Review of the Plano Atlas Series™ EVA Backpack - 3700 Series

Review of the Plano Atlas Series™ EVA Backpack - 3700 Series

The Plano Atlas Series™ EVA Backpack - 3700 Series is a versatile and well-designed tackle bag that has quickly become a favorite among anglers. Whether you’re heading out for a day of freshwater fishing or preparing for a weekend of saltwater adventures, the Atlas EVA Backpack promises to offer both organization and durability in a compact, easy-to-carry design. Plano, a brand known for crafting high-quality tackle storage solutions, has once again delivered with the Atlas Series, offering a modern twist on traditional tackle bags.

In this review, we’ll dive into the features, performance, and overall value of the Plano Atlas Series™ EVA Backpack - 3700 Series to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your tackle storage needs.

Overview

The Plano Atlas Series™ EVA Backpack - 3700 Series is a compact and rugged tackle bag designed to provide anglers with easy access to their gear while maintaining durability against the elements. The 3700 Series refers to the size of the included tackle boxes, which measure 13" x 9.38" x 2.38", a standard size that accommodates most of the tackle Plano offers. The backpack features an EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) molded construction, providing durability and water resistance, and it comes equipped with a series of well-organized compartments to store your lures, hooks, line, and other essential fishing tools.

This backpack-style tackle storage solution offers the convenience of hands-free transportation, making it ideal for anglers who prefer to move quickly between fishing spots or who need to trek long distances to find the perfect fishing location.

Key Features

1. EVA Molded Construction: One of the standout features of the Atlas Series EVA Backpack is its molded EVA construction, which provides a durable and water-resistant exterior. The EVA material offers excellent protection for your tackle against the elements, ensuring that your gear stays safe and dry even in rainy or damp conditions. This also makes the bag lightweight and easy to handle.

2. Includes 2 Plano 3700 StowAway® Tackle Boxes: The Atlas Series EVA Backpack comes equipped with two Plano 3700 StowAway® tackle boxes, which are perfect for organizing your lures, hooks, sinkers, and other fishing accessories. The 3700 Series is one of the most popular sizes in Plano's range, providing enough space for a variety of tackle without making the bag too bulky.

3. Multiple Storage Compartments: The backpack features multiple storage compartments beyond the tackle boxes, allowing you to keep your gear well-organized. This includes additional pockets for tools, fishing line, pliers, or personal items like your phone or keys. The extra compartments ensure you can easily access whatever you need, without digging through your entire bag.

4. Adjustable and Padded Shoulder Straps: For comfort during long hikes or extended fishing sessions, the Atlas EVA Backpack is equipped with adjustable, padded shoulder straps. These straps help distribute the weight evenly across your back and shoulders, making it easy to carry the backpack for hours without discomfort. The adjustable straps ensure a custom fit, making the bag suitable for a variety of body types.

5. Breathable Back Panel: The back panel of the Atlas Series EVA Backpack is breathable, which helps with ventilation and reduces heat buildup while you're on the move. This feature is especially helpful during warmer months when you need a little extra airflow to prevent sweating or discomfort while carrying your gear.

6. Rugged Zippers and Hardware: The backpack is equipped with high-quality zippers and durable hardware, designed to withstand the wear and tear of regular outdoor use. The water-resistant zippers help keep your gear secure, even in rainy conditions.

7. Stylish Design: While the Plano Atlas EVA Backpack is built for function, it doesn’t lack in style. With a sleek, modern design and subtle branding, the backpack looks professional and clean. It’s a great option if you want a tackle bag that looks good while also being functional.

Pros

• Durable and Water-Resistant: The EVA molded construction makes the backpack durable, water-resistant, and well-suited to outdoor conditions.
• Compact and Lightweight: With its compact design, the backpack is easy to carry and doesn’t weigh you down, even when fully loaded with tackle and gear.
• Plenty of Storage Options: The bag offers ample storage with multiple compartments and two included 3700 StowAway® tackle boxes, allowing for excellent organization.
• Comfortable to Carry: Padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel provide comfort during extended use, making it ideal for hiking or walking between fishing spots.
• Versatile for Various Types of Fishing: Whether you’re fishing from a boat, shore, or kayak, the Atlas Series EVA Backpack is designed for versatility, making it an excellent option for all types of anglers.
• Stylish Design: The sleek, modern appearance ensures that the backpack not only performs well but also looks great.

Cons

• Limited Tackle Box Capacity: While the included 3700 StowAway® tackle boxes are an excellent size for most anglers, those with larger tackle collections may find the storage options limiting. However, the backpack does have additional compartments for small accessories, so it’s not a deal-breaker for most users.
• No External Rod Holders: Unlike some larger tackle bags, the Atlas EVA Backpack doesn’t feature external rod holders. While this isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, anglers who prefer to carry extra rods may need a different setup or a rod holder for the backpack.

Performance in Real-World Conditions

When tested in various fishing environments, the Plano Atlas Series EVA Backpack performed exceptionally well. The water-resistant EVA material held up well during a sudden downpour, keeping the contents dry and secure. The adjustable padded shoulder straps made it comfortable to carry on longer treks to remote fishing locations, and the multiple compartments kept tackle and fishing tools well-organized for easy access.

The two Plano 3700 StowAway® tackle boxes provided plenty of room for my most-used lures, hooks, and other accessories, while the extra storage pockets allowed me to store things like pliers, fishing line, and even personal items like my phone and wallet. The breathable back panel kept me comfortable during a warm day of fishing, and the overall durability of the bag made it clear that it could withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

Conclusion

The Plano Atlas Series™ EVA Backpack - 3700 Series is an excellent tackle storage solution for anglers looking for a lightweight, durable, and well-organized bag. Its EVA molded construction provides protection against the elements, while its multiple compartments and 3700 StowAway® tackle boxes make it easy to keep everything organized and accessible. The padded shoulder straps and breathable back panel add comfort for all-day use, making it an ideal option for both weekend warriors and more serious anglers.

If you’re looking for a tackle bag that’s easy to carry, offers great organization, and holds up well under tough conditions, the Plano Atlas Series EVA Backpack is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re heading out for a day of freshwater fishing or a trip to the coast, this backpack has everything you need to store and transport your tackle with ease.