Outstanding Fly Fishing and Backpacking Gifts

#1 – Best Value

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter (1.0 L, 2.3 oz)

List Price: $47.95, but often sold at a discounted price

I never go fishing without my Katadyn water filter/bottle. In the past, I used to always carry a heavy bottle of water with me while out on the water. Now, I instead carry my lightweight Katadyn in a little pouch on my Fishpond hip pack. It’s collapsible, so it can be rolled-up and stored in a very small space. When I’m thirsty I simply take it out, scoop-up water from the river or lake I’m fishing in, and drink-up as much water as I’d like. When I’m done I dump the remaining water and return the bottle to its pouch. In case you’re interested, I bought a Gossamer Gear Hipbelt Pocket and attached it to my Fishpond hip pack. The Katadyn water bottle fits perfectly in it when rolled-up.

#2 – Essential Apparel

Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie

List Price: $189, 10% off for members, periodically will go on sale

Not only do I always take this on my backpacking and fishing trips, but I find myself constantly wearing it during my everyday life. It only weighs 7oz and yet it is very warm. That’s what makes it unique, it’s weight to warmth ratio. It’s also what makes it a perfect item for backpacking where every ounce matters. The Ventus Active Hoodie is often all I need to stay warm and I usually wear it as an outer layer. When temperatures drop significantly it is a very effective mid-layer, with either a rain jacket or an even warmer jacket on top. It’s water and wind resistant, but it’s NOT completely waterproof. The Ventus Active Hoodie is incredibly comfortable because it is so light. I’ve bought 2 of them. If you’d like the same jacket, but with hand pockets and a full-length zipper, try the Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket. I have one of those jackets as well!

#3 – More Essential Apparel

Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket

List Price: $219, 10% off for members, periodically will go on sale

I’ve owned a lot of rain jackets through the years. Most of them begin failing after only a year or two. I’ve had my Outdoor Vitals Tushar Rain Jacket for three years now and it still keeps me perfectly dry. As a fisherman, one thing I appreciate about the jacket is that it doesn’t restrict my movements. I can cast a rod all day and it doesn’t bind. It also serves as my rain jacket when I go golfing. I’m able to take full golf swings without a problem. I often wear this as a shell over my Ventus Active Hoodie, a wonderful combination to stay warm and dry when the weather turns bad.

#4 – Useful Backpacking Accessory

Flextail Tiny Pump X (1.7 oz) – Rechargeable Air Pump

List Price: $22

The Tiny Pump X is a great backpacking gadget. It weighs very little, but it sure comes in handy on backpacking trips. After a long and tiring hike, it’s nice to have a pump to inflate my air mattress instead of having to blow it up on my own. The Tiny Pump also has a built in light that shines out of the bottom. I hang mine from a loop on the inside/top of my tent at night, allowing me to play cards or read before going to sleep. A fun, inexpensive, little gadget that makes for a perfect stocking-stuffer.

#5 – Moderately Priced Fly Rod

Fenwick Aetos – 9ft 5wt fly rod (Old Model)

Fenwick Aetos – 9ft 5wt fly rod (New Model)

List Price: $269

There have been two fly rods brands that I’ve used consistently for many years now. I have several Hardy rods that Hardy doesn’t make anymore. I’d recommend them, but as I said, they’re no longer available. The other rod I own, and use frequently, is my Fenwick Aetos. It is a wonderful rod for the price, and a rod I’m very comfortable recommending. The first link above is to their “old model”, which is what I own, and is difficult to find. The second link is for their new model. I always recommend going into a shop to actually cast fly rods before buying them. After all, there are so many choices. However, if you’d like to give a rod as a gift without casting it first, you can be comfortable knowing this is an excellent rod, especially for the price.

#6 – To Help Keep You Warm

Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor sleeping bag liner – (9.2 oz)

List Price: $74

For many years I didn’t know these even existed. When I first became aware of them I thought the concept of a sleeping bag liner made so much sense! They add extra warmth to a sleeping bag or quilt, which I appreciate because I’m a cold sleeper. They also can be washed, something that can keep your sleeping bag or quilt from smelling bad after a few multi-day backcountry trips. These Sea to Summit sleeping bag liners are not restrictive, they stretch very well when moving inside of them. That makes them perfect to pair with a quilt, which a lot of backpackers have turned to because they don’t want their movement restricted at night. I have found the combination of a sleeping bag liner and a backpack quilt to be far more comfortable than the old mummy bags I grew-up sleeping in.

