Gear: FreeSteps6 Wading Crampons

A while ago, I decided to forsake the felt soles of my youth and go with some of the, now not so new, rubber soled wading boots (with spikes).  I did this for various reasons that included invasive species as well as comfort when hiking into remote fishing spots.  When I tried them for a the first time I suffered from what I'll call a "lack of confidence" which seemed to manifest itself whenever I found myself waist deep in a tail water, trying to balance atop bowling ball sized rocks which were covered in rock snot.  This lack of confidence (and an adequate wading staff) led to many Fred Flintstone like moments.

Enter some friends from Hillsound, who sent us a set of Freesteps6 crampons to try. While Freesteps6 look a lot like a traditional light weight ice crampon, they are also being marketed as an easy on/off option for river wading anglers. The "independent studs" (note possible new name for our fishing club) with twenty-one 1/4 inch spikes are made of stainless steel so they should be fairly durable. I plan on giving them a test this summer, so look for a full report later this season.

At a MSRP of $39.99 a set of these won't break the bank and might keep you from breaking something else. 

The best thing since velcro shoelaces?

Both Korkers and Simms have felt the squeeze of the Boa...

Via a press release from Backbone Media:

The Boa Closure System achieves a micro-adjustable, glove-like fit via three key components: a knob, spool, and lace. Turning the high-grip exterior knob activates the internal spool which then pulls the ultra-durable Boa lace with remarkable closure force. The combination of the low-friction lace and lace guides creates a uniform closure that is free from pressure points and automatically conforms to the demands of your feet, activity, and terrain.

Constructed from aircraft grade, stainless steel, the Boa lace is gram-for-gram stronger than tank armor and easily sheds water, mud, ice, or any kind of river muck. Finally, the Boa Closure System is secure: once you set the dial to your desired tension, you're off and don't have to worry about the laces coming untied all day.

*Boa is guaranteed for life. http://www.boatechnology.com

Boots pictured above- Korkers Metalhead / Simms Rivertek

Gear: The future of wading shoes?

With all the talk about Vibram sticky soles replacing felt and saving our trout streams from invasive species, could this Vibram Five Finger shoe be the next "step" in the evolution of the wading shoe? Talented fly anglers could immediately make use of access to the extra digits to help land fish or grip slippery rocks. Bigfoot sightings increase dramatically.

Check them out at VibramFivefingers.com

Gear: OTB - Boots for Anglers, Navy SEALS

Anglers are beginning to wonder what might be hiding deep in those felt soles we've all been lugging from stream to stream for the past few years. According to recent science your wading boots might just be providing home to a splinter cell of rock snot or worse. No self respecting fly flinger wants to be the guy who gives all the rainbow trout in his home water a bad case of scoliosis. We also realize that it's important that your gear give you a tactical advantage over the rest of your fellow anglers.

OTB Boots are designed for Navy SEALs and are perfect for anglers looking to ditch the felt in favor of "Tactical Rubber Technology for superior silent traction on both wet and dry surfaces." The boots soles have tiny holes in them that allow water to drain while keeping sand and gravel out. You can bet that these boots will grip the slipperiest moss covered rocks while allowing you sneak up on your fishing buddies quarry, allowing you to get the drop on them and remain dry.

After all, who ever saw a Navy SEAL slip and fall in a river...and lived to tell about it?

Simms goes on a diet

One of the big issues I find myself having to deal with when traveling, is the sheer bulk you have to lug around when carrying standard waders and boots. Simms has taken the traveling anglers plight to heart and given their products a float plane (or for the less extreme among you- carry on bag) friendly trim down:

From a recent release from Simms Fishing Products:

SIMMS RIVERSHED™ SERIES SLIMS DOWN FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY AND RAISES THE BAR FOR EXTREME WET WEATHER PROTECTION

Giving anglers an edge in all conditions, Simms’ Gore-Tex PacLite® waders and
jacket are paired with a dynamic synthetic boot

BOZEMAN, MONTANA – (for immediate release) - Designed for a generation of anglers who enjoy extra effort and big payoffs, Simms new Rivershed™ waders, jacket and boots reset the standard for rugged lightweight fishing gear.

Ideal for hiking into high mountain streams, bushwhacking to hidden ponds, and float plane adventures chasing big fish, the Rivershed™ Series is made for hard-chargers who need extreme wet weather performance … but know every ounce counts.

Simms Rivershed™ Waders ($299) are made in the USA with Gore-Tex Performance® Shell fabric. With articulated knees for less bulk and more comfort, 5-layer Gore-Tex® fabric in the front leg panel for increased durability and patented built-in Guide Model gravel guards, Rivershed Waders combine toughness and functionality. They’ll fold up to fit into a backpack and withstand a multi-mile march up a remote stream – all without weighing you down.

Athletic and comfortable, Simms Rivershed™ Wading Boots allow for superior maneuverability while hiking into the backcountry. At the same time, their full synthetic construction allows for easy cleaning and quick drying. Made from durable synthetic leather, the Rivershed boots have rubber coated ballistic nylon mesh panels and a dual-density thermoplastic midsole for durability. A molded toe box with a rubber cap and rubber rand protect the forefoot, while non-corrosive hardware and nylon laces cinch tight for hiking comfort. Available in felt soles ($139) or studded Aquastealth ($189).

Made for the wettest conditions, Simms Rivershed™ Wading Jacket ($279) is Simms’ lightest full-featured shell. Made with Gore-Tex PacLite®, this breathable-waterproof jacket comes with quick-drying microfleece handwarmer pockets, a patented built-in retractor, reinforced forceps tab and adjustable, breathable stretch cuffs: all of which will come in handy when you’re netting and releasing fish all day.

About Simms Fishing Products: Established in 1980, Simms Fishing Products is the recognized leader in guide-quality fishing waders, outerwear, footwear and apparel. If they don’t make it, you don’t need it. Simms’ world-renowned line of waders are manufactured in Bozeman, Montana. Their full line of gear is available at specialty and large format retailers nationwide. For more information on Simms, please visit www.simmsfishing.com.

Gear: Korker's Guide Boot

For some time now, Korkers has been known for its line of wading boots with interchangeable soles. These form fitting soles making it possible to easily go from felt to hiker and back to golf shoe without ever taking off your footwear. The above pictured "guide boot" was on display at last year's Fly Fishing Retailer Show but it wasn't quite ready for release. This version of their popular wading boot incorporates the Boa Lace Technology, more commonly found on snowboard boots. No more struggles with untied shoes or laces that get snagged in your fly line. With the boa lace system a simple turn of a knob tightens your shoes snugly around your ankles.

"the boa lace system incorporates a dial system with a 4-to-1 gear that tightens and loosens a stainless steel lace. The boa-lace boot eliminates problems associated with traditional laces and keeping your wading boots tied tightly throughout the day."

If you have ever tried to get out of a pair of frozen lace up wading boots after a day of fishing an icy mountain stream, you might just think this sort of gadget would be worth the money.

For more information check out their web page at http://www.korkers.com/