LATEST RELEASES SALAD BAR

ORVIS - PRO APPROACH HIKER

At first glance, these new saltwater boots from Orvis look like something left behind in the International Space Station, but look closer and the R&D reveals itself. Starting on the sole, there’s non-marking Michelin outsoles for traction, on and off the skiff. Then there’s that outside sock-like look, which is a built-in gravel guard that protects the interior from debris, providing a smooth finish to a sleek boot and saving you from irritating grit. On the inside, Orvis’s Intuition mould technology provides a custom footfit, with a medium-height form offering oodles of ankle support. Looks like they could handle a moon walk and flats fishing with aplomb. orvis.com, flyfishing.co.za

OPINEL - PICNIC PLUS

The spork is a much-loved item for hikers and campers, but it can leave you feeling like a toddler with a plastic spoon. By taking their iconic No. 08 knife and attaching a stainlesssteel fork and a spoon, Alpine French knifemakers Opinel have said, “Non! Je ne le ferai pas” to using a blunt plastic shiv in the great outdoors. The result – a multi-functional eating utensil which at 90g is lightweight yet still classy –is to sporks what Dom Pérignon is to JC Le Roux. Bonus: It comes with a dual-use microfibre napkin designed for storage and wiping your filthy mouth. Beats the back of your hand. awesometools.co.za

XPLORER - FLEXI-FLOATI STRIPPING BASKET

Stripping baskets generate tons of debate. Are they too big, too small, are they porous enough, do the sides get in the way? Xplorer’s latest contender in the category, the Flexi-Floati, is a floating, one-piece, sealed stripping basket. It includes grooves for rod support, 11 cones to keep your line from tangling, a smooth edge to protect your fly line, and a wide quality belt and secure buckle that’s flexible enough to conform to your hips, Shakira. xplorerflyfishing.co.za

DIAMONDBACK - IDEAL NYMPH RANGE

We’ve been hearing good things about Diamondback’s Ideal Nymph range built by mad rod-building scientist Joe Goodspeed, and now Xplorer are bringing them into Africa. Ranging from weights one through six, they are available in 10’ and 10’10” iterations. Expect high density cork grips completed by Curly Koa wood spacers in a sleek handle design. Guide selection and placement has been well thought out, ideal for handling long leaders and fighting strong fish. Snake guides below the rod tip counteract leader-wraps, and two lightweight single seated stripping guides make for the perfect smooth surface at

YETI - YONDER WATER BOTTLES

A water tanker of note, Yeti’s high-vis Yonder bottles are great portable hydration stations. Made of 50% recycled plastic, they are 100% leak-proof and 50% lighter than the Rambler predecessor. The 750ml comes in Seafoam and Canopy Green, and the bulkier 1L version includes Navy and Charcoal colourways. We’re not saying you should, but they could also carry G&Ts. yeti.com, upstreamflyfishing.co.za

XPLORER - WATER THERMOMETER

There are times when to explain why you are not catching any fish you need to check the temperature of the water. The discomfort you feel in your crotch through your waders is not scientific enough, so to do the job properly we suggest you get a tool like Xplorer’s nifty clip-on thermometers that come in a range of colours and tell the temp in Celsius and Fahrenheit. xplorerflyfishing.co.za

ORVIS – NO TOUCH CATCH-AND-RELEASE TOOL

This simple fish release solution gives you and the fish the best chance at a successful release. The small ring clips into your fly line, slides down to the fly, and pops the hook out without needing to get your hands involved. The use of this handmade tool both increases fish survival rates and prevents damage to delicate fly patterns. orvis.com, flyfishing.co.za

SIMMS - G3 GUIDE BACKPACK

An ideal backpack for the gear-hauler, the 50L G3 can fit all your bits and bobs and then some. The roll-top closure seals off with waterproof protection, an external pocket can hold the not-so-valuable extras, and there are many side pockets and a key clip. Dual daisy chain and Hypalon lash points allow for mounting of all manner of clip-on accessories, and reinforced bottle holders double as rod tube storage, depending on priorities. A hydrophobic compression-moulded back panel provides spinal comfort, and the optional MOLLE webbing waist belt works with the shoulder straps for even more accessory attachment. simms.com, frontierflyfishing.com

