Hard tackle boxes are inexpensive yet robust, durable and usually waterproof. They offer a lot of storage space and have lots of tray or drawer style compartments for easy organization and easy visibility. They offer the best gear protection. The downside is that they can be heavy and cumbersome to carry and take a lot of storage space. Hard boxes are best for shorter trips, when you don’t need to carry a lot of gear or when you’re using a car or boat most of the way.
Soft tackle bags and backpacks feature divisible inner compartments, multiple pockets, removable trays and attachment spaces for accessories such as rods. These features make them adaptable and easy to organize. They’re lightweight and feature padded straps, handles and moldable construction that make them easier to carry. They also compact easily for storage.
Which is better for you will depend on your fishing style, the amount of tackle you need to carry and the conditions you fish in.
When fishing on your own boat, you don’t need to carry tackle on your person and can use either hard tackle boxes or tackle bags.
If you fish from the bank or need to hike to get to your fishing spot, a large hard tackle box would be difficult to carry and a fishing tackle backpack would be the ideal option as they load will be lighter on your back.
If you fish from your blow up kayak, you don’t have room for large tackle boxes or tackle backpacks and a compact soft sided tackle bag would be a great option.
You can have the best of both worlds by owning a hard tackle box as well as a soft side tackle shoulder bag or backpack. Ensure both have the capacity to accommodate the utility boxes you use.