Smart Packing
A good angling ‘sack does more than carry stuff. It protects. It organises. It lets you angle more efficiently.
Wychwood’s luggage line offers the perfect mix of practicality and style. Whether you’re doing a day session like Darryll Slater or planning a road trip to the continent like Nick Helleur, their luggage items—in particular the Packsmart models—will have your back (and your kit in the strictest of order).
I’ve heard the name ‘Packsmart’ but what actually is it?
It’s a super neat way to carry your tackle, whether that’s in a carryall or traditional rucksack. The original concept featured a clever fold-out design and three detachable pouches. It was also the original (that word comes up a lot when referring to Wychwood products) product of its type when it was launched back in 2013. Nowadays you’ll see plenty of ‘similar’ products but, as they say, you can’t beat the original (there it is again!).
So how many different models are there?
There are two models within each of Wychwood’s sub brands: Tactical HD and Comforter. Under the ‘Tactical’ umbrella you have the HD Packsmart and HD Packsmart Carryall, and with the latter it’s the Comforter Packsmart and Comforter Mini Packsmart.
Ahhh, I love the ‘Tactical’ range—that’s the one with that lovely DPM camo, right?
That’s the one! And you’re right, it really does look superb. Decked in DPM camo and green panels, these lightweight luggage items have a distinctive look that sets them apart from the luggage items within the Comforter range—and all other brands come to think of it.
Is that the only difference then, the colour?
No, there are a number of differences. Along with being made from a high spec material—1200D—the Tactical HD collection is all about paring back your kit.
The HD Packsmart is to be worn like a traditional backpack and features a main storage area along with two zip-off (‘wings’) compartments. There’s a large cover closure that can be used as a kneeling pad when accessing your kit and there are proper heavy-duty zips and buckles
all round.
The equivalent Packsmart in the Comforter range is woven from a 600D fabric and features three detectable ‘wings’, plus the main compartment. There’s also a stow-away rain cover, padded shoulder straps, plus solid zips and buckles. This rucksack, as designer Martin Tracey reveals in the panel to your right, can house a lot of kit. Going away on longer trips and like to take all the essentials? The Comforter Packsmart. Doing short day sessions? Then it’s the Tactical HD Packsmart for you.
Very neat. Didn’t you say there were two other variations?
That is correct. You have the Comforter Packsmart Mini, which, as the name suggests, takes the Packsmart concept and shrinks it down for use with terminal tackle. Two detachable ‘wing’ pouches fold out either side of a main compartment and the whole bundle can be carried, or pulled from your bag, with handles on two sides. The fourth item differs from the other three because it’s a carryall. It follows the same design principles as the Tactical HD Packsmart, but this carryall version folds out to reveal its storage potential and allows the user to unzip the three separate compartments. As the name suggests, it’s carried by a single comfortable shoulder strap or by the heavy-duty grab handle in the centre of the bag.
