Author: Nick Satushek

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Spring Called. Your Gear Isn’t Ready.

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Longer days. Warmer temps. Fish getting ready to be caught.

Time to shake the dust off and make sure your kit isn’t the weak link.

Here’s your quick pre-season tune-up 👇

1. Clean First. Always.

Before you do anything else, give your gear a proper wash. Grime, fish slime, and last season’s “character” will kill performance if you let it hang around.

👉 Use something made for technical gear like Gear Aid Revivex Pro Cleaner and start fresh.

2. Bring Back the Bead Up (DWR Refresh)

If your waders are soaking up water instead of shedding it, you’re officially in “wetting out” territory—and nobody likes that. A fresh DWR treatment keeps your gear breathing and you feeling less like a boiled potato.

👉 Hit your waders + shell with a DWR spray like Gear Aid Revivex Durable Water Repellent Spray and get that bead back.

Pro tip: Dirty waders = wasted DWR. Clean first, then treat.

DRYFT Fishing Primo Rain Jacket

3. Zippers: Don’t Ignore ‘Em

Nothing ruins a day faster than a stuck zipper at the trailhead. Keep them running smooth with a quick clean + lube.

👉 A little love from GearAid Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant goes a long way.

Wader Care by GearAid

4. Belt Check = Brain Check

Yeah, it’s basic. Yeah, people forget. Make sure your wading belt is actually…with your waders.

Safety first. Fishing second.

5. Pocket Archaeology

Open your pockets. Be honest.

If you find:

  • Old leaders
  • Rusty hooks
  • Snack wrappers from last July

…it’s time.

Start the season clean. Future you will be grateful.

6. Patch It if it looks suspect

Small abrasion spots turn into big problems—usually mid-river.

Now’s the time to inspect and patch anything questionable so you’re not dealing with it later. If it’s abraded, punctured, or fraying put a patch on it.

7. Layering Reset

Spring fishing = temp swings.  Layer accordingly for the temp swings between cold mornings and warm afternoons. Nothing leads to fishing in sweaty waders faster than too many layers. 

8. Upgrade What’s Holding You Back

If something’s worn out, leaking, or just not pulling its weight anymore…you know what to do.

Fresh season = fresh gear.

Get dialed now so when the fish are on, you’re not messing with your gear.

Featured products

DRYFT™ S14 Waders, Men’s – Product Details Review

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DRYFT™ S14 Waders – Men’s

The 2026 update to the men’s DRYFT™ S14 waders feature a few choice upgrades to make the popular S14 wader even better. Now featuring a new heavier weight lower, with more abrasion resistance and durability, and longer reinforced rip-stop neoprene gravel guards. 

DRYFT S14 Wader stepping up

Primo Zip Wader – Product Review and Details

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Meet the Primo Zip Wader.

The wader built to go where others can’t — without slowing you down. Featuring a premium TIZIP® fully waterproof main zipper for fast entry and streamside relief, combined with a rugged four-layer lower and breathable upper, the Primo Zip Wader gives you high-performance wading at an unbeatable value.

Recommended products

Primo Zip Wader

Introducing the BKCNTRY Stronghold Carryall – a waterproof roll-top tote that actually keeps your gear dry and secure

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From the frontlines of the river to the deck of the boat—your gear stays bone dry.

What is the purpose of a waterproof roll-top tote?

In general, totes are great for carrying gear but they don’t keep your stuff dry. Solving that problem, purpose-built as a fishing boat and carry bag, the Bkcntry Stronghold is a rugged 27+ liter waterproof roll-top tote that actually keeps your essentials dry, secure, and ready for action anywhere you take it. 

Easy to carry, without taking up a lot of space in the boat, this mid size yet spacious dry bag fills a need you didn’t know you had. 

Whether keeping camera gear dry and safe, storing extra clothing and snacks, or packing everything you need for a lightweight camping trip, this is your bag. 

With a wider opening than a backpack, larger items go in and out with ease and finding what you’re after is a breeze. The top opens wide, and the hooped rim snaps open to make finding what you’re after a walk in the park.

How does it fit so much stuff?

With a spacious 27 liter main compartment, stay-open hooped rim with snaps, and roll-top closure, it’s made for easy access and watertight protection. 

Two welded interior pockets organize the small stuff, while the removable felt base and fold-flat design make it versatile for storage and travel. Durable, RF welded construction and a removable shoulder strap round out a bag that’s as tough as it is functional.

Bottom line; The new BKCNTRY™ Stronghold Carryall waterproof roll-top bag is built to keep your gear bone dry and close at hand out on the boat or along the river bank.

