I used to have regular stuff and fishing stuff. There was a hard line of demarcation that was basically drawn by where a certain article of clothing or piece of gear came from. Orvis and Cabela’s stuff was fishing stuff. Eddie Bauer and Target stuff was regular stuff.

Then one day I realized that my fishing sunglasses were infinitely better than the sunglasses I kept in my glovebox. Why was I compromising? Why didn’t I want clearer, lighter, and more comfortable sunglasses while I was driving? Sure, they could get dropped or sat on. But they don’t have a finite number of uses built in, such that walking around town in them would cause them to spontaneously combust.

Once I came to this (obvious, simple, etc.) realization, it completely changed the way I bought and used gear. Here are a few thoughts on the matter:

Cost

Good fly fishing gear isn’t cheap. Take the Costa del Mar sunglasses I’m wearing in the picture above, for example. If you’re only getting out fishing a few times a month in the season, can you justify $200+ on a pair of polarized lenses? Maybe; maybe not. If you’re also enjoying the benefits of high-end sunglasses as you drive, walk, and simply live it is another story all together.

I still love finding a deal. But I’ve accumulated enough quality fly fishing (and general outdoors) gear to know that good stuff  usually comes from somewhere higher than the bottom shelf. Using it more makes spending more make more sense.

Comfort

A lot of fly fishing guides can be found in Simms sun shirts even when they’re not on the water. They wear Orvis button-downs to events, and they’re not doing it to advertise. I wear this kind of fly fishing clothing to the office or when I go out because it is legitimately comfortable and well made. Never once have I thought “people are going to notice the tiny Redington tag on this jacket.”

Most angling clothing is designed to keep your temperature regulated, keep you dry, and keep you from irritating things like chaffing or pinching. I don’t know about you, but I desire all those things all the time. Feeling good is a 24/7 pursuit, not something I save for the water.

Compartmentalization

I do still keep some things set aside.  Usually, though, it has to do with very fishing-specific form and function.  Long hems, extra pockets, and (sometimes) gaudy colors are reserved for the woods.

I also find WalMart stuff that makes its way into the same gear bag as all my premium fly fishing items. Although I peruse fly shops for my stuff, I’m ultimately label-agnostic.

---

What do you think? Am I overthinking this or am I stating what needs to be stated?

Do you have a favorite piece of gear that gets used more out on the town than out on the stream?

Let me know in the comments below: