My summers—at least over the past few years—have included a few different kinds of trips. I always like to head down to the Caribbean (it’s the region’s slow season), and I try to go fly fishing at least a couple of times. This year, I did some fishing with my dad out in New Mexico, and I just got back from a women’s fly fishing retreat at The Broadmoor’s Fly Fishing Camp—both of which are destinations I wrote about in my latest piece for Town & Country.
While I will never call myself a fly fishing expert—I always go with a guide—I do think I’ve nailed the carry-on packing for this kind of trip. I usually do part Western-inspired (a few pieces of denim), part outdoor gear (tops and bottoms I can wear for other activities).
Tops
One of the best things about a fly fishing trip is how casual it is. Nothing is fancy, and every item of clothing should be functional. Layers are also critical. I brought a few pieces I’ve found on eBay and some stolen from my dad’s wardrobe, plus a few tops for lounging in back at the cabin. For mornings on the river, I went with either a sleeveless button-down or a long-sleeve button-down as well as an SPF hoodie (temperatures change drastically as the sun comes out).
When I wasn’t wading through the river, I wore either an oversized denim button-down, a cozy sweatshirt, or a roomy V-neck sweater (part of my travel-day uniform).
Bottoms
Over the four days in Colorado, I wore three different bottoms: I fished in these Amazon workout shorts (I probably own them in six different colorways), I relaxed in a pair of Madewell jeans, and I traveled in wide-leg linen pants from Athleta. Some of the other women I was fishing with opted for joggers, similar to these from Patagonia.
Shoes
The guides at Fly Fishing Camp provided waders and boots, so I only needed a tight shoe lineup—the same ones I featured in my Jackson Hole packing list: a classic pair of Tecovas, sneakers, and water sandals.
Outerwear
No, you don’t need a fly fishing vest, but mine was ideal for holding lip balm, sunscreen, and my phone. I would, however, definitely recommend a light puffer jacket (if you’re fishing somewhere chilly) and a rain jacket.
Accessories
While at Fly Fishing Camp, I was given this Orvis sling pack—and I’m now obsessed. It easily held everything I needed for the day: my camera, phone, an extra shirt, sunscreen (I love this type from the brand Vacation), snacks, and a water bottle.
Finally, if it’s your first time fly fishing and you only want to buy one thing, make sure it’s a pair of polarized sunglasses. I don’t fish enough to invest in glasses that are specifically meant for the sport, but I’ll usually bring my polarized Ray-Bans (or a similar style).
