What to take?

[Ernie]

I've searched but didn't really find what I was looking for. What are the basic things you take when you go fishing in your vest or pack, say on just 1 day of fishing. The things you always have on you when you fish.
Ernie

[redietz]

An excellent question. Beside the obvious of way too many boxes of flies:

Polarized sunglasses
Flashlight
Nippers (on a zinger which also functions as a tape measure)
Spools of tippet material 3x - 7x
Paste floatant
Powder floatant/drier
Shot
Hemostat or fine tipped needle nose pliers
Ketchum Release tool
Fishing License
Thermometer

[johnstoeckel]

My list is pretty similar and some of this depends on personal preference and style, so let me just make a couple comments ...

Don't forget sun protection -- sunglasses mentioned by redietz, but also sunscreen, wide brimmed hat, and long sleeve shirt.

Water bottle. If you're fishing in warmer weather for anything more than an hour or so, water is important.

Keep it as simple as possible and add items only when you're sure you need them.

[rizeye]

hemostats, clippers, shot, indicators, extra leaders, tippet material (3x - 6x) lip balsam, flip-up reading glasses, paper towels in a zip lock bag, Thermometer, knife or multi tool.

[Steven]

Don't forget lunch.

What do I have in my pack....

Flies,
Hemo's
Scissors (may have to reshape a fly),
Nipper/Nail Knot combo tool
Sunglasses
Hat
Indicators
A couple of different kinds of floatants and dry shakes
tape measure
License
Indicators
Beef Jerky
Granola Bars
Tippet 1x-6x
Some prefab leaders (just in case).
Magnifying glasses.
A small white lid to use to look at nymphs.
Thermometer

[Allan]

No one has mentioned an item that I always carry, just in case, and that is a good metal whistle.

[narcodog]

Stored the vest away about five years ago, I just use a lanyard. On the lanyard I have a pair of Dr. Slick 4 1/2 in pliers, C&F combo tool, nippers, threader and eye cleaning needle. I also have a bottle Frogs Fanny and fake amadou. Small LED flashlight two spools of tippet material, usually 5x and something else. Two small fly boxes, one will be a nymph box, emerger box or midge. The other will be a multi compartment box for flies of the day.
Then I carry a water bottle on my belt along with my Folstaf stick and my instanet. If I am going to be hiking for a distance and away from the truck I'll carry extra drink, cheese crackers, power bar and if needed a rain parka. Very light weight, no strain on my neck or back.

[BigA]

I fit all of this in an old Patagonia vest pack.

Tippet Spools (2 to 4 depending upon where I am fishing)
Fly Boxes (2 to 3)
Platypus Water Bottle
Scissors/Hemostat combo
Nipper
Split Shot
Floatant
Indicators
Tape Measure
Tiny Flashlight
Hook File
Small Compass
Waterproof Camera
Cliff Bar
Dried Figs in Zip Lock Bag
Waterproof bag for phone and keys
Leaders
Small Kleenex Pack
Tiny disposable lighter wrapped in plastic
Rain Parka if necessary
Swiss Army Knife in my pocket

[holensum]

ditto, except for the flashlight, shot and thermometer. I fish during the daylight hours, have lead or beads on the flies and and know the water is cold . Oh and 2 boxes of flies, wets (nymphs, streamers and wet) and dry, both with various sizes and colors.

An excellent question. Beside the obvious of way too many boxes of flies:

Polarized sunglasses
Flashlight
Nippers (on a zinger which also functions as a tape measure)
Spools of tippet material 3x - 7x
Paste floatant
Powder floatant/drier
Shot
Hemostat or fine tipped needle nose pliers
Ketchum Release tool
Fishing License
Thermometer

[CaseyP]

frankly, not too much. gave up the vest the day one autumn when i cleaned it out and found TWO full water bottles...wondered why it was heavy.

now use a lanyard, pockets, and stuff hanging off the belt--net, stick. look sort of like an odd Christmas tree, but no weight on the shoulders!