Wren and Ivy makes some of nicest sporting gear we’ve ever used, and their Fowling Piece Case is no exception. Its classic styling of bridle leather and waxed filter twill canvas is a relief from the current trend of “tactical” gear. But don’t be mistaken, this case is as much about function as style. Designed to protect your firearm, choke tubes, and other accessories, the Fowling Piece Case has lockable solid brass zippers for security and a closed cell foam liner keeps the case afloat if dropped overboard. The majority of the inside is lined with fleece, but the front is reinforced with pack cloth to keep your shotgun bead from snagging. Along with a detachable shoulder strap and reinforced handles, everything about this case is of the highest quality. This is an heirloom case you will pass down to your grandchildren.
Browning Citori White Lightning 16-Gauge – $2,739.99 (browning.com)
We put Browning’s new 16-gauge offering in their Citori lineup through its paces. We used it on quail and pheasant hunts throughout the Midwest, and over the summer we took it to the sporting clays course and put several cases of shells through it. We particularly liked that the Citori is built on a receiver sized to match 16-gauge shells rather than the common practice of building a 16-gauge on a 12-gauge sized frame which makes them too bulky for the fast-pointing upland hunting a 16-gauge is perfect for. The “White Lightning” designation refers to the silver nitride finish on the receiver and trigger guard. This, along with the engraving, provides a nice contrast to the gun’s walnut stock. Despite its updated look, this new iteration stays true to the principles that have given the Citori a reputation for durability.
Apex Ammunition Upland Bird Tungsten Super Shot – $49.99 (apexmunition.com)
After a year of shooting Apex Ammunition’s Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) we can say without question they are the most effective shells we’ve ever used. TSS has traditionally been associated with turkey and waterfowl hunting, but Apex’s line of upland rounds showcase the versatility of TSS. Available in 12-,20-, and 28-gauge and shot sizes ranging from 7.5 to 9, there is a load available for everything from late-season roosters to fast flying quail. Better yet, being non-toxic, TSS won’t harm other wildlife and can be used in places like waterfowl production areas where lead is not allowed.
Sage and Braker’s gun cleaning mat is a beautiful, functional, and durable tool for cleaning your firearm. Made of wool, waxed canvas, and leather, with four large pouches to store gun cleaning supplies like brushes, rods, bore snakes, and swabs, this mat holds everything you need to service your gun after a hunt. It’s also portable—just roll it up, buckle it down, and toss it in your vehicle. We used it hard and enjoyed the convenience of having everything in one spot. At the end of the day, cleaning our shotguns was a pleasure instead of a chore.
This is the Strung crew’s go-to upland hunting shirt! The shirt is lightweight with a built-in mesh venting system for hunting in the heat, but still manages to keep you warm on cool mornings. In colder temperatures, it’s a tough outer layer to throw over a thermal (Duck Camp also makes awesome merino base layers). It’s comfortable, quick drying, and looks good. We also wore the woodland camo version for turkey season and loved it. This is the best upland hunting shirt we’ve come across.
Under Armour realizes that while hunters don’t play a big four sport, they are still athletes. They recruited Cameron Hanes to help design their CH1 GTX boots. Well designed and mindful of fit and pressure points, these boots feel like athletic shoes with the stability of hunting boots—perfect for fast paced hunting. Traditional laces have been replaced by the locking BOA system which is a small network of fine cables that tighten in two places for a perfect fit. The mid-foot control provides additional fit and comfort by allowing for quick adjustments during steep mountain ascents. The Vibram soles are sturdy and grip well in a variety of environments. The Under Armour team definitely put some thought into these backcountry boots.
The “ES” in Tom Beckbe’s Tensaw ES coat stands for “early season” and is a lighter version of their popular Tensaw jacket. We wore this jacket throughout hunting season and found it to be durable and highly versatile. The cut of the coat allows a full range of motion, and the ample amount of thoughtfully placed pockets hold everything from loose shotgun shells to your wallet and phone. We also liked that it looks as good around town as it does in the field—no need to pack multiple jackets. Beautifully tailored, the perfect weight, and built to last, the Tensaw ES is a testament to American-made craftsmanship.
