My flies are getting crushed

[brian barnes]

I’ve been using two medium size [glow=yellow,2,300]Morell fly boxes[/glow] and really liked them. When I fish its mostly while backpacking so keeping weight down is essential. My problem is that I’ve ran out of room in my current fly box setup. Because of this some of my flies are getting compressed.

I guess I could bring less flies, but where is the fun in that? I also would hate to hike in 12+ miles and not have the flies I need. I would simply pick up another Morell box or a few larger boxes but either option would not fit in my small [glow=yellow,2,300]MayFly Lanyard pouch[/glow] that I wear on a wading belt. The pouch’s internal dimensions are ~ 5″x 4″x 2.75″.

For now I ditched the Morell boxes, picked up a C&F box that holds my dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. I also picked up 2 thin, lightweight plastic compartment boxes to protect my terrestrials. All three boxes fit nicely into the pouch.

However, I have two reservations about the boxes: 1) they are not waterproof, 2) the boxes don’t float if I were to drop them in the stream.

So, my questions for you: Is it important to you if your boxes are waterproof and float? why or why not? I’m trying to gauge if my concerns are warranted or not.

Also, do you have any recommendations for compartment boxes? It looks like [glow=yellow,2,300]Orvis[/glow] makes a nice one that would fit.

[Rich Kovars]

I’m not sure if this is what you are looking for, but The Fly Shop makes some nice window boxes for short money.  

These look interesting from a floatability/waterproof perspective.

I haven’t dropped a box in the water yet (knock on wood) but I think wether or not floatability is a concern pretty much depends on the water you fish.  Some of the water I fish it wouldn’t matter.  As soon as I turned around to see where the box went it would be a long way away already 🙂  I’m thinking a lanyard attached to the inside of the pocket where the box is stored would probably make more sense in most situations.

Those Orvis watershed boxes look nice too.

[dusty montgomery]

I use these boxes from Cliff’s. They are crush-proof and have plenty of room to avoid crushing bugs.
Dusty

[dusty montgomery]

This is my trout box for essentials. It is light and packs easily. It is called the cliff’s Day’s Worth. With Cliff’s boxes, the white pallet you see is magnetized, so all of the little midges, nymphs, etc. stay put.

[jeff s]

To me, floating is a must and waterproof is a nice to have.

[anonymous]

To be honest with you, the best boxes are freaking plano boxes for 2 bucks.

[Corey Kruitbosch]

I have ended-up using the C&F waterproof boxes ( http://www.mrfc.com/MadisonRiverShopping/detail.aspx?ID=2535 ). The slit foam design is great and even with the large boxes will fit in your pocket. I may move on to something else eventually, but these seem to be fitting my fishing habits right now. If I dont have my camera with me I can usually get by with one fly box and a lanyard. If needed .. I’ll toss in a couple of streamers add a extra spool (sinking line),  and/or a small container for weight/indicator if nymphing.

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