Wading into position

High water. Slick bedrock. Cobble like greased bowling balls. Riverwalker Wading Boots built their reputation in the most demanding wading conditions. They feature great flexibility, fast dry times and are lighter weight than most of what's out there in the water. Notched flex zones allow for more natural foot movement and a polypropylene insole/shank offers stability. But don’t let the comfort fool you—these are tough boots for serious wading. Details: molded EVA midsole, synthetic leather and polyester, 100% recycled, high filtration mesh uppers and protected lacing. Riverwalkers come in three sole choices: resoleable felt; tungsten-carbide studded; and sticky rubber. Engineered to accommodate neoprene stocking-foot waders. Felt • 1,108 g (39.1 oz) pair, Felt/Studded • 1,213 g (42.8 oz) pair, Sticky Rubber • 1,037 g (36.6 oz) pair

Fabric
Strong, lightweight, 100% recycled, high-filtration polyester mesh, synthetic leather upper, with nylon/spandex neoprene in tongue and polypropylene insole board. Full-length molded EVA Rockstopper midsole

Features

• Wide last is engineered to accommodate a neoprene foot wader without constriction
• Tough, durable, quick-drying materials and construction
• Padded ankle support
• Sculpted flex zones for improved flexibility
• Compression molded EVA midsole and polypropylene insole/shank combination provide excellent torsional rigidity, support, protection from stone bruising; creates a stable platform without sacrificing flexibility
• High-filtration mesh keeps out more sand and silt and drains quickly
• Protected lacing loops with two speed lace hooks at the top
• Padded insole for comfort and arch support
• Stout, reinforced toebox and heel counter
• Molded rubber toe bumper provides abrasion resistance
• Sole designed to hold fin straps for float tubers and kickboaters
  

Outsoles:

Felt: Long-wearing, polyester wool felt sole is bonded to a rubber carrier and stitched on for added insurance

Felt/Studded: Felt soles studded with tungsten-carbide tips embedded in a dual rubber layer to prevent wobble. The felt is also stitched on for added insurance

Sticky Rubber: Star-patterned sticky rubber sole provides excellent multi-directional traction and no grit, mud, debris or snow pick up. This outsole can also be customized into a "studded" bottom with several after market solutions.

All outsoles can be resoled

Color
Marsh Green synthetic leather with Sage Khaki mesh

"Lunch" photo by Brian Bennett
"Turned tail" photo by John Frankot

Before the runoff

I just returned from a trip to Big Timber, MT. The goals were to get some product testing (both Patagonia and competitor gear) in before the runoff and to work on some new design projects with a designer in Bozeman (more on that later). I couldn't have asked for better conditions. It was nice one minute and a full on snow accumulating blizzard the next (the two inset photos were taken 20 minutes apart). I should clarify that by "nice" I mean that the sun was partially out and the wind wasn't gusting too bad. The temps never really climbed above the mid 40's and it was high 30's on average. Mornings were below freezing and guides did ice up on occasion. Wool grid neoprene (wader booties and gloves), new wader designs, new jackets, new outsole ideas and a host of current gear all were put through the paces.....and the fishing was good too. My companions for the trip were new friends John Frankot and Alistair Stewart. We holed up at the Grand Hotel in Big Timber. We contracted the help of guide Lee Kinsey for a couple of days. He's a wealth of information having grown up in the area. I highly recommend a pre-runoff trip if any of you in the Way Upstream community have the desire. It's good for the soul. Don't forget your warm gear and a range of flies. Size 20 dry bugs and small emergers were just as important as stonefly nymphs and big stuff for exploring the carved out depths.
Photos by El Pescador
"Car Pool" photo by Alistair Stewart

Riverwalker Vest

Course was set before Spring 2008 to create a 21st Century version of our classic mesh vest, which we introduced way back in ‘87. The result is the Riverwalker Vest (M's & W's). This vest incorporates pack-like storage pockets with detailed vest construction (just try counting all the bar tacks). Convenient, easy-to-use curved and straight coil zippers with two molded pockets offer easy access and a clean, fly-line friendly exterior. The Riverwalker Vest is a lightweight (M's 17.5oz and W's 17oz) and highly functional piece of fishing equipment. Mesh (our signature version) and stretch nylon construction; specifically designed storage for fly boxes, tippet, tools, etc.; integrated attachment points; removable fly patch and built in rod holder are all contained in it's framework. This vest has two center clip adjustments for a more form fit when desired. There are two vertical zippers on either side of the back allowing access without having to take the vest off. There is also a single horizontal pocket on the back intentionally placed high for additional boxes, spare spools, food or whatever. The collar is padded and covered in a wicking and odor resistant looped poly fabric and the shoulder pattern helps support the load. There's also a burly webbing loop placed on the back below the collar for carrying and hanging this vest when loaded. The W's version is designed to have a feminine fit. With all the attention that the Guidewater Vest has received I though it might be a good idea to shed light on it's product line companion. Both M's and W's Riverwalker Vest come in Forge Grey.
Detail photos by Rene Braun
Photo of Chris Owens with taimen courtesy of AEG