Would you carry another 8-ounces in your bird vest to save your dog’s life? The Fido Pro Airlift is a lightweight packable harness that fits into a small stuff sack. In an emergency, the harness folds out to secure a 35-to-100-pound dog, and shoulder straps along with a chest clip allow you to carry a dog hands-free. We brought the Airlift on hunts across multiple states and enjoyed the peace of mind knowing it was there. Thankfully, we never had to use it, but we tested it at home and found it quick and simple to use.
Getting your dog out of the field in an emergency is one thing—getting yourself out is another. The Garmin Alpha 200i is a dog tracking handheld that doubles as a backup plan if something goes wrong in the field. Two-way SMS messaging, as well as an emergency SOS trigger that operates on a global satellite service, means you can call for help whether your truck breaks down out of cell service or you break your leg 10 miles from the trailhead. Throw in mapping software that includes public land boundaries, topographic maps, satellite imagery, and hunt metrics, and the 200i is a solid choice for anyone who spends time in the outdoors. Pair the handheld with Garmin’s TT 15 collar and you have the ability to track multiple dogs as well as stimulation, tone, and vibration controls with intuitive quick keys.
Whether you are clicker training your dog or just want to give them a treat, Eukanuba ActivTrainers are an excellent choice. Why ruin your performance dog’s diet by giving them junk food treats? At less than 2 kcal per treat, ActivTrainers won’t cause weight gain and are formulated with high-quality animal protein like salmon and chicken to support lean muscles and a healthy coat. ActivTrainers also contain DHA for healthy brain function. The Strung dog team loves them (two English setters, two English pointers, two Labrador retrievers, and a golden doodle) and we like that the resealable top keeps the treats fresh.
When adventure calls, it’s important to be ready. Enter the GoPro Storm Dry Waterproof Backpack. This pack is the perfect size for holding all your essentials with room to spare. Its rolltop design is more durable than zippers and allows you to find what you’re looking for quickly. Its welded seams make it watertight to ensure your gear and valuables stay protected no matter what the weather brings. A front waterproof pocket with key fob keeps your phone, wallet, and keys protected and in easy reach. For those who want to capture their adventure, the pack comes with a GoPro shoulder mount for hands-free filming.
We’ve gone through our fair share of cheap folding chairs and spent untold hours shifting from side to side on five-gallon buckets. The CHAMA Pursuit Chair is an all-terrain swivel seat that puts an end to those problems. We ice fished, bowhunted turkeys, shot passing doves, glassed up mule deer, and kicked up our feet around a campfire sitting atop the Pursuit and found it to be extremely durable, lightweight, quiet, and versatile. The telescoping legs and all-terrain feet adapt to uneven ground, and the padded back is easily removed to convert the 360˚ swiveling chair into a stool. Everything about the Pursuit screams quality, including the travel bag it comes with. Exterior pockets with solid zippers have plenty of room for storing extra gear; additional straps and a padded pocket secure a gun or bow. The padded shoulder strap makes the chair a pleasure to carry in the field. We didn’t realize how much a quality chair can make a difference until we tried the Pursuit.
This is the sexiest click-and-pawl trout reel we’ve ever seen. The Trutta Perfetta is a full-cage frame with integrated axle and a one-piece spool, all fully machined from aerospace-grade bar stock titanium. The whole thing weighs just six ounces. The Asymmetrical Pawl System provides lower resistance on the retrieve and a noticeably louder outgoing click. (The reel is easily changed from left- to right-hand retrieve with a flip of the pawl and spring.) A textured palming rim allows for increased sensitivity during a run. Including the hand-polished screws, the reel has just 22 parts, making it absurdly easy to disassemble. An optional spare parts kit ensures a lifetime of dependable use. With a spool width of just under an inch, the reel will accommodate a weight-forward 4- or 5-weight line and approximately 65 yards of 20-pound Dacron backing. At twice the strength of aluminum and completely impervious to corrosion, the titanium construction means that the Trutta Perfetta is an heirloom you’ll pass on to the next generation.
When we first held the Mini Bugout we were shocked at how light it was. At an ounce and a half, we wondered if this smaller version of Benchmade’s Bugout series would hold up to everyday use. After carrying and using it for the better part of six months, it still looks new. You’ve achieved the perfect design when there is nothing else you can take away, and the Mini Bugout is there: perfectly proportioned and stripped to the bare essentials. The reverse pocket clip ensures the knife comes out of your pocket in the correct position every time. The blade shape is well suited to a variety of everyday tasks. The S30V steel exhibits a good balance between edge retention, corrosion resistance, and sharpenability. One feature we had never before come across in a knife is the pass-through design that allows dirt and debris (and blood) to pass through the handle instead of getting stuck and clogging the action. This is a great knife and one we expect will still be in our pockets 10 years from now.
