I bought a new toy, the William Joseph Amp Chest Pack. This pack is zipper-less, the 2 pockets are held closed by magnets. When researching this pack, I found very few photographs, so here you go:
No zippers ma. You open the pack by pulling on the loop in front. The magnets bring the pockets closed with a pop.
The main pocket fits a large fly box, plus a couple of zipper pockets for a car key, license, tippet, etc.
The front pocket comes with a foam fly patch which is backed by velcro-like material if you want to substitute your own patch. Also, another pocket for tippet.
The neck strap has a very comfortable, soft surface. The straps are very long, approximately 2 feet on each side. This is way too long for chest use, but works well for wearing this pack as a sling. In sling mode, the back will sit on your hip. By the way, the warning says, “This product contains magnets, do not use with a pacemaker or any other similar medical device”
Each side has a holster for a pair of fishing pliers, my Gerber Suspension multi-tool is shown here. Standard hemostats also fit, but should be secured by a zinger.
I can’t wait to get this out on the stream.
6 responses so far ↓
1 brent // Feb 3, 2009 at 11:22 pm
its cute…i like it. who doesn’t need a man purse?
2 W.F.F. // Feb 4, 2009 at 8:38 am
I own the larger version of this pack, it is awesome!! Comfortable, and light weight. I don’t think I will ever go back to anything else. As long as it continues to hold up I will keep buying W.J. gear. This summer will be the real test. 8hr days on the water and covering miles of stream. I can’t wait!
3 John LeJeune // Feb 5, 2009 at 8:52 pm
I have an older Willie Jo Chest pack. It is my salt water companion. Love the quality, fit and finish of all their stuff.
4 William // Jun 29, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Thank you for the excellent review and including great photos! I had been wondering whether this pack would work as a sling.
I’ve been trying to decide between this Amp and the Current but can’t seem to find a head-to-head comparison of the packs anywhere. Why did you choose the Amp over the Current?
5 WhiskeyCreek // Aug 16, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Hi William,
Sorry for my delay, your message was stuck in a queue (I was out fishing
I chose the Amp because its smaller, and I was trying to downsize to minimal. On the amp, I’m able to easily carry a medium sized fly box (4×5 inches), and a small container or two (round plastic fly containers from the fly shop). Plus tippet, floatant, nippers & hemostats. That leaves room for an energy bar or two.
After fishing with the AMP for the summer, I’m looking to supplement with a fanny pack. (digital camera, 2 bottles of water, a sandwich or two).
Hope this helps,
John
6 MC // Oct 11, 2009 at 9:31 am
John,
Great review!
Thanks for going the extra mile to include pics.
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