If you were to ask me 10 or 20 years ago about Umpqua, I would either tell you it is a great Steelhead river on the west coast or one of three major players in the world distribution of hand tied flies with the likes of Jack Dennis, Andy Puyans and Dave Whitlock as a golden team of fly tyers. For those who aren’t connected to the world via social media, they might not think otherwise today. Little would they know UMPQUA FEATHER MERCHANTS has recently taken a bold and revitalized approach to their merchandise line of fly fishing accessories and apparel. Often, this can be a difficult task, the fly community can be resistant to change. I, being one of the guys who still appreciates having a vest with a minimum of 22 pockets for leader, sinkers, thing-a-ma-bob’s, tippet, fly boxes, dessicant, maps, hatch charts, tape measure and emergency Ziploc pack (matches and TP); to the new minimalist Waist or Chest Pack that allows for the adventurous angler to go further, wade deeper, climb easier and in more comfort than they ever have before.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to meet and chat with one of our region’s most notable representatives for Umpqua and got the chance to actually touch and feel an assortment of functional and sleek new boat bag, chest pack, backpack and waist packs from UFM. The colors are hot, but not in the Hunter Blaze Orange ‘see you-coming-from-a-mile away’ manner, but soothing hues of blue and slate grey/charcoal with a hint of olive. Number one priority in my book and many others is the price versus value or longevity. I will pay top dollar for guide gear when I know it will outlast me, or my seasons on the river. I think Umpqua nailed it on a variety of these packs and bags. Sensible waist packs, non-skid feet and reversible lid/workstation for the Famous Boat Bag, weather-proof zippers, hideaway pockets for shoulder straps on the Deadline 3500 wet/dry duffel and Surveyor 1100 Backpack, water bottle holder, hidden pockets for tippet and leader, magnets for resting overworked Stimulators- just to name a few of the innovative stand-outs on the Ledges 500 & 650 and Overlook 500 waist/chest packs.

I hope to do a more in-depth review of many of these bags as they become available to the public next month. I have the new UMPQUA Badge in my possession and can hardly wait for better weather to head out and put it to the test. Initial impression is very positive. I even had an A-HA, ‘Why didn’t I think of that? ‘ moment when I inspected it closely. The entire idea is to replace or substitute my often failing wool patch on the conventional fishing vest where, more often than not, I place tired Copper Johns to rest, or allow exhausted pearl elk-hair caddis a brief respite from active duty. My elders never gave me the forewarning that this patch was indeed the gateway to the other world, much like the closet in the attic in ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.” More flies have been donated to the land of Narnia due to my untutored practices and surely forming an alliance of their own to fight against the White Witch. The Badge is multi-faceted. Part magnet, part foam slotted strip, part Velcro and part carabiner for a variety of function.

The magnetic pad is tiny, but the entire badge is 3”x4”, and its primary purpose is for holding those dainty #18 RS2’s or WD40’s- I wouldn’t trust a #12 conehead muddler lest it join the leagues of previously lost flies preparing for battle with King Peter the Magnificent. Fourteen slotted strips allow for plenty of breathing space for a multitude of beadhead Hare’s Ears or parachute Adams. zixtro backpackThe back of the Badge has options for mounting on your boat or dashboard of the fishcar with the Velcro adhesive. giordano backpack malaysiaThere are also two separate pin attachments much like the nametag on your favorite wait-tron in red pinstripes at TGIFridays. longchamp backpack sbn

Versatile in form and function, the Badge is finished with a small 1.5” Cara-biner for quick attach and release from any variety of D-rings you may have on your vest or chest pack. Overall, I think it is a great little accessory and would make an excellent gift for the angler who already has everything or for the beginner who wants something cool and innovative. Until I can get out and cast a few dry flies and drift a few soft hackles, the fly assortment on my Badge are safe from the chilly waters of the White Witch.jansport adobe backpack review Umpqua Feather Merchants LLC produces and distributes hand-tied flies for fly fishing customers and anglers. ogio - bandit ii laptop backpack - blackIt offers steelhead dries and wets, wooly buggers and wooly worms, terrestrials, tarpon flies, streamers, and egg flies. veto pro pac laptop backpack

The company also provides fly-tying hackles, hooks, and tools; leader and tippet products, tippet spools, materials, and accessories; and fishing tools and gadgets. In addition, it offers T-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, hats, and coffee mugs. The company offers its products through fly shops, pro shops, wholesale distributors, and online retailers. Umpqua Feather Merchants LLC was founded in 1972 and is based in Louisville, Colorado.Umpqua is one of the world's largest and most respected fly fishing companies. Usually, they are known for things like Metz Hackle ( which they own), Tiemco hooks ( which they import) and flies ( which they make). has introduced a line of packs and bags designed for fly fishing. are well made and well thought out and were selected as the "Best of the Best" tackle accessories by Field and Stream Magazine for 2013. These are very nice bags with unique features you will like and they are Chest Pack: Full cushioned staps make for all day comfort on this chest

Back has a mess pocket to hold rain jacket and has a large loop toFront has a large pocket for tools and tippet . front creates an on stream work station. Tapered profile design allows for unhindered casting and fishing. Inside is a cream colored material so if flies, tools and such are dropped in the pack they can be seen easily. adjusting tabs and straps adjust for different sizes and heights. has rounded edges to avoid catching flies, leaders and tippets. and used with 1100 series backpack. Colors: Slate Grey and Moss Green Pack: This is a great waist pack that can be worn over the shoulder to rest on the hip and can be rolled around to rest in the middle of theAll day comfort and ventalation, belt is padded with air vented foam, while shoulder strap has some padding. Load adjusting side tabs to adjustFront hemostat grab and retractor station that have pockets to hold tippets. Weather proof main pocket with large round zipper and covered tabs that won't catch leaders.

Inside has a soft cream lining so you can find items dropped inside of pack ( like flies) . has d rings for net and low profile bottle holders, can be used with 1100Aluminum pack stay is built in to the belt to so the pack won't bunch when moved from back to front. Ideal for treks and day trips on the river and streams. Colors: Slate Grey or Moss Green Pack: Bigger brother to the Ledges 500. Has aluminum stay so the packInterior has a cream color so that if you drop a fly they canHas over 650 cubic inches of storage and an extra pocket to theBelt has same vented material as the 500, but has additional side pockets to store cell phones, keys ect. Dual bottle holders can hold drinks and comes with side ajustor tabs. Made of heavy duty material that is weather resistant and zippers are rounded so that flies and tippets don'tHas rubber loops to tie off tools. Backpack: This pack has a suspended aluminum stay for all day comfort. Has vented shoulder straps for extra comfort in hot weather .

a padded laptop compartment and is hydration compatable. to adjust weight and size. Pockets on sides hold rod tubes or water bottles. Can be used with all waist packs or chest packs and is ideal for back countryCan be used to carry cameras, waders, boots and other gear with large Wet/Dry Duffle: This is a duffle that can hold waders, wading shoes, rain jackets and all your other gear. This is a carry-on or travel duffle that will keep gear dry and ready to use and can store wet good. travel streaps, carry handles and is made of a heavy duty material. weather proof.with side compression adjustor tabs and pocket for plane tickets/passport. Colors: Slate Gray or Moss Green ( this is a light Sage Olive). ( Note: Due to size there may be additional cost in shipping, please email me for details. Bag: This is cool! Structured molded waterproof lid that serves as aHas 4 cup holders with elastic retainers. plier pocket, weather resistant primary zipper, external tippet pocket and