Patagonia Great Divider Review by Steve Schmidt

When Patagonia first came out with the Great Divider I thought it had issues; the waterproof zipper and it’s price. I must not have been the only one because Patagonia dropped the bag for a year or two, however enough consumers must have liked it since Patagonia eventually brought it back.

Not much changed with it on its second go around, but during that time I’d been through a number of other boat bags supposedly designed to perform as the Patagonia Great Divider was intended to do, but they all failed so miserably that I finally bit the bullet and bought the Patagonia bag. That was a long time ago and it was a purchase well worth the investment.

One of the design features that bugged me was the waterproof zipper, yet after having cameras floating around in the bottom of the other bags and after having on a number of occasions to empty the contents of those other boat bags and dry everything out I understood that if your going to have a fly-fishing bag its going to be getting wet, yet the idea is it’s contents should remain dry and protected.

So I’ve gotten over the bulky zipper after I realized that it was a necessary evil and that it was a feature that made the bag truly waterproof, which for a boat bag is a necessity. In the latest version of this bag, I’m still sporting the original green one, the zipper is much easier to use, yet it performs well with a lot less effort and bulk.

After all the years and places I’ve traveled and used this bag I haven’t found another one that performs as well or is as durable as the Patagonia Great Divider. It’s adjustable compartments gives you a myriad of options for packing your reels, cameras, tablet, phone, flies, leaders, tippets, cigars, and articles of light clothing. It’s not only a great boat bag, but excellent for carryon when traveling, or storing your stuff in, between trips.

There’s a reason why just about everyone in the shop uses this bag. It’s a great bag and the Great Divider flawlessly does what it’s suppose to. If you’re looking for a boat bag that will serve you well for years, protect your valuable fly-fishing equipment and accessories Patagonia’s Great Divider will do just that.

To purchase or see other great fly fishing products visit our website here…

Patagonia R1 Field Shirt Review by Steve Schmidt

For the past 30 years I’ve chased steehead in the fall around the great northwest. This affliction must be some what infections since now most of us at Western Rivers take time off each fall just to pursue these fish. The crew and I all know it’s a game where the elements can present fishing and comfort challenges. From a clothing standpoint if you don’t have a good layering system, including a very good rain coat, you can be miserable. When these fish are in their rivers the weather often isn’t very accommodating. I know first hand what that’s like and in my early days of fly-fishing for steelhead had a number of trips where I spent as much time at the laundry matt drying out as I did fishing. Over the years I’ve realized the importance of having good gear and I include clothing in that category when it comes to being comfortable in winter, spring and fall when the weather can send you home if you don’t have a functional layering system.

As I do most fall seasons my first steelhead trip of the year is our Western Rivers hosted trip to BC. This year was no exception. As I began to pack I pulled an original Patagonia R1 top from my drawer and after a decade or more of service it still looked good, but it had gotten pretty thin. Coincidentally we just happened to get the new Patagonia  R1 Field 1/4 Zip top in at the shop and with all the changes in design and fabrics this new piece of insulation incorporates, it’s a significantly improved top from when Patagonia first introduced Regulator fleece.  
For starters, the fabric in the new R1 Field 1/4 Zip has a much improved hand, ability to move moisture and regulate you temperature. Sounds pretty high tech, as this and other Patagonia fabrics are. On the sleeves and shoulders it is reinforced with a DWR layer that will help keep wind and water out and you more comfortable in a variety of different weather situations. This reinforced  layer isn’t waterproof, but its water repellant and a great added feature for those who fish since we’re often fishing in the rain, or dealing with wind on cool fall and spring days. It’s also got two chest pockets; one inside and one out.

After purchasing the R1 Field top there was a good reason I wore this shirt for 10 straight days; it just worked in so many different situations. For starters the recycled pilled fleece was noticeably warmer and more comfortable. On this trip for some reason we had a lot of wind, and the reinforced layer that wraps around your shoulders and down the sleeves really helped keep the chill off. Unlike Windstopper fleece, which is a challenge to get dry after it gets wet, you’ll find the RI fleece breaths so well it dries much quicker. Given the mix of weather, especially wet weather I had, it was an ideal layering piece when swinging flies or hanging around camp. Although I didn’t retire my original R1 top, after this recent acquisition it might be a while before it gets worn again.

These things are killer and going like hot cakes, if you’re interested in more info or would like to purchase please visit our website.

