Recycled materials and nature-inspired designs highlight Fishpond’s 2014 line
Fishpond, Inc. designs products that take anglers out to the places that make the world beautiful. The Colorado-based company’s products are not only functional and well built, but have a sense of ethos connected to the environment that inspires them.
Said John Le Coq, fishpond designer, co-founder and co-owner: “Fishpond has differentiated itself, from the very first products introduced in 1999, as a company that embraces color. We are critically aware of how the subtle nuances of light interacts with mood, and how color mixes with our emotions. The influences of the Colorado landscape have become intertwined with our choice of fabrics, texture and color. As well, the duality of hard and soft textures, which we find at timberline with hard granite rock juxtaposed next to the softer and fragile alpine moss, is similar to the Fishpond designs that combine hard molded EVA components with fabrics. Our designs often have a western touch that is influenced not only by color, but in design details that come from western clothing, old trucks, fenceposts and tumbleweed. The American West is where all fishpond partners were born and raised, and we collectively share in the design process to make sure we are true to our roots and authentic with every stitch we create.”
This spring the company will introduce more than a dozen new or improved fishing packs and vests featuring a lightweight, recycled fabric made from old commercial fishing nets.
Not only is this apropos for a fishing based company, but the recycled nylon makes an incredibly light and durable material. With everything from an external frame backpack for anglers to carry large loads of gear, to small waist and chest packs, this new water resistant recycled fabric is being combined with YKK Aquaguard zippers on the exterior.
New products for S14 lead off with the Black Canyon Backpack ($179.95). With an adjustable external frame, offset air mesh back and padded, contoured shoulder straps, this backpack helps carry loads and keeps anglers cool while hiking into remote fishing destinations. The modular design allow docking compatibility with many of Fishpond’s chest/lumbar packs, and two zip-out rod tube holders comfortably carry fly rods.
About 400 cu.in. smaller, the Bitch Creek Backpack ($149.95) has all of the same features as the Black Canyon minus the external frame. Instead, this pack has a structured air mesh back panel to comfortably carry loads. It also has two smaller pockets for extra items.
Also featuring the new recycled-net poly fabric are four new chest or lumbar packs. First is the Yampa Guide Pack ($119.95) — with two main zippered compartments and signature molded, drop-down fly bench and interior pockets, this pack is built to carry everything for a long day on the water. Two exterior pockets hold water bottles and the Yampa can be worn as a lumbar or a sling pack.
The Encampment Lumbar Pack ($89.95) offers a simplistic design with a zippered main compartment for secure fly box storage, an additional front zippered compartment for easy access and cord loops for tools and accessory attachment. Compression straps help distribute the load or expand to hold a rain jacket, and two water bottle pockets adorn the exterior. This pack offers anglers three ways to wear it: as a lumbar pack, as a sling pack or as a chest pack.
The Savage Creek Chest Pack ($89.95) and the Medicine Bow Chest Pack ($69.95) round out the recycled fabric product collection. The Savage Creek Chest Pack is a thoughtfully designed pack that contours the body for maximum comfort. One main storage compartment fits large fly boxes and the exterior slash pocket holds items needed quickly such as hemostats. The Medicine Bow is a bit smaller but has all of the same features including a zip down fly bench. This pack can either be worn as a chest pack or attach to a wader belt. Both packs offer the modular design to fit with a multitude of Fishpond’s backpacks.
Growing Like a Fish Tale
Fishpond announced last summer it acquired Nomad Nets and brought its founder and designer Kevin Best on board.
Nomad Nets are made from a carbon fiber and fiberglass composite making them extremely lightweight and durable. Besides withstanding heavy use, the composite nets are waterproof, weatherproof and buoyant. Available in five styles, Fishpond will incorporate nets into its accessories line and brand them Fishpond’s Nomad Series.
“I was fed up with wooden nets that would break, sink and cause fatigue after carrying them around day after day, so I decided to combine my knowledge of sporting goods products with my love of fly fishing to create Nomad Nets,” said Best. “After meeting the crew at Fishpond and the initial acquisition talks began, I was very excited about the distribution and awareness a company of Fishpond’s stature could offer. I can’t wait to explore expanding the net line and creating spectacular products for anglers and outdoorsmen alike.”
All nets come in dark green Original, Riffle Camo (a light grey/blue camo pattern) or Tailwater (a brown color with trout spots) with the exception of the Guide Net. Replacement netting will also be sold in clear or black in small for $18.95 and large for $22.95. Pricing ranges from $115.95 to $239.95.
Four new pieces join the Westwater Collection this spring as well. Each piece in this collection features TPU welded fabric construction and YKK #10 water resistant zippers. The Westwater Roll Top Boat Bag ($189.95) has all of the features of the current boat bag but with a roll top design. The Westwater Lumbar Pack ($99.95) is ideal for anglers who carry a bit less gear, but it still holds plenty of essential tools, fly boxes and accessories. It also has an integrated net slot and features a mesh lumbar support for increased ventilation and comfort. The Westwater Zippered Duffel ($169.95) is a slightly smaller version of the Westwater Large Zippered Duffel. Coming in at just over 5,000 cu. in., this zippered duffel is perfect for shorter trips when gear needs protection. Rounding out the collection is the all-new Westwater Messenger Bag ($139.95). The streamline design features a large zippered flap pocket, a back zippered pocket for additional organization, a secure interior organization pocket, an interior laptop sleeve, and an adjustable, padded shoulder strap.
For more information visit www.fishpondusa.com
