Pocket Water Skwala Fusion 3/2 Puffy ($299; skwalafishing.com)
Skwala is coming on strong in the fishing world (probably stronger than anyone, including the company itself, thought possible since Skwala launched just over a year ago). But that’s attributable to the simple facts that the company understands and loves fly fishing, and it designs and makes good, detail-oriented stuff. We’re going to get into waders, rain jackets of different weights, base layers that really take Merino wool to new levels, and all that, later. But for now, we’re going to recommend the one hoody/jacket piece that we’ve been wearing most often, any time the temperature dips under 60 degrees F. The notable attribute of this puffy (besides warmth) is range of motion. It isn’t stiff; it isn’t crinkly… it’s soft, and supple like a sweatshirt. And that ultimately helps you do “fishy” things better… like row a boat, or cast a fly rod. It’s a really smart, utilitarian piece of outerwear. —KD
Bajio Toads Sunglasses (Bajio Toads; $209)
Fish like you give a damn. A statement repeated on the Bajio website. A statement in which I take to heart working in cold-water conservation for Trout Unlimited. Bajio has shown that it gives a damn simply by creating quality products that support organizations like Trout Unlimited on top of the 100 percent plant-based frames which are biodegradable and recyclable as well. I had the opportunity to put the Toads through their paces this summer and wasn’t disappointed. Rowing, fishing, hunting and even biking after forgetting my bike specific pair at home. Not once did they let me down. More specifically, the rose mirror lenses suited nearly all those endeavors. Purchasing from a company that gives a damn is my personal preference and most likely the vast majority of those reading TROUT Magazine. —Josh Duplechian
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