wild trout on the fly.com's gear bag provides gear reviews so anglers can see how well some of the hottest gear on the market holds up to the abuse we dish out. Instead of giving you a glossed over review showing stock pictures and specifications, we put this stuff to the test and show you how it holds up in the field. Our reviewers are unbiased and understand the value of great gear that won't let you down. We hope you enjoy our reviews and that they help you find what you need. Thank you for visiting wild trout on the fly.com.
wtotf's Mike Miller hooks up with some serious trout while testing Wright-McGill's Big Horn Wading Jacket.
Fishpond Double Haul Chest/Back Pack review by m. miller
With the Double Haul chest pack Fishpond has combined the functionality of a chest pack and a small day pack into one product. The chest pack and day pack can be separated for stand-alone use or can be worn together for longer days on the water. The chest pack has ample storage space for a fly box (two if you remove the foam fly patch that comes in the smaller front pocket) and all the accessories you may need for a day on the water. With several cord and webbing loops on the exterior of the chest pack there are plenty of places for all your streamside tools. The backpack will hold as much as you will need for a day on the river (1,282 cu. in.), there is also a rod tube holder on the pack. The pack will also hold a 100 oz. hydration system (camelback or platypus hydration systems will also work with Fishpond packs) but is not included with the pack. The pack is completely adjustable and the chest pack also has a padded neck strap for those times when you decide to hit the river light.
When I first got the Double Haul pack the greatest appeal to me was the two in one aspect which allows anglers to use both the chest pack and back pack independently of one another. The chest pack is great for a quick run up to the foothills for an hour or two of fishing and though the chest pack is lightweight and compact it still allows the space I need , tohold what I require on the water. The pack has enough tabs and loops I can attach all the streamside tools I need, plus the chest pack has enough space for two fly boxes and my digital camera. There is also limited space for other necessities in a small zippered pocket on the inside of the chest pack for items like leaders and strike indicators. Since I also fish with my daughter (I carry her on my back in a Kelty Child carrier while I fish smaller streams such as Bear Creek or the Fraser River) the stand alone chest pack is great since it can still be worn even with another pack on. This is the pack I take with me now on backcountry trips because the chest pack is easily packed and is super lightweight for those who like to count ounces when taking a backpacking trip. I also enjoy using the chest pack when in my float tube because it keeps everything handy including all my tools and fly boxes. Though Fishpond does make a stand alone chest pack, the Windwalker, I feel that the Double Haul is a better investment because you do get the added backpack and sometimes the extra space is nice on a long hike. The backpack is big enough to hold a rain jacket and lunch for full days on the river. The pack also has a hydration system sleeve that is well thought out and puts the mouthpiece within easy reach. All of the straps were easily adjustable on all parts of the pack making for an easy to use pack.
The backpack has padded straps that are comfortable with or without the chest pack. I took the pack for several hikes in the area and it was excellent even for day long hikes. Since there is a decent amount of storage space I also fit my rain jacket, lunch and my 100 oz. hydration bag. The pack also works great with the chest pack and since both are lightweight and fairly pack able these are a great choice when visiting the backcountry. The chest pack and backpack both are well made and stood up to incredible amounts of abuse. Both pieces held up to our gear testers and with a suggested retail of $120 this pack is worth every penny. So if you are interested in purchasing Fishpond's Double Haul Pack or for local dealers please contact Fishpond U.S.A.
M. Miller tests the Double Haul on one of Colorado's high mountain lakes.
Fishpond U.S.A. Double Haul specifications:
Comfortable air mesh backing
Adjustable sliding straps for a perfect fit
Compression straps
fishpond’s unique lightweight, waterproof and breathable fabric (Bitterroot Green)
Expandable zippered back pocket
Cord and webbing loops for accessory attachment
Signature “zip-down” fly bench with replaceable foam
Tool pockets and D-ring net lash
Holds up to 100 oz. fishpond Waterlog
Hydration Reservior (Optional)
VOLUME 1,282 cu. in. (Backpack)
DIMENSIONS 10” x 8.5” x 5” (Chestpack) 11” x 5” x 17.5” (Backpack)
Force Fin's Floattube Fin review by m. miller
Floattubing fins are one of the most overlooked pieces of fishing gear that fly anglers use. Most are bulky, stiff and are clumsily attached to the foot or boot, Force Fin has broken that mold with their Floattube Fin. The fins are 18.5" long, and are made of durable polyurethane and include a one year manufacturers warranty. They have also been made to accept almost all boot types and can even be worn without wading boots. The straps are top adjustable and have an open foot pocket which Force Fin states reduces foot cramping and leverages power from an anglers strongest kicking muscles. Created by people who are more into diving than fishing, you know you are getting a product was made for moving through the water with the least amount of resistance. These fins have even been tested in a wind tunnel so you know they are the real deal.
