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S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S 7 5 Todd Tanner l y F i s h i n g F The annual fly fishing gear review covers all you need for a great day on the water. W ith the 2015 angling season kicking into high gear, it's time for my annual fly fishing equipment review. If you're in the market for rods, reels, lines, waders, boots, jackets, or various and sundry other items, take a look at the most noteworthy products I've tested over the last 12 months. Orvis Recon 5-weight, 9-foot Fly Rod ($425) The mid-priced-rod category is getting more and more competitive, and the new Orvis Recon is yet another solid entry in the field. This 5-weight is quick, strong, and lightweight, with plenty of power to spare. It handles nymphs and streamers with ease, and it's stout enough to subdue a 20-inch rainbow in a matter of a minute or two. At the same time, it will push a Stimulator into the wind or tuck a hopper right up against the bank. If Todd Tanner you're looking for a do-it-all trout rod that won't crush your wallet, make sure you check out the new Recon. It offers great performance at a very reasonable price. Fishpond Westwater Rolling Carry-on ($240) Fishpond is known for excellent fishing gear with an emphasis on quality and sustainability. The Westwater is a no-frills 3,235-cubic- inch carry-on that will get your angling gear there and back again while keeping things dry and safe under the vast majority of conditions you're likely to encounter. I didn't have a chance to fly with the Westwater, but I tested it on a long Montana road trip, stuffing it full of clothes, rolling it up and down a rocky dirt road, then leaving it outside in a winter storm for hours. The verdict? This bag is a solid, high-performance wheeled carry-on that also features comfortable, padded shoulder straps for the off- road portion of your adventures. It should prove equally at home in the overhead bin of a commercial flight, in the back of your pickup, or shoe- horned into a deHavilland Beaver. Fenix HL50 LED Headlamp ($50) I've never been a big fan of headlamps—they're heavy, bulky, and a pain to use. I'd much rather have a little flashlight in my pack or vest. Amazingly, though, this tiny Fenix headlamp has completely changed my mind. It's comfortable to wear, easy to control, and it lights up the trail to the river more than I ever would have believed. The LED offers three levels of brightness— 4, 60, and 170 lumens—so you can adjust the light level to the task at Orvis Recon Fishpond Westwater Rolling Carry-on