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The author chasing fat rainbow trout (and testing gear, of course) in Idaho’s spectacular White Cloud mountains. Photo: Brad Schmidt
Our testers loved the medium-fast action on the 8’6″ 5-weight Cabela’s Stowaway 6. Leave the included hard case at home-the cloth case is enough protection if you pack the rod with your tent poles. $150, 4.5 oz. incl. case, cabelas.com
Redington’s 5/6 Drift reel pairs perfectly with Scientific Anglers’ Sharkskin Ultimate Trout line, enabling gorgeous roll casts on a brushy lake. Reel, 3.9 oz., $99, redington.com, line, 1 oz., $99, scientificanglers.com
The closed cell foam Small Morell Fly Box is palm-sized and dirt cheap. It floats (even when full), holds a ton of flies, and is virtually indestructible. Magnetic closures open easily with one hand and won’t rust. $11, .8 oz., llbean.com
Testers appreciated the convenience of having hemostats and tippet close at hand with the Morning Star Fishing Lanyard. Spacer beads and rigid steel wire kept tools from becoming a tangled mess. $38 w/optional lens cloth, 2.6 oz., mslanyards.com
Buy your high lake flies from your favorite fly shop, or tie them yourself, as I did. My favorites, left to right: Damsel Nymph, black Foam Ant, Beetle, Adams, black Mini Leech. Fly tying basics: http://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/beginners/
The large-framed, gray-tinted Native Eyewear Trango sunglasses have polarized lenses, a must for cutting glare on the water’s surface. Bonus: interchangeable lenses are included, prescription lenses can be made. $149, 1 oz., nativeyewear.com
The small brim on Tilley’s Sou’Wester hat covers just enough sun, andat just over 3″ in the back, is narrow enough to wear with a pack. Great features: interior adjustment band keeps hat on head and a rear vent, which really works! $82, 3 oz., tilley.com