Orvis has been producing top quality fly fishing equipment since 1856. Started by Charles Orvis in Manchester Vermont, Orvis is now sold throughout the world and has a hard won reputation for selling some of the highest quality fishing products available.  Orvis customer service is also known world-wide for going beyond policy to ensure the customer is satisfied. 


Fly Tier's Kit Bag

There are a number of fly tying bags on the market.  After examining everyone I could find, including two from European companies and three American made, I have finally settled on the Orvis Safe Passage Fly Tier's Kit Bag as my favorite.  When evaluating a bag I had a few things in mind.  First, it must offer protection for my tying materials.  I don't want a $60 cape being twisted and bent up after being packed for travel.  Second, the bag must offer plenty of storage for a weekend outing.  Third, materials must be organized and easily accessible.  Finally, the bag must be durable. 


One mistake I have seen with fly tying travel systems is too much un-dedicated room in the bag.  Usually this takes the form of a thin outer shell that allows you to stuff extra supplies in the bag when all the internal pockets are full.  The problem with this approach is two-fold.  First, you risk damaging your materials and second your materials end up disorganized.  I can appreciate the desire to bring a lot of materials with me for a trip or a tying demonstration, but there has to be a better way than resorting over stuffing a tying bag or resorting to plastic bins and duffel bags all three of which fall prey to entropic forces!


The Orvis Fly Tier's Kit Bag offers six removable material pouches (14 1/4"L x 9"W) each one featuring zippers and clear plastic for instant material recognition.  The material pouches feature three different configurations to hold and organize a wide range of supplies.

The inner walls of the bag feature tubes for organizing thread, additional zippered pockets and two large padded pockets (located behind the zippered pockets) for storing tools and additional materials.  There is even a removable tool organizer that features elastic straps for holding bobbins, scissors, etc...


The outer shell of the bag is made from Orvis's SP Fabric, which is lightweight, tough and waterproof.  Of all the bags I have looked at the Orvis bag features the most durable outer shell.  The bag features two zippers that allow the bag to lay flat when open.  Additionally, there is a zippered compartment on the outside that has separate spaces for storing a vice base (or C-clamp) and stem.  Both compartments are padded and offer a high degree of protection.



What I like most about the Orvis bag is that every square inch is dedicated space.  You can store a tremendous amount of materials in this bag without having to sacrifice protection or organization.  If you need more storage then I recommend adding a few Shimano Baraja Binders to your travel system.  The binders, similar to the Orvis Fly Tier's Kit Bag, allow you to store and travel with expensive materials without the mess and confusion of other systems.


I do a fair amount of traveling with my tying supplies so when at home and on the road my supplies stay in the Orvis Fly Tier's Kit Bag and a series of Shimano Baraja Binders.  The Orvis bag offers plenty of storage for weekend trips and if I need more materials, then the rest of my supplies can be packed by simply loading the binders in the truck.


In Sum: The Orvis Fly Tier's Kit Bag is bar none the best fly tying travel bag I have used.  It is built to withstand any and all the abuse you can put it through and offers organization and protection for your tying supplies.  With 100% dedicated space, the bag has a capacity of 858 cubic inches and measures 19 1/2"L x 11"W x 4"W.  The clam shell design makes finding just the right material a breeze and as with all Orvis products the bag is 100% guaranteed.  The Orvis bag comes in at $40 less than the leading competitors bag and offers more features. Hard to go wrong with this bag!

You can purchase the Orvis Fly Tier's Kit Bag from Casters Fly Shop and receive free shipping! 


Disclosure- Orvis provided the featured product free of charge for me to review. I was not compensated in any other way for this blog post.