Fishpond Thunderhead Padded Inserts

Fishpond Thunderhead bags and packs are one of the best fishing product lines. Due to being very durable, waterproof, use of recycled material and a great lineup of fishpond accessories to customize your pack. One feature that the Thunderhead line doesn’t do great, is offer much for pockets/ organizing inside of their packs. One accessory that will help fix that problem is by adding a padded insert. All three backpack, lumbar and sling inserts greatly improve your ability to organize your pack and give fragile items some great protection. Fishpond states that the inserts only are compatible with their thunderhead line, but I was curious if the inserts would work with other manufactured packs. I’ll go through each insert and list what packs would benefit from adding an insert.

First up is the Thunderhead Backpack Insert

This was the most compatible out of the three inserts with external dimensions 11” x 11” x 8”.

Thunderhead Backpack Padded Insert

Simms Dry Creek Z Backpack

There was very little wasted space and was almost a perfect fit, just a little room at the corners. The Dry

Creek has a more square bottom where the Thunderhead is more rounded/ tapered bottom.

Fishpond Wind River Roll-Top Backpack

Another great fit, very little wasted space in the corners and on the side.

Grundens Wayward Roll Top Backpack 38L

This one was a little tricky to install but once in the fit was really nice with little wasted space.

Simms Dry Creek Rolltop Backpack

This wasn’t the best fit but would work. I believe once loaded up with goods it would fill in the gaps

between the bag and the insert.

Simms G3 Guide Backpack

Since this bag is 50L vs the rest of the backpacks are 38L, I was skeptical on how it would fit. It doesn’t fill the bottom like the rest but the gap is big enough to give you usable space.

Backpacks that didn’t work are Fishpond's Firehole, Fishpond's Ridgeline, Grundens Bootlegger 30L,

and Simms Freestone. Here's what the Bootlegger looked like.

Second up is the Thunderhead Lumbar Padded Insert

There was only one pack beside Fishpond's Thunderhead Lumbar pack that worked. The external dimensions of 14” x 5” x 4”.

Simms Dry Creek Z Sling

The Z Sling wasn’t big enough for the Thunderhead Sling insert, but the Thunder Lumbar fit really well. The insert is big enough to fill the width of the pack, but is a little short in length. There's enough room that you could move the insert one way and have enough room on the side of the insert and the pack.

Third up is Thunderhead Sling Padded Insert

I could not find another pack in our shop that would fit/work, but would be a great addition to your

Thunderhead Sling. The external dimensions are 17” x 6”x 6”.

In Conclusion, the Thunderhead Padded Inserts are a great addition to any pack that will fit the inserts.

The Backpack insert was the most compatible by fitting in Simms Dry Creek Z Backpack, Fishpond Wind River Rolltop Backpack, Grundens Wayward Roll Top Backpack 38L,Simms Dry Creek Roll Top Backpack and Simms G3 Guide backpack. The Lumbar Insert works great in Simms Dry Creek Z Sling and the Sling Insert only will only work with the Thunderhead Sling. I hope this helps you get out on the water and enjoy yourself.

Callum

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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Umpqua ZS2 Steamboat Sling Pack - New for 2020

The Steamboat ZS2 Sling carries like a fully-supported backpack leaving your line-of-sight and range-of-motion free up front.

Perfect for spey and switch fishermen. A thumb-loop allows for easy "slinging” from back to front for quick access to essentials.

 A large main compartment easily holds a light rain jacket, lunch and boat box, while a secondary face pocket is great for accessory organization and smaller boxes storage.

Buy Umpqua Packs here...

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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G. Loomis IMX Pro Spey Rod

John gets excited about IMX Pro Spey Rod Series

John Garret - Veteran Guide: Gorge Fly Shop Product Specialist covers the G. Loomis IMX Pro Short Spey and puts it to the test in the video above.

Hey guys this is John from the Gorge Fly Shop and I'm here to chat with you today about the new G Loomis IMX Pro short spey trout rods.

A long time ago I turned a passion into a profession with a long time guiding career and now working at the Gorge Fly Shop all along the way I've been a huge Loomis fan. So I'm really excited about the IMX Pro Series rods, which were designed from the idea of fulfilling the needs of discriminating professional guides.

With today's efficient and versatile modern short head, line systems being a popular and practical solution for many common casting and presentation issues there was a need for a true Spey taper in a trout spey rod. Recognizing this issue Tom Larimer and Steve Rajeff of G. Loomis, joined forces to create a collection of true spey action rods, crafted to meet the performance characteristics of this new breed of fly lines.