Features:

  • 27 liter waterproof roll-top main compartment
  • Hooped rim with stay-open snaps for easy access
  • Adjustable and removable G-Hook shoulder strap
  • Two welded 8″ interior pockets for organization
  • Removable felt base for structure and support
  • RF welded watertight construction
  • Folds flat for storage
  • Made in USA
DRYFT WaterProof Tote unrolled
DRYFT WaterProof Tote roll top view
DRYFT WaterProof Tote removable insert
DRYFT WaterProof Tote interior
DRYFT WaterProof Tote Front

BKCNTRY™ Stronghold Carryall

$229.00

A waterproof roll-top bag built to keep your gear dry, organized, and ready for anything.

In stock

Carabiner light kit

Carabiner Light Kit – Safety Light

Having a light handy after dark to help find your way back to the truck is helpful. This light conveniently clips to your bag or backpack with the attached carabiner. We like to carry it on the BKCNTRY™ backpack where it is easily accessible.

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Where I’m Meant to Be [video] – Fly Fishing Film Tour 2025

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This is a story about identity, belonging, and rediscovery.

For Oregon native Megan Brown, figure skating was everything—her identity, her purpose, her world. But when she left it behind, she faced the challenge of finding herself all over again. Years later, she discovered a new passion that reconnected her to that same sense of purpose: fly fishing.

Where I’m Meant to Be is a short film about how who we are—and where we belong—can change over time, and the courage it takes to embrace a new chapter when life’s purpose is recast.

Shot on location in Oregon
Dir / DP / Edit: Andrew Krantz

Featured in this film

Wading and Fly Fishing for Carp in the Spring

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By mid spring the water in most areas has warmed enough that carp are active in the shallows, and readily available to wading anglers who want to test their sight fishing skills.

Even though the water isn’t super warm yet, and air temps vary drastically – it could be 75 degrees one day and in the 50’s the next – it’s a perfect time of year to be fly fishing for hard fighting carp. The weather changes and not-yet scorching hot temperatures of spring make it a perfect time of year to use lightweight waders, like the Session Lite Wading Pants or Convertible waders while chasing the permit of the north.

Before wet wading season starts in full, we like to use lighter weight wading pants like the new Session Lite waders when wading through muck and reeds looking for carp. Not only does it keep our feet warmer, but it protects our legs from the reeds, muck and bugs (ticks!).

Spring is here, and the time is now. Get on out there and chase something fun! Happy fishing!

The ultimate hiking & fishing combo: lightweight breathable stockingfoot waders paired with studded sole boots

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Access to remote fishing spots

Do you like fishing away from other people? Given the popularity of fishing and fly fishing around the country, you’ll need to work a little harder now to get that solitude. A lightweight and packable design is crucial in a wader for this type of activity. Waders designed with the features you need, in a small and light enough package to fit in a backpack, will allow you to reach difficult to access fishing spots. 

The new Session Lite Convertible waders and Session Lite Wading Pants are both built in a small and light enough package to roll up and stuff in a backpack.  Oftentimes if we are hiking into a spot that’s further than 3 miles then we will opt to put the waders in a pack and put them on after the hike. This is where a stockingfoot design comes in handy, because it enables the hiker to wear a padded sock (neoprene or thick wool) inside their regular wading boots for the hike, and then change into waders once they arrive at the fishing destination. 

Studded roles provide superior traction when wading rivers and streams

Improved stability and traction

That leads us to the ideal boots to use for backcountry hike-in fishing. We choose Korkers wading boots for all of our adventures, and especially this type of active fishing. All models of boots give ankle support and provide the huge benefit of swappable soles. You can literally change the soles out to match whatever conditions you encounter.  We usually opt for a studded felt or studded rubber for hike-in fishing trips. The combination of studs and felt or studs and rubber performs well in dry and wet conditions, making the transition from hiking trail to river wading seamless. 

Studded roles provide superior traction when wading rivers and streams

Now get out there and do some backcountry angling!

So if you’re a fan of hike-in backcountry angling already, or looking to get away from the crowds then pick up a set of light convertible waders, some hiking ready wading boots, load up your fishing pack, and get after it!  Lightweight breathable convertible waders paired with the right boots will take you there and back in comfort, and lead to many days of fishing adventure in the woods. 

The only question once you’re geared up is where to go. We suggest checking out local maps (Google Earth or paper maps) to find areas where your river of choice isn’t accessible by road. Then it’s all up to your legs to get you there and back. 

That’s it, that’s all! Happy fishing. 

The fun times to be had hiking and fishing the backcountry

Why convertible breathable fishing waders are the best choice for backcountry fishing trips

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Do you like to fish places where you might not see another angler all day long? If the answer is yes, then you may want to consider the benefits of backcountry angling. 

