The January 2023 Gear Bag features new products from some of our favorite brands.
XTRATUF ADB Ice Nylon
xtratuf.com
As a resident of the 49th state, and in many other northern climates, you learn to endure some of the harshest winters on this planet. Through extensive field work, the team at XTRATUF identified a gap in the marketplace when it came to traction on wet and icy surfaces. The ADB Ice Nylon is the ultimate wet-weather winter boot. It’s constructed from an innovative, highly abrasion-resistant upper material coupled with TUFloft, a synthetic insulation made of hydrophobic fibers for water resistance and warmth. The ADB Ice Nylon features TUFdry, our waterproof breathable membrane, accompanied by a faux shearling lining. This boot features their Glacier Trek Pro outsole, a proprietary ice-gripping compound paired with an SRC-rated, slip-resistant rubber for the ultimate in slip resistance.
Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader
simmsfishing.com
The G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader leans in to its 20-year design and development history to yield the most performance-driven G3 to date. Compared to its predecessor, the new G3s boast a 7.5% increase in tongue tear strength, a 23% increase in standard puncture resistance, and an 84% increase in pinhole puncture resistance, all the while increasing breathability by 33%. Built with a highly breathable 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell upper, the real secret to these radical increases in durability and performance has to do with an all-new 4-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell fabric package found in the lower portion of the wader. In addition to the fabric, the new G3s, for the first time ever, now come equipped with an air-mesh suspender package that allow all-day comfort like never before. The durability of the built-in gravel guards has also been improved by removing the longstanding boot hook and including a reinforced seam on the bottom to eliminate fraying. Another small, but greatly appreciated detail is a new drop-in pocket on the inside of the wader.
Mustad Premium Knife Kit
mustad-fishing.com
This kit contains two fillet knives, a boning knife, and a sharpener, all housed in a roll-up bag. The fillet knives are 7” and 8”, while the boning knife sports a 9” blade. All three are made from German stainless steel, chosen to provide a combination of corrosion resistance and edge retention. Handles are ergonomically designed and comfortable in the hand.
Korkers Neo Arctic
korkers.com
The Korkers Neo Arctic features 8 mm of ultra-warm, waterproof, weather-ready neoprene to combat the world’s coldest regions. The OmniTrax Interchangeable Sole System provides traction on the fly; you can easily change soles as conditions or terrains demand. The boots sport 16 inches of 100% waterproof, vulcanized-rubber construction to keep feet bone dry. In addition, a cozy fleece lining provides unmatched warmth. A reinforced heel counter provides performance heel-and-ankle fit, plus the boots incorporate an adjustable top gusset. A shock-absorbing EVA midsole offers underfoot comfort and increased stability and support. Comfort rated down to -60º, these boots provide slip-on comfort with enhanced heel-kick for easy, hands-free removal. At 16” tall, Neo Arctic boots weigh 5 pounds, 10 ounces per pair and are available in whole sizes from 8 to 14.
ROSCO EZ Clip
roscoinc.com
These clips are essentially a snap that does not need to be opened, making them a great replacement for your typical Coastlock or McRosco (scissor style) snaps. A bait, swivel or leader can be wound right on and off, while maintaining a small profile. Test strengths include 25-, 50-, 75-, 125- and 175 pounds. The clips are available in stainless-steel or black-oxide finishes and like all ROSCO products, they are made in the USA.
LEM MaxVac Pro Chamber Vacuum Sealer
lemproducts.com
This chamber vacuum machine produces vacuum-packed fish and game that is superior to that produced by smaller, portable machines. What’s more, the bags cost much less than the rolls of bags you have to buy for the non-chamber machines. The machine is simple to use with customizable preset buttons, plus has digital controls to adjust vacuum pressure, seal time and sealing temperature. It has a ¼-horsepower oil pump and dual (3 mm and 1 mm) sealing elements, and comes with a 5-year warranty. If you vacuum pack large quantities of fish and game, this unit will pay for itself through many years of service as well as the savings generated from less-expensive bags.