For years, I used to go away my waders clipped to an I-bolt within the mattress of my pickup (so that they wouldn’t fly away). That’s a handy option to retailer waders, however sitting in direct daylight for days on finish will shortly trigger some severe UV harm. I’d go away my boots within the pickup, too, and so they usually fared the worst from this dangerous resolution. Take it from me — most firms don’t think about leaving your gear within the truck mattress for all of summer time “regular put on and tear,” so that they received’t guarantee them. It’s virtually like we’re alleged to deal with our gear…
At any charge, I realized the worth of correctly storing my waders and boots whereas touring. For some time, I used an previous plastic tote, nevertheless it — and extra importantly, my waders and boots — began to odor dangerous after a full summer time of fishing journeys, so I began searching for different choices.
I used to be leery of utilizing a boot-and-wader bag, principally as a result of I figured I’d simply find yourself recreating the plastic tote incubator in bag kind and I apprehensive it wouldn’t final. Along with fly fishing, I ski a good bit, and I’ve had ski luggage rip and tear halfway by way of a season (even ones that have been particularly constructed to not rip from encounters with ski’s sharp edges). I didn’t suppose wading boots could be any simpler on an analogous bag, particularly boots with studs or aluminum bars on the soles.
I lastly broke down and picked up a wader bag a pair years in the past, assuming I’d thrown away $60. To my shock, that bag lasted the higher a part of two seasons earlier than ending up within the bin.
As I used to be searching for a brand new boot-and-wader bag this winter, I heard that Simms was popping out with a brand new one. I received my arms on the Simms RiverKit Wader Tote a number of months in the past, to actually put the factor by way of its paces.
The RiverKit has all of the options you want in a great wader bag: tons of house, vented sides to let the stink air out out of your gear, and it’s constructed from sturdy supplies that ought to maintain up for years. And at an imminently affordable $79.95, it would not really feel overpriced.
With all that mentioned, let’s dig into a few of the options of the Simms RiverKit Wader Tote.
What Works
Sturdy Building
A waders-and-boot bag isn’t any good if it falls aside shortly. That shouldn’t be an issue with the Simms RiverKit. Its outer cloth is constructed from 600 denier polyester, which is a fairly frequent materials usually used to make backpacks, tenting chairs, and heavy-duty tents, based on this submit from Outlife Knowledgeable. There’s really a very cool video that exhibits simply how powerful 600 denier polyester is, which you’ll be able to see beneath. It takes 25 kilos of strain to start out degrading the integrity of 600D polyester.
Along with the powerful exterior, Simms backs the 600D polyester with a PU coating that’s waterproof. That PU coating is tender and slick, however sturdy, which makes it an amazing materials for a altering mat (extra on that in a minute).
I’d be shocked if I run into sturdiness issues with the RiverKit ahead of 5 or so years. It ought to maintain up effectively to all types of use.
Altering Mat
Who loves doing the one-legged dance whereas stepping into your waders, so that you keep away from stepping on the bottom along with your neoprene stocking toes?
Yeah, not me. I’m not that swish anymore.
The Simms RiverKit’s built-in altering mat (picture: Spencer Durrant).
After I first began fly fishing, I scoffed at different anglers with fancy altering mats (even when it was so simple as a bit of carpet). Then, I purchased a pair of pricey waders, and realized how essential a altering mat was for safeguarding my funding.
The RiverKit has a foldable cowl that doubles as a altering mat. You’re stepping on the PU coating I discussed earlier, so your neoprene stocking toes are shielded from any sharp rocks or different particles—to not point out, they’re stored clear so that you don’t find yourself filling your boots with sand and gravel earlier than you step foot within the river. The altering mat is padded, which ought to enhance each its consolation and longevity.
Storage Area
The official dimensions of the RiverKit are 16.5 inches tall, 20 inches broad, and 12 inches deep. What meaning in sensible phrases is that you could simply use it to retailer a pair of shoes, waders, gloves, and a wading jacket whilst you’re touring. There’s even an adjunct pocket that has an inner key clip.
I’ve not but stuffed my RiverKit too full, so I believe it’s secure to say most anglers will discover it has loads of room for all their on-the-water gear.
What you’ll actually love, although, is that the RiverKit retains your entire waders and boots mess contained to a smaller space. For those who use the RiverKit, you’re not getting dust, water, and wader stink throughout your automotive. You retain the mess contained to a smaller space till you get residence and might cling your waders as much as dry.
What Doesn’t Work
Altering Mat Measurement
Whereas the padded altering mat is an excellent function, I do suppose Simms might stand to make it wider. There’s about an inch of room on both aspect of the mat the place Simms slimmed it down, for no cause I can discern.
Last Phrase
All instructed, the Simms RiverKit Wader Tote is a pleasant piece of drugs that you just’ll in all probability discover is extra helpful than you anticipated. And, it’s solely $80, which is an affordable worth given its longevity, cupboard space, and usefulness.
BUY THE SIMMS RIVERKIT WADER TOTE