For years, we thought sunscreen was sunscreen. That was until a Montana guide told us the biggest danger he faced on a daily basis wasn’t mid-river boulders or class IV rapids, but the sun. Sunscreen can suck, making you feel sticky, stinging your eyes, and damaging your fly line. But skin cancer and holes in your face also suck. We’ve found Neutrogena sunscreen to be the best we’ve tried. Yes, it’s more money than the gloopy kind we used as kids, but we think it’s worth it. For one, it goes on easily and absorbs quickly. We prefer the stick variety for our face, neck, and hands; keeping lotion off your palms and fingers means it won’t transfer to your gear. Along with a proper hat, sun-protective clothing, and a buff, good sunscreen means fun in the sun without a trip to the dermatologist.
Nalgene Fitness ATB Water Bottle – $7.99 (nalgene.com)
If you’ve got dogs, pay attention: Go buy a pair of these water bottles right now. Carrying them on summer adventures means you always have water for your dog even when you’re in dry areas with little to no ground water. At 32 ounces, throwing two in your bird vest during hunting season means you have the perfect amount of water for an average outing. The plastic cap keeps dirt and feathers off the spout. The soft plastic build allows you to slowly squeeze the bottle to give Rover the perfect flow or crank up the volume to hydrate yourself when you need it. We’ve been using these for years. They are inexpensive and durable and they just plain work.
Pulling the Zane Pro from its rod tube for the first time, we were immediately impressed by the fit and finish. The stripper guides are constructed of a ceramic-lined titanium similar to the “recoil” guides on high-end conventional rods; when bent, they snap back into position rather than breaking off like traditional gathering guides. The bar stock aluminum reel seat felt sturdy, but just to be sure we chipped at it with a quarter. It didn’t leave a scratch. Something we had never seen before but have enjoyed since using the rod: Small metal caps fit inside the ferrules of the top three sections, protecting them from knicks that would otherwise jeopardize the strength of the rod. So the rod looks good, but how does it cast? Effortlessly. The Zane Pro proves it doesn’t take an extra-stiff broomstick of a rod to throw long casts. Even with our average casting ability, we were throwing the entire fly line plus several feet of backing. Yet the smooth action also lends itself to accurate short- to mid-range targets. The 9-weight model we tested on a trip to the Florida Keys performed flawlessly on everything from delicate permit presentations to jumping tarpon.
Staying Hydrated when Fly Fishing or Hunting in the Backcountry
By Sammy Chang
With the large influx of folks getting into fly fishing, hunting, and the outdoors in general, finding unsolicited water can be more difficult these days.Hiking just a mile from the trailhead often pays dividends but it also necessitates being more prepared.As summer approaches full swing staying hydrated is very important.
I’ve spent the past decade in search of remote waters miles from the trailhead, and have tested several methods of filtering or carrying water.I will not focus on hydration packs as this is my least favorite method (it’s a personal preference, not a knock on hydration packs or those who like to use them).I love a good ol’ Nalgene bottle and always have.I often go through at least one, if not more, 32 oz bottles worth of water while fishing.It’s not a good idea to ration water on hot days.It is often not practical to carry more than one bottle on a day trip.Most packs these days do not even have a slot for one bottle… you can forget about two.Hanging two 32 oz bottles from your wading belt is not comfortable.Purchasing bottled water is an option, but gives the least amount of water per bottle, is not great for the environment and is the worst tasting and expensive over time. Enter filters.
Standard Filters – Good and Bad
For the last decade, I’ve carried an MSR Hyperflow in my pack.It’s compact, fairly quick, and overall intuitive.There are a few frustrating aspects to it.Keeping the stream-side end in the water can be a wrestling match, and if you forget to line up the inflow and outflow valves correctly, you’ll want to throw the entire thing as far into the woods as you can.But when you get it right, it pumps a large volume of cold pathogen-free water quickly.On overnight or multi day trips when you need more water (camp cooking, longer hikes, etc), a standard filter is still indispensable.You can fill everyone’s empty bottles or a reservoir bag in a matter of minutes.
