KastKing KarryAll KastMate Backpack Review

Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Daniel Globe

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Carrying loose tackle boxes, tools, and rods to a bank or boat can turn a short fishing trip into a packing problem. The KastKing KarryAll KastMate Fishing Tackle Backpack is built to keep that gear together in a medium-size, hands-free pack. Its strongest points are the organized layout, two rod storage sleeves, and low 0.83 kg (about 1.83 lb) empty weight. The main tradeoff is weather protection: the PVC-coated Oxford fabric is water-resistant, not a substitute for a dry bag or rain cover in a downpour.

Product Features and Specifications

What Is the KastKing KarryAll KastMate Fishing Tackle Backpack?

The KarryAll KastMate is a fishing-focused daypack that combines a large tray compartment with smaller pockets for tools, soft plastics, a phone, and frequently used accessories. Its main compartment is sized for up to four 3700 utility boxes, while the exterior gives you two rod storage sleeves, a beverage holder, D-ring attachment points, and MOLLE webbing.

KastKing positions this model for shore, kayak, and boat fishing, but the backpack layout also works for hiking to a remote bank or carrying gear while biking. At 10.8 x 8.7 x 17.3 inches, it is more compact than a 40-liter tackle backpack, yet it still accepts larger 3700 trays instead of limiting you to smaller 3600 boxes.

Who Should Buy It?

Storage and Organization Capabilities

The main compartment is the core of the design. It holds up to four 3700-size utility boxes, giving you room to separate hard baits, terminal tackle, jigs, and species-specific gear. An inner mesh pocket can keep soft-bait bags visible instead of letting them slide underneath the trays.

Smaller storage zones reduce the need to open the main compartment for every task. A top zippered pocket can hold a phone or small essentials, while the large front zippered pocket and triangular slit pocket provide faster access to leaders, weights, scissors, pliers, or a compact landing-net handle. The listed eight-compartment layout is useful for sorting gear by how often you reach for it.

Outside the bag, two rod storage sleeves help free your hands during the walk to the water. A beverage holder, D-ring attachment points, and MOLLE webbing give you places for a bottle, line cutters, retractors, or other lightweight accessories. You should still secure sharp tools and avoid hanging heavy items that can pull the pack off balance.

Comfort and Ergonomic Design

The backpack weighs about 1.83 pounds before you add tackle, which helps keep the starting load manageable. Shock-absorbing EPE foam supports the back panel, and padded shoulder straps spread pressure across your shoulders instead of concentrating it on narrow webbing.

An adjustable chest strap helps stabilize the bag while you walk, bike, or climb a bank. Comfort will still depend on packing: four loaded 3700 trays can become heavy, so place the densest boxes close to your back and tighten both shoulder straps evenly.

Durability and Weather Resistance

KastKing uses abrasion- and tear-resistant Oxford fabric with a PVC coating on this model. That construction is designed to handle regular contact with boat decks, brush, and shoreline surfaces better than a thin casual daypack. The interior lining and EPE foam also add structure and help cushion tackle during transport.

The key limitation is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof. The coated fabric can help protect your gear from light rain and boat splash, but water can still enter through zippers, seams, or prolonged exposure. Keep electronics and licenses in sealed pouches, and use a separate rain cover or dry bag when heavy rain is likely.

How It Performs in Real Use

For Bank and Shore Fishing

This is the model’s clearest use case. You can carry several tackle categories, two rods, a drink, and small tools while keeping your hands available for a net or cooler. The compact footprint is easier to set beside you than a large expedition pack, but you should keep the rod sleeves clear of the ground when placing the bag down.

For Kayak and Boat Fishing

The 10.8 x 8.7-inch base can fit more easily into limited deck or storage space than a 40-liter backpack. The water-resistant fabric helps with ordinary spray, but the pack should be clipped or wedged securely so it cannot slide overboard. It is not designed as a flotation device or submersible dry storage.

For Walking or Biking to a Fishing Spot

The padded straps, chest strap, and two rod sleeves support hands-free travel. Keep rod tips behind and above you, check overhead clearance, and avoid attaching loose tools that can swing while you move. A balanced two- or three-tray load may be more comfortable than filling every available space.

For Hiking, Camping, and General Outdoor Use

The pockets can organize snacks, a compact first-aid kit, small tools, and day-use supplies when you are not fishing. However, the tray-shaped main compartment and fishing-specific exterior features make it less efficient for bulky clothing or overnight sleep gear than a standard hiking backpack.

Setup and Packing Tips

1. Test your trays first. Load the exact 3700 boxes you plan to use and confirm the zippers close without strain.
2. Build a trip-specific load. Carry only the lure categories and terminal tackle needed for the water and species you are targeting.
3. Keep weight close to your back. Put dense sinkers, jigs, and hard-bait trays nearest the padded back panel.
4. Use sealed pouches for sensitive items. Protect your phone, wallet, keys, fishing license, and spare batteries from rain and splash.
5. Check rod balance. Secure each rod with the sleeve and retaining strap, then confirm the pack stands and carries without the rod butt dragging.
6. Dry the bag before storage. Empty debris, wipe dirty areas with a damp cloth, and let the backpack air-dry fully before closing the zippers.

Pros and Cons

Is It Worth the Price?

The KarryAll KastMate sits in the budget-to-mid-range part of the fishing backpack market. It offers strong value for the price when you already own 3700 trays and want a purpose-built bag with rod storage, tool attachment points, and a compact day-trip size.

You get the most value if you fish from banks, shorelines, kayaks, or small boats and prefer one organized pack over several loose cases. It is not the best fit if you need included tackle boxes, a large camping-style cargo compartment, or verified protection for sustained severe weather.

How It Compares to Alternatives

The larger KastKing KarryAll 40L Tackle Backpack is better for anglers who need more overall volume, 14 storage areas, and room for four 3600-size trays. The KastMate is smaller and lighter, while its main compartment is designed around larger 3700-size boxes.

For a lighter load, the KastKing BaitSpace Fishing Sling Bag is a more compact alternative that holds up to two 3600-size boxes. A hard tackle box may also make more sense for anglers who fish from one fixed boat position and care more about rigid protection than hands-free carrying.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

The KastKing KarryAll KastMate is a recommended choice for mobile anglers who want organized 3700-tray storage, two rod sleeves, and a relatively light daypack. Skip it if you need included trays, large overnight capacity, or fully waterproof protection. Its main strength is efficient fishing-specific organization, while its main limitation is weather protection during prolonged heavy rain.