The most important thing to look for? Quick release straps. When it’s 6:00am on a cold winter morning and you’re standing in the middle of a near freezing river trying to hook a steelhead, the last thing you want to deal with are the buckles on your bag. (Yes, this leaves out Filson’s field bags).

stevenson_field_bag
tusting_angler_bag
brady_field_bags
barbour_tarras_bag
From Field and Stream, 1916.

field_and_stream_scan