Patagonia Stormfront Roll Top Pack Review by Steve Schmidt

The Patagonia Storm Front Roll Top Pack is another well thought out fly-fishing product from Patagonia. I found it interesting that on the product content page on the Patagonia web-site that they referred to the island of Haida Gwaii as an ideal location to use the Strom Front Roll Top Pack. Ironically enough I just returned from there. When fly-fishing for steelhead in the northwest, keeping your things dry is a challenge. I was faced with this challenge as I prepared to head out the door to fish the Queen Charlotte’s in January. In doing a little research, Haida Gwaii gets some serious rain, 18′; yep feet. We just happened to get aStorm Front Roll Top Pack in right as I was trying to figure out what I needed to carry my stuff in, since you do a fair amount of walking in this remote steelhead location and because of the frequent rains, if you don’t have a waterproof pack, you’re stuff is going to get quite wet. Since their new Storm Front Packs also accommodate their modular vest pockets, the options the new Storm Front Roll Top Pack offered was a no brainer for this and many other destinations where I’m fortunate to fly-fish. TO READ THE FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE.

Patagonia Women’s Wader and Jacket Review

For 2014 Patagonia launched a new Women’s fly fishing line. When we first saw the new women’s products, we couldn’t have been more excited. We were lucky to get our shop friend and WRF women’s ambasador Heidi Lewis a set of the Patagonia women’s spring river waders, and Patagoina women’s river salt jacket. These days Heidi is spending more time on the water than most, and gave us and Patagoina a great review on the new products. For the full review of the Spring River Waders and Women’s River Salt Jacket click here…

Patagonia Nano Puff Hybrid Jacket Review

The Patagonia Nano Puff has become one of the most recognized outdoor pieces of clothing among outdoor enthusiast around the world, and for good reason.  It’s an incredibly versatile, packable and lightweight insulated jacket and definitely a shop favorite among the staff at Western Rivers Flyfisher.  This year they’ve introduced a new variation of the Nano Puff, the Nano Puff Hybrid.  For those that fly-fish, this unique new jacket combines an insulated shelled upper that mirrors the qualities of the Nano Puff Jackets with a recycled R2 Midweight Fleece that drapes the bottom half of the garment.  Its two jackets in one virtually! In their catalog they tout this new Nano Puff Hybrid as an alpine piece, but when we looked at it, we couldn’t stop thinking about what a great jacket this would be for fly-fishing.

For the full review of the Patagonia Nano Hybrid click here…

Ultimate Fishing Pack: Patagonia Stealth Atom Sling Review

In the search for the best fishing pack we’ve come to find the Patagonia Stealth Atom Sling Pack a one of a kind. Several manufacturers have put together sling packs over the years, and even Patagonia has put one out before, but there are a few unique things that the Stealth Atom has over any others. A sling pack is the perfect size for hiking around your favorite stream. We have used this pack steel heading and find that it works well even when spey casting. It’s also a great go to pack when you’re in it for the long haul on salt water flat. TO READ THE FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE…

Fly Fishing Gift Ideas for Father’s Day Week 1

Fathers day is around the corner and it’s never to earlier to start looking for gifts.  Over the course of the next few weeks starting with this publication we are going to put together a number of blogs that feature products that have grabbed our attention this off season or need refreshing for the upcoming summer; some of them out of necessity, some out of need, some simply just too cool or viable to pass up.  So here we go!

For starters all of us at Western Rivers seem to always be on the hunt for the perfect product to carry all our stuff in; fly boxes, raincoat, beer, food, water, camera, you get the jest.  Although traditional vests are still popular with anglers my age they leave one with limited options and they don’t carry weight well. Many of today’s products are much more versatile, such as some of the new pack options by Simms.  We’ve been trying to get someone to offer a system that integrates and Simms initially is one of the first to have done just that.

By itself their Headwater ½ Day Pack has a plethora of options that most fly-fishers will find advantageous; light, hydration system capabilities, plenty of space filled with nooks and crannies to carry what you’ll need.  The best part about this pack is that it can be retrofitted easily with the Headwater Chest/Hip Pack.  Each of these pieces either by themselves or in concert with each other gives you tremendous flexibility in addressing a variety of fly-fishing conditions and needs.  Go light, or pack the kitchen sink with ease and versatility.  If you’re in a quandary over how to manage what you take out on the water these two products by Simms are worth considering.

Fly-fishing in the heat of summer can make for some uncomfortable days on the water.  As fabrics evolve we’ve found clothing that allows us to be more comfortable in a variety of weather and during these upcoming hot summer months also protect us from the sun.  These days the later.

Patagonia has always been an industry leader in the outdoors when it comes to technical fabrics that pursue these and other qualities.  Off all the products they offer the most used piece of clothing by the staff at Western Rivers Flyfisher is Patagonia’s Capilene 1 Graphic Crew.  Regardless of the weather this versatile clothing piece finds a home on our bodies.  On cold days it is the foundation of our layering system.  It’s also and ideal piece for wearing solo on those hot summer days pursuing trout or getting poled along the flats looking for skittish bonefish or a wary permit.  At the end of the day, if all you have is the kitchen sink to wash it in, it will clean up nicely and be dry to wear again the following day.