The hole story

All of us who wear waders have heard of an old saying which goes something like this “Every pair of waders either leaks or is waiting to leak.” Why is this a commonly held belief? It may be because of the fact that we ask waders to allow us to trudge unscathed through brush and thicket containing Mother Nature’s myriad of thorny and pointed creations. Maybe it has something to do with the fact we kneel down on rocky banks and in stream beds with them or sit on whatever we feel like sitting on while wearing them. It may also have something to do with what I call Vampire flies which like to feed on blood. These flies seek to embed themselves into flesh but sometimes (if you’re lucky) they only find your hat, wader or jacket. Barbed wire is a cousin of the Vampire fly and has been known to draw blood but prefers to just tear into stuff. Lastly, this leaky belief could also be connected to how we treat our waders which often means “riding them hard and putting them away wet.” Whatever the reason, leaks do happen even to the best of waders. The good news is that they are often easily repaired (all Patagonia waders come with a repair kit). Patagonia’s Creative and Quality teams have put together a little instruction guide for wader repair that just may prove useful to you someday. Brian Bennett (Fly Fishing Sales Manager) has taken this guide and turned it into a modern day “e-zine” making it accessible and easy to research because rarely do anglers keep all the little pieces of paper and tags that come with new waders. Check it out and may your waders always keep you dry.

Thorn photo by Brian Bennett
Vampire fly photo courtesy of Justin Crump

Footprint Chronicles

The Way Upstream community has been vocal in its appreciation for the transparency that this blog provides with regard to gear for fishing. It has given the community a voice that didn't really exist before. Well Patagonia has taken things a few footsteps further by becoming the first major apparel manufacturer to track and expose the social and environmental impact of building specific products through The Footprint Chronicles, an interactive website that reveals to consumers the good and the bad involved in manufacturing outdoor clothing such as Synchilla fleece vests and rain shells. In a bold move that might make most companies nervous, Patagonia is determined to be candid and forthright about its impact on the environment and created the site to encourage dialog with its customers who are concerned about the environment.

"Our customers are scientists, activists, professors, doctors and more – they have the collective experience and knowledge we’re looking for," said Casey Sheahan (Patagonia CEO). "We’re highlighting exactly what happens in the manufacturing process and asking customers for their suggestions and help in efforts to find solutions to our less sustainable practices. It’s a unique dialogue to engage in – but one that will ultimately allow us to cause less harm to the planet."

According to Jill Dumain, Patagonia’s director of environmental programs, the research involved in developing the Chronicles has proved to actually drive major business decisions at Patagonia. The Chronicles revealed that transportation makes up only about 1 percent of our overall energy use,” said Dumain. “Had we listened to the current media buzz touting transportation as the largest factor in energy consumption, we might have greatly misplaced our efforts by making strides to geographically shorten our supply chain – which would have massively impacted our business financially, logistically and perhaps even effected product quality – and we would only have reduced our energy savings by 1 percent. Instead, we are focusing our energy on areas where we can truly make a difference – right in the heart of the manufacturing process."

The launch of The Footprint Chronicles puts into practice a prototype that hopes to inspire other companies to increase their transparency, and at the very least, raise awareness.

The Footprint Chronicles includes more than 35 filmed interviews and slideshows of factory workers, farmers, owners, designers and third-party auditors to provide an unprecedented level of transparency both internally and externally - from the factories and manufacturing partners that create its products, to the end of the product’s lifespan.

Press release excerpt by Jenn Rapp

Factory photo by Steve Swartzendruber
Footprint photo by Tim Borski

Insulator Pant

Wading can be a little chilly after breakup but there's no need to go numb below the waist just because you fish in cold water. The Insulator Pant serves as a warm buffer between you and your waders. They're made of eco-friendly polyester (51% recycled) double-faced fleece (brushed on both sides for loft and warmth) with a moisture-wicking finish. Details: elasticized waistband with drawcord and a brushed tricot lining, two tricot-lined front pockets, one zippered hip pocket and tapered cuffs for a smooth, low friction underwader fit. They are recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program. I know many of you have expressed appreciation for the old El Cap pants. The Insulator Pant was cloned from the rootstock of that classic style.

