TPU-coated NewStream fabric. This pack is completely waterproof thanks to the TRU ZIP zipper, a key feature for anglers in any water-heavy situation. Whatever that fancy sounding stuff is, there’s no doubt that it works.
I’m a fan of Fishpond. They consistently construct quality products that are simple, functional, and durable. This pack is no different. I’ve had my Thunderhead pack for several years now and it still works like the first day I bought it.
I will say that the Thunderhead Submersible Pack is essential for rainy days, saltwater fishing, or situations requiring deep wading, but not necessarily for everyday use. The zipper is effective, but can be a pain to open/close regularly. With the benefit of waterproofing and protecting your gear, you sacrifice ease of access. It’s part of the game when you need it in wet or salty conditions, but it’s frustrating if you dip into your bag regularly throughout the day.
Comfort
Designed with comfort in mind, the Thunderhead Submersible Pack features adjustable lumbar support and padded straps, making it ideal for all-day wear without discomfort. Echoing the quality product sentiment, the padding, straps, and buckles are made to be comfortable, functional, and long lasting.
While the Thunderhead Submersible pack is as comfortable as it gets in the fishing game, I have noticed that I need to readjust the straps after a while of fishing. They tend to loosen as you wade, requiring an adjustment to keep it from falling down your legs. It’s a very minor inconvenience, but a nuisance nonetheless.
Simple, Versatile Design
The Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible pack’s modular design is another highlight, with an interior layout that includes various pockets to keep gear organized, accessible, and secure. The pack comes with a spacious 10L interior, allowing you to pack a ton of flies, gear, and lunch with ease. I, like many anglers, am in the camp of “better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.” This pack certainly aligns with that, allowing room for more gear than you probably need for a day of fishing.
The attachment points on the exterior add even more customization options, which is a fancy way of saying you can confidently hang stuff from the pouch. I’ve noticed other brands tend to use fabric loops as attachment points, but Fishpond uses a high quality plastic that undoubtedly is more durable than other options.
I like to hook my fishing accessories- nippers, net, tippet, forceps- to these attachment points and am very confident they’re not going anywhere as I wade through the water.
The pack also has these sturdy square attachments on them. I haven’t utilized them- I believe they’re meant for other Fishpond products (like water bottle holders) and don’t seem to function well with anything else.
Where the Fishpond Thunderhead Lumbar Pack Falls Short
While the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar Pack is built tough for wet-weather angling, it has a few quirks that can test your patience.
The TRU ZIP waterproof zipper, though effective, can be a chore to open and close—especially with cold, wet hands. It may sound trivial, but when opening and closing the pack takes more effort than you’d like, it gets frustrating over time.
Storage space is ample for a hip pack, but it’s no match for a traditional backpack, so packing light is essential. The net holder, too, is a bit awkwardly placed; when a net is stowed, it makes accessing the zipper even trickier. Add in the premium price tag, and this pack starts to feel like a solid choice for only those who fish hard in rough conditions.
Final Thoughts
I’d recommend the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible to anyone looking for a high-quality, comfortable, and functional hip pack that can handle years of rugged use. This pack is an investment, but the peace of mind in knowing your gear will stay dry in the wettest conditions lets you focus on what you’re there to do: catch fish.
That said, this pack might not be the best fit for the casual angler. The term “fair weather” is accurate in more ways than one here. If you’re only fishing in dry conditions, the Thunderhead’s price tag and the sometimes tricky zipper might not be worth it. For those days, I personally reach for a regular backpack. But if you’re serious about fishing and need gear that performs in the wettest conditions, this pack could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Pick up your Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar Pack here:
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