#7 – My All-Time Favorite Reel

Hardy Narrow Spool Perfect fly reel

List Price: $895

I’ve had my Hardy Narrow Spool Perfect reel for 6 or 7 years now, and I still feel a thrill every time I put it on my rod to begin a day of fly fishing. It’s a work of art, but highly functional as well. This reel is so smooth when the line is reeled-in. “Smooth like butter”, as a friend of mine likes to say. The Narrow Spool Perfect is an expensive reel, probably not for a beginner. Also, it’s a click & pawl reel. I prefer them when fishing for trout, but they are a little different than most fly reels. Click & Pawl essentially means there is no drag. I wrote a complete detailed review of this reel last year – to read more click here. This is a great gift idea for someone who has been fly fishing a long time and who appreciates the nostalgic, artistic, aspects of fly fishing. Of course, it has to fit your budget too. It’s more of a special, once-in-a-lifetime type gift. Like I said though, my all-time favorite reel. It’s not even close.

#8 – Chair for Comfort

Big Agnes Mica Basin backpacking chair (2.6 lbs)

List Price: $147

One of the reasons I’ve tried to take advantage of the ultralight trend in backpacking is so that I can pack in a few “extras” and still meet my pack-weight goals. My pack will never be as light as a lot of the through-hikers who go 20+ miles per day, especially with all the fishing gear I pack in. I choose to save weight in other areas so that I can bring this chair in with me. It’s certainly not heavy, but there are chairs that weigh half as much. The difference is, I don’t think they’re nearly as comfortable as the Mica Basin. Part of the problem is that I’m over 6’2″, and the really light camp chairs don’t fit me quite right. The posts on the side dig into my sides a little bit. Not so with the Mica Basin. It’s a big enough backpack chair to fit someone my size comfortably, yet still not weighing too much to pack-in. I’m a big fan of this chair. At the end of a 10-mile hike into an alpine lake, and after setting-up my tent, it’s wonderful to be able to relax in such a comfortable chair.

#9 – Inexpensive Gift Idea

Flies & Leader packs

List Price: $2-$4 per fly, or $17 for a variety box, $17 for a leader 3-pack

I love flies. When my kids were growing-up and they asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told them they didn’t need to spend a lot. Pick out a few flies, and that would be as good a gift as anything. Sure enough, with all kinds of gifts at my feet, it was the flies that I would sit and look at through the afternoon, appreciating that each one was tied by hand. If you have a fly angler that you’re looking to give a gift to, consider a box of flies and/or a few leader packs. The link above is to Discount Flies. I have no affiliation with them, but it’s who I buy my flies from when I don’t have enough time to tie my own. For a discount fly company, I have found that they sell quality flies. Visiting a local fly shop is also a good idea. They’d be happy to fill a box up with flies for you!

#10 – The Top of My Wish List

Outdoor Vitals Pursuit Hybrid Fleece

List Price: $140, 10% off for members, periodically will go on sale

This is the one of only two items on this list that I don’t actually have myself (the fly tying kit is the other). So to be clear, I’ve never worn this fleece jacket. The reason I list it here is because it’s at the very top of my wish list for the holidays. This is a new item being offered by Outdoor Vitals and I can tell they put a lot of thought into its design. I’ve bought so much clothing from Outdoor Vitals over the past few years. I’m confident this will be another great product. All their apparel is lightweight, comfortable, and functions as designed.

#11 – One of My Favorites!

Enlightened Equipment Torrid Booties

List Price: $56

I can’t even put into words how good it feels to slip my feet into these at night in my tent on our backpacking trips. Certainly not a necessity….these can’t be worn outside the tent unless you wear something to protect the bottom of them. They don’t weigh a lot though, only 1.7 oz., so they’re easy to bring along. They will keep your feet warm at night without them overheating. Truly one of my favorite items I take backpacking!

#12 – Solid, Comfortable, Wading Boots

Skwala Carbon Wading Boots

List Price: $289

While we’re on the subject of boots….This summer I was looking for a quality pair of wading boots for my trip to Iceland. Iceland is primarily a walk and wade fishery, and I needed boots with soles like hiking boots that would protect my feet over many miles of hiking along its rivers. These boots were incredible. They functioned much better than any I’ve ever owned in the past. They are solid, comfortable, and protect my feet. They aren’t cheap, but they will last a long time. I definitely recommend them. These are the first wading boots I’ve had without felt soles. I haven’t had any issues slipping while wading yet, but its something I’m going to be careful of in the future.