The IMX Pro short spey trout rods are ideal for folks who are already into the two-handed game for steelhead, and want to expand their love beyond steelhead fishing. This allows the angler to fish a two handed rod all year long from multiple species. The conduit core technology used in these rods allows for a ridiculously light rod that sacrifices nothing when it comes to durability, line speed, and ease of casting.

The IMX Pro's short trout spey rods are light and in the right spots. Traditionally as the blank diameter increases, so does the total amount of material being used. This was the only way of ensuring strength and durability in the bottom half of the rod until now. Conduit Core technology replaces excess wraps of graphite with a material of similar strength that's lighter in weight. This improves efficiency and reduces fatigue of fishing situations that require the animation of chunky flies, popping, chugging, stack mending, reach casting, and other repetitive motion.

The IMX pro short trout spey rods come in five models from 3 - 7 weight and are 11' 11 inches in length making them perfect for executing short swings and managing tight fishing conditions.

My favorite being the 4wt. 11' 11" for trout. With the progressive flex, fast action, and plenty of power, the IMX Pro short spey rods jack a cast with ease. Built to the demanding specifications of professional fishing guides the IMX Pro Series is comprised of 15 purpose-driven designs to meet the performance demands of  modern fly fishing.

The IMX Pro short spey trout rods deliver series performance at a beautiful price point, making them a perfect tool for today's modern trout fishing needs.

More information on the new IMX Pro Series rods both singlehand and spey: Contact Us Today.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

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Simms Headwaters Large Sling Pack review

Simms Headwaters Large Sling Pack

Ask me if one perfect pack exist. I can answer that question in one word; NO! That’s an easy answer because the right pack is determined by your needs at that moment in time of use. Example; If it is summer and you plan on being out all day hiking in the sunshine than hydration will play a key importance to your function…for this I like a full-on backpack with hydration bladder, But that’s a bit bulky for the evening run and gun to your honey hole were you will only need some of your favorite flies and tippet. The packs I would equip myself for these two situations are obviously quite different. I’m not about to go into what I think you should use each type of pack for or what pack is best for you. It’s a personal choice and only you know what your needs is on your adventures. 

My idea of a perfect pack no matter what size or style may be is a pack that stays organized and items do not become lost. A pack has to be comfortable so that it’s forgotten while wearing it. It has to have enough flash to easily be seen for the times you do remove it so as to not get forgotten and left behind. Easy access to the tools you need is quite important. I’m sure we could brainstorm many more requirements of a great pack but I would like to get on with a new pack that has me pretty excited.

I have been slinging waist packs over my shoulder for years before any company ever named a pack a “Sling Pack”. But waist packs or chest packs thrown over the shoulder never quite met my needs and wearing a waist pack or a chest pack just always seemed to be in my way. Especially now that I Two Hand cast so much of the time, a chest pack is absolutely out of the question. On longer days I normally go with a backpack for the hydration capabilities enough space for lunch and all my needed gear. They do have the disadvantage of having to remove it to get to things but I can attach my tools and carry a fly box in my wader pocket for the basic needs.

Simms Headwaters Sling Pack in Lead Color

What I needed was a pack for all those other times such as short morning or evening adventures, and day adventures that don’t take me too far away from the truck and winter adventures where I don’t need to carry more than a 20 oz bottle of water or small thermos of coffee but still roomy enough to stuff a layer in it for the hike out or pack a PB&J for some stream-side energy. I also like to make sure I’m equipped with a good variety of flies and plenty of leaders, tips and tippet. Tools are a major importance to me. They need to always be at reach.

The Simms Headwaters Sling pack has all these needs covered and I can comfortably wear it all day and honestly forget about it being on my back. When I need something it slings around easily and the pockets are upright directly in front of you. The tools are also right at reach. You can equip it with tools on the pack and on the strap also so you always have tools were you need them no matter where the pack is. I really like the clamp holders and so far the magnets have been strong enough to keep them secure. Another great feature is the hideaways for the accessory straps. Tuck the rod and waist straps when not in use and you have no loose straps dangling around. I quickly figured out to use the back pocket (the one closet to your body) for larger items like a bottle of water and it’s perfect to stuff a fleece layer in when things warm up. The large front pocket holds my extra flies and leaders and the outermost pocket is perfect for the flies and tippet that I am currently using. The inside of this pocket is compatible with Simms hook and loop items such as the Simms Fly Patch. I have one of these stuck to the inside of that pocket to hang my wet flies to dry. The removable hook and loop floatant and tippet-spool retainers are also a nice feature. Just stick them on the outside of the pack while using them or stash them away when you’re not using them.