Photos by Rene Braun

Ray blockers

Sun protective clothing is fast becoming a staple offering from outdoor and fishing retailers. Consumers are more aware of the dangers of UV exposure and see the benefits of UPF rated gear. The Sun Mask (UPF 15) and Sunshade Shirt (UPF 30) are both pictured above on Craig Amacker (Fontana Sports Specialties) while on recent a trip to Ascension Bay. Click on the bold text for more details. One word of caution though, if you wear the Sun Mask for activities other than fly fishing or if you walk into your local gas station or convenience store with it on be ready for some strange looks. On an environmental note, both the Sun Mask and Sunshade Shirt are recylable through the Common Threads recycling program and the Sun Mask is made of 100% recycled polyester.

Photos courtesy of Craig Amacker

Old School

February 28th marks the anniversary of the very first Way Upstream post. I would like to thank everyone who has visited and especially those who have joined conversations and made their voices heard over the past year. I consider Way Upstream to be a group effort and I feel fortunate to have a global community of people involved who are willing to gauge risk, share ideas and to take action. Keep it up. Now that Way Upstream has reached the one year milestone do you think this blog can be officially referred to as "old school"?

Advertising

I've heard a lot of dialogue about advertising over the last few months. As is with most things, opinions vary. I don't have a marketing background but I'm starting to develop preferences. I began to wonder what the Way Upstream community thought about this topic. Here's a look at the latest Watermaster II ad soon to run (full page). Sorry about the low res image. The wader copy reads "Our proprietary fabric and barrier technology is the toughest, most puncture resistant on the market. The waders feature our innovative internal suspender system that allows for relief without removing jacket or vest and provides a measure of safety for unplanned swims." The ad image is a shot from the AEG Mongolian trip. There is a small block of copy (bottom left) that highlights this. It says "The AEG Fish Bums decompress after 16 hours of chasing taimen in Mongolia."

The product shot approach to ads is a bit of a new direction for Patagonia Team Fish. Let me know what you think. I'd be curious to hear any and all thoughts on effective advertising. Are there any memorable ads that stand out for you (any brand)? If there are any marketers out there, feel free to share thoughts on modern day marketing strategies/directions.

Photos by Tim Pask

Guidewater Jacket

I wanted to post a bit more detail on this new jacket since comments have been generated. Here's copy that Dylan Tomine (pictured right) penned for this style, "Pounding into the teeth of a Nor’Easter or swinging tips through the deluge, the Guidewater Jacket keeps you fishing comfortably long after other anglers have headed for the barn. This jacket combines our best knowledge of fabrics, design and technology to create a full-featured piece of angling equipment. Waterproof/breathable, 3-layer stretch nylon along with a longer cut make this the shell of choice for skiff, bayboat and jet sled guides. The ergonomically placed pockets and custom, dual-density “fish pulls” (which vastly improve waterproof reverse-coil zipper function) put everything you need at your fingertips. Tuck-away hood won’t flap in the wind. The brushed-fleece lined collar and handwarmer pockets provide decadent comfort. More fishing-specific details include: glued-in waterproof zippers; mesh pockets, waterproof interior pocket, glued on exterior pocket, zinger/tool daisy chain; rod holder; forceps/glasses loop; modified Stretch Coat cuffs."

Topher Browne (pictured below) has been testing the piece and had this to say about the GWJ, "I tested the new Guidewater Jacket in some particularly nasty conditions during the late Fall in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (sub-freezing air temperatures, driving rain/snow while standing in a 42-degree F. river). The jacket performed flawlessly and gets a major thumbs up."

Photos courtesy of Dylan Tomine and Rene Braun

World Trout

The mission of World Trout is to identify individuals and groups that protect native fish, tell their story and support their conservation efforts. Since its inception in January, 2005 (through March 31, 2007), anglers purchased 41,612 World Trout t-shirts and raised $208,060. World Trout supporters have also been seeking out grassroots groups to donate funds and volunteer their time. Patagonia plans to continue the World Trout efforts which help provide funding for groups who protect fish and enhance natural habitats. Help support grassroots groups in your local areas (fresh and saltwater) by volunteering your time and/or providing financial support. In the case of World Trout, simply buying a limited edition, organic cotton t-shirt can help protect species at home and around the world. Click on the bold text to learn more. Visit a Patagonia Dealer or Patagonia Retail Store near you.