I never imagined the difference a floattubing fin could make until I hit the water with Force Fin's Floattube Fins. Almost as soon as you start kicking your feet you notice how much less you have to work to get across a body of water. Force Fins also have a comfortable foot pocket with an extremely secure strap system, I have never felt more secure with a fin without the use of a safety strap. The V-shaped design of the fins are supposed to created a perfect hydrofoil which means you do less work kicking around the water. The upturned shape of the fin also makes for easier movement out of the water than your standard floattubing fin. All of the staffers here at wtotf who regularly floattube now all use the Force Fin Floattube Fins since we reviewed them. Though they do have a retail of $189.95 we feel that this is money well spent, especially for those of us anglers with a predisposition to lower back strain. We highly recommend these to any floattubing fly-fishermen. For more information about Force Fin's Floatube Fin or to find the dealer nearest you please visit ForceFin.com.
Force Fin's Floattube Fin has a unique shape that helps maximize your kicking strength.
Force Fin's Floattube Fin can help you fight the winds even at Spinney.
Korkers' Streamborn wading boot.
Korkers Streamborn wading boot review by wtotf staff
Korkers has developed one of the best designs for wading boots in decades, the OmniTrax sole technology that allows the boot wearer to change their soles as conditions dictate. We tested the Streamborn wading boot and were pleasantly surprised with how well the boot felt and supported the ankles even when in swift water, but we were more impressed with the improved OmniTrax design and just how versatile it allows one pair of boots to be. The Streamborn, Korkers' mid-priced wading boot includes the trail lug and felt soles with four additional soles available for purchase including studded felt, studded rubber, aquastealth rubber and siped boot soles. The Streamborn is made of water repellent nubuck leather and features six micro screen drains on each boot which help keep the boots light. Each boot is tripled stitched providing great durability and strength making for a boot that will last. The Streamborn also has speed lace hooks making for a boot that is easy to put on and take off.
The Streamborn boots were a pleasure to test and several of our testers are making the change to this new style of boot. These wading boots are great for those anglers who sometimes require a little hiking when getting to our favorite fishing haunts, for those of us that frequent Cheeseman Canyon or the Williams Fork River here in Colorado you understand what a toll hiking can take on your wading boots. The Streamborn provides anglers the ability to change boots from trail tested lug soles to sticky rubber for wading without the need for two pairs of boots which not only extends the life of your boots, but also makes for a safer hike to the water. The new OmniTrax design allows the soles to be removed and replaced much easier than previous designs and keeps them so secure you'd think you were wearing fixed sole boots.
Many recreational anglers and professional anglers alike are hard on their footwear and the Streamborn certainly will help to extend the life you can get from a boot without the need of glue or adhesives to replace your wading boot sole. The Streamborn boots are exceptionally made and our testers have had no issues to date, although attaching the soles did require the use of the tool included with the boots, it was only a minor inconvenience compared to what these boots fully offer.
Korkers' has developed the ultimate wading boot.
Though Korkers' does provide four different soles specifically designed for wading, we were highly impressed with their sticky rubber options. With an explosion in the populations of invasive species not only in Colorado, but much of the U.S. and other countries worldwide, non-felt soles are less likely to carry invasives from water to water than felt soles. We did test the other soles available and found each to be either comparable or exceptional to comparable wading boot options in each style. The sticky rubber options provide exceptional support on slippery surfaces and when things really get slippery the studded version cuts through the nastiest algae and moss.
Korkers Streamborn wading boots are an exceptional value at $129.99 with additional soles costing $29.99. The versatility of these boots is immeasurable and the price tag is well justified. If are looking for the last pair of wading boots you will ever need to buy, check out Korkers Streamborn, for more information visit Korkers.com.
