One of my bucket list moments was getting to be guided by Dom this summer. I particularly love the way he explains why he does things and then exhorts us to find our own system.

You can’t watch this and not hear the troutbitten boys heckling dom, lol I was smiling the whole time great video

Like probably most fly fishers, I've got a boneyard of different packs, vests and others not even categorised. I always go back to the vest. Since seeing Dom's water bottle on a carabiner trick, my shoulders have thanked me every trip. Honestly, one of the best tips ever. Yeah, get some help on the leader "issue" mate...

The "only 2 boxes!?" video would be sooo awesome like... yesterday!

This was great stuff, as usual, especially along with the podcast about options for ways to carry your stuff. The key, as you said, is thinking things through, and making sure the stuff you need most is quickly available. It's all about efficiency. I've been through the big chest pack phase. I have used the old William Joseph (a bit too small) and both the Fishpond Crosscurrent and the Umpqua 500. Both are very good, with trade offs ( one has the magnetic front pocket, the other has a much more useful back panel). Alas, as your crew alludes to in the podcast, big chest packs block the view of your feet and where you are stepping. As I increase in years (71 next week) and decrease in steadiness on my feet, that becomes a big deal, so they have all been sold. I tried the slings, but agree with all the negative comments about them in the podcast. Good in theory, but bad in practice. I've done the vest route off and on, and may give it another try after this video. Right now I have a "lanyard" type set up although with a small chest bag to keep more flies, leaders, etc at the ready, and wear a Fishpond submersible waist pack to carry the gear that doesn't fit in the lanyard. Non-waterproof waist bags are worse than useless IMO. My net, wading staff and water bottle all are mounted on the waist belt of the Thunderhead waist pack, keeping the weight of these items off my shoulders. The gear in the pack doesn't get wet, although the zipper, as you say, is a bit of a pain, but I only access this pack a few times a day. Still tweaking this system, but it is very efficient. One thought- one of your sponsors, Smith Creek, makes a thing called the Rig Keeper. It works just like your little colored foam spools, allowing you to carry flies and tippets pre-rigged, but takes up a lot less space than your little spools do, and can cary 8 rigs. Can fit in a pocket or hang on a lanyard. Not meant for your full leaders, which you do carry an awful lot of! I get it though. I, unlike others, will not condemn you or call you a hoarder!😀 I'm right there with you.

It's a veritable clown car of fishing gear without the ridiculousness. As always, fishing-life-changing stuff. Also, I see you probably like the condition of your vest the way I like my cookbooks...splattered and tattered. Patinaed, worn, and well-used. Thanks, Dom.

Thanks for the vest information. At first glance it looks like the G3 has been discontinued. I really liked the "hard pockets" the vest had. I'l have to get online and see if anyone has any old inventory. Keep up the great work, love your videos!

Great stuff as always...thanks. I can only imagine going through my vest and knowing EXACTLY where everything is. I obviously need to spend more time on the water. Thanks for the inspiration.

Thanks Dom and Josh, Always interesting to see other vest / pack set ups. Mine could use a little more thought…. Dom may need to seek help regarding the leader hoarding……Marty from Jersey

Great video guys. Really interesting to learn how you think about your system and how it works for you. Good learning moment. Biggest takeaway is considering how to setup a system that promotes quick changes while we are on the water. Really good stuff. Thank you.

I use tenkara line cards to hold my leaders. They are thin and weigh next to nothing.

Nice and clear video, thanks

Nice setup man!! This may sound kinda weird but right away you seemed familiar to me, even your voice. Has anyone ever told you that you kinda look like and sound like "survivor man" Les Stroud? Lol seriously if someone had told me you were his brother it wouldn't surprise me. It is a compliment! Anyways i also went from a pack to a lumbar pack and now i'm currently carrying a big sling pack. It works for me at the moment mainly salmon and steelhead fishin. The fishpond flathead sling in particular. Sweet sling imo. My uncle has always been a vest guy though. My motto is better to have and not need than to need and not have. But still consolidated. You definitely know your stuff! Thanks for sharing your kit! Fish on and god bless!

Great video- interesting to see the thoughtfulness behind your choices here. Like Marty said, seek help for the leader hoarding! (it was hilarious to see them keep coming). The pod was super helpful on this, too and I think I'm going back to vest from the cool but not-functional sling pack.

That was interesting

Love it! Gives me good ideas. What about a little flashlight? I've got one in mine.

I might go back to wearing my vest after watching this. Now do one on how to keep your belt from sliding down around your knees. I have a fish pond belt and I can cinch it so tight I can hardly buckle it and it still slides down😳🤯

Apologies for being a little behind here. What vest are you using? I used to be a big vest guy and then switched to front packs but just can’t get used to them so thinking of going back to what I’m used to and comfortable with - a vest. Thxs in advance.

Awesome dom. I implement a lot of your techniques and it has helped my fishing immensely

I can’t imagine the weight of that vest on me with three bulging disc in my neck.

The sound in this video is amazing. Was waiting for some hijinks in the end but nope. Peaceful

Hi Dom, awesome advice! What’s the model of the fly box you use for drying your wet flies on your left shoulder?

Man, that’s a lot but I get it tho. Question: are you prior military? I served 30 in the Navy and Coast Guard. It’s a mindset. Thanks for the video.

Question what do you do if it's raining? Do you put the vest under your wading jacket?

We need to get Sqwala to get on a vest design! Thxs again!

Hi dom, great video. I was wondering were you got the dry fly and the nymph fly box? Keep the good work up.

okay...it's official....you are a hoarder! 🙂

Nice vest, but what about your safety stuff like a waterproof lighter or flashlight …. As heck I even carry an safety blanket just in case I trip and fall and can’t make it back to the car. To be fair though, I fish half the time alone so I have to be prepared just in case.

I'm amazed that you carry only one dry fly box. Do you have everything you need for an entire season of dry fly possibilities...hatch, spinner fall, terrestrials, etc? I'd love to see what flies you use to cover all the dry fly scenarios. I wish I knew how to cut down to one box with multiple leaves. Sheesh😏

11:34 when it all makes sense

You can NEVER have too many leaders 😂. Another helpful/insightful video. I’m sure lots of people will be asking themselves if their gear carrying is dictating their fishing (rather than vice versa).

It's like women and purses. No matter how big a purse it's always filled to the brim. I can't manage all these pockets. I end up carrying random shit for 10 different types of fishing everytime I'm out.

What would you say your loaded vest weighs? Any neck strain after a long day with the vest?

What’s he hold his streamers in?

I always include toilet paper in the back of my vest just in case mother nature calls a thin roll. Preferably for one serving.

What about sunscreen?

Vest is best

*itches furiously* just one more leader, man. c'mon, just one more. i promise this is the last one, man!

20 lbs vet? 😂😂 love it