We’re really into the backcountry style of fishing, and are going to discuss why breathable fishing waders, and specifically the convertible wader style, provide several advantages for backcountry anglers, making them essential gear for your next backcountry fishing trip.  

What are convertible top fishing waders? 

Convertible waders are simply where the upper portion of the wader is constructed on a sliding system, to be able to be unsnapped from the top end position and pushed down to the users waist. Usually they incorporate snaps or buckles, to allow the top to be secured in the upper position. Our new Session Lite Convertible Waders use a magnetic snap to make this function effortless. 

Session Lite Convertible Breathable fishing waders being used in the backcountry

Convertible waders increase mobility and comfort through breathability and function

Advantages of convertible straps and stockingfoot wader design

Waders with a convertible style top will increase your comfort by allowing you to drop the top when you’re warm and hiking, and pull it back up if you get cool or need to cross a deep stretch of water. Waders designed with an easy snap method, like the magnetic snaps on the Session Lite Convertible waders, are a necessity. We recommend a stockingfoot design for active fishing, as you can wear wading boots designed for hiking that will be comfortable all day long. Also, lightweight stockingfoot waders will roll up and fit in a backpack for a long hike in. 

High quality fishing wader neoprene stockingfeet

How do breathable fishing waders actually work?
Breathable fishing waders are constructed of a multi layer fabric that allows air, but not water, to pass through.  A waterproof membrane is sandwiched between layers of durable fabric, giving the fabrics the ability to pass air through but keep water out. This is a huge advantage to any active angler, and most quality waders are built using this technology now. 

Benefits of breathable material
The main benefits to breathable fishing waders is that it helps prevent overheating and sweating. Keep in mind that getting hot and sweating can still happen while wearing them! It just significantly helps compared to older styles of non breathable waders. 

Fly fishing in the backcountry

Comfort and mobility of waders designed for backcountry fishing
The importance of using the proper waders for backcountry angling cannot be stressed enough. If you want to enjoy your day, be comfortable and mobile then you will want to use the right waders. Lightweight, breathable, and convertible systems will help make the most of your trip.  

We hope you enjoyed these tips, and hope you enjoy lots of happy and comfortable fishing this season!

Session Lite Convertible Breathable fishing waders being used in the backcountry

Get your waders ready for spring with these cleaning and prep tips

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Here are a few easy tips for prepping your waders for a busy spring and summer fishing season.

The days are getting longer, and seasons are kicking off. Time to get your gear prepped and ready. 

Apply a fresh DWR treatment to your waders and jackets. 

The DWR, or Durable Water Repellent coating, is what makes water bead up and run off your waders and jackets. This coating is what helps keep your technical garments breathable and keep you comfortable. When the coating wears down the outer face of your garment gets saturated with water and you’ll start to get the dreaded ‘wetting out’. This term simply refers to reduced breathability, so the wearer gets clammy and damp from sweat and condensation build-up.  Heading this off is as easy as picking up a bottle of ReviveX DWR spray and treating your waders and jackets. 

Tip: If your waders are really dirty, clean them first before applying the DWR treatment with some ReviveX Pro Cleaner. 

Check your belt 

Check that your belt is still with your waders.

We know, it sounds basic, but it’s better to check now than realize it’s not there when you go to put them on at the fishing spot. If your belt is missing get yourself a new one – it’s a safety item.

Clean and lubricate your zippers

We recommend cleaning and lubricating the zippers on waders and jackets on a regular basis.  Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant and Zipper Lubricant Stick from Gearaid do the job nicely and will help keep your zippers operating smoothly and performing like they should.  If your zipper is dirty, or isn’t running as smoothly as it once did then pick up one or both of the products mentioned here and fix it up. 

Clean out pockets

Are your pockets full of old gear, line trimmings, protein bar wrappers, etc? Go ahead and clean it out now and give yourself a fresh start to the season. 

Replace worn out gear

Is it time for a new jacket, new boots, new waders? As you go through checking your gear be real and fill in any gaps in your gear closet with replacements.

Top selling products

New Session Lite Series

Recycled Nylon Fabrics in the New Lite Series

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We recently introduced the new Session Lite Series, with wading pants, a convertible wader and a jacket. All products in this line are constructed with recycled nylon face fabrics, and utilize a pfas-free DWR coating, in our new Light Stone Grey stealth color.

Why Recycled Fabric?

Choosing recycled materials aligns with our goal of minimizing impact to people and the planet, through reusing materials to reduce waste. By sourcing recycled materials for the face fabric on the entire lineup, it pulls a material back into use and keeps it from the landfill.

The entire line also utilizes a pfas-free DWR coating, which is less harmful to people and the planet.

Read more about each product on the specific pages below –