Mike Miller hooks up with a nice rainbow while testing Korkers' Streamborn wading boot.
Korkers' Torrent shoe shown with the full range of sole options available for the angler.
Korkers' Torrent Shoe review by m.miller
Korkers has done it again with the Torrent trail hiker. Utilizing their proprietary Omni-Trax technology Korkers has created the ultimate casual shoe for anglers. The Torrent is lightweight and dries quickly after wading use and also fits snugly with a quick lace system and adjustable heel support. Each pair come with the trail lug sole which is interchangeable with six different styles available at you local retailer.
When I first received my pair of Torrent shoes I was a little apprehensive about how much I would actually use these shoes in a casual setting as opposed to just for wet wading. After wearing these on a walk with the dogs I started wearing them regularly. The Torrent fits snugly and is super lightweight making for an extremely comfortable shoe that still looks stylish. The quick lace system makes the shoe easy to put on and take off, and the heel support system makes the shoe fit perfectly. With all the same sole options as their wading boots, the Torrent can be easily transformed from casual shoe to wading shoe in an instant. During testing I found no major issues with the Torrent and the pair made me feel secure while wading. I found the Torrent to be most useful when hitting those out of the way spots that require wet wading. I could hike in to fish with my lug soles, switch out to wading soles when fishing, then back to trail lugs for the trip back. This means no torn up boots after serious hikes and since the shoes are so lightweight they make the hike out just as easy.
Testing the Torrent was a great pleasure and made me change my thoughts about what a good trail shoe should be. The extremely versatile Torrent is more than it looks to be ,with great ankle support and great comfort. I had no problems with the Torrent and I put it through the ringer, from casual dinners to a bunch of wet wading in the summer, these shoes held up. I highly recommend checking these shoes out when looking for a wading shoe that can be used in many other facets of the anglers life, and with a suggested retail of $89.99 these trail hikers are a steal. For more information about the Torrent please visit the Korkers website.
Torrent specifications -Closed toe and protective heel counter
-Made of quick drying Dri-lextm and other synthetics
-Features Korkers proprietary Omin-Trax sole system
-No tie elastic laces and ankle support strap
Orvis' Zero Gravity redefines what a light rod is.
Orvis Zero Gravity fly rod review by m. miller
The Zero Gravity fly rod is claimed by Orvis to be stronger, thinner and lighter than comparable fly rod blanks. Using the same technologies that are used in creating rotor blades for Apache helicopters, parts of the V-22 Osprey and C-17 tranport planes, Orvis has created a fly rod that is supposed to have greater tracking abilities, sensitivity and can handle tough everyday use. The inclusion of a unidirectional graphite scrim with thermoplastic resins provides the lightweight but extremely strong base for the Zero Gravity which helps to increase the power and accuracy of an angler’s cast. The freshwater models have reel seats made of lightweight strong nickel-silver anodized aluminum crafted in a skeleton frame over tiger maple inserts with a nickel-silver end cap (Saltwater reel seats are crafted of total corrosion-proof, 6061 anodized aluminum and a ported shaft to reveal striking Texalium (metal-impregnated fiberglass, used in high-tech bicycle frames), to add luster and reduce weight for better balance.). Each Zero Gravity flyrod is handcrafted in Vermont, continuing Orvis’ 150 year tradition of creating premium rods for discerning anglers and includes a rod sock and high strength aluminum rod tube. Though the Zero G is nothing new in the angling world and Orvis has created an even lighter rod, the Helios, the Zero Gravity is still a viable option when looking for a lightweight rod that can still hold up to whatever an angler puts it through. After getting the chance to test one of these fine rods on the water, I enjoyed the way it cast so much that I decided to make it my go to rod in most situations. Incredibly lightweight, the five weight feels like a three weight, but still handles with more power than most comparable rods. Though a fly rod can’t really make one a better angler, the Zero G definitely helps increase casting accuracy and the ability to cast further. The Zero Gravity also held up to mounds of abuse, from drops to scratches and scrapes the rod was no worse for wear. Orvis does sell these rods with different flex indexes, allowing anglers to find the rod that best fits their needs, whether it is stiff or super flexible. Not only is the ZG a great tool for catching everything from trout to bass it is also a beautiful rod that could almost be considered a work of art. I was never a big fan of Orvis rods, but after fishing the Zero Gravity I may have to change my tune a bit.
