From Umpqua:
Umpqua Feather Merchants (Umpqua) is extending its reach into the fly-fishing packs, bags and vests market with the introduction of its new Tongass Line of waterproof packs and bags. The product line up includes the Tongass 650 Waist Pack (SRP $169.99), the Tongass 1100 Backpack (SRP $229.99), the Tongass 5500 Gear Bag (SRP $169.99) and four sizes of Tongass Dry Bags (2L, 10L, 20L and 35L – SRPs $24.99 to $54.99). These products are due to be in stores by December of 2014.
In following with Umpqua’s tradition of designing its packs from the ground up, each product in the Tongass waterproof line has unique and innovative features that distinguish them from other products in the market. The Tongass 650 Waist Pack and the 1100 Backpack have comfortable, fully-padded back panels and waist belts with water bottle holders and large pockets that serve as a back up rod carrier, allowing the angler to have a second fully rigged rod out of the way and at the ready. The roomy Tongass 5500 Gear Bag has fully-padded shoulder straps that can Velcro together to create a single handle/strap, as well as a mouth extension on the dual banded roll-top to provide extra water-resistance. And the dry bags feature oval shaped bases to allow for easy stuffing and prevent rolling.
All Tongass products are constructed with welded 420D polyurethane (PU) nylon waterproof fabric and a thermo polyurethane (TPU) coating on their interiors. The roll top closures are dual-banded and the Tongass 650 Waist Pack features alternate “no-clip” roll-top functionality. All zippers are weather proof, giving the user greater control over the risk of exposure while allowing ease of access to any contents.
While most weather-proof packs on the market consist of one or two-welded compartments with limited functionality and are frustrating to get in-and-out of, Umpqua’s new line of Tongass products are highly-functional, well-conceived hybrids of waterproof fabric and intelligent design. They allow anglers (and anyone else) to protect gear from getting wet and nature’s other elements while providing heightened ease of access.
“There are a plethora of waterproof packs on the market, but they all have the same fundamental problem: They’re just a big box and offer no real storage options… It’s a problem that doesn’t really appear to have a solution. Well, now there is a waterproof option that solves that problem. The Tongass 650 Pack has just the right amount of storage space and isn’t just a big waterproof box that your gear will mingle in.”
– The Peak Fly Shop, Facebook Post about Umpqua’s Tongass 650 Waist Pack, October 7, 2014
The entire line of products can be seen on Umpqua’s Web site.
