Fishpond is an idea factory!
The thing I love about these guys is, they never stop innovating. This year is no exception and the best example may be their new Co-Lab products. Fishpond has partnered with Chaco and Voormi to develop new products unique in fly fishing.
Best of all Fishpond’s heart and wallet are in the right place. A significant portion of the sales of these products goes to the Western Rivers Conservancy. That’s a win all around.
Check out this video to see the cool new products and watch me pour water all over our friend Kara Armano!
Louis Cahill Gink & Gasoline www.ginkandgasoline.com hookups@ginkandgasoline.com Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter!
I preface this by saying I was heavily involved in Kayaking and rafting since a child. I then worked for one of the nations leading outfitters for kayaking and rafting for many years. I will start with the positive. Chacos are the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn, I love hiking on dry land in them, wearing them around town, and I wouldn’t trade my Chacos for any other sandal. However, over the past 5 years or so, they have turned to mass production, changed companies and compound for the soles of their shoes, and are no longer manufactured in the USA. They have a variety of sole options including a “Pro” sole, designed to provide the best grip. However, none of the soles provide adequate traction once wet, unless on extremely rough or jagged rock faces. Once the outsourcing and sole compounds started to change, I kept hanging on to the belief that the Chaco would resolve the issue. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I finally gave up last summer when I suffered a significant toe injury due to lack of traction. This is not a bashing, just a caution, and I feel anyone who would think of buying these sandals as a summer alternative to wading shoes should look for something different. I do love to change into my chacos after a day of wading, there is no better feeling than that of my foot in a chaco on dry land. And they have many styles of sandal that are very comfortable. If you are looking for a wade boot alternative, try other kayaking and/or rock climbing companies amphibious shoes. But, have a nice pair of chacos to change into once you are back to your car.