This year we are a little strapped for water thanks to Mother Nature.  In comparison to last years she has done a complete 180 leaving Utah a little short of moisture. Much of the west is in comparable shape.  When fishing we often find ourselves in a similar situation, short of water stuck out wandering high and dry longer than we intended.  I know I’m frequently getting in this position since I don’t like carrying the extra weight.  Now I have a solution, the  Katadyn My Bottle Micro Filter.  Simply fill it up with water from your favorite trout stream, take a big swig from the straw and dump out what is left over.  Having now used this bottle for over a year you’ll find them to be safe and easy way to keep hydrated.  Another bonus, these filter bottles are from one of the outdoor leaders in filtration systems, Katadyn.

Find all of these items on our web-site, better yet if you are in the neighborhood stop in.  As always, coffee is on!

Fly Fishing/Travel Bags and Luggage Tried and True: by Steve Schmidt

Having led fly-fishing trips, fresh and saltwater, around the world for a quarter of a century I’ve gotten pretty good at knowing what essentials I’ll need and those random little items that can make the difference when traveling.  What to pack them in and getting them there is another issue.  As I prepare for an upcoming fly-fishing trip to Argentina it’s a perfect time to discuss the bags and luggage I’ve come to trust and depend upon to get my essentials securely to my destination and keep them protected once I get there.

So let’s go big for starters. It’s pretty rare on an extended trip that I don’t use one fairly good sized bag. With the complexity of travel these days and luggage restrictions the choice of what bag to take has gotten a little more complicated.  I have two big luggage pieces that I’ve come to depend upon over the years that I pack the bulk of my stuff in, the Patagonia Freewheeler Max and my old trusty Black Hole Bag.

If I can stay within weight limits and a wheeled bag makes sense I use the Freewheeler Max. As I get older I find the convenience of a wheeled bag a nice option. Similar to the Black Hole Bag it’s a large but simple bag, not too many compartments and like all Patagonia bags, tough. Mine’s been through a lot, however sometimes a wheeled bag doesn’t cut it.  One consideration in comparing the weight of these two bags.  It’s about 10 lbs heavier.  That’s similar in weight to a set of waders and boots. Since this duffel doesn’t have wheels the back pack straps are very useful and come in handy when having to haul this particular luggage piece for long distances.  Another consideration that the Black Hole Bag has over the Freewheeler Max is the central divider that allows me to keep my wet stuff, or dirty cloths separate from the stuff I want to keep dry.   If I was to choose between these two pieces of luggage, Black Hole Bag would be my bag of choice; lighter, plenty large enough, wet/dry options and pretty darn waterproof.

The most versatile travel bag I own is also the smallest and lightest, the Patagonia Light Weight Travel Duffel. This bag is so convenient and compact I use it for many other things outside of fishing, cycling, going to the store, camping, day trips to the river, you name it. This super lightweight duffel will easily fit in an overhead, will second as a boat bag, and when not in use, won’t even be noticed tagging along in your luggage since it packs up so small and light.  My son just took the LWTD and hauled it for two month around Thailand and Laos.  It didn’t look quite the same upon his return, but one quick run in the wash and it was good as new.  My wife was happy about that!

I’m kind of getting carried away with Patagonia stuff here, but for good reason. I’ve used their luggage for years and have found no better substitute for traveling to the worlds fly-fishing waters. Their bags are sensible, durable and have stood the test of some very tough places.  Actually hadn’t really thought about who made the bags and luggage I use until I began writing this piece.  Although I have travel pieces from a number of other companies collecting dust in my basement or being occupied by my cats, it’s been a while since I’ve used them.

Gear bags are a challenge.  We’re all rather particular about this gear piece. For anyone who fly-fishes a good gear bag is an essential part of your stuff.  “Stuff”, can you tell I like this word! Fly-fishing gear bags you’ll find there are many to choose from.  Most I’ve used over the years with some level of dissatisfaction.  That is until I finally purchased the Patagonia Great Divider.  I state finally since the first time Patagonia came out with this bag I passed on it.  After they re-introduced the Great Divider a second time I didn’t hesitate picking one up.

Most fly-fishing gear bags aren’t waterproof and for my consideration have too many pockets.  You spend half your time trying to figure out what pocket you put your stuff in.  The Patagonia Great Divider is waterproof, has a few adjustable compartments, and is one tough bag.   After going through a number of gear bags I realized they were all lacking in some aspect of what I needed in a bag that I use to transport valuable fly reels, journal, precious flies, camera, lenses and other essential items, whether it’s for a day floating the Green River or a trip to South America.  This bag is a great carry on piece, but it’s even better out in the elements.  To validate how good this bag is, everyone at Western Rivers Flyfisher owns this gear bag, I’m not the only one.

