Company Profile
ZimmerBuilt, founded and operated by Chris Zimmer, is a custom backpack and gear brand based in Doylestown, Ohio. Known for meticulous craftsmanship and ultralight performance, ZimmerBuilt produces high‑quality, durable fishing packs and accessories, many built-to-order to exact specifications.
Chris draws on both his engineering background and many years of field testing to design specialized gear for tenkara and fixed‑line anglers. His workshop in Ohio hand‑crafts each piece using premium materials like X‑Pac and EPX200 fabrics, resulting in packs that are both lightweight and highly water-resistant.
ZimmerBuilt’s product philosophy emphasizes simplicity, modularity, and function-first design. Whether it’s a minimalist sling for traveling ultra-light or a more substantial pack for longer outings, every product is thoughtfully conceived and hand-built by a single craftsman. Customer service and customization are highly personalized, with Chris handling inquiries and special orders himself.
Beyond utility, ZimmerBuilt has a stellar reputation among tenkara and ultralight anglers. Gear reviews and forum testimonials consistently praise the fit, build quality, and thoughtful details in Chris’s packs including rod sleeves, internal hydration hooks, and modular daisy chains for accessories.
ZimmerBuilt remains a benchmark brand in fishing and ultralight gear, each pack handcrafted by Chris Zimmer with extreme attention to detail, function, and customization.
Popular ZimmerBuilt Packs
- DeadDrift Pack
A sleek, top-loading 800 cu in fishing backpack with dual rod sleeves, internal hydration hook, daisy-chain lash points, and removable shoulder straps, ideal for minimalist anglers and day trips. - TailWater Pack
A larger, 1,300 cu in top-loading pack with dual rod sleeves, shock‑cord attachments, internal hydration hook, and optional belt or chest-strap configurations, great for anglers carrying more gear. - Tenkara Guide Sling
A day‑use sling-style pack designed specifically for tenkara anglers; supports up to six rods, features accessory ports and built-in modular compatibility for chest or strap packs. - Tenkara Sling Lite
A lighter version of the Guide Sling, weighing just about 6.5 oz, constructed in waterproof X‑Pac fabric with a main compartment for essentials and hose port for hydration. - HeadWaters Pack
ZimmerBuilt’s higher-volume fish‑pack option (~1,800 cu in, depending on configuration), offering multi-point lash loops, chest-strap attachments, and advanced modularity for extended outings.
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