Necessities

Recently Cam Mortenson over at The Fiberglass Manifesto posted about Eight Essential Pieces of gear for camping.  Cam hits the nail on the head with all eight and I agree, each plays a key role in having a great camping trip.  Give it a read and see how it stacks up with your standard kit.  

While I couldn't agree more with Cam and his eight, I have to say there's one critical piece of kit that is essential in my book - the JetBoil.  

From the little things to the big things, the JetBoil has me covered.  Breakfast and coffee, warm lunch and a great way to boil water for a quick freeze dried meal for dinner.  For a Midwest guy like me, warm food and drink on a cold day on the water can be a game changer.  And I won't lie, leaking waders actually come in handy when you're pouring near boiling water on them in nine degree temperatures.  It's been all over Michigan, Wisconsin, even Iowa and been one of the best cooking companions I've found.  With it's french press adaptor, it'll have a cup of joe ready for your mug in under 5 minutes.  Anytime the temps drop, it's always nice to find relief so quick.  And the JetBoil has yet to disappoint.  



Photography After Dark

One of my favorite things to do when I'm camping, up at the lake, visiting a buddy's cottage, or pretty much anywhere outside of the 'burbs, is taking photos of the stars.  It's a great time to be outside and the stars and space have always been a huge interest of mine.  

I stumbled in to night photography by accident and it wasn't until messing around with some sparklers that I learned how fun light can be to play with when the shutter's open.  Whether it's the capturing the trails of the stars over time, lighting steel wool and twirling it about, or blurring motion, there are so many great ways to play with light that learning the best ways to grab these moments can be challenging.  

Someone was recently asking me about astrophotography and how to best take shots after dark.  I happened upon a great "How To" article in Outdoor Photographer today and wanted to share.  I found the timing perfect as I missed out on a decent sky this past weekend in Michigan, and the week before to a few too many street lights at camp.  It just proves that no amount of planning can overcome adverse conditions.  

Gearing Up Right

At first it started small, just a little at a time, nothing I thought I needed to worry about.  Then I noticed it a little bit more and then before you know it, my pants end up just a little bit wet.  Next thing I know my long johns are soaked and undies are wet.  I'm sure you all know the feeling - leaky waders.  

I've spent the last year and a half with wet socks and I'm happy to say, it's finally over.  From the Driftless, to the Au Sable, Northern Wisconsin, or the Pere Marquette - I've drained some of the best river water, from the best rivers in the Midwest from my waders.  

With my recent addition of a pair of Simms G3's, I looked back over the number of days I was able to get out of my Willy J's before they went south.  I understand pin hole leaks but I will say the material layers pulling away from each other go a bit beyond normal wear and tear.  I can honestly say this is the first piece of fly fishing gear I've been disappointed with.  But lessons learned;  I'll always buy local and ensure I'm trying things on before making such an important purchases.   One good thing to come from my buying the Willy J's was I nabbed a pair of Simms boots, which still look new.  For a pair of boots to still look new and outlive a pair of "high end" waders, I find frustrating.  But I also took it as a big plus for Simms' quality.  I own more of their gear than I'd like to admit and will note, it's all performed very well.  From daypacks to jackets and now waders, I'll say, if you're looking for Simms, give Jeremy a call at DuPage Fly Fishing Co. or Andy at Chicago Fly Fishing Outfitters.  They'll get you set up right, so you can stay dry.