Alright, let’s all agree that under these conditions, you HAVE to let the fish be! All over the web you can see dried-up rivers, desperate pockets of water where fish are packed in — either hugging the bottom to stay cool or gasping at the surface for oxygen. It’s not like we didn’t know that water should be our top priority, or that intensive irrigation and groundwater pumping had zero impact on aquatic life and wildlife in general. We’re not about to turn this shopping list into a manifesto for saving our rivers — but we had to get this off our chest!
Bottom line — it’s hot out there, and when the temperatures drop and the water levels come back up, we’ll all be back out having a blast! But first:
Patagonia Men’s Capilene® Cool Sun Hoody – Fitz Roy Trout. There you have it — you get it now: you need to cover up, beat the heat, stay protected from the sun, and still feel comfortable without suffocating. The Cool Sun Hoody is exactly what you need — UPF 40+ sun protection, and with the trout logo on the back you can show the world what you’re all about. The hood lets you wear it over or under your cap (a must-have — though we’d always push for a hat). 99$, comes in two colors, feels great to wear — and the big bonus: extra-long sleeves with a thumb loop so you can ditch the mittens!
Patagonia Tropic Comfort Sun Tights. You got the memo — we’re not talking waders anymore, we’re talking wet wading, and these tights are the perfect summer companion. Lightweight, durable, breathable, quick-drying, and UPF 40+ sun protection — what more do you want? $95, available in two colors.
Patagonia Quandary Hiking Shorts 8″: This is a style we use at Le Mouching for wet wading, everyday wear, and even at the beach. The fabric is water-repellent and dries crazy fast when wet, the pockets are deep enough to stash gear you don’t mind getting soaked — your phone not included. Belt loops let you run a hip pack belt, which is a solid setup on the water. Available in 10″ — and three colors. $90
Patagonia Quandary Pants: Not a shorts guy? Not feeling the tights either? These are your answer. Technically the same deal as the shorts above, just with full-length legs — which some people simply prefer. Available in 3 colors, $99
Simms Wet Wading Sterling Socks (there are also neoprene booties out there — from Simms or Patagonia — but the beauty of regular socks is that they’re easy, versatile enough to wear off the water, and easier on the wallet. $30
Patagonia River Salt II Wading Boots: Plain and simple — we haven’t found anything better. Once we put these on, we never wanted to take them off. Lightweight, super easy to lace up, quick-drying, incredibly comfortable, and the Vibram sole grips like a suction cup. $349 (full review coming in July).
Cling Net Thermometer It’s the best and cheapest accessory you can get when it’s hot! This Thermometer is waterproof and tells you what to do with the fish and the water temperature. Sticks on the handle of your fishing net. 9$
Fishpond Thunderhear Submersible Pouch 3L. Small so you can hook it on your belt to go with your shorts or pants above. But big enough so you can put your precious things in it (keys, Phone) in an inside pocket and add what you need on the front, and as for your fly box, you’ll carry it in your pockets – shirt or pants. Fishing light is the best way to improve! 100$
Patagonia Spoonbill Merganzer Hat: Maybe not the sexiest hat out there, but hands down the most practical — lightweight, breathable, and that long brim will be the best investment you make all summer. And the kicker: it floats, so no more watching your hat drift downstream. €55, one color, with a chin strap to keep it where it belongs.
Hang tight — the heat can’t last forever, and before you know it you’ll be back on the water!