With retail prices that range from $625 to $755 depending on the model, the Zero Gravity is definitely in the premium group of fly rods. However you can find this rod much cheaper on many websites at time of this review. With a great feel in the hand that is lightweight and still can handle the challenges of day to day fishing I highly recommend this rod to other anglers in the market for a rod in this price range. For more information please visit Orvis.com or visit your local Orvis dealer.
Zero Gravity features
•More feedback makes casting & presentation easier •25% more durable to protect your investment •Fly rod blank features boron, a pure carbon scrim system •Thermoplastic-toughened resins •A new system of fully finished ferrules results in seamless joints that are strengthened to prevent cracking and checking •Three coats of finish with a final UV blocking coat •Protective aluminum fly rod tube •Nickel silver-anodized aluminum hardware with tiger maple insert. •Hard chrome guides. Silicon carbide stripping guide
Patagonia Watermaster II wader has a nice flip out pocket that works when used both as waist and chest-high waders.
Patagonia's Watermaster II wader review by m. miller
Patagonia has always been known for their passion for quality outdoor gear at a reasonable price and the Watermaster II waders are no exception.The Watermaster II wader is made of a 3-layer Hydrostorm polyester fabric which Patagonia states is porous enough to allow body heat to escape without allowing water inside the wader. They also state that this fabric is quantitatively tougher than standard wader material, this makes for a lightweight breathable fabric that stands up to both the elements and repeated abuse.Included in the waders is an easy access interior zippered pocket with key tab, this pocket is big enough to hold other small items that must stay dry including a small fly box. Patagonia’s Watermaster II waders also are designed with a waist mounted internal suspension system allowing for a comfortable fit. This suspension system also allows for waders to worn both chest and waist high and provides easy relief when on the river. Patagonia has also designed these waders with anatomical right and left legs and feet which make for a wader that is easy to put on and is extremely comfortable on long days on the river. Also included are attached gravel guards and adjustable stretch wading belt. When I first got these waders I couldn’t wait to get on the water with them, with smooth styling and apparent solid construction these waders looked and felt as good as I had hoped. The waders are not extremely baggy and the anatomical legs and feet make for a wader that is as easy to put on as it is to take off. The wader material also allows body heat to escape and actually helps to keep you cool on hot days and warmer on cold days which allow an angler to spend more time on the water. The suspension system provides a solid fit since they are attached at the waist and not the top hem of the wader as most waders are constructed. The suspender system is designed extremely well and makes for easy relief on the riverside, and when wearing the waders as waist highs the suspension system allows for a less bulky feel as opposed to most waders that require you use the shoulder straps around the waist. These waders are excellent when used as waist highs, and the suspension system distributes the weight of the waders, so they don’t ride clumsily on the waist. The proprietary fabric Patagonia uses for these waders does certainly hold up to the elements including heat, rain, sleet, snow, brush, sticks and kneeling on rocky surfaces. However, due to the amount of use I put these waders through I did get several pinhole leaks from bush whacking several local small streams and creeks, but the holes were easy to repair with the included patch kit some repairs were even done in the field and held up superbly.The seams and construction of the wader held up to everything we could dish out and are everything that Patagonia states they would be. The internal pocket is great for holding small essentials and is easily accessible regardless of whether the pocket is either inside the wader or folded out. The attached gravel guards are well designed and stay in their place which makes for worry free wading. The amount of research and time that was put into these waders is evident as soon as you put these waders on.
With a comfortable suspender system and the strength to hold up to even the most hardcore angler this is one of the best values we have found in a wader to date. We put the Watermaster II waders through the gamut; from float tube to bushwhacking small mountain creeks these waders held up to it all and stayed comfortable the entire time. With a suggested retail of $350 these waders are definitely worth the price and have found a place in my gear bag, especially for summertime wading when the heat is up and so is the brush on the stream. So if you are looking for a reasonably priced wader with quality that exceeds the price tag, Patagonia’s Watermaster II’s are a great option. For local Patagonia dealers and more of what is to come visit Patagonia.com.
