During college, I had one fishing backpack. It came with me whether I was swinging flies for steelhead or throwing frogs for bass. It was versatile, waterproof, and durable. I can’t think of any ...

Alaska is a great testing ground for gear. If a jacket markets itself as "Guide Tough," give it a month in Alaska and you'll see. I've had high-end pieces of gear fall way short of their marketing ...