I’m pretty happy with my current hunting and fishing gear inventory. However, I’m always looking to add smart pieces or refine what I have. I’ve got a bunch of trips lined up this Fall and Winter, and cannot wait to get out and go. Plenty of bass fishing left, a couple trout trips to North Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, Pheasant in Kansas, Ducks in Missouri, and quail down in South Georgia and (maybe) South Carolina.
That said, I’m getting pretty good at packing for these trips. Thinking back to some of my first trips, it’s amazing how much I over-packed. Now I feel like I could stay twice as long and pack half as much. Whatever I can do to make it easier makes it more enjoyable.
Here’s what I’ve added or will add this year:
From Top Left:
1. Ball and Buck Active+ Anorak: I just did a review on the Active+ Shorts (which are great), but the unsung hero of Ball and Buck’s recent releases is the Active+ Anorak. It’s such a thoughtful design, and the fabric is perfect for a 2.5-season Anorak. And the price is surprisingly digestible.
2. Tom Beckbe Wrights Twill Shirt: I get a new shirt every winter. You’re looking at this year’s winner.
3. Petzl Headlamp (White & Red): Whenever I fish, I like to be the first person on the water. This means showing up before dawn. This means I need light. Enter this headlamp.
4. Surefire EP4 Sonic Ear Protection: I’ve been using these for three seasons now, and haven’t found a better deal than these. I usually go through 1-2 sets a year.
5. Benchmade Flyway: She’s a sexy little thing, isn’t she?
6. Smartwool PHD Light OTC Socks: The absolute best socks for under my Russells, under my Duck Boots, or under my waders. Just the right thickness and OTC keep ’em up. And you can ALWAYS find a good deal here.
7. TSG Stream Pants: Great bottoms for Fall fishing or bumming around on the weekend with #11. No cargo pockets. Ever.
8. Orvis Fly Fishing Chest Pack: I have the guide hip pack and love it, but it’s big. This chest pack will be my quick-go bag for those 2-3 hour trips.
9. Drake Waterfowl MST Under Wader Pants: Good for duck hunting or bumming around the Duck Camp after we hit our limit.
10. Pelican 10l Dry Bag: I get asked about dry bags all the time, and here is a good option for a boat or a blind. Big enough to hold all your keys/phone/wallet, etc.
11. Nike Pegasus Trail 3 Shoes: Maybe a little off subject, but I really like wearing trail shoes, as they usually have some sort of waterproofing. These Pegasus are actually Gore Tex’ed, so they are all good for the Fall and Winter.
12. Sid Mashburn Dry Waxed Military Jacket: While they don’t offer this anymore, I was really excited to buy it at 50% off at their recent sale. It’s actually a really light jacket and will be a great early or late-season outer layer when walking the field.
13. No Kink Reel Case from Crooked Creek Hollar X Vedavoo: Stand out from the branded crowd.
14. Orvis Helios 3F 9′ 5wt Fly Rod: I’m planning a trip with Mrs. RCS for next Summer out in Jackson, WY, and I’m working on getting my western set up. Can’t go wrong with this bad boy…and the dark green is so cool.
15. Energizer LED Camping Lantern: See #3 above, but for the back of the truck. Bright enough to tie on a fly in the dark.
16. Duck Camp Contact Soft Shell Hoodie: A go-to hoodie for everything from bumming around the house or under duck waders in a blind. And the new Wetlands camo is so good.
What are you adding this year?
“No cargo pockets.. Ever”. Amen!
I picked up two of the Duck Camp bamboo hoodies for dove season. One in the Wetland and one in the Midland. They had a sale of buy one get the second 50% off, but I don’t know if that is still an active promo or not. They are super soft and provide sun protection while not being too hot n the Middle Georgia heat.
I have the original Duck Camp Guide Hoodie and their Barnburner Hoodie, as well, for duck season. They make some good stuff. I will say the Guide hoodie has unusually long arms on it though which can be a pain if you are layering it under a shell. The Late Season Wetland pattern they used to have is great though. Not sure why they don’t offer it now. The Barnburner has a better sleeve length and I don’t have the same layering issue.
I almost forgot! Check out the “Rio Ultimate Outdoor Blend – Short Sleeve” in Vintage Boone Camo from Two Doves Outdoors for dove season as well.
https://twodoveoutdoors.com/products/the-boone-vintage-camo-short-sleeve?pr_prod_strat=description&pr_rec_id=f5b4230b0&pr_rec_pid=7110541607062&pr_ref_pid=7760801726697&pr_seq=uniform
Me this season…..Vintage Russell Moc snake boots, vintage A&F briar pants, a belt by CW&Co, a vintage Pendleton or Woolrich hunting shirt, a vintage Purdey or H&H vest, a British all weather field jacket, and a blaze hat…..if needed add more blaze.
Rinse, repeat…. <$500
If you already have a 5wt, I’d suggest a 6wt for Wyoming (bring both). The water is big and it can get extremely windy. I live in the area and unless you’re an ace with the 5wt, it really helps to throw a beefier rod with dries or hopper/dropper rigs. Helps to go practice on a windy day as well. G Loomis makes a great one.
I’m debating what size of the Pelican dry bag to get. How much do you feel like the 10L one can hold? I’d likely use it in the field too if it’s rainy.
I picked up the Nike ACG Lowcate (Wolf Grey/Indigo Burst/Photon Dust/Bright Crimson) & a pair of Gilman Camp-Mocs in Carolina Brown Chromexcel.
I’m thinking of pulling the trigger on the Birkenstock Boston’s in Horween…..but I’m sure if they’ll get enough use here in Tampa.