Patagonia Watermaster II specifications •Proprietary polyester fabric with waterproof/breathable barrier and Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish for long lasting waterproofness •Waist-mounted suspenders (with snaps to secure waders to suspenders) allow waders to be worn chest or waist-high, provide added safety in the event of a swim and allow for relief without jacket or vest removal •Oversize, inside zippered main pocket (with piggyback mesh pocket) at top of wader flips out for handy access •Built-in, abrasion resistant, long gravel guards; gripper elastic cuffs; stainless steel boot hooks •Adjustable stretch wading belt and field repair kit included •Specifically designed left and right legs and feet; anatomically curved knees; modified Y-Joint™ crotch •Upper: The proprietary 3-layer HydroStorm fabric package developed specifically for immersion applications features a supple yet durable 7-oz, 75-denier microfiber polyester shell, a waterproof/breathable H2No® barrier and a durable nylon tricot liner with a Deluge DWR finish. Seat and knees: •The 3-layer HydroStorm Reinforced package features a tough, puncture-resistant 8.2-oz, 75-denier double-woven microfiber polyester shell, an H2No and a durable nylon tricot liner with a Deluge DWR finish. Feet: 3-mm neoprene with abrasion-resistant fabric on the soles •1191 g (42 oz) •Imported. •Suggested retail price $350.00
Mike Miller nets a nice brown on the Frying Pan River while testing the Watermaster II wader.
SIMMS 3XDry Essex Shirt review by wtotf staff
SIMMS has always been at the forefront of fly-fishing gear, and now with their 3XDry Essex Shirt they certainly have raised the bar again. The Essex shirt is a technical fly-fishing shirt that can be worn not only on the water but also out to dinner at night. SIMMS has used a special silver-based nanotechnology to help fight odor for the life of the shirt and the 3XDry fabric treatment repels moisture on the exterior and wicks sweat from the body. The superfine cotton construction does make for an exceptional feel and the cut is generous to allow full range of movement. The Essex shirt also has a UPF of 30 which helps keep the sun at bay when on the water. After wearing this shirt for days on end during a recent fishing trip the shirt held its own, staying completely stain free and fairly odor free for the duration of the trip.
After several washings and wearing this thing on several fishing trips the Essex shirt showed no visible stress, it maintained size and the dye did not fade. The 3XDry fabric also dries quickly, during our review one of our reviewers got soaked to the skin and the shirt dried completely in record time allowing for more time on the water and less waiting to dry out. The pockets on the shirt are ample enough to hold a small box and the right chest pocket has an interior pocket for a fishing license. The neckline has smooth styling with very cool under collar buttons so the wind won’t kick up your collar when you least need it to and it looks really slick when getting a bite at the local diner. The shirt also has a loop tab for holding streamside tools for those that enjoy fishing light. The SIMMS 3XDry Essex shirt is a fresh look at the old stand-by tech fishing shirt and was a pleasure to test.
This shirt was put through the ringer by our testers and we feel it is definitely worth the $69.99 suggested retail. This shirt is extremely versatile and is great both on and off the water. The SIMMS Essex has definitely found a home in my closet, we think you will like it to. For more information or to order one of these shirts go to SIMMS.com.
SIMMS 3XDry Essex Shirt Specifications •UPF 30 offers all day sun protection •Fabric features a special silver-based nanotechnology anti-odor treatment that lasts the lifetime of the garment •3XDry® fabric treatment repels moisture on the exterior of the garment and wicks perspiration away from the body •Superfine cotton for exceptional comfort •Pleated chest pockets with hook & loop closures, 1 pocket features internal license pocket •Accessory loop inside pocket •Under collar buttons •Shirt tail hem •Imported
Mike Miller hooks up with a rainbow trout while testing the SIMMS 3XDry Essex Shirt.
TechVest is a lightweight mid-priced fly-fishing vest.
Techvest review by m. miller
Techvest is an entirely different type of vest for both the wading and float tubing (pontooning) angler alike. Created by Les Zuck, an engineer by trade and angler at heart, TechVest is a lightweight and well constructed option for fly fishermen looking to find a vest at a fairly reasonable price. The shoulder straps are fully adjustable and the vest sits squarely on the shoulders, even with a net attached at the back. The TechVest website states you can attach your net to any one of the five anchor points on the vest back allowing for the ultimate in personalization. The rear of the vest has a zippered pocket which is big enough to carry a small amount of gear (I put a camelback hydration bladder in it for a long day on the Williams Fork River) and a removable nylon ripstop bag which can be used to carry other lightweight gear.
