Image from Columbia.com

Review:

What can I say. Love these pants! The Columbia PFG Convertible II Pant is pretty much the only pair of pants that I wear while kayak fishing in the summer time.  Sunscreens just are not for me so anywhere I can cover up and stay cool in the hot sun I’m in! With the UPF 15 I am safer in the sun as there is no shade besides the cloud cover.

Although not taking advantage of it that often the pant legs zip off to shorts with ease.  These pants have a ton of storage with two side pockets  two cargo pockets on the sides and 1 rear pocket. All of the pockets are lined with nylon mesh for easy draining. The nylon material is extremely quick drying.

These pants hold up very well. The fabric 100% Ripstop Nylon is very durable. The first pair I purchased on 4/1/13. I have worn these pants all last season and just about all of this season. The pants resist stains pretty well such as bait and fish blood.

The pants are not a set waist size besides S L M L XL XXL so the included belt loops are great as a belt may be needed. The extra room of the relaxed fit is great for kayak fishing as we tend to drape our legs over the sides of the kayak also always reaching bending and stretching in different positions.

I give these pants a 5 out of 5 rating due to all of the factors mentioned above and how functional this clothing actually performs.

The MSRP is $60.00 USD on Columbia.com

 Pros:

• UPF 15 sun protection
• Quick dry
• Partial elastic at waist for supreme all-day comfort
• Light Weight
• Relaxed fit
• Zip-off legs convert pant to shorts
• Belt Loops
• Lots of storage
• Drain able pockets

Cons:

Need more colors. The pants only are offered in Sage and Fossil. It would be nice to have more colors available.

Image from Columbia.com

This booney hat has multiple functions! Designed as a rain hat it also doubles as a great hat for generating shade! These are both very important while kayak fishing!

The Columbia patented Omni-Tech protects you when raining by deflecting water keeping you dry but still breathes to keep your head cool. The built in sweat bad wicks perspiration away keeping your head comfortable and dry.

There is a built in adjustable chin strap for keeping the hat on your head in high winds and a draw cord with a lock on the back that you may adjust  the hat to fit snug around your head.

The only downside for me is use on windy days. The brim is not very stiff and seems to blow up or down heading into the wind.

I rate this boonie hat a 3.5 out of 5 rating due to all of the factors mentioned above and how functional this clothing actually performs.

The MSRP is $45.00 USD On Columbia.com

FABRIC:

100% textured nylon poplin

Lining 50% polyester / 50% recycled polyester mesh

 Pros:

Purchased a pair of the Buff angler gloves in the spring. I must say I’m very impressed with the feel and comfort. I wear them all day long and sometimes forget im wearing them.

These gloves also serve other purposes than protecting only your hands from the sun. They work very well as paddling gloves and also can offer protection from stray hooks. Gripping fish is also easier they enable a good grip and the bones of the fishes fins are unable to stab into the palm of your hand.

I feel the price tag is reasonable for the pair of gloves at $40.00 since they last quite a while. After using these gloves every fishing trip since April I feel the gloves are completely worth purchasing. They are great for both paddling and fishing.

With the no fingertip design tying knots and stripping line doesn’t require removing the gloves every time.  The suede on the palm is pretty durable and still grips when wet.  Believe it or not the suede drys much quicker than I thought it would. Over time handling bait,  fish, getting blood and other stuff on them and just being wet all of the time the gloves tend to get an odor. Thanks for the suggestions on how to clean the stink out!  The most effective deodorizer so far has been vinegar and water. Soak for a good 12 hours. Then wash with soap and water. Let dry no more stink!

Pros:

• UPF 50 + Sun Protection
• Aquatic Suede that functions well when dry or wet
• Comfortable due to its ergonomic design
• No fingertips makes typing knots stripping line and getting things easier
• Washable
• Breathable and Cool
• Eliminates Sunscreen on hands
• Quick Drying
• Protects hands from Sharp gill plates when handling fish.
• May protect hands from hook penetration accidents.
• Enables palming of leader and braided fishing line.

Cons:

• They Get stinky
• 80% of the time they are wet.

Synopsis:

Since I started fishing with these gloves there hasn’t been a fishing trip I have fished without them. The pair seems completely durable as they have been used over 16 separate times for an entire day of fishing each time. Sometimes I forget they are even on my hands! I do believe if I did not have these gloves to fish with something would be missing.   Check out the different styles and options at http://www.buffusa.com/sports/collections/pro-series-angler-gloves/styles