T.F.M. HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017

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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.

WHOOPS… I woke up at 4:00 a.m. and still didn’t have enough time to finish this out with narratives. Links all work and I’ll circle back later today with the rest.

PRIATE’S FLY PATCH – YOUR FISH VEHICLE WANTS ONE