Why another boot review? Because I love these fucking boots and they deserve it. That’s why.

I’m fairly certain that I bought these last year and they were closeouts from 2007. If someone knows differently, I stand corrected. Patagonia is, as most of us know, expensive gear that is worth what you pay for it. Most every piece of gear I own that wears the Patagonia label has been purchased direct from their website via the “web specials” section or inherited. Whichever the case, I will always stand by the label. “Patagucci” or whatever, I believe in the product and I like what they stand for.

These boots were on the “web specials” page and I think I paid about $75 for them. The sticky soled versions were there too for a whopping $5 more but for whatever reason I went with felt. Do I regret that decision? Maybe. But certainly not by any fault of the boot. The basics are pretty simple. They are light as hell well they are dry so a long walk to your favorite spot is a piece of cake. On the flip side, they remain light as hell for the walk back even after they get wet. As for the walk, they’re pretty much like walking in hiking boots. Super comfy even after a mile or two. What about durability? Well, the felt has worn well and hasn’t started to de-lam yet and the rest of the boot looks about like they did when I bought them. (I wish I could remember when that was. As I write this I’m starting to think that they may be in to their second season.) And getting in and out of them is easy enough thanks to a wide opening. What more can I say? Overall, these are well designed boots and I will absolutely buy another pair when these wear out.

I am usually the first one to bash  ‘big box store brand’ products.  Just too many bad experiences in the past.  But I also have to give praise where praise is due.  I went into just such a ‘big box’ outdoor store in search of a new pair of wading boots.  Where we live in northwest ohio there are no local fly/gear shops to support (at least not any that would have waders/boots) so options are limited.

My intentions going in was to buy a pair of Chota STL’s ($135), but when I tried to get them on and off…. I wasn’t very impressed.  They had gotten good reviews from a lot of publications, but for me, getting those damn things on in below freezing temps, with frozen waders, in December, in Ohio or Michigan, wasn’t going to work.  I’ve had Chota’s before, and like them, but I couldnt get over this issue.  So on with the search….

After some conversation with the salesman, and the Hatchless Admin, I decided to roll the dice and try the store brand.  Cabela’s Guidewear Pro Boots. On the surface, they look VERY simialr to the Chotas.  Closer inspection of the soles, and stud system, really makes me think they may be made by the same manufacturer (but I’ve been wrong before).  The large opening makes them, by far, the easiest ‘on-off’ boots I’ve ever worn.  After 5 or 6 events, they are comfortable, provide good traction (these are felt soles—I know, shame on me), and seem to be defect free.  Did I mention they really go on easy???  Looking forward to trying out the removable studs for steelhead season, but I haven’t done it yet as the floor of the Hyde wouldn’t like it. 

Overall…. good boots, good price.  The real test for me?  How will they hold up to the abuse.  I’ll do a follow-up……..

Suppose they allow spikes?

Not enough spare time to get all your hobbies in? How about mixing fly fishing with a little golf at Alaska’s Rainbow River Lodge’s excellent floating ball driving range, where the prevailing winds blow the balls back to shore! Don’t forget the awesome trout and sockeye fishing in the Copper River, which is just minutes away…

Original post from ‘Fishing with JD’  http://fishwithjd.com/2008/07/24/the-worlds-coolest-driving-range/

New issue of This is Fly dropped. This mag has come a long way in a short time. I love that they are not wasting paper and that they have great content. This issue features the art and an interview of Jeff Soto…one of my favs.

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