Simms Headwaters Sling Pack (smaller version)

Simms also makes the Headwaters Sling pack in a smaller version pictured here to the right shown in the Fury Orange color.

I am angler that likes to lean toward the minimalist approach. The large Headwaters Sling pack has a roomy 15 liter capacity but it feels compact, comfortable to wear all day and gives me the security of knowing I have what I need for any situation I may encounter. I've never had a pack that I liked as much as the Headwaters Sling Pack.

Greg Darling

Gorge Fly Shop 
Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

Features and Specs - 

• Lightweight pack for a full day on the water – pack in all your gear & fish on the go 
• 2 large zippered compartments with stretch mesh pockets 
• Quick-access stash pocket beneath the waistband allows easy access without slinging pack all the way around 
• Compression molded front pocket creates a fold-down workspace 
• Removable hook & loop floatant holder & tippet-spool retainer 
• FABRIC TECH: 420 Denier Abrasion resistant fabric with DWR 
• APPROX. WEIGHT: 32 oz 
• CAPACITY: 15 liters, 915.36 cubic in. 
• DIMENSIONS: 20” x 14” x 8”

Simms Representative Eric Neufeld demonstrates the functionality of the New Simms Headwaters Sling Pack at the 2013 I-CAST / IFTD Show in Las Vegas

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Kast Steelhead Glove - Gear Review

"HARDCORE PROTECTION FOR EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS!"

Kast Steelhead Gloves (Photo credit: Kast Gear)

Product: Kast Gear “Steelhead Glove” – Retail $79.99 (Ships Free in U.S.)

According to Kast Gear - in their words:

"The Kast Steelhead Glove is hardcore protection for extreme environments. Designed for cold environments, OutDry Technology creates a 100% submersible waterproof, windproof, and breathable glove. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a snow squall chasing chrome, or tailing a trophy King, your hands will be warm and dry.

OutDry Waterproof Technology: Totally waterproof, windproof, and breathable. The OutDry membrane is directly bonded to the glove’s outer shell, eliminating the ability for wind and water to penetrate through the sewn seams of the shell, keeping hands 100% dry and warm."

Gloves? I don’t need no stinkin gloves!

100% Submersible, Waterproof,
Windproof, and Breathable!

So, I answer the phone at the Gorge Fly Shop recently and on the other end I hear a voice, the voice of Colby Hackbarth, the president of Kast Gear. He begins to chat about a glove that he thought we might like to carry. The conversation takes a turn to include a 100% waterproof glove. I’ll admit, I’ve tried them in the past and was disappointed every time, so I started to drift off and think about that 20 pound mint condition winter steelhead I’m gonna swing up this winter. He started telling me about the “Steelhead Glove” and how it works, its characteristics, its technology, and how your hands stay completely dry even while tailing steelhead. I snap back into the conversation and embarrassingly reply… “Wait, what?” (I have teens and they often come into the middle of a conversation and say this). I dislike the phrase, but due to the nature of the conversation and being totally caught off guard, it’s the first thing that popped out of my mouth. So, Colby kindly repeats the information again. We’re on the same page now.

Because of my previous history with gloves, pretty much just gloves in general, I decided a long time ago that I just wouldn’t bother with them. They were uncomfortable, awkward, leaked when they were supposed to be waterproof, too bulky, they were a hassle to take off every time I needed to do something, and if they got wet, became useless to me. I never once in all the years of guiding for steelhead, even in the middle of winter, ever wore gloves. Even cutting and splitting firewood I wouldn’t wear gloves. I despised them! Maybe I’m hard headed, but that’s just me. Working at the Gorge Fly Shop that feeling is mutual with a number of customers when the discussion is about gloves.

OutDry Glove Technology

That said, Colby was taking a huge chance, to send me a pair of the Steelhead Gloves to field test. So, I agreed to give the “Steelhead Glove” a solid shot. I figured that it had been so long since I even bothered that it was worth the effort. I thought technology has had to advance over the years since I last tried such a glove. Next thing I know, a package arrives, and I immediately open them, and give them a serious look over. Inspecting every last seam, I even go online to their website to watch the little video clip (below) which shows the construction of the glove. I took them home and purposefully (not that I need an excuse to go to the river) went to the river the next morning to “field test” them.