#13 – Great Backpacking Food

Peak Refuel Outdoor Meal Box

List Price: $99

Peak Refuel is my favorite brand of backpacking food, but there are many choices. Backpacking food can be an expensive, which makes this a perfect gift for you to give to a friend or family member who likes to go backpacking. Give them one meal, or several, whatever fits your budget. The link above is for a box with 14 total servings, including Chicken Alfredo – my favorite. Backpack meals can be purchased at any outdoor store and are usually offered in single units. Giving even just one or two will make a great gift!

#14 – Remote Wilderness Fly Fishing Book

Spot Pack Fly Fishing by PJ Emerson

List Price: $23

Spot Pack Fly Fishing is a 4-part book discussing how to access outstanding fly fishing destinations deep in the backcountry on horseback.  It’s about the adventure of riding horses, basic strategies on catching fish in the backcountry, the necessary backpacking equipment to bring along, and a timeline of preparation for the trip. Spot Pack Fly Fishing is a wonderful gift idea for any family member or friend that loves fly fishing and backcountry adventures. It is packed full of beautiful photography that is sure to generate excitement for their next fishing adventure.

#15 – Quality Waders, Reasonable Price

Briver Max Comfort Waders

List Price: $159

You don’t have to spend $500-$800 for a quality, reliable, pair of waders. I’ve worn these waders this past summer and was very happy with them. They are comfortable, durable, and keep me dry. That’s what matters to me. I wore them while crashing through beaver ponds in the Colorado high country, crossing the highlands in Iceland in search of large browns, and float-tubing on lakes while trolling for trout. Briver waders are a great value for those who want quality waders without having to spend too much. I wrote a complete review of the Briver Max Comfort Waders, which can be found by clicking here.

#16 – High Quality Hip/Waist Pack

Fishpond Switchback 2.0

List Price: $119

I used to always wear a vest while fly fishing. It was loaded with fly boxes and other items that would give me a sore back by the end of the day. I started looking for a pack system instead, but never could find one I liked. They were either on my chest, or my front hip, and were always getting in the way. Then I discovered the Fishpond’s Switchback 2.0. The pack slides back and forth on a track system. When I need something, it’s right there on my front hip. After I’m done with it, I push it out of the way behind me. The net holder works great too. I still use a vest when I’m on trips where I need to carry a jacket, lunch, and other gear. For simple day trips – you just can’t beat the Switchback system. They also offer a “Pro System” that holds more, but I prefer the smaller version. After all, the reason I’m wearing it is to be more light and nimble, and not feel like I’m hauling too much around. Also pictured, is my Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie….I told you I wear it all the time!

#17 – Long & Wide Sleeping Pad

Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated 25 x 78 (25 oz, 4.8 R Value)

List Price: $179

Big Agnes is one of my favorite manufacturers of backpacking equipment. I have found that you can count on the quality of their products. The Rapide SL pad is a high quality, comfortable, quilted, insulated pad that is perfect for backpacking. Some pads may weigh slightly less, or cost less, but I don’t believe in compromising a good night’s sleep just to save a few dollars. Good rest is important in the backcountry. For that reason, I’ve also made the choice to use long and wide sleeping pads. I’m 6’3″, so I need a pad that I’m not falling off of at night. The Rapide SL is my favorite pad that I’ve ever owned. I did have a leak once, near the valve, and Big Agnes replace the pad with a brand new one. You can count on excellent customer service from them.

#18 – An Ultralight Tent Made for Stargazing

Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker hybrid double wall tent (28 oz, 103” long interior)

List Price: $285, but periodically will go on sale

The Skyscape Trekker is a one-person ultralight trekking pole tent that is perfect for tall individuals. A lot of ultralight trekking pole tents are single walled, so condensation can be a problem. That’s not the case with the Skyscape because it’s double-walled. The sides of the Skyscape Trekker can be rolled-back providing a full view of the night sky. If you like looking at stars at night, this is a wonderful tent. I wrote a complete review of the Skyscape Trekker, which can be found by clicking here.

#19 – Stability While Hiking

Leki ultralight soft antishock (9.1 oz)

List Price: $103

I can’t imagine going backpacking without my trekking poles. First of all, my tents are trekking pole tents, so I need them for that purpose alone. More than that, they provide stability while hiking with a heavy pack on. At least once a trip I’ll step on the edge of a rock and feel my ankle beginning to turn. My trekking poles save the day because they stabilize me in those situations and keep me spraining my ankle. They also take a lot of the load off my knees, especially with the added weigh of a pack. Trekking poles are a great gift idea for a family member or friend that enjoys backpacking but doesn’t own a pair yet.

