I've got the Simms staff and like mine. never used a Folstaff but heard good things there too so either are probably fine albeit expensive. I've heard the Folstaf units can sometimes be hard to get apart but I've never had any personal experience with them. One other benefit is that these staff's fold up when not in use. I know ski poles, hockey sticks, etc are much cheaper but when you bring one of them you're stuck carrying one for the entire outing along with your rod. At least the Folstaf and Simms units fold up and can be holstered. Convenience and my personal safety are worth the $100 or so.

I like the slit-foam fly boxes like the H&H knock offs. I know Hook and Hackle has a waterproof box with the slit foam that's reasonable. I have one from them but I just got it and haven't filled it yet.