I’m looking at that Hodgman wheeled duffle that Sierra Trading Post has for $140. I’m tempted, but it seems like it might be a little …er… Big. Like a bag you could store ALL your fly gear in…
Man, I get that same catalog. Fantastic stuff. I really find interesting when they offer something from a ‘NAME’ company and then also list the country of origin. Surprising sometimes.
It’s a good looking bag to be sure but one thing to keep in mind if you are travelling by air is the weight limit. Last fall on our annual salmon fishing trip I showed up at the airport with two duffel bags weighing a total of 85 pounds but since they were both individually under 50 lbs each I was fine. My fishing buddy with his new jumbo sized Cabela’s rolling duffel had only 65 pounds of gear but since it was in one bag he was facing a $50 overweight penalty. So last minute at the check in counter he had to pull 15 lbs of stuff out of his bag and cram it into his and my carry on bags.
So the point is bigger isn’t always better, particularly if you plan on travelling by air.
[This message has been edited by BH Spey (edited 06 June 2006).]
It gets to a point where it’s like the old George Carlin joke from religion class. “If God is all powerful can he make a rock so big that even he can’t lift it?”
My buddy got one of those huge rolling dufflebags for his wife to take on a trip out West fly fishing. When it was packed and she couldn’t move it herself he unpacked it and sent it back.
It may be tempting to have all your eggs in one basket, but you have to ask if it is practical as well. It may not be.
GDawg,
Take it from someone who has purchased BIG bags before…they CAN get too big, & weight (never mind bulk) becomes a real issue. I am now inclined to carry more gym bag sized bags loaded with specific gear. I DO have a fairly large Hodgeman bag with end pockets with mesh…works well for change of clothes, jacket, waders, raingear, & wading boots.
Mike
You can call me Mike & you can call me Mikey…Just remember that this site’s about sharing!
A word of warning. Many anglers have had checked luggage lost. On a recent trip to South Andros, my bag, a rolling duffel I bought at Costco for $39 and a great value, didn’t show up until the evening of my second day at the camp. Fortunately, I hand-carried my rods and reels on board. I was able to borrow wading shoes, a long-sleeved fishing shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, and, most importantly, a new toothbrush. Thank goodness it was a very well-run fishing operation and they were able to help out. So think twice about putting rods and reels in checked luggage! Maybe you don’t need a bag with that option.