#20 – Create Your Own Flies

Orvis Premium Fly Tying Kit or Kingfisher Fly Tying Kit

List Price: $200 (Orvis) or $99 (Kingfisher)

There is great satisfaction in catching a fish that you have personally tied. If you have a friend or family member that also enjoys crafts, consider giving them a fly tying kit this holiday season. It takes practice to begin making quality flies, but it is a lot of fun. The Orvis link above includes materials as well as the vice and tools. The Kingfisher is just the vice and tools, so the fly tying materials are not included. I have not used either of these kits – the one I have my parents bought me when I was about 10 years old. I recommend stopping by your local fly shop or sporting goods store to ask more about this. Many fly shops offer fly tying classes that would be very helpful in getting started. They can also give advice regarding what kit and what materials to buy.

#21 – For Cold-Weather Backpacking

CamelBak Crux Insulated Tube

List Price: $16

While compiling this list I asked my son, who is also an outdoorsman, if he had any gift idea suggestions. He recommended an insulated water bladder tube. The water in a water bladder stays unfrozen while winter hiking because it’s in the hiker’s pack and is close to the hiker’s body. However, the water in the bladder tube outside the pack will often freeze, clogging the tube so that water can’t pass through it. This insulated tube will keep the water in the tube from freezing. A simple, inexpensive gift idea!

#22 – Effortless Water Filter System

Katadyn BeFree Gravity Water Filter (6.0 L, 8.9 oz)

List Price: $115

The number #1 item on this list was a Katadyn water filter bottle to carry while fishing. This water filtration system is for camp. For those of you who are older, you’ll remember the days of having to walk down to the water source and use a pump-water filter system. Pumping water through a filter was a lot of work. It was slow, and not particularly a lot of fun after a long day hiking. The Katadyn system is much easier. Backpackers simply walk to the water source, scoop water into the bag, then take it back to camp and hang it from a tree limb. Gravity does the rest. As the water passes from the bag to the tube, it goes through a filter that removes 99.9% of the bad things that can contaminate water.

#23 – A VERY Bright light

 Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp (2.8 oz)

List Price: $54

When I look for headlamps, I look for ones with a high number of lumens of brightness. That’s because if I’m going to wear a headlamp I want it to be really bright, not dim. This Black Diamond headlamp had 400 lumens. It’s bright. I’ve used this now for about 4 years and have been very satisfied with it. Headlamps are great because they leave the user’s hands free for whatever may be necessary. A nice, moderately priced, gift.

#24 – One Stop-Shop Fly Fishing Equipment

Redington Rod and Reel Combo Kit

List Price: $269

This is a great gift for a friend or family member that wants to learn how to fly fish but doesn’t have any of the equipment. It includes a rod, reel, and fly line – the essential components necessary to get started fly fishing. I don’t have a Redington fly rod, but my son does, and it’s his favorite. There are other very trustworthy brands that also offer rod/reel/line combo kits such as TFO, Orvis, Cortland, and Echo. Some are more expensive than others, which is based on the quality of the rod and reel that are included. Check-in with your local fly shop or sporting goods store to ask for advice if you’re not sure which combo kit to purchase. Redington is quality brand you can trust.

#25 – Camp Meals in a Flash!

Jetboil Flash 1.0 Liter fast boil stove

List Price: $145, but more typically sold for around $110

I’ve been using my Jetboil for almost 20 years. They boil water in minutes, perfect for quickly preparing dehydrated meals, oatmeal, or soup. It has a convenient self-ignite button which makes starting the Jetboil easy. There are stoves available that weigh less, but it is difficult to beat the convenience of a Jetboil. I use mine every time I go backpacking.

BONUS GIFT IDEA – Trip of a Lifetime!

Diamond 4 Ranch pack trip

List Price: Varies depending on if fully guided or a spot pack trip. My book Spot Pack Fly Fishing goes into great detail how to price-out such a trip.

This is a very big gift, but also a very creative one to give to a family member who loves the backcountry and who loves to fish. It’s not an every-year type of a gift, rather it’s a special one that they’ll always remember. My buddies and I have hired many different outfitters through the years, and Diamond 4 is my favorite. Diamond 4 is a family business who has been guiding in the Wind River Range for many years now. They know exactly what they’re doing, and they are absolutely wonderful people. They offer all kinds of trips, including spot pack trips a and fully guided trips. I highly recommend them! They offer cabins to stay in the night before heading into the backcountry, and will even provide a nice hot breakfast the morning you leave. The region they take trips into has spectacular scenery and incredible fishing. They are the best!