Finally, the bag I use almost as much as the Great Divider, is yet another Patagonia bag, the MLC (Maximum Legal Carry-on).  From commuter business trips, to weekends in the Key’s, this unassuming piece of luggage is awesome.  I own three of them. Hidden backpack straps can easily be extracted for use when you need both your hands for other things: beer, quick slice of pizza, rods or something less enticing and heavier like your other bags.

I’m fortunate to travel a fair amount.  My arsenal of travel bags helps make my trips more enjoyable.  They allow me to have what I need when I’m getting to my destination, yet in a manner that is uncluttered and efficient.  Travel isn’t easy these days, it’s not going to get any easier either.  Although there are many great gear bags and luggage pieces on the market these day, I’ve yet to find bags and luggage for travel, especially for fly-fishing that will stand up to Patagonia’s stuff.

What to pack for a Saltwater Fly Fishing Trip

It’s the time of the year where most of us around the shop are preparing for our Salt Water destination trips. Every year we do a variety of trips to warm places, from all inclusive guided trips to sleeping in a cabana on a beach with no fresh water. Besides the fish, the tropical weather, and the great people of the various countries we go to one of my favorite things about going salt water fly fishing is the simplicity of packing.  When I go up to Alaska or even Idaho I have bags of gear, waders, boots, tents, and who knows what else but you never know what your going encounter and must always be ready for it. With a Saltwater trip to Mexico, Bahamas, Venezuela, Belize, or any number of other destinations you really only need 11 items. Here is my list of 11 items we all take on any saltwater destination trip we do. If you have these items you’ll be set wherever you are.

1.     8 weight fly rod, there are a number of other rods you may want to have but it’s the perfect weight for a bone fishing fly rod.

2.     Saltwater fly reel that will hold an 8 weight line and 150+ yards of backing.

3.     Saltwater fly line, occasionally if you going to a destination where there is lots of coral a backup line is good to have just in case.

4.     Flies, a variety of shrimp and crabs.

5.     Boat Bag, we typically use the Patagonia Great Divider. It’s the perfect size; it’ll fit into an overhead carry on compartment, and keep all your gear dry.

6.     Flats booties, if your doing a guided trip a set up the Simms Zip it booties is perfect. If you’re going out walking on your own all day I would suggest a boot with a little more protection and support such as the Patagonia Marlwakers.

7.     Sun shirts, I like the Patagonia Sun Shade. If you prefer a collared shirt the Patagonia Island Hopper is a great piece.

8.     Quick dry pants, the Tropical Flats pants are the best you’ll find.

9.     Saltwater tippet, we like to use the RIO Alloy Hard tippet. The cool part is the bigger sizes work great for building trout leaders, plus it works for steelhead fishing.

10. Good pair of sunglasses, if you have lighter eye’s a darker lens, but we still love our copper lenses.

11. You never know what you may catch, and some of these salty critters have teeth so a good pair of long handled pliers. Rising has some and if you want the best you can find the Hatch Tempest Pliers.

There are little odds and ends that you will want to take, but if you have these 11 things you’ll be set for your trip. One of the other big questions we get asked a lot is how we travel with our fly rods. Some of us have travel tubes such as the Fishpond Overland Tube, but I prefer to just carry all my rods on in their socks duct taped together. I’ll tuck them next to the window or stow them in the very back of the overhead bin.

When traveling to most of your destinations you can carry all your rods, reels, flies, tippets, leaders, and everything else on except pliers. I recommend carrying on anything you can, including your flats boots. With so many of these remote destinations your gear doesn’t quite make it on time and you may be ¾ the way through your week without your luggage. Some of you may be luckier than others, but if I’m paying for a week of all inclusive fishing in the tropics I don’t want to be without my essentials. When I travel home I throw everything in my check bag except my luggage.

I hope you find this helpful, if you have any questions or are thinking of getting into the Saltwater game drop us a line we’d love to help you out.

Patagonia Rock Grip with Aluminum bars review

Patagonia Rock Grips with Aluminum Bars

Leave it to Patagoniato come up with a unique wading boot that offers incredible traction when fly-fishing on your favorite steelhead river or trout stream; the new Rock Grip Wading Boot w/Aluminum Bars.  These boots out perform studded wading boots by attaching a series of solid aluminum bars to the boots rubber sole.  It’s the best boot I and my customers, at least for those who have tried them, have used when it comes to traction.

To read the full review click here…