I've Been Fly Fishing for 5 Years, and This Is the Genius Fishing Gear That Makes Every Trip a Success—From $8

Travel + Leisure

11-06-2025

There's nothing better than a day on the water—just me, my fly rod, and (hopefully) a few trout willing to play along. But getting to that peaceful, cast-after-cast rhythm takes some prep work, especially if you're just learning how to fly fish. I've learned over the years that showing up with the right gear makes a huge difference, not just in how the fishing is, but in how much fun I actually have. Going home with a sunburn after forgetting my SPF, or limping out of the river with blistered feet from wearing the wrong boots, is just as bad as leaving skunked.
Learning a new sport can b e intimidating, and trying to outfit yourself with all the right gear to get outside can be even more intimidating. So, I'm sharing the tried-and-true essentials you need to confidently and comfortably get a line in the water, like ultralight waders, a fly rod and reel kit, and comfortable shoes for the water. My setup is a mix of gear I've used for years and a few newer finds that have quickly earned permanent spots in my kit. If you're building out your own river kit, this is a great place to start. Shop my top picks from REI, Amazon, Orvis, and more, with gear starting at just $8.
Fly fishing is a gear-intensive hobby that requires you to have a lot of little stuff on you at all times. Spools of tippet, sunscreen, flies, sunglasses, chapstick, snacks—you need a comfortable place to put it all that won't get in the way or won't weigh you down. Enter this pack from Patagonia, which converts from a sling to a lumbar pack depending on your preference.
For 9 liters, it's surprisingly spacious. I wear mine on my hip most of the day, and it holds all my gear, and some. There are ample magnets and lash points, too, so I can hook on extra spools of fly line or my water bottle for easy access. Trust me—there are a lot of packs out there. This is one you'll actually want to carry with you. $88 at Dicks Sporting Goods $98 at Freeflyapparel.com
I'm ultra-picky about what pants I wear under my waders because a) I don't like sweating more than I have to, and b) I need something that stays in place. That's why I almost always reach for my Breeze Drift Pants from Free Fly. They're breezy, breathable, and have a slightly tapered leg that stays down under waders or looks cute on their own. I've worn them hiking, paddling, and post-fishing runs to the Dairy Queen, and they feel great doing it all. $75 at Amazon $75 at Cotopaxi.com
Invest in some solid UPF hoodies and shirts for extra protection while you're on the water, like this breathable hoodie by Cotopaxi. Despite its UPF 50+ protection, it's airy enough that you won't overheat, even when the sun is sweltering. The fabric is quick-drying and moisture-wicking, too, meaning you won't mind it getting splashed. Thoughtful touches, like the thumbholes and hood, offer added shade, which you can never have too much of.
You can spend a lot of money on waders and technical fishing apparel, but if you're looking for a pair to keep you cool and dry this summer that won't break the bank, I'd recommend the Ultralight Waders by Orvis. True to their name, they're shockingly lightweight, but still tough enough to handle brush and rocky banks.
The fit is dialed in for a woman's frame, so you're not constantly battling sagging or weird bunching in the knees. I especially love the adjustable shoulder straps that convert into a belt for warmer days when I wear them waist-high. Add in the built-in gravel guards and a chest pocket, and they're worth every penny.
Like the matching waders, these Orvis boots are supportive yet featherlight, which is rare for wading boots. The quick-dry synthetic materials keep them from staying soggy, and the Vibram soles grip surprisingly well on wet rocks and slick mud. You spend a lot of time standing and hiking in fly fishing, and I've found these boots to give me all-day comfort, even after 12+ hours on my feet.
When it's too hot for full waders and I'm confident I can get my feet wet without freezing, I strap these sandals on. The Teva Hydratrek sandals are my go-to for wet wading—they're sturdy, supportive, and grippy enough to handle whatever is underneath me. Unlike some water sandals that feel clunky or rub in weird places, these give you incredible ground-feel and grip, even when you're hiking into a more remote spot. They also clean up easily and dry fast, which is a must when you're bouncing between trail and stream.
You can't go fishing without your rod and reel. This all-in-one kit is ideal for both beginners and seasoned anglers who want a no-fuss setup. Redington's 9-foot, 5-weight rod is versatile enough for most freshwater situations, and the included reel is pre-spooled with quality line, so you're ready to cast right out of the case. I keep mine in the car for spontaneous trips because it's so portable and durable.
A multi-tool might not seem essential… until you need it. Whether I'm snipping line, tightening screws on my reel, or using pliers to un-snag a stray fly out of my sun hoodie, this thing comes in clutch. The Skeletool Cx is streamlined but still packs a serious punch, with pliers, wire cutters, a knife, and even a bit driver. It's lightweight enough to clip onto my belt loop and tough enough to withstand years of wear and tear. Plus, the bright colors always get tons of compliments and stand out in my pack for easy access. $40 at Amazon $40 at Yeti.com
Hydration is key, and this bottle keeps my water ice-cold even after hours in direct sun. The narrow mouth is easy to drink from on the move, and the stainless steel build is virtually indestructible. I can hook it to my fishing pack or shove it in the water bottle holder, and it doesn't leak—even when it inevitably falls out or rolls down a riverbank (get a brightly colored one you can easily spot in case that happens!). It's the kind of bottle you buy once and never need to replace.
I rarely fish without a hat, and I love this $8 find from Amazon. It's lightweight, breathable, and offers just enough shade to keep my face and neck from frying. The foldable design means it doesn't take up space, and if it blows into the river, it dries quickly. Just a solid, budget-friendly way to keep your cool.
As with any outdoor sport, you'll want to slather on SPF. The tricky thing is, fly lines and rods don't love sunscreen (especially if it's chemical, the ingredients can eat away at the materials). I always carry a stick in my bag that I can apply all over my face, while keeping the rubbing with my hands to a minimum.
Lately, I've been loving Tula's Protect + Go Sunscreen Stick, which comes in an easy-to-use applicator that's also easy to find (it's bright yellow, so it never gets lost in my pack). Bonus points for the better-for-you ingredients my skin slurps up in the sunshine.
The same goes for lip balm, which I am constantly reapplying on the river. Sunburned lips are the worst , and this balm saves me every time. It's packed with organic ingredients and has a smooth, buttery texture that actually stays put, even after eating or getting splashed.
Ask any angler what piece of gear they never fish without, and I bet they say polarized sunglasses. Quality eyewear is a non-negotiable on the water. On top of protecting your precious peepers, they cut glare, allowing you to see fish and structure better. You can drop a ton of money on good sunglasses, but I've been really impressed with Suncloud's affordable styles, which punch well above their price point. If you're new to fishing and not ready to spring for a $200 pair, these are a smart and functional pick.
I've lost way too many sunglasses overboard to ever fish without a retainer on my glasses again. Specifically, this floating strap from Chums, which costs $15 but has saved me probably hundreds of dollars in otherwise lost eyewear. The foam is floaty and bright, making it easy to spot before they drift away.
I use this for everything: drying my hands after handling fish, wiping down wet gear, or blotting sweat off my face. It's small but mighty, and the microfiber material absorbs way more than you'd expect. It dries quickly and comes with a clip, so it's easy to attach to your pack or vest. At just $10, it's a total no-brainer add-on for any outdoor adventure.
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