Patagonia Stealth Atom Sling... The Full Monty

Finally, I say finally, I'm going to give my long overdue review of the Stealth Atom Sling. I have to start by saying that I know some of you may have been holding your breath, anxiously awaiting this review so that you can run to the nearest shop and buy your very own Stealth Atom Sling. For this I would like to apologize. I am a procrastinator by nature, but also in my defense I have been super busy with all of life's little pleasures. None of which involve fishing. Before sitting down to write this, I glanced at the calendar just to see when the last time I was on the water was (yes I write that crap down). It saddened me a bit to know that June 6th was the last time the 'ole fly rod had been strung.
Anyway since my initial review I've had a chance to use the pack a good deal. So far after banging it through the rodo the pack has held up well. The nylon dwr coated exterior is easy to clean and after being trapped in a monsoon on one occasion the pack kept the contents on the inside dry as well. Obviously at only 427 cu in you wont be able to store quite the gear you would in other packs, but I was able to get two large Fishpond fly boxes along with my Ciff's Days Worth, and leader wallet in the main pocket, and plenty of necessities in the front molded fly box pocket. I dig the color as well. When I am fishing this pack I'm usually fishing wild water and I prefer not to carry items that make me look like I just stepped off Bourbon Street. My only beef again, is that the strap goes over your right shoulder, and if your a righty like myself the strap will try and slide on occasion when casting. Overall I like the pack and will definitely keep it in the rotation. In my opinion it's a niche pack, and not one you would buy for all of your fishing needs. I realize I'm no Siskel and Ebert but I hope this helps some of you with your buying decision. Especially FLY reader Ryan... wherever he may be out in cyber land.

J