T.F.M. HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017

Over the weekend I started putting together a list of favorite and most reliable gear items that I’ve used over the past year (with several of these picks being faves for years) and ended up with three dozen gifts worthy for this year’s Holiday Gift Guide.

And here we go in somewhat alphabetical order…

BLACK DIAMOND STORM HEADLAMP
This headlamp has since been redesigned and still rocks for less than $50.  Everyone in our family has one and the Storm is always in my gear bag for late night kayak fly fishing jaunts on the pond, mousing and hex in Michigan, and a camping essential. 

EMERGER FLY FISHING – SIDE BAGS THAT WILL LAST FOREVER
I’ve got a dozen or so emails from Chris Freeman from Emerger Fly Fishing on the step by step process of making the Cameron Side Bag, which was NOT named after me but I sure wish this badass gear bag was.  I dig everything about it from the layout, fabrics, leather, and of course the fit.

EUREKA X JETBOIL – A CAMP STOVE & BARISTA ALL IN ONE
The Eureka Spire Camp Stove paired with the Jetboil Luna Satellite Burner is the camp stove combination to rule them all.  I wrote about it HERE and HERE and the deal of the internet continues to be the smaller Spire Camp Stove for less than $60 on the Eureka.  The Spire XL is on sale right now too and don’t forget the Jetboil Luna Satellite Burner too.

FINN- GEAR FOR TODAY AND ALWAYS
I’ve admired the work of Ryan McDonald of Finn for years now and his work has been included in T.F.M. reviews HERE and HERE and my wife and I had a great time stopping in at his new shop while in Vermont earlier in the year for an interview HERE.

Our son’s name is Finn and splurged this Christmas on a Huntington Duffel for him and I’d expect that he’ll have this piece for his entire life.  Unbelievable craftsmanship and the fabrics and leather won’t ever fail.  I can’t wait for Finn to find it Christmas morning.

FISHEWEAR GROOVY GRAYLING DRY BAG
Our daughter Hadley is starting to do some gear reviews and helping with the website and one piece of gear that she’s been using all summer is the Fishewear dry bag which has come in handy on family pond kayak trips.  She was most impressed that it kept everything dry, including her beloved ukulele.

FISHPOND CASTAWAY ROLL TOP GEAR BAG
My wife and I were recently in Belize and had some rough weather and through it all the Castaway Roll Top Gear Bag kept everything impressively dry.  I am working on a larger review of this gear bag but it has a real benefit to traveling anglers since if needed, it can be folded completely flat when empty and yet is cavernous to hold all your gear when needed.

JOHN GIERACH- A FLY ROD OF YOUR OWN
I’m still working my way through John Gierach’s latest book but if you’re a fan, or know someone who is, this would make a wonderful gift under the Christmas Tree.

THE HAND STUFF IS THE GOOD STUFF
I was sent a sample from The Hand Stuff last winter and it’s quickly become a family favorite solution for chapped hands   Think stocking stuffer that everyone will thank you for later.

HOOK + GAFF WATCH COMPANY
A couple of years ago my wife and I were down in Charleston walking through a pop up holiday market and I noticed a new watch company was there called the Hook + Gaff Watch Company.  I was surprised to find out that the company was based near where I live and since then, the owner and I have become friends.  Great to watch as this company continues to grow and I can’t say enough good about the Sportfisher II Classic that I’ve been wearing for over a year now.  

HOWLER BROTHERS – HEED THE CALL
I wear A LOT of Howler Brothers apparel and my side of the closet has quite a few of their shirts in heavy rotation.  Stellar style, fit, and perfect for on the water or a dinner party.  There will likely be some holiday sales rolling online but you can always use discount code "TFM2017" for 20% off your order.  

LEATHERMAN LEAP
If there is one piece of gear that Hadley and Finn always know where they have them when needed, it’s their Leatherman Leap multi-tools.  Finn’s old enough now that the blade has been added to his Leap and these multi-tools continue to be a favorite.  T.F.M. gear review HERE if you like what you see.

LOON OUTDOORS UV INFINITI LIGHT
Just in time for the holidays, Loon Outdoors has released a few new tools for your fly tying bench including the UV Infiniti Light which along with being the most powerful UV light in their lineup, this one can be recharged by USB.  How slick is that?

THE MUCK BOOT COMPANY WETLAND BOOTS
A couple of years ago I was in our local farm supply store and noticed that their stock of Muck Boot Company boots were on sale.  I had been wanting a pair for some time and bought a pair of Wetlands that are my go to get wet and get things done boots.  Waterproof, warm enough and comfortable.  If you don’t own a pair, you should.

OPINEL NO7 SCOUTS KNIFE
A few years ago Finn wanted his first knife and we were a little hesitant to buy him one until I found the Opinel No7 Scout Knife.  I reviewed it HERE and since then I still stand impressed by this simple kid folder.

ORVIS HYRDOS SL FLY REELS
The Hydros SL fly reels have quickly become a favorite for their large arbor capabilities and have handled everything from carp, redfish, striper, and even a forty pound tarpon with ease.  I sure dig these fly reels. 

