6 minute read
GEAR GUIDE
Duck Camp Lightweight Bamboo Crew
Very few shirts impress us of late, but the new bamboo crew from Duck Camp is as comfortable as it gets. The fi t is virtually perfect. The fabric is tight where it needs to be and gives where it should. The chest pocket is a welcome addition, as almost all of the other manufacturers have abandoned this feature in the name of clean lines; this crew off ers both a stylish look and the utility of the pocket. A+ from the entire team on this one. Available in both men’s and women’s styles and in four colors (River Rock shown). (duckcamp.com)
$49
Trifecta Wall Rod Rack
A seriously good rod storage solution at a very competitive price. The editor used this rack as an inexpensive option for rod storage while transitioning homes: It has not yet been replaced. The image displays two units stacked; each unit can hold three lined rods. This system will also store skis, hockey sticks, and a number of other things. A great storage option for about the price of a single Cordura rod tube. (Available through eBay at StoreYourBoard.)
$19.99
Akro-Mils 24 Drawer Plastic Storage Cabinet
If you’re anything like us, after tying three or four patterns your fl y tying bench becomes a menagerie of materials and tools. Given the diverse fi sheries we tie for, we needed a way to quickly organize the bench and keep it organized. The Akro-Mils cabinets do the trick. With models ranging from six drawers to 42, they defi nitely have something to fi t your tying needs. Available at a number of big box stores. (akro-mils.com)
$35
GEAR GUIDE
Orvis OutSmart Ultralight Pants
While there are many lightweight pants on the market and the product copy describes articulated knees and a gusseted crotch, we like these pants for one main reason: Orvis is using a new technology that incorporates a bug repellent—OutSmart Insect Shield—that’s woven into the fabric and is guaranteed for 70 washings. If you’ve ever thrown a fl y into the mangroves only to roust a swarm of hungry mosquitos or been hit by greenhead fl ies, you’ll appreciate this tech and welcome it on your next trip. (orvis.com)
$89
Simms Predator Trucker Hat
We couldn’t do a summer Gear Guide without showing you the coolest fi shing hat available for the season. The Simms Predator Trucker Hat is mesh-back trucker with a semi-curved bill that provides stylish sun protection and glare-free visibility on the fl ats while stalking black-tailed devils. Available with either a permit or tarpon logo. (simmsfi shing.com)
$19
GEAR GUIDE
Plano Guide Series 4-By Rack System
Of all the multi-box systems out there, the Plano Drawer & Rack 4-By Boxes are a good choice for reasons of function, size, and aff ordability. They’ll store a fair amount of fl ies, tackle, or tying materials, but they don’t take up as much space as their internet photos would have you believe (the smaller of the two models is 11 by 10 inches). Utility at a fair price. (planomolding.com)
$29.99 to $44.99
IRIS Medium 6-Drawer Cart
There’s nothing glamorous about, but the IRIS Medium 6-Drawer Cart with organizer top is a great utility to have beside your tying station. It features 6 drawers for storing various materials, with each drawer measuring 12.9 by 9.5 by 3.0 inches. The drawers are clear, making identification of contents easy. The organizer top is great for keeping small accessories and tools within reach. Get two—one for the crafter in your life. (irisusainc.com)
$36
GEAR GUIDE
Rubbermaid Action Packer
Organization has its perks. For one, when your friend invites you on a last-minute adventure, all you have to do is grab your gear and go. But low-quality storage bins are notorious for cracking, snapping, and warping in the sun. Rubbermaid’s line of Action Packers is a storage system that doesn’t fall into the “disposable” category. Made of impactresistant material that can withstand harsh temperatures and fitted with double-walled weather-resistant lids, these storage totes are made for the outdoors. We’ve used them for dry food storage on long float trips, for storing our equipment in hunting camp, and for staying organized on long road trips. Four sizes ranging from 8 to 48 gallons are stackable, durable (you can stand or sit on them), and lightweight. (rubbermaid.com)
$50 to $100
Peak Design Camera Cubes
A perfect example of Peak Design’s ingenuity and innovation is the category-defying Camera Cube. In truth, cameras are just the beginning: The Camera Cube will organize and protect anything you can stuff into it. Available in three sizes with a tear-away top opening and side pockets for instant access, we’ve found these cubes to be perfect for traveling with fl y reels, spare spools, and terminal fi shing tackle. Peak Design’s FlexFold dividers off er effi cient modular storage that is completely customizable, and the cube’s padded, weatherproof design will keep your gear safe and sound. (peakdesign.com)
$50 to $90
GEAR GUIDE
ThinOptics Suns
From the company that makes the world’s thinnest, lightest readers comes a pair of polarized sunglasses that fi t into a case the thickness of only fi ve credit cards. High-tensile strength stainless steel frames prevent breakage and corrosion. A titanium alloy bridge allows Suns to keep their shape. Biocompatible nose pads ensure a comfortable custom fi t. Polarized lenses eliminate glare (anti-refl ective back coating reduces back glare) and off er maximum UV protection. Available in three shades and two frame styles— aviator and round. Each pair comes with a felt-lined brushed aluminum case that fi ts into any pocket. Includes a microfi ber cleaning pouch. Right now ThinOptics is off ering TFFM readers a 25 percent discount. Use Promo Code TFFM25. The off er expires September 30, 2020. (thinoptics.com)
$129 (before discount)
L’il Sucker
There’s nothing worse than spilling a fresh drink in a boat, or worse, over the boat. This l’il sucker will keep your can, bottle, YETI mug, or any other similar-sized drink container secure on just about any smooth surface. It’s a simple neoprene donut that slides on the bottom of your container and creates a surprisingly powerful, nonmarring suction bond. When it’s time to enjoy your drink, simply lift the edge of the donut with your fi nger and slurp. (lilsucker.com)
2-pack $9.99
GEAR GUIDE
Eagle Creek Packing Cubes
This is organization at it’s lightweight best for your backpack, gear box, suitcase, or any form of travel packing. Cube Sets come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, compression versions and even shoe cubes. No more digging around in your pack for gear or groupings of like-minded clothing or gadjets once you’ve organized it all in cube sets. Better than just knowing where things are, you’ll benefi t from increased storage space and be spared the embarrasment of digging through underwear and toiletries in your luggage at the aiport to fi nd your fl ip-fl ops. TSA agents will be impressed! (eaglecreek.com)