Day Trip Filters and Filters When on the Water
Oftentimes, though, if you’re just going for a day trip into the backcountry, a standard filter is not always the most practical choice. As my camera gear has expanded, real estate in my sling pack has become a premium.I’ve argued with myself on several occasions whether I should bring the filter or not.I always do, and I’m always thankful I have it, but I have come awfully close to leaving it behind. A standard filter also means retrieving it from your pack, setting it up, and then figuring out how to stow the wet system back in your pack. Not a deal breaker, but often something I don’t want to do when I’m singularly focused on fishing.
A few weeks ago I hiked into a stream access point about two miles from the parking lot.I had my usual set up, and my buddy Adam had a sharp looking new bottle and contraption slid into his bottle pouch.He had just returned from a trip to Africa.During his trip preparation, he came across Epic Water Filters while researching a way to keep his family’s drinking water healthy.Turns out it is a perfect solution for day trips into the backcountry (or wherever else you may go).You can refill indefinitely, the filter lives within the bottle, and as long as you are in fairly clear and clean water (which, by definition, most trout water is), you’ve got safe water to drink all day long without having to open up your pack.It is truly efficient and lightweight. The bottle hangs from your pack and you can fill it in seconds. You’ll never have to choose fishing over dehydration – and it just may give you the boost you need at the end of the day to fish that next run before your hike out.
There are certainly other options for staying hydrated while on the water, but this is one I am very stoked about.
We always try to deliver high quality offerings that will improve your fly fishing and hunting experience. This spring we’ve selected items that have impressed us for one reason or another. Each item was tested by our staff and was selected to appear in the pages of Strung Magazine because of the attributes of the products themselves. In the unbiased selection process of these products we would like to point out that 8 of the ten selections do not advertise with Strung Magazine. We shared them in our March Fly Fishing issue but made some of them available on our blog. Have an opinion about these items? Leave us a comment or email us at editor@pnt.tta.mybluehost.me.
Sea Run Fly Fishing Travel Cases – $499-$569 (searuncases.com)
Once travel restrictions are over, adventurous anglers are going to make up for lost time. If you are one of them, we can’t recommend a Sea Run Fly Fishing Travel Case enough. Made in Italy by Negrini, a company with a 40-year history of manufacturing travel cases for fine shotguns and rifles, Sea Run cases are secure (TSA compliant), lightweight, and compact—perfect for itinerant anglers. We were blown away by the quality of the construction and the thoughtful layout on the interior. The bottom of the case contains recessed, padded compartments for storing reels, spare spools, leaders, fly line, fly boxes, and other gear. A divider wall separates the top of the case which has space for 4-5 fly rods plus additional storage. We haven’t been this excited about a new piece of fly fishing gear in years!
TFFM Perfection Leaders – $13 for a 3 pack (tailflyshop.com)
Joe Ballarini, publisher of Tail Fly Fishing Magazine, couldn’t find a tapered leader that met his needs while fishing his varied home waters of southern Florida—so he designed them himself. Made in Japan, long known as industry leaders in monofilament extrusion, TFFM Perfection Leaders are manufactured to Ballarini’s exact specifications. The result is a durable and strong leader with a saltwater-specific taper and the perfect amount of stretch. At 12 feet in length and four tippet strengths, they’re suitable for everything from bonefish to tarpon.
Layering up keeps us warm, but bulky layers mean having the mobility of the Michelin Man. Orvis’s new PRO Underwader Pants have an athletic fit with tapered legs that cut out undue bulk and stirrup straps that keep them from bunching up under your waders. Their fleece construction means they’re warm enough for the coldest days and so comfortable you’ll want to wear them lounging around the house. We liked the side zip vents that keep you from sweating during long hikes to the river. Rear security pockets and two front handwarmer pockets are welcome additions.
When RIO sent us samples of their new SlickCast fly line, we were skeptical. The line was said to increase casting distance by greatly reducing friction when shooting through rod guides and outlast any other fly line currently available. After a summer of fishing with it we can’t argue with them. We immediately noticed a difference when casting the line, but what really impressed us was how that “slickness” lasted through the season. Most fly lines scuff, get nicked, and wear out after a season or two, but our SlickCast line is still casting like new even after over 70 days of use in 2020. Even better, SlickCast is now available in a wider range of lines including saltwater and Spey varieties.