PATAGONIA NANO PUFF JACKETS
Simply put, this is the one jacket to rule them all.  Our entire family swears by their Nano Puff jackets and I’ve been wearing my black pullover for years.  It’s getting kind of ratty but I won’t replace it until it’s falling apart.  Previously reviewed on T.F.M. HERE and HERE.

PRIATE’S FLY PATCH – YOUR FISH CAR WANTS ONE
It’s always a good idea to have a few favorite flies stashed in your fish car and the Pirate Fly Patch is a solid piece of gear that will bring a smile to all your angler friends.

PLAN D FLY BOXES
These fly boxes dropped on the scene about a year ago and Plan D continues to refine and expand their offerings.  I don’t think there is a better way to keep track of your swing flies than these fly boxes.  Previous T.F.M. reviews and write ups HERE and HERE.

REDINGTON I.D FLY REEL
Maybe the coolest new fly reel announced at IFTD this year and not just because I’ve got one with a Comrade sticker job on it.  More info in this T.F.M. write up HERE.

REP YOUR WATER #glassisnotdead KNIT HAT
One of these should be required for all "GLASS GEEKS" and you’re in luck as I still have some in stock.  Send an email to place an order.  $25 shipped with a couple T.F.M. decals and a Retro Fly koozie.

TOM ROSENBAUER – FLY FISHING FOR TROUT
Want to learn more about fly fishing for trout?  Dive into Tom Rosenbauer’s latest book.  T.F.M. book review HERE.

RUMPL PUFFY BLANKET
Feature as part of "10 For Spring", the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket has become a family favorite and is always in the back of the 4Runner for road trips.

SCIENTIFIC ANGLERS – FAVORITE FLY LINES OF THE YEAR
I use A LOT of Scientific Anglers fly line (along with fly lines they make for other companies) and the two that I was most impressed with this year was the Anadro and Bonefish tapers.  Great fly lines for warmwater and saltwater.

SIGHT LINE PROVISIONS
My first cuff was featured as a T.F.M. post and since then I’ve added a few more to the collection.  Now my wife has one, Finn has one and there are a couple more on the list for my wife and our daughter for Christmas.  Everyone wants something special from Edgar from Sight Line Provisions and for good reason. 

P.S.  And Sight Line Provisions does a TON for conservation with donations and fundraising. 

SMITH CREEK MIDDLE FORK FLY PATCH
I have quite a few nipper lanyards around and each one has a Middle Fork Fly Patch on them.  There is just no better place to stuff a few flies when going on a quick trip or stashing flies to dry as you change them out for the day.  This is yet another stocking stuffer idea that tops out the list.

SMITHEY IRONWARE NO. 10 CAST IRON SKILLET
Over the past several years we are cooking more and more in cast iron and are beyond impressed with our Smithey skillet.  The polished floor of this skillet is worth the investment and it just keeps getting better with age.  Previous reviews and recipes HERE and HERE.

GOAT HEAD GEAR – SPOOL CLIPS
Matthew Brown of Goat Head Gear keeps coming up with new and innovative ideas in fly fishing and the recent release of Spool Clips will always keep your tippet spools handy on your back and gear bag.  Grab a few of these and load them up with your favorite tippet.

THE FLYFISH JOURNAL, THE DRAKE & TAIL
Some of the very best fly fishing writing today is showing up in these three magazines.  Subscribe and gift a subscription to your angling friends and family.

TENKARA – THE BOOK
A full review of this book is long overdue but if you or anyone on your list has an interest in tenkara then this is the book to gift.

TOPO DESIGNS DOPP KIT BAG
In my opinion, there is no better dopp kit bag than this from Topo Designs.  I’ve had mine for years and it’s still in great shape after dozens and dozens of trips.  Whenever it gets grimy you just toss in the wash and it’s good as new again.

TROUT TIPS – DEETER AND FRIENDS DROP A LOT OF KNOWLEDGE
The latest book from Kirk Deeter and all his buddies will give anglers of all levels of experience something to consider to keep those mental knives sharp when on the water.

VEDAVOO – GIVE A HANDBUILT GIFT
Scott Hunter and his team at Vedavoo have refreshed the line up for 2018 and it’s worth a look to see all the new gear on the website.  The T.F.M. Store also has quite a few Vedavoo items patched in Comrade or Retro Fly to check out as well. 

WINGO BELTS
Check out the belts but also give a look at the socks, wader belts, dog collars and more.  Look for a lot of different cyber sales from Wingo Belts now to Christmas.

ALL THE YETI – HOPPER, THE JUG, LOWBALL & MAG LID
I’m a big fan of many things that Yeti offers and does and my favorites for the year include the Hopper 12, Hopper 18, the Jug, the Lowball, and the long awaited Mag Slider lid.  There is something from Yeti at all your Christmas gift giving price points.

12WT. – SUN PROTECTION IS YEAR AROUND
From gloves to sun masks to now button up shirts, 12wt. continues to make some of the best sun protection gear out there. 

GIVE THE GIFT OF GLASS
T.F.M. is a treasure trove of into on everything glass and if you’re looking for something special to give this holiday, consider the gift of glass.  I’m always happy to hash out ideas on what you’re looking for.  Drop me an email at thefiberglassmanifesto@gmail.com.

What did I miss that sits high on your Christmas List to give or get this year?