Thoughts on Clothing Designs & Some Serious Bargains

There are a number of times over the years when I've looked down at what I'm wearing and realized how much nicer things are with well designed and produced clothing.

Earlier this year, when dropping and pulling crab pots on a glorious flat, calm Pacific Ocean, the spray and splash from the pots soaked most of the working area of the boat, and my Grundens bibs shook off the water like a seal. They are a simple piece of gear that do what they need too very well.

I've also ended up with a pretty good selection of Simms base layers, mid layers and outerwear over the years. One of the things that's always impressed me about them is that they combine good tech with design based on feedback from guides, dealers and anglers.

Just this week, our Simms rep passed through town with one of the product designers, who had been out a recent consumer show. We hadn't met before, but quickly got talking about what works and when the new spring stuff would be showing up. There's a lot to be excited about from them, as I was reminded this past week.

I've been fighting a sinus infection, and feeling kind of miserable. But, the dog still has to be walked, and when the rains started coming down a few 100 yards after the start, I threw the hood on my Simms jacket over my head, zipped up, and prepared to be reasonably uncomfortable for the next half hour. Turns out that I was needlessly pessimistic.

The newest jacket I have doesn't really look like rain gear in the strictest sense - it's a soft shell fabric that isn't bulky and moves easily with your body - stretching in the direction you need to move. As the rain intensified, all that happened is that the drops beaded up and fell off of the coating, while I felt warm and dry the whole time. The shape of the new hood was perfect - I didn't have to "turtle" my head out just to make sure no cars were coming at intersections. It just did it's job very well, without a lot of fanfare. And, it works out on the river, as well.

This Would Be Where the Bargains Begin
If you've been down to the shop this past week or so, you'll see we're still busily auditing and making sense of the extra stuff which came down from our Santa Rosa closing. (And you may have seen the 3 pallets and half dozen Browning Safes which showed up 3 weeks early - boy, when it rains it pours!) We've still got a bit of organization to go, but we've found some things which are hard to notice in the confusion, so I'm starting to list them here -

Simms Fleece Vests -
These are good mid layer insulating layers. I'd actually bought a bunch extra for the hunters as well, as these are a good, neutral brown color which won't spook game. Unfortunately, we didn't get them displayed in the hunting department, and no one seemed to notice them. They are a good quality, non-pilling fleece, but are not windproof (no fleece is unless you put a layer such as Gore Windstopper in it to do so). So, this is idea for calmer days, or for more warmth with a windshell or rain jacket. These were $49, but are now only $25.

Gamehide Sherpa Fleece Camo Vests -
These are ruggedly made, camouflage vests. They use a water repellent outer layer, have reinforcing on the shoulders and provide extra warmth with their buffed sherpa fleece insulation. Great for spring turkey season, where a little extra warmth is always appreciated. A couple of staff members feel they came in slightly undersized, so some hunters who are right on the edge of have ended up getting the next size up - trust what fits you, don't worry what the label says. These were $59, now only $30

Camouflage Waders -
It looks like there will be some minor changes to the boot styles of our neoprene and breathable camouflage waders for next fall - this means that everything we have left over needs to go away. Great waders, which work even if you don't need the camouflage. The breathable model has a waterproof front zipper which makes getting in and out super easy. Breathable $189, Neoprene $159 - both styles are now 40% OFF the original price.

Kent FASTEEL Steel Waterfowl Ammunition -
There's nothing wrong with this - I just need to reduce as much as possible before we store it for next season! Come down now for the best selection. Buy a case - take $20 OFF - you won't find a better price than this!

Hand & Sun Protection

New Sun-reflecting, fish-fighting gloves from Buff, originally uploaded by Western Sport Shop.

Buff has made some excellent protective headgear for a few years now. We brought it in a go0d assortment last year, and it more than took off in popularity with anglers who spend a fair amount of time out in the sun.

The basic Buff Headwear is a simple tube, which can be worn in about a dozen ways without even thinking about it. We stock two models in a couple dozen patterns and styles - the "UV Buff" which is made with Coolmax Exteme fabric - a four-channel fiber forms a transport system that pulls moisture away from the skin to outer layers of the fabric, and it dries faster than any other fabric, thermoregulating the body - which blocks somewhere around 95% of the UV rays.

This is important for someone who spends any time around the water - where sunblock gets washed off pretty easily. With the Buff, it's easy and comfortable to wear it loosely around the neck at the start of the day, then pull it up to cover your ears or even the crown of your head as the sun rises. Easy and comfortable means you are likely to use it.

Of course, the sharp-eyed among you realize the above photo shows a pair of gloves - specifically the Buff Fighting Work Gloves. These were announced last fall, and we've been excited to get our shipment -

(excuse the press release, but they say it better than I could)

Buff Fighting Work Gloves

The Buff® Pro-Series Fighting Work Gloves...the best all purpose fishing glove! It will provide you multipurpose fish handling, light wiring and leadering, grabbing large catches or bills, as well as removing hooks. Pole grip palm makes it ideal for poling and paddling

Features & Benefits:

1. UPF 50+. Breathable, moisture wicking, 2-way Comfort Stretch for lateral movement.
2. Anatomical Thumb and wipe patch.
3. Adjustable hook and loop closure.
4. Full finger for protection.
5. Fingertip pulls.
6. 3 fingertip cut for dexterity.
7. Ergonomically stitched palm and fingers for natural, curved hand position which then reduces fatigue.
8. Durable Japanese aquatic synthetic suede. Will hold up to wet conditions and dries quickly.
9. Reinforced palm overlay and unique design which reduces bunching.
10. Flex Tech^™ adjustable cuff for mobility.

Now, we've also received the Buff Angler Gloves, which are a little lighter weight -

(more press release to follow...)

Buff Angler Glove

Pro-Series Angler Gloves, you'll never fish without them again. Every detail thoughtfully engineered for dexterity, comfort and the ultimate in Ultra Violet protection.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor(UPF):

Features & Benefits:

1. UPF 50+. Breathable, moisture wicking, 2-way Comfort Stretch for lateral movement.
2. Anatomical Thumb.
3. Extended cuff for UV Protection of wrist area.
4. Finger tip pulls makes it easier to pull off after use.
5. Fingertip cut for dexterity
6. Stripping guard-stitched with Dupont^® for added strength.
7. Accordion Finger Grip-Provides better grip and less hand fatigue which means better performance
8. Diamond Grip™ Palm by Clarino™-Each individual diamond cut provides suction power and extra grip for wet and dry conditions.
9. Ergonomically shaped palm/fingers-Designed and engineered for natural hand curve position which reduces bunching.
10. Durable Japanese aquatic synthetic suede-Will hold up to wet conditions better and dries quickly.

Both of these gloves provide 50+ UPF protection, are comfortable to wear all day and most importantly, give some protection to the easily sun-scorched hands - check them out in both stores this weekend!