Howler Bros Waterman’s Work Pants – $99 (howlerbros.com)
Howler Bros founders, Chase Heard and Andy Stepanian started their Austin-based company out of a love for surfing, fly fishing, paddle sports, camping, and living a life surrounded by water. Their Waterman’s Work Pants are perfect for any of those activities. Their four-way rip stop fabric is rivet reinforced in the knees, making them durable, but still quick drying. Bungee closures at the bottom hems along with a dedicated pliers pocket make them a great choice whether you are wet wading, splitting firewood, or bellied up to the bar.
Fish Pond Thunderhead Submersible Duffel – $400 (fishpondusa.com)
We’ve used a lot of duffel bags over the years and think Fish Pond’s Thunderhead Duffel is the best. We brought it on long fishing trips to Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colombia. It also makes the daily transition from truck bed to the bottom of a skiff where it takes a constant beating on long runs to distant flats and is constantly exposed to saltwater. The inside has never seen a drop of water. The Thunderhead Duffel is like an insurance policy for anything you can fit inside. Yes, it’s pricey, but this is likely the last duffel you will ever buy. It will take your gear around the world worry-free. We think it’s worth it.
Designed by women for women, the Simms Women’s Challenger Fishing Jacket is a technical, waterproof shell that keeps you fishing on wet and windy days. The jacket’s hood, with 3-point adjustability, is aimed at combating blowing winds and pouring rain. Other features include a cinchable hemline, adjustable cuffs, and articulated sleeves for a wide range of adjustment and motion. Additions like a removable sunglass cloth in the front chest pocket and a D-loop sewn into the hem for attaching a kill switch cord mean this jacket is designed for serious anglers. When combined with Simms Challenger Women’s Fishing Bib the set makes a rain suit that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.
Scott Fly Rods didn’t recently hop on the glass train, they’ve been making glass rods since the early 70’s. Their new F series brings together the slimmer tapers that E-glass allows with redesigned hollow internal ferrules. The result is a smooth, deep flexing rod that’s at home fishing for everything from spring creek trout to farm pond bluegills. Like every Scott fly rod, each one is hand crafted with little touches like measuring wraps and alignment dots. There’s nothing more fun than a glass rod, and Scott makes a fine one.
The best fly reels are simple ones that just work, and the Hardy Zane Carbon is exactly that. With a non-flash, salt-safe finish and fully sealed drag it comes apart easily with one screw knob. We enjoyed the hard indents on the drag control for making quick adjustments simply by feel. Available from a 7/8- to a 11/12-weight model there is a suitable size for any saltwater application. When we tried the gold standard of reel tests; cranking the drag down and pulling line straight off the reel, it spooled off smoothly. This is an excellent reel and one that adds to Hardy’s reputation for quality.
We fished in this hoodie from Montana to the Florida Keys and enjoyed how comfortable and lightweight it is. Along with being super soft, we found the cut of the hoodie was great for casting, with plenty of room in the sleeves and shoulders, but not to the point of becoming baggy. We were also impressed by how breathable and fast drying these hoodies are—ideal for any combination of water and sun. Available in a variety of colors and patterns that blend into any environment, Duck Camp’s Lightweight Bamboo Hoodie is perfect for anything from manning the oars of a drift boat to scanning for tails on the bow of a skiff.
Georgia born and 150-pound-soaking-wet, with 100% Taiwanese blood coursing through my veins, cold weather and me were never meant to be kindred spirits. Unfortunately (or fortunately), my obsession with trout and the mountainous environs they reside in frequently pit me against said cold. Over the course of the past 15+ years, I have refined my cold weather layering system several times over, and it is with this trial and error that I’ve finally come to a system that works for me.
While this post is specific to a skinny Asian in relatively low-energy output settings (wading in cold water in the winter), the principals apply across the board whether you have more built in insulation than me, or your pursuits are more active. You can find an endless amount of information on the web about how to layer correctly. This post is intended to help guide your decisions on what to wear in specific temperature zones while wading in cold weather, based on personal experience. Once more, referring to my basal heat output and natural insulation (read none), if this system is able to keep me warm, it should work for most.