The adjustable shoulder straps are wide and allow for full adjustment of the vest but they do not have any padding to help cushion the vest on your shoulders. This made long days on the water a little longer because of the stress it put on our testers necks, the straps tended to get a little uncomfortable. Our testers also found that the TechVest was a little unwieldy when putting it on and taking it off because you must pull it over your head for both actions. When using the vest in a float tube we did not have the same shoulder stress issues or comfort issues as we did when using the vest for wading.
The tool box insert includes zingers for streamside tools and places to keep everything nice and neat, this is one of the best thought out features of this pack. Also included are two extremely strong neodymium nickel plated magnetic fly patches. These handy fly patches measure ½" x ¾" and are attached by factory-installed Velcro which allows you to keep several flies at the ready on the inside lid of the tool box. A tippet holder is also situated within the tool box feature which Techvest states will hold 4 tippet spools, however depending on the type of tippet you use; you may only be able to fit two tippet spools within this box. The dispenser was specifically designed for use with Scientific Anglers tippet spools, and you can fit four of these spools within the tippet dispenser. The tippet dispenser is a nice feature and the only problem I had with the tippet dispenser was that many times the tippet crept back into the dispenser regardless of whether I put the dispenser heads up or heads down in the tool box. Also in the toolbox are two weight dispensers, zingers for floatant, tying tools, nippers and anything else you use on the water. Since I do not use tying tools I attached my tungsten putty container on the zinger and it worked out great. The vest also includes four pockets that accommodate two large fly boxes (6”x4”x1”) and two small fly boxes (4”x3”x1”), this pack was designed specifically for use with Flambaeu™ fly boxes in mind. I carry C&F™ fly boxes and they did fit in the vest, though the fit was extremely tight.
TechVest's toolbox feature has a place for all your streamside tools.
Mike Miller tests the TechVest at Spinney Mountain Reservoir.
One of the more interesting features of this pack is the removable rod holder which attaches to the front of the pack to the outside of the tool box feature. It is a molded plastic piece which holds a rod perpendicular to the angler’s body unlike the traditional rod holders on vests which hold the rod vertical to the body. I found this item to be a little cumbersome while wade fishing, but found it to be a great help while in the float tube at Spinney Reservoir and two other small metro Denver lakes. Using this rod holder when re-rigging or while taking a break kept my gear dry and my hands warmer than the traditional lay the rod down with half of it in the water process while in the float tube. It was also nice to have all my essentials at my fingertips while on the water, and the slim designed back made for comfort while perched in a float tube all day. It is very difficult to use some vests while in a float tube, but not the TechVest. One item that this vest has that many other vests do not have, is a removable hand warmer pocket. This pocket is fleece lined and is attached to the inside of the front of the vest by Velcro attachments. I do a lot of fishing in the cold weather and a hand warmer is always nice to have and this was no exception. I received the TechVest in spring and it definitely held up to our chilly Rocky Mountain air. Overall the TechVest is a good product and is excellent for those starting out in fly-fishing and want a mid-price vest or veteran anglers that are sick of their current vest and are looking for a change. Though we found the vest a little on the bulky side and had issues with the shoulder straps, we feel this vest is especially great for the float tubing angler, but for wade fishing on long days the pack left us longing for padded shoulder straps.Also since this pack was designed for specific pieces of gear you may have to invest a little more to make all your boxes and tools fit. The suggested retail price of the TechVest is $130 (they also sell a loaded vest for $195, which includes all TechVest recommended streamside tools see TechVest.biz website for more information) making it a decent gear option for the fly fisherman.
wild trout on the fly.com is currently looking for women who have made fly-fishing a part of their lives to become part of our gear review board. If you love fly-fishing and writing and are interested in writing gear reviews for wild trout on the fly.com, please contact mike **serious inquiries only please**. wtotf is always accepting gear for our reviewers, if you are interested in having our trout bums test your product please contact us and we will see what we can do to help.
A female angler fishes a stretch fo the South Platte River above the town of Deckers.
