Overall, fishing is complicated enough without the added stress of forgetting a fly box or not being able to find the right fishing line and tippet. That’s why the Convoy Hauler and the Gear-Roll are staples in my fishing kit. The good news is Riversmith recently released a new line of fishing bags called the Convoy Collection, complete with packs, bags, and luggage. This line is designed to get all your gear to and from the water with ease.
From fishing duffels to wader bags, the new Convoy line shows Riversmith makes more than just classic rod racks, which they are known for. The new line of waterproof and water-resistant gear is aimed towards anglers and river enthusiasts alike. I tested the Convoy Hauler and the Convoy Gear-Roll, which holds waders, boots, and rods all safely. Here are my impressions of the gear.
What It Is
While this Boulder-based company is best known for its fishing rod roof racks, they have branched into making packs, bags, and luggage that make getting from home to the water a breeze.
David Young
Equipped to carry everything you need for a day of wading, the Convoy Gear-Roll is unlike any other fishing bag I’ve tested. It is a wader bag that not only holds waders and boots, but also fishing rods and even your net. It can be carried like a messenger bag or a backpack, and when you get to the river or lake, it can hang on a car door or a tree for easy access. It even has a changing mat that you can stand on while putting your waders on or off.
The Convoy Hauler is, as the name implies, a large tote that can haul almost anything on or off the water. It has become a staple in my truck to toss all things fly fishing, as well as some other gear. It has a roll-top waterproof closure and a waterproof zipper on the side, so if you decide to bring it on the boat, it will keep all your gear dry. It’s light and has side handles and a shoulder strap for easy carry options.
Riversmith Convoy Fishing Bags Overall Impressions
The combination of these two packs makes hitting the water, whether for a day or a week, easy, as I am assured all my gear is neatly tucked away where I left it. Both of these packs are intuitive in the way they are built. They are easy to use and access, and work seamlessly with your fishing setup. Both packs are well-built and durable. There’s no fear in throwing them on the ground or even in the water. They are built to go the distance and work for years in the toughest of fishing conditions.
David Young
Ultimately, by using the Hauler and Gear-Roll, I can enjoy more time on the water fishing and less time digging through multiple bags, trying to locate my gear. Other options in this collection include the duffel, travel pack, and pack-out bag. Putting all of these Convoy options together covers everything from planes and trains to trucks and boats.
Key Features
The entire Convoy collection is designed to easily travel together as a unit, which is the best feature of the bags overall. Together, they organize all your fishing gear into various segments. For the Gear-Roll specifically, the wet and dry storage is a critical design feature. A waterproof compartment protects technical gear from moisture and is separated from your wet waders and boots when rolled up. The deployable changing mat is another nice feature that protects your waders from sharp rocks or sticks while changing in and out of your wading boots.
David Young
The Convoy Hauler comes in a 45L and a 60L option, weighing in at 3.9 pounds and 4.4 pounds, respectively. The waterproof roll top closure that snaps shut is one of the best features of this bag; it protects everything inside. It has 4 mesh pockets on the inside for organization, and side panel zipper access to easily grab something out of the bag while it is closed. There are also molle strap attachments around the bag, which is a nice feature in case you want to strap something to the bag or just latch it down on the boat.
Pros
- Well built
- Good organization
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
Cons
- Expensive
- Niche for travel
Final Verdict
For serious anglers, these packs are sure to up your fishing game. There’s no downside to being more organized on the water and having all your gear ready to go at a moment’s notice. Both of these packs, as well as the entire collection, are strong, durable, and should last you for years and years of fishing. Whether you are headed to the local river down the road or on a fishing expedition across the globe, the Riversmith Convoy collection will do the job.
At $250 for the Hauler and $199 for the Gear-Roll, these bags are not cheap and are an investment in your setup. However, compared to the cost of a broken rod or torn waders, the protection is well worth it. These packs are very niche for fly fishermen, which is part of the appeal; however, they are not designed for the average weekend angler or casual rod and reel fishermen. While they would work for anyone, they are purpose-built travel bags crafted with “frictionless travel” at its core, as Riversmith says.
Why You Should Trust Me
I’ve been testing and reviewing gear as an outdoor writer for more than 20 years. I’ve tested and reviewed everything from coolers and tents to fishing rods and hiking boots. As an outdoor adventure freelance writer, I’ve been published in Men’s Journal, Forbes, SKI Magazine, GearJunkie, 5280 Magazine, American Whiskey Magazine, and Colorado Avid Golfer. I am based in Colorado and cover everything from fly fishing and backcountry skiing to mountain biking, backpacking, and golfing.
