REVEL GEAR Day Tripper Solar Pack
We’ve all been there: On the water with a dead cell phone or camera. And Murphy’s Law dictates, of course, that those are invariably the times you land the one you’ve been waiting for. But with no picture, it might as well never have happened, right? The Day Tripper Solar Pack solves that dilemma. It’s a battery pack that can be charged in civilization with a micro USB cord or in the wild via a built-in mini solar panel. Sealed in a shock- and moisture-proof housing, the 8,000-mAh battery charges cell phones, handheld GPS devices, portable speakers, head lamps, cameras, and more. Simply plug your devices into one of the two USB outputs and power up from the sun’s rays (even two devices simultaneously). Operational at up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, you can hang the Day Tripper from the included carabiner clip on your backpack or on your boat console and keep it charged all day. It even has a 1,000-lumen LED grid light that will blow your headlight or flashlight away. $49.99 (revelgear.com)
Duck Camp Drifter Pant
The Drifter is Duck Camp’s signature fishing pant. Made from a two-way stretch nylon fabric with UPF 40+ sun protection, these pants are light enough to keep you cool on the flats but substantial enough to not feel like your pajama bottoms. The moisture-wicking material dries quickly when wet. They sport a variety of zippered pockets as well as a couple of pockets that have cool magnetized snap closures rather than traditional buttons. The articulated knees and gusset crotch provide more room in those important places. Available in three colors and two fits: regular fit for a slimmer athletic cut, and a relaxed fit for, well, you know, those of us who need a more forgiving cut. If you’re looking for solid-performing pant for both wading and boat-fishing applications, we’re sure you’ll find it in the Drifter. $89 (duckcamp.com)
12WT SUNwt Glove 2.0
12WT Fishing Apparel always combines Teflon-tough resistance to the elements with ultra comfort and performance. The SUNwt Glove 2.0 is certainly no exception. Utilizing lightweight stretch polyester fabric boasting 30+ UPF sun protection, the glove design is as light and non- obtrusive as anything we have encountered. Let’s face it: Fishing gloves can be downright uncomfortable, especially in direct rays of the equatorial regions where your hands need sun protection the most. We recently fished these gloves in Ascension Bay, Mexico, and found them surprisingly easy to wear and use. Each finger has a small elastic band at the tip producing a snug fit that eliminates snags or catches. The fit seems almost tight when first donned, but the gloves quickly stretch out and relax to the right feel. Comfortable for all-day use, quick drying, and breathable, the SUNwt Glove 2.0 doesn’t compromise dexterity or function in the slightest. Bravo, 12WT! $29 (12wt.com)
Sage R8 Core
The R8 Core represents the first release of a high-end, medium-fast action, multi-purpose fly rod in more than five years. Designed to replace the ubiquitous and beloved Sage X, the R8 Core has been at the center of an intense buzz and excitement. While rumors swirled around the development of the R8, Sage says the aim was to produce a rod with maximum versatility using new revolutionary material technology, including new graphite consisting of high-density fibers with improved sintering. The result combines feel and responsiveness in a smooth, efficient, easy-casting fly rod that will adapt to a variety of casting styles and fishing techniques. We took the 9-foot 9-weight to fish the El Palometero tournament in Ascension Bay, Mexico, and put it through its paces chasing permit on the flats. We paired it with the Scientific Angler Amplitude Grand Slam fly line. Overall, the R8 was a pleasure to fish with. It loads quickly and allows precision at short casts inside 40 feet. With longer casts, we found it takes a bit longer to load than the traditional fast-action, saltwater-specific favorites, but the reward is unparalleled feel with plenty of power. After a few casts with it, our boat partner shelved his favorite “go-to” 9-weight, marveling at the R8 Core’s capabilities. The R8 Core is indeed a freshwater/saltwater crossover, and an R8 Core Salt series is an expected future addition to the lineup. But don’t discount the upper end of the Sage R8 Core current releases to perform well in a variety of saltwater applications. $1,050 (farbank.com)
Mpowerd Luci Lights
Luci Lights have been around for a decade, but the product lineup keeps getting better–and the company behind these inexpensive but powerful personal lanterns continues to make a difference in the fields of sustainability and social impact. Mpowerd offers a range of products, but the small, inflatable solar-powered lanterns that launched them into the market remain the core of their lineup. The Luci Original features a pair of small solar panels on the top of the 5-inch diameter lantern that can be fully charged in seven hours. The lights, which weigh 4.4 ounces, can run up to 24 hours on a single charge, illuminating the darkness with 65 lumens. Other models feature USB charging ports, string lights, and even a Bluetooth speaker. The Luci Base Light has a USB charging port and shines at up to 360 lumens. We’ve used the Luci Color Essence lights for several years; they’re invaluable for backcountry camping and fishing and have traveled around the world with us on far-flung fly fishing adventures in remote outposts with off-grid electrical situations. Best of all, Mpowerd, the company behind these innovative lights, works with hundreds of NGOs and nonprofit organizations to put their solar-powered lights in the hands of remote communities around the world, where access to affordable, solar lighting truly can change lives. Mpowered also has a program to distribute products for disaster relief and humanitarian aid around the globe. $19.95-$74.99 mpowerd.com
All-Waters Coffee
Coffee is critical to many of our fly fishing adventures–if you’ve ever been around our editorial staff before they’ve had a cup, you’ll understand–so we were delighted to stumble across All-Waters Coffee Co. It’s damn good coffee, and better yet, the company donates 3 percent of every bag of coffee sold to conservation groups such as Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, Save Bristol Bay, and Wild Steelheaders United. A guide buddy recently returned from a Laguna Madre fly fishing trip with one of All-Waters’ owners and put a two-pound bag of the Bristol Bay Bold in our hands. With a growing number of new coffees being marketed to outdoors enthusiasts, we weren’t sure what to expect. But we found the brew to be strong and tasty, with hints of dark chocolate and nutty undertones. The company’s other offerings include the medium roast Captains Brew Blend, the medium-dark roast Wild Run Blend, and the light roast Mayfly Blend (proceeds from this version benefit The Mayfly Project, which works to change the lives of children in foster care through fly fishing and mentorship programs). All-Waters Coffee Co. also offers a subscription service that delivers their coffees straight to customers’ doors at desired intervals from weekly to monthly. $15-$35 allwaterscoffeeco.com
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Jacket
Patagonia touts the new Swiftcurrent jacket as a rugged, waterproof/breathable technical shell outfitted with fishing-specific details and built for steadfast performance and advanced storm protection–tested to withstand the harshest weather conditions. We agree. While not specifically identified as rain gear, the Swiftcurrent has kept us dry and comfortable on skiffs running full tilt through tropical downpours. Conveniently located pockets both inside and out and adjustable velcro straps to keep out the wind and water–and it’s made from recycled fish nets. The Swiftcurrent will be available in the fall of 2022, and it’s definitely worth the investment. $399 patagonia.com
Patagonia Black Hole Rod Case
The flexibility of the interior spaces may be the defining feature of this case. The design isn’t rigid, so all of the interior spaces can be customized to fit your gear. It’s a soft case, so it doesn’t afford the protection of a rigid molded frame, but it has accommodated just about everything we’ve needed on a slate of recent trips. It’s perfect for travel, but it’s also great to store and keep your gear ready to go in the car or garage. $249 patagonia.com