For your torso and up, the general principles are this. A baselayer, relatively close to skin (it does not have to be uber skin tight, Under Armour style), followed by a high pile or waffle fleece midlayer to trap the heat your body creates, followed by an insulating outer layer to maintain that heat within. You can add a synthetic vest just above the baselayer or midlayer depending on the air temperature. Additionally, you want these pieces to be synthetic or wool. Not cotton. And not untreated down. Standing in moving and cold water, the potential of falling in or getting wet is obviously higher, and wet cotton and wet down are not going to keep you warm.
For example, just yesterday, I was fishing in 30 degree air temperatures, with the water temperature being 37. Owing to my Asian roots, I am also very “thrifty” (some would call me cheap). I’ll chase down a snagged fly rather than break off and re-tie, unless it’s clearly too dangerous. I snagged and could not pop the fly loose with attempts from the surface. Trusting the strengths of my layering system, I rolled up my sleeves as best as I could, dunked my arm up to my bicep, and retrieved my fly. I squeezed as much water out of my sleeves as I could, rolled them back down, and instantly felt warmth return, without a subsequent cold hand and no gloves required. I owe this to synthetic materials that continue to insulate when wet, and a warm core keeping my circulating blood warm.
My specific layering system is as follows (and you don’t have to have the specific brand, just the general principles). This is in no way an advertisement for Patagonia; it just happens to be the brand that I’ve come to trust over the past 15 years. I was not paid to review their products.
Outer Layer: Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody (you can swap the non-hoody version here, but having the hoody around your neck provides another layer of insulation)
For 30-40 degree weather:
Baselayer: Patagonia thermal weight Capilene, zip neck (you don’t have to get the zip neck, but in colder weather I like that it can be zipped up and provide more warmth/insulation around my neck)
Vest: Patagonia Micro Puff vest (this is also optional; it’s such a lightweight but warm piece that it keeps my core warm, which is super important in maintaining warmth throughout the day)
For 20-30 degree weather: Seriously? I have my limits. Kudos to you if you are able to maintain function in these temperatures, but I am not, so the buck stops here for me. I suppose I could layer up more or thicker, but then I’d be Ralphie from the Christmas Story and “I can’t put my arms down!” nonetheless have maneuverability to fish.
For temperatures warmer than 50, I think you can figure it out. A simple base layer and the mid layer, or the base layer and the outer layer should suffice. The good thing about getting the right gear is that it doesn’t lead to bulk, and is easy to pack away, and doesn’t limit your range of motion.
I realize, again, that I have focused on Patagonia products. This is not sponsored by Patagonia, and any number of brands out there including Columbia, Simms, The North Face, Orvis, and Filson will have similar products. Purchase based on your budget. My layering system was all purchased on sale during Patagonia seasonal sales.
Layering below the belt is much simpler. For cold weather (30 degrees or so), I wear a waffle-fleeced baselayer, made by Terramar, purchased off Sierra Trading Post 10 years ago for about $15. I pull wool ski socks over and then slip on my waders. It is imperative that your wading boots do not fit too tight. Leave them a tad on the loose side to allow blood to flow to your feet, and you won’t suffer from debilitating cold toes.
Back to my day yesterday on the water, 37 degrees under and never cresting 40 above, I felt remarkably comfortable in the set up I was wearing. My buddy was with me, and though he had a nearly identical base layer and outer layer, he lacked the midlayer fleece. He was never comfortable and always had a bit of a chill.
The nice thing about quality gear is that you can shed and stow it easily without taking up a bunch of space. Keep that in mind on days that start cold but have the potential to warm up.
I hope this helps. It is just my humble opinion, based on years of trial and error, and I hope it saves you time in selecting your kit and keeps you comfortable and on the water longer!
Wren and Ivy Fowling Piece Case – $495 (wrenandivy.com)
Browning Citori White Lightning 16-Gauge – $2,739.99 (browning.com)
Apex Ammunition Upland Bird Tungsten Super Shot – $49.99 (apexmunition.com)
Sage and Braker Gun Cleaning Mat – $245 (sageandbraker.com)
Under Armour CH1 GTX Hunting Boots – $300 (underarmour.com)
Tom Beckbe Tensaw ES Coat – $495 (tombeckbe.com)
