Traveling Angler 2011 TA_2012 | Page 17

ITINERARY 23 DUFFLE BAG Filson’s Large Wheeled Duffle Travel much and you’ll soon learn that wheeled bugs are the best way to hump your gear through the airport. Duh! You’ll also learn that a soft-sided duffle bag is most preferred by lodges. Knowing this in advance, you’ll do yourself a huge favor by owning Filson’s Wheeled Duffle. We use the large model and have nothing but good things to say about it. It comes with industrial strength wheels equipped with two ball-bearings, plus three braces on the bottom of the bag for support. The handle retracts and extends to 8 1/2 inches, plus it comes with a two-way brass zipper with leather pulls. Like anything Filson, it’s solid as a rock. MSRP $450 Filson.com 24 CLIPPERS Abel’s Nippers Consider a pair of Nippers from Abel your American Express card: Don’t leave home without them. Made in the USA, they’re constructed from anodized aluminum and the jaws are stainless steel then heat- treated. They come with a hook cleaner and they’re saltwater resistant. The true test is whether they can cut fishing line. They blow through mono and braid easily. A handy lanyard is available that hangs around your neck keeping them at the ready. We chal- lenge you to find a better, more useful pair of nippers. You won’t. MSRP $50 abelreels.com 25 BASEBALL HAT SSJ Sweet Lid A brimmed hat is a must to keep the sun off your face and help shade your eyes from the glare. Some would suggest a wide-brim hat that keeps the rays off your ears and neck, but we opt for the ball cap look. Pardon the shameless plug, but we can’t help but sug- gest a stylish lid from Salmon & Steelhead Journal. MSRP $19.95 salmonandsteelheadjournal.com 24 21 17 25 traveling angler 2012 15