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Sexyloops' Tackle Reviews



William Joseph "Gear Bag Chest"

The One Believing in the one can really screw you up, especially if it doesn't work out – which it won't of course, because there's no such thing. True fishing freedom actually comes from disbelieving in the one, or if you think that sucks, then start believing in lots of ones. Although not at the same time of course.

So when I received William Joseph's “Gear Bag Chest”, which is about as functional a name as you can get – a bit like “Cast Strike Fish” or “Beer Drunk Fall Down”, only to discover that this was indeed “the one”, it was like being struck by a thunderbolt. “Why”, I said to myself, “the one is a bag – and not a woman – now everything makes perfect sense!”

incredible tippet dispenser... rubber zip grippy things... fly hooking foam... internal detachable water-resistant pouch...Okay let me tell you something about me; I don't want to look like a “flyfisherman”, the tan waistcoat with 73 pockets where you can never find anything that you actually want but lots of things that you'll never need, or knew your had even – I stick unusual objects in friends' waistcoats, when they're not looking (like funny shaped stones or teabags for instance), knowing full well that in six months time when they're searching for that “spare bottle of gink that I always carry, Paul”, they'll discover this astonishing object and wonder how it came to be there; the baseball cap that makes you look completely stupid – and deservedly so – the general ensemble in which practically every other flyfisher attires himself. I figure that flyfishing is about being an individual and not someone else's idea of how I should look.

retractable springy attachments (getting technical now)... two front side zip pockets for gink, mud and camera... rod velcro cradle...Anyway, waistcoats suck, especially if you like to wade deep. You know, deeper than waders. I've always been a bit of a bum man myself, bumbags that is, and have taken to wrapping everything important – like cameras – into waterproof bags. That works for me, and I like the weight distribution, the slinky hips. So it came as an even greater surprise to discover that “the one” was indeed a chestpack.

I've fallen in love with this product, or at least as much as anyone can fall in love with a bag. And it has so much going on in there that I don't even know where to begin. frond D-rings... adustable webbing for big people... velcro tabs on, well, the webbing actually...Do I first talk about the comfort? The clever weight distribution (so comfortable that you'll never want to take it off) with its all-important breathable webbing. Or maybe the practicality? The way the tippet material is just there, where you need it, and the fact that front folds down creating the – according to William Joseph – “mega-heliport workstation”. Or is it the built-in retractors? The pockets in exactly the right places? The way in which the adjustable straps cleverly velcro together? Or the fact that I can carry those things I don't need very often (but are nice to have anyway) such as sinking lines, in the back pocket, which I then access by spinning the whole thing around my head, being careful not to strangle myself in the process. It's even got compression straps on the back pouch so I can carry my waterproof jacket. I use every feature of this pack and it's improving my fishing; I'll change flies, or fix my leader, just because it's easy and I can.

*front* D-rings that was... rear compression straps for camouflage raincoats... two rear pockets, one for spools and the other for lunch and camcorders - that's what I use them for - you could use one for hydration if you can't drink the river...So yes, I really like this thing. Most William Joseph packs include their new tippet dispenser. Right at the front is a zip pocket with five holes for dispensing leader material. This is a truly outstanding feature.

The only thing the Gear Bag Chest is mysteriously missing is a D-ring on the back for attaching your net. I can offer no explanation. I've added my own of course, since tackle modification is an important part of the “individual look”. Hey, even the one ain't perfect. And the colour; well, it could be camouflage, in fact mine will be camouflage – now that I've done this review I'll camouflage it. That way it will be different to yours.

comes in a cool colour - don't camouflage yours; I want mine to be differentWilliam Joseph products are both incredibly well thought through and tough as boots. The zip handles are large and rubbery, that's so you can get in even when your hands are cold and wet. The zips themselves are reversed, that way they last longer. William Joseph are in fact Vortex Backpacks – I have a Vortex backpack and it's robust, comfortable and clever. Vortex understand luggage and how to make it last. They have to; they offer a lifetime warranty – they'll repair your Gear Bag Chest, so long as it's possible, for free and forever, no questions asked. I'll reckon I'll be wearing this pack for years to come, at least until another “one” comes along – sure it will get bashed and battered, but that's just how it is.

The One - only suitable for bald people who wear camouflage. You wouldn't want one anyway; it's too good for you - wear a waistcoat insteadI showed the Gear Bag Chest to Sean about two weeks ago and he cheered and said, “This is the one!” Even Sean, who is the world's greatest beg fetishist of all time recognises "the one" when he sees it. I would show it to Lars, but I'd never get it back.

So where the can you buy it? That's a hell of a good question. You could check William Joseph's dealer listing. If you're in Germany Flyfishing Brinkhoff carries good stock, I know because I've just been there. Sean tells me that Farlows carry Willy J but they don't have “the one”. Lyttle's of Dunchurch (01788 817044) are the UK distributor, so give them a bell. If you buy in Germany the Gear Bag Chest costs EUR 108.50. From the US $89.

Of course now we know that "the one" exists, in bags, maybe it also exists in other areas of life, such as Intermediate flylines...

Paul


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