OutDry Technology

Listen, I was born in St. Louis, MO. In case you didn’t know, that’s the show me state. And it’s true, I have that kind of attitude…oh yeah? show me! I put the gloves on and immediately notice a snug fit as my hand slips through the wrist section of the glove, then as my hand inserted into the fingers they seated nicely. They fit like a glove (no pun intended). Not bulky as I remembered gloves to be in the past. They were more of a mechanics type glove feel. I immediately notice the comfortable, warm fleece lining inside. So far, so good, I thought to myself. I closed the Velcro strap and drowned those puppies for nearly 3 minutes to prove they weren’t waterproof. After I took my hands out of the water, I didn’t even have to take the gloves off to realize that my hands were bone dry! I thought back to the last pair of waterproof gloves I tried and that they were made of neoprene and even though they were waterproof they weren’t sweat proof. They didn’t breath, which is a huge deal with a so called waterproof glove. If my hands sweat inside the glove and it can’t breathe and evaporate, well my hands don’t stay dry…they will even become cold from the sweat. So, not only are they absolutely 100% waterproof…they are breathable! Big deal to me!

Full Synthetic Grip

One of the major issues with me and gloves is the loss of “feel” when wearing them. I can honestly say that after about 10 minutes of wearing them I became used to them. I could even feel my Rio Slickshooter running line during my casting stroke. Anyone who has used Slickshooter knows that one of the drawbacks of a mono running line is that it can slip from your grip as you perform the casting stroke. Well, the palm material of the glove virtually eliminated any slippage. I even purposely held my SlickShooter loosely to see if I could get it to slip. I am pleased to tell you that it actually helped eliminate an occasional slip. This is an added bonus, I don’t think Colby thought about. Something they did think about, which seems totally random, but usable, is the soft nose wipe section on the thumbs, guaranteed somebody will be using that little feature right there in the middle of this winter. And yet another sweet thing about the Steelhead Glove is that the grip is full synthetic, which allows for easy grip in wet conditions, even while handling fish, minimalizing slime removal, unlike many other gloves which harm fish due to slime removal while handling. Major bonus!

Kast Gloves: Testing!

Bottom line from an ex-glove hater:

Worth every penny of the $79.99 price tag! I will definitely be wearing the “Steelhead Glove” this winter, I crap you negative! If you were like me, skeptical and just a down right glove hater, I encourage you to take a strong look at Kast Gears Steelhead Glove. Give them a serious shot. I’m glad I did. Don’t forget, if you use the snot spot, make sure you wash the gloves once in awhile…

Steelhead Glove Features:

• Patented OutDry membrane for true submersion waterproofness 
• Wind resistant yet extremely breathable 
• 4-way stretch construction for a snug comfortable fit 
• Thin anatomical cut for maximum feel and dexterity 
• Fleece lined for warmth
• Grippy rubberized fingers and palm for equipment control 
• Palm material minimizes slime loss and damage to fish including anadromous species 
• Soft nose wipe on thumbs
• Rubberized logo wrist closure for easy grab 
• Rubberized wrist cuffs

Sizing Chart:

(Measure the circumference of the palm)

Glove sizing chart: Call 541.386.6977 for  questions.

John Garrett

Gorge Fly Shop

"THE KAST STEELHEAD GLOVE IS HARDCORE PROTECTION

FOR EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS."

Kast Steelhead Gloves
"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Review: Redington Dually 7130-4 13’ 7wt Spey Rod

Pictured is the eye appealing Redington Dually Spey Rod. Its light in hand, attractive to the eye and it won’t break the bank to get one. At only $249.95 it is worth a serious consideration if you want to get into a Spey or Switch rod, or need a backup rod!

According to: Redington, in their words: Our new collections of switch and Spey rods are built on high-end performance and sweet style at less than half the cost of the competition. Half the cost! The Dually at $249 offers an array of modern cosmetics, with a traditional cork handle and reel seat, and a burgundy matte finish. This thing casts and flows tips like fine wine. Two hands are better than one.

My take: I recently had the pleasure of taking the Redington Dually 7130-4, 13’ 7wt Spey Rod out for a ride. Let me start out by saying that in this day and age of high tech and high dollar Switch and Spey rods it was refreshing to use a rod that I would easily and eagerly recommend to someone who is looking for a bargain or is on a tight budget and yet would still enjoy fishing with it.

The Redington Dually is a perfect example. When it comes to a great deal, in my mind Redington’s new Dually, at the M.S.R.P. of $249.95 would be a go to rod and the added bonus of a Lifetime Warranty doesn’t hurt its cause either. This is the perfect entry level rod that’s easy on the eyes and easy on the pocket book. I also think that it would make a perfect back up rod for someone who may need one in a pinch. I found it very smooth and very easy to cast, and yet had lots of power. It’s an easy rod to fall in love with and I believe it’s a better rod than the $249.95 price tag suggest. In other words, for your money, all things considered, at this price you can’t go wrong!