Gear Review – Orvis – Carry It All

There are only a few companies who produce fly fishing gear and clothing that I truly love – Scott for fly rods, Orvis for gear and boots, Simms for waders, gear and some clothing and of course Patagonia for clothing too! A newer favorite of mine is Huk, primarily for shirts and now also for sun gloves. Practicality and durability are always the primary consideration, but price is too! I also never buy anything that is not on sale. Simms G3 waders @ $699? I don’t think so! But G3’s are extemely well made and they last a really long time. Another bonus is that they are still made at the Simms Bozeman factory! The most important thing about these high end brands, Simms, Scott, Orvis, Patagonia, is that they stand behind their products and that is what makes me a loyal customer for life!

This review is about the Orvis – Carry It All, rod case. This is not only about a great, extremely well made product but it is also about the company that stands behind it! And that is where this story begins. First off, let me say that the product I’m reviewing is just ridiculously practical. If you are a drift boat captain, even more so! Let me tell you why – the latest trend in fly rod transport has been the rod carrier, that holds 2-4 fly rods fully rigged on a roof rack. Sometimes guides have two of these mounted atop their truck. However, transferring 4 rigged rods to a drift boat is not always a good thing and let me explain why. When I fish out of the boat, whether fish I fish alone, or with one or two friends, rod storage and management is always an issue. The fewer rigged rods the better. And my Hyde Montana Skiff stores six rigged rods with ease. As a captain, I only fish when the boat is at anchor. Some days, I don’t fish at all. However, this is where the Orvis – Carry It All case really shines… please read on….

What’s great about this case, and as I said before, I’m reviewing the latest version which I just received this week, is the amount of stuff it carries, the way it protects your expensive fly rods. As a boat captain, it makes me a little crazy when a friend shows up for a float with four rod tubes and reels and other gear in various bags, etc. Half the time, they are missing stuff die to lack of organization My Orvis case holds my four freshwater rods (3wt Scott G2, 4wt G2, 5wt G2 and 7wt Meridian. Yes, it is technically a saltwater rod, more on that decision later) and all of the associated reels and extra spools. Beyond that, it holds my wading staff, gloves, buffs and a bunch of other accessories. So much gear in one practical package that this case, along with my Patagonia boat bag, is all I carry. When I get on the boat and after assessing hatches and conditions, I decide which rod, or rods to rig. If i have guests fishing with me that day, I may not rig at all. That way, my gear is not in the way. My Orvis case sits neatly behind the rowing seat and the Patagonia bag sits right next to me, giving me easy access to all of my fly boxes and other accessories.

The Orvis case is also a great asset when I’m traveling to a wading location with a friend. I’m always taking turns driving with my friends, especially because our favorite places are never that close. They are amazed when I show up with my boat bag, my Orvis case, and my cooler and of course my waders, boots and vest. When I pick them up it is usually three rod tubes, two duffels, cooler, etc.

OK, above I explained why this case is so practical, now on to the review:

Two things set this Orvis apart from the competitors I have looked at. First is quality of construction and then organization. The case is made from Codura, which is extremely durable. The first case I had wore really well for the five years I had it. There was some abrasion on the corners and the main zipper ultimately failed (more about that later). The organization though is where this case really shines. One half of the case is dedicated to rods and it also holds my wading staff. Four rods in their rod socks and wading staff, no problem! Without the wading staff, it could hold six rods easy. They are very well protected! The other half of the case holds four reels and an extra spool. But there is a lot more room for accessories like gloves, a wool hat and ever important spare emergency roll of TP. The section dividers use velcro and it is easy to put them any which way that suits your taste.

Now, having saved the best part for last, I will explain why I love Orvis. I had a similar case that was purchased by my wife for my birthday about five years ago. I loved that case! Except, earlier this year, the outside zipper failed and I was literally holdng it together with a bungie cord until I figured out all of my options. My first idea was to have a local seamstress sew on a new zipper, but that meant finding the right length, etc. Next I contacted Orvis to see if they could make the repair and I was told that even though they do luggage repairs, this case did not qualify. However customer service suggested that I return the case for credit and they emailed me a pre-paid label for this purpose. It took well over a month to get a response back, but what arrived in the mail was a gift card for $138! This was over half the purchase price for a new unit. I was so grateful and frankly amazed at the company’s generosity and and the level of customer service! Just fantastic! I immediately went on the Orvis website and purchased a new unit. It arrived in perfect shape four days later.

I’m ecstatic! Just going out a few times without it was a total pain! Early next year I will carrying it on the plane to the BVI’s fully reconfigured with my two Scott Meridian saltwater rods in 7 and 9 weights and their respective reels. Also, I will have a heavy duty boat rod and reel too! Other gear like a rod holder for the sailboat will fit as well.

Orvis – Carry It All case. A great product and and a superb company that stands behind it!