8 Everyday Carry Items (EDC) for Fly Anglers

Anglers, and fly anglers in particular, tend to place a lot of focus on gear. Flies, fly boxes, fly rods, nets, packs, vests, the list goes on. We all certainly have our preferences too. Over the years, I have come to rely on my own set of angling gear, however, I have also established a few pieces of non-fishing gear that I consider to be essentials and are a part of my everyday carry while on the water. The following items go in my pack on just about every fishing trip to ensure a comfortable and safe outing.

1. Thermos/Water Bottle

If you’re still using a disposable, plastic water bottle, it’s time to open your eyes. Not only are single use plastics bad for the environment,  but they also limit you to drinking cold water. Insulated metal water bottles provide a number of advantages over single-use and reusable plastic bottles. The ability to effectively carry hot and cold beverages for hours is the number one reason that I rely on my Hydroflask, day in and day out.  I’ve been using a few different Hydroflask bottles in a variety of sizes, primarily the 21oz and 40oz versions,  with no complaints for the past few years.

The 21oz bottle with the standard mouth is my go-to as it conveniently fits in my Fishpond Thunderhead Water Bottle Holder. Best of all, my Hydroflask keeps my coffee hot while fishing tailwaters in single-digit temps throughout the winter and my water nice and cool throughout the summer months. Whatever your preferred bottle is, consider an insulated, vacuum-sealed metal bottle to meet your beverage needs year-round, on and off the water.

2. Water Filtration

Having a source of purified water is a must for long days on the water whether you walk/wade or float fish. Depending on where you fish, you may find yourself many miles from your vehicle or the next clean water source, a scenario I often encounter.  If you’re a walk/wade angler, hiking and wading for miles can be tiresome, so minimizing the weight you are carrying is even more important. Walter filtration tabs and bottles are a great way to cut down on weight by allowing you to carry less water throughout a day and filter river/stream/lake water as needed, without risking dehydration.

Water filtration comes in many different forms from filtration tabs, to filter straws, and bottles with built-in filters, leaving anglers with plenty of choices. I personally opt for the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System due to the large volume that it can filter at any given time and the fact that I carry a reusable water bottle, more on that later. Whatever method you choose, be prepared with clean water is essential for a comfortable day on the water.

Continue reading the complete list of everyday carry items for Fly Anglers, written by Evan Garda here.