Fishing Forum

This year I'm planning to be hiking around a few lakes in the uinta mountain that are 1-5 miles and was wondering if any one else took their float tube and waders with them. What would be the best type of backpack that would be comfortable to go hiking in.

Last year I did it once but I just had a cruddy school back pack and a camper bag to put my float tube. Just got my self a Tekon now. Great think about the float tube is that you cant over pump it. Down fall takes time to deflate it.

Would it be a good idea and find a small circle float tube on ksl and use that when I go hiking.

Any helpful tips I'd appreciate it because I'm sure going to the back woods to a few lakes to hit the deep section for some big guns.

Call me crazy but I'm still young with that energy. Trust me I've been on 5-9 mile hikes with my whole vest filled with many boxes, water, food, my waders, and boots.

Even ask TDT.
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Have you looked into an external frame pack? Sportsman's carries them. The one I have is made by Kelty..here is the pic of it:



I think I bought one for 100 something bucks at Sportsman's, but I believe they have some that are cheaper.

They are designed to carry heavy gear. I imagine a float tube would be relatively light on there. The frame itself is very light.

I would look into one of those. You can't really attach a float tube to a traditional backpack, but a external frame would be easy. The nice thing about them too is you can customize them or use it for whatever you want..I use mine for camping mainly..I can carry a sleeping bag, bag full of supplies for multi day, and a tent all on the pack.
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Go try some out at Kirkham's or REI to find out what's a comfortable fit. Don't buy online. Good sales offseason 6 months ago when I got my son a new external frame. Call you crazy for what? Usually a mile hike for each year of age starting at age 2 until you reach 25 is a descent distance for a day if you stay below 11,000 ft for the most part.
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Maybe Brookie guy will chime in, I think he hikes in a float tube. I have one that doen't use an inner tube, lighter and flattens better, got it 20 years ago, not sure if available.

I found on small lakes, it put the fish down pretty good. The two circumstances I would like to use a float tube, if I was willing to carry one, on some and only some of the larger lakes, or deep lakes with talus slopes plunging into the water, in order to jig the face of those rocks, particularly where they hit bottom, very hard to do from shore. Otherwise, I think, you can do as good from shore or better 95% of the time.

External frames carry large loads better, internal, better for off trail, cross country. Whatever feels good.

Good Luck, I can give you a lake or two to try within specific distances.
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You can always get the backpack straps for the tube. The pockets are usually big enough for enough food water and fishing gear and depending on the tube you can pack pretty light. Just find a way to jimmy rig or find alternative ways for your waders. I usually clip my fins on a buckle on my tube and usually walk in w my waders on but does get a little warm in the middle of the day.
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Go to recreation outlet on State Street.

Awesome back packs there for cheap! I got a $500 backpack for $80!!!
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Sweet shall check it out.
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Visit some of the second hand stores. Look for an older backpack with a good external frame, shoulder straps, and hip-belt. The pack bag can be removed and you can use the frame to carry your tube and probably a smaller bag on there too.
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I have a fish cat that I roll up and put in an internal frame pack that I have hauled in up to 9 miles on day trips before. I have a heavier scadden that I can't fit into it but will have to look into that external frame pack that might just do the trick for some larger lakes that having oars would be a big advantage.
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If you're near SLC or Ogden head to 2nd Tracks sports. It's an outdoor consignment shop with awesome people and high end gear at low end prices.
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