Summer Gear Faves

Seems like it's about that time. Some of the gear I'm finding most enjoyable and/or useful this summer.

Rapid River Knife Works "Skinner" Knife

Whether camping, fishing, or just knocking around out in the woods, a good knife is a continually useful tool. And, if it can be a really nice one, that's a plus. I love this classic hunting knife, handmade in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Beautifully crafted blade, great ergonomics, and a super-nice sheath. Even a lifetime warranty.

White Industries ENO Eccentric Hub/ENO Freewheel

For single-speed mountain bikes, this combo is unbeatable. Chain tensioners suck, so unless you have an eccentric bottom bracket or track-style dropouts you've to tension the chain somehow -- enter the ENO Eccentric Hub. Perfect solution. Plus it's super smooth rolling and built like a tank. While it's pricey, the ENO Freewheel is the answer to cheesy, noisy cheapo freewheels. Even rebuildable. As an added benefit it has a really nice click sound when coasting! Great drivetrain solution. Bombproof.

Simms G4 Jacket

I've written about this one before for winter steelhead fishing. Well, after a couple of torrential summer rains, it amazes me even more. The most weatherproof garment I own, yet highly breathable. Easily the best hood design I've ever seen. Never in the way, but always does its job. Plus a gazillion pockets in all the right places. Not cheap, but worth every penny when the weather turns sour.

REI Camp Bed Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad

After a few tossin' and turnin' nights camping, I decided to invest in a better sleeping pad. Oh man, this is SUCH an improvement. I don't backpack, so it was all about comfort and not weight. Perhaps the best outdoor investment yet. Zzzzzzzzzz.......

Scott A2/Ross CLA/Rio Gold

My all-around summer fly rod; great for drys or nymphs on a wide range of rivers. Six weight is just right for punching through wind, but still enables delicate presentations. And Scott rods cast like butter. The Scott/Ross combo seems perfect. Can't wait to steelhead on Scott S3/Ross Momentum rig this Fall!

Enjoy the summer; Fall activities are right around the corner!

-Sean-