TOPO DESIGNS X TENKARA ROD CO - KIT

The 400-year-old micro-niche of Tenkara fly fishing gets a modern makeover through the collaboration of these two brands. This simple, agile, and collapsible kit includes the custom Topo X Tenkara Sierra rod, a Topo Designs shoulder bag, a leader and line wallet, and three dry flies (you shouldn’t be casting too much to lose flies). The eight-piece 10.5’ telescopic carbon fibre rod collapses into a 50cm baton, weighing a total of 80g. If you’re heading anywhere where there might be a stream and some fish, you’ll struggle to find a more lightweight, hassle-free smuggler set-up than this. topodesigns.com, tenkararodco.com

ORVIS - SUPER SLIM SHIRT POCKET FLY BOX

Why bother with all the bulk? With this, the money clip of fly boxes, you can keep just your essential flies in your shirt pocket. Perfect for the “on the way home” angler, or if you’re just wanting to pack light, this super slim half-inchdeep box has a 77-slot or six-compartment configuration ideal for packing in nymphs or sparsely hackled/parachute dries up to size 16. orvis.com, flyfishing.co.za

PATAGONIA - GUIDEWATER SLING

This 15L slingpack is ideal for those who prioritise waterproof mobility over bulk gear-hauling. The hard-wearing and durable outer shell is IPX-7 watertight rated, making it fully submergible when sealed. A dual-direction zipper gives you options when scrabbling for gear while keeping your eyes on fish. The back panel and strap are hydrophobic while the latter features several attachment points. We’re particularly enamoured with the integrated net scabbard for easy scooping and stashing. This sling is also compatible with Patagonia’s Stealth Convertible Vest and Work Station, allowing you to carry more should you need to. patagonia.com, xplorerflyfishing.co.za

ARCADE X MARSH WEAR - BELT

Surf/skate belt specialists Arcade’s comfortable stretchy belt is already a brag on its own, but with this collab with American fishing-outfitter Marsh Wear, they are dipping a toe in the fly fishing scene. Waist fit and feel are customisable, the no-hassle plastic buckle is lightweight and free of metals (cruise through airport security with your pants up), and it’s on the green side of the recycling spectrum. marshwearclothing.com, arcadebelts.com

VISION - RIVERMANIAC NET

Are you a maniac? Do you frequent rivers? Well hold on to your remaining marbles! Lightweight, durable, and affordable, Vision’s Rivermaniac net has a 31cm-wide basket and a 35cm-deep rubber mesh. The short 18cm grippylooking handle contrasts with the bronze rim, rounding up the sleek design. Put some fish in it to complete the look. visionflyfishing.com

SIMMS - ROGUE HOODY

Water-resistant exterior, soft fleece interior, chest pocket with zipper, and two hand-warming pouches for when the fishing is not on: The breathable Simms Rogue Hoody is on our cold-weather arsenal lust list. simms.com, frontierflyfishing.com

HOWLER BROTHERS - SEABREACHER JACKET

A light windbreaker is on every vlei rat’s checklist. You won’t survive a hurricane, but the mizzle will certainly go unnoticed with Howler’s Seabreacher. 100% nylon sealed with a DWR coating to keep the wet out, it has two large patch pockets on the front for all your necessities (plenty of space for rolling tobacco, boerie rolls, etc). The Seabreacher Jacket folds away into its own inconspicuous stash pocket on the lower back. howlerbrothers.com, upstreamflyfishing.co.za

SIMMS - FALL RUN INSULATED VEST

A piece to take chill-factor out of the equation, this sleeveless puffer offers the comfort of a warm core and the freedom of unencumbered arms, ideal when trying to cast and strip lines. Simms’s Primaloft-treated insulation (60% recycled material) has a water-resistant component, ensuring that you won’t look (and feel) like a drowned rat after spending 10 minutes in the rain. The 100% recycled shell is DWR-finished, pockets are super-insulating, and a small pocket on the inside keeps your phone safe. simms.com, frontierflyfishing.com

ORVIS - FLIP FOCAL

Had your 40th yet? Noticed how knots that took seconds now take minutes? It’s not you, it’s just age. Forget the squinting and eye-watering attempts to tie gossamer-thin tippet. The Orvis Flip Focal magnifies vision up to 2.25x, bringing those size 24 ant patterns oh so closer. When you’re done you can stash it away on the brim of your cap. orvis.com, flyfishing.co.za