Click here to watch a short video on artist and World Trout co-founder James Prosek.

Mongolia teaser

The crew at AEG has released a teaser for their Mongolia film. I asked Thad Robison for his thoughts now that the short segment is ready and the film tour eminent. Here's what he had to say:

"We have been working nonstop for months in the editing studio putting together the Mongolia film. Finally getting a teaser out there to share with the public has us all feeling pretty good. We are still plugging away night and day putting the finishing touches on the full length feature. It’s coming together nicely and the footage still blows us away. We finished up the Film Tour piece this week which we will be taking out on the road starting January 30th at the Patagonia HQ in Ventura before we head out to the other 60+ cities across the country. The film tour cut will give people a really good sneak peak on what we have in store for them on the full length film."

Double Haul

There seemed to be a lot of interest in fishing packs so I hauled together a bunch of pix and words to illustrate one of the revised styles in the Patagonia S8 line. The Double Haul is a modular, multi-functional pack designed to meet the needs of the multi-dimensional angler. It's been redesigned to separate into components. The padded shoulder strap can be disconnected from both the front and back pack. That's what makes the modularity possible. The padded connecter has a tool slot and you can stick on a fly patch if desired. The back pod is large enough to carry a compressible jacket or insulation and standard size hydration reservoir plus it converts to a stand-alone waist or sling pack. The front pack organizes fly boxes and other necessities and can be used separately as a chest or sling pack too. Details include: 8.8-oz nailhead nylon dobby and polyurethane coated 420-denier pack cloth construction; back hydration pack can hold a rod tube in it’s tunnel, two attachment points can accommodate pin back, post and clip retractors; magnetic tool loop. Check out all the Double Haul posts below for more detail. Click on the pix for larger views. Also note that some images show the old Gi II pants, revised Sunshade Shirt, new Sun Mask and new Surf Sneakers. (Hydration reservoir, retractor and hemos shown above are not included.)

Photos by Tim Davis

Double Haul - Chest Pack

The front pack (Single Haul) can be worn solo as a chest pack by connecting the neck and waist straps . The pack is narrow but tall so you can fit large boxes in it and still see your feet.

Photos by Tim Davis

Double Haul - Front Pack Sling

The front pack has been nicknamed the Single Haul and is very useful worn on its own. It's an ideal minimalist pack that will hold large fly boxes vertically and a standard size bottle of water. The neck strap is needed to create a 3 point connection which allows the user to swivel the Single Haul from back to front and back again very easily. You can also substitute your stretch wader belt (shown above) in place of the one that comes with the Double Haul to avoid doubling up on belts.

Photos by Tim Davis

Double Haul - Back Pack Sling

This picture series shows how the hydration pod can be worn "sling style" on its own. This is a high riding set up which is great when wading deep or dodging waves. The back pack tunnel can serve a variety of angling needs. The tunnel can serve as a rod or water bottle holder. The rod tube can be lashed at one of the web loops. These web loops can be used to tend a pair of hemos and more.

Photos by Tim Davis, Joe Ziepniewski and Janice Parente

Double Haul - Hip Pack

The hydration pod portion of the Double Haul can be worn as a hip pack once detached. The hydration feature remains functional and you can see that there is still retractor attaching capability.

Photos by Tim Davis

Double Haul - Mixed Bag

This shot shows the front pack worn sling style with the back pod in waist pack mode. Another configuration would be Single Haul in chest pack mode with back pod worn as a hip pack. The back pod has a "tunnel" which can stow a water bottle. The tunnel can also be used for a variety of other purposes depending on how the pack is worn.

Photo by Rene Braun

Double Haul - Magnetic Loop

This picture shows the Double Haul magnetic accessory loop and a good view of the new "fish pull" which is a signiture detail on all the fish products. The magnet makes for a great place to temporarily place a fly when changing patterns and is also strong enough to hold hemos. The picture shows how the magnet in the loop holds nippers from dangling.

Photo by Rene Braun

Double Haul - Drainage

Double Haul drainage details were paid great attention. The packs are not completely waterproof (not seam sealed) but they resist liquid penetration (coated fabrics with a DWR) and they won't hold water....because it always seems to find a way